British citizens can visit Aruba visa-free for up to 90 days, but all air passengers — including UK nationals — must complete the Aruba ED Card before flying. The ED Card is a mandatory online entry form for every traveler arriving in Aruba by air. This page covers everything UK travelers need to know, including what changed (and what did not change) after Brexit.
Do British Citizens Need an ED Card for Aruba?
Yes. The Aruba ED Card (Embarkation/Disembarkation Card) is required for all air passengers arriving in Aruba, regardless of nationality. UK citizens are not exempt. The form must be completed online up to 7 days before your arrival date. Airlines verify it at check-in, and Aruba immigration scans the QR code on arrival.
The UK government’s official travel advice at gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/aruba confirms that travelers must complete the embarkation card up to 7 days before travel, and warns that it is illegal to overstay your permitted time in Aruba.
| Requirement | UK Citizens |
|---|---|
| ED Card | ✅ Required (all travelers) |
| Visa | ❌ Not required (visa-exempt) |
| Passport | ✅ Valid UK passport required |
| Passport validity | Must be valid for full duration of stay |
| Sustainability Fee | ✅ $20 USD (air travelers age 8+) |
| Maximum Stay | Up to 90 days per visit |
Do UK Citizens Need a Visa for Aruba?
No. The United Kingdom is on Aruba’s visa-exempt list. British passport holders can enter Aruba for tourism or business for up to 90 days without a visa. There is no need to apply at a Netherlands embassy before your trip.
The ED Card is not a visa — it is a separate mandatory entry document. Being visa-exempt does not remove the ED Card requirement.
Post-Brexit Entry to Aruba: What Changed?
When the UK left the European Union, some British travelers worried about changes to their travel rights. For Aruba specifically, Brexit did not change anything. The UK’s visa-exempt status for Aruba is based on Aruba’s own immigration policy — not EU membership. British passport holders continue to enjoy visa-free access to Aruba for up to 90 days per visit, exactly as before Brexit.
The key facts remain unchanged:
- UK citizens do not need a visa for Aruba
- Maximum stay is 90 days per visit
- The ED Card is still required (as it was before and after Brexit)
- UNITED KINGDOM is listed in the nationality dropdown on the ED Card form
What British Travelers Need to Enter Aruba
- Valid UK passport — must be valid for the full duration of your stay (not just 6 months beyond — just the stay itself)
- Completed Aruba ED Card — submitted online up to 7 days before your arrival
- Return or onward ticket — proof of planned departure from Aruba
- Accommodation details — hotel or rental address in Aruba
- Sufficient funds — immigration may ask to confirm
Sustainability Fee for UK Travelers
All air passengers arriving in Aruba aged 8 and older pay a $20 USD tourism sustainability fee. This is paid during the ED Card application — not at the airport. The fee is denominated in US dollars. At current exchange rates this is approximately £15-16 GBP, though the exact GBP equivalent varies with exchange rates.
Children under 8 years old do not pay the sustainability fee.
Flying to Aruba from the UK
There are no direct flights from the United Kingdom to Aruba. British travelers must connect through Amsterdam or a US hub city:
- London (LHR/LGW) → Amsterdam (AMS) → Aruba (AUA) — most popular route, via KLM. Amsterdam to Aruba takes approximately 9.5 hours. Total journey from London is typically 12-14 hours.
- London (LHR) → Miami (MIA) → Aruba (AUA) — via American Airlines or British Airways to Miami, then connecting to Aruba
- London (LHR) → Atlanta (ATL) → Aruba (AUA) — via Delta hub
The Amsterdam connection via KLM is generally considered the smoothest option for UK travelers due to KLM’s frequent and well-timed Amsterdam-Aruba service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do UK citizens need an ED card for Aruba?
Yes. The Aruba ED Card is mandatory for all travelers arriving by air, including British citizens. It must be completed online up to 7 days before arrival.
Do British passport holders need a visa for Aruba?
No. UK citizens are visa-exempt for Aruba and can visit for up to 90 days without a visa.
Did Brexit affect UK travel to Aruba?
No. Brexit did not change UK citizens’ visa-exempt status for Aruba. British travelers continue to enjoy visa-free access for up to 90 days per visit.
How long can British citizens stay in Aruba?
Up to 90 days per visit. The UK government’s official travel advice warns against overstaying the permitted period.
Do UK travelers pay the $20 sustainability fee?
Yes. All air travelers aged 8 and older pay $20 USD when completing the ED Card application.
Can I fly direct from the UK to Aruba?
No. There are no direct UK-Aruba flights. The most popular route connects via Amsterdam with KLM.
Is Aruba safe for British tourists?
Yes. Aruba is widely regarded as one of the safest Caribbean destinations.
What does the GOV.UK advice say about Aruba?
GOV.UK confirms that travelers must complete the ED Card up to 7 days before travel and that overstaying is illegal. Check gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/aruba for latest updates.