Venezuelan citizens must complete the Aruba ED Card before flying to the island — this applies to all nationalities without exception. The question of whether Venezuelans also need a visa for Aruba has produced conflicting information from different sources. This guide explains the ED Card requirement clearly and addresses the visa situation with the most current available information.
Do Venezuelan Citizens Need an ED Card for Aruba?
Yes. The Aruba ED Card (Embarkation/Disembarkation Card) is mandatory for all air passengers arriving in Aruba, including Venezuelan citizens. VENEZUELA is included in the nationality dropdown on the official ED Card form at edcardaruba.aw. The form must be completed online up to 7 days before your arrival date.
| Requirement | Venezuelan Citizens |
|---|---|
| ED Card | ✅ Required (all travelers) |
| Visa | ⚠️ Verify current status (see below) |
| Passport | ✅ Valid Venezuelan passport required |
| Sustainability Fee | ✅ $20 USD (air travelers age 8+) |
| Maximum Stay | Up to 90 days (if visa-exempt) |
Do Venezuelans Need a Visa for Aruba? (Check Current Status)
This is where the information becomes less straightforward. Sources conflict on the current visa status for Venezuelan citizens visiting Aruba:
- aruba.com (official tourism site) states that “most South Americans, including Colombians and Venezuelans” do not need a visa
- Some travel forums and aggregators indicate that Venezuelan citizens may now require a Caribbean visa for Aruba
- Visa policies can change — especially given the complex political situation involving Venezuela and the Dutch Caribbean
Our strong recommendation: Before making any travel plans or purchasing flights, Venezuelan citizens should verify the current entry requirements directly with:
- The official Aruba immigration authority (DIMAS — Directie Immigratie en Naturalisatie)
- The nearest Netherlands Embassy or Consulate in Venezuela or a neighboring country
- The official Aruba government website: aruba.com/passports-and-visas
Do not rely solely on third-party travel sites or forum posts for visa determinations — confirm with official sources.
Aruba and Venezuela: Geographic Proximity
Aruba is one of the closest Caribbean islands to South America. The island is located approximately 30 kilometers from the Venezuelan coast — making it the nearest Caribbean destination to Venezuela. This geographic proximity means the flight time from Caracas (CCS) or other Venezuelan cities to Aruba is very short, often under 1 hour.
Aruba has historically been a popular destination for Venezuelan travelers, and Venezuela is a significant source market for Aruba tourism. The island’s proximity and cultural ties make it a natural destination for Venezuelan visitors.
What Venezuelan Travelers Need to Enter Aruba
- Valid Venezuelan passport — must be valid for the full duration of your stay
- Completed Aruba ED Card — mandatory for all air travelers, submitted up to 7 days before arrival
- Visa (if required) — verify current status before travel; apply at nearest Netherlands embassy if needed
- Return or onward ticket — proof of planned departure
- Accommodation details — address of where you will be staying
- Sufficient funds — immigration may ask for proof
Sustainability Fee for Venezuelan Visitors
All air passengers arriving in Aruba aged 8 and older must pay a $20 USD tourism sustainability fee. This is collected during the ED Card application — not at the airport. The fee is in US dollars. Children under 8 years old are exempt.
How to Apply for the ED Card as a Venezuelan Citizen
Visit the official Aruba ED Card portal at edcardaruba.aw to complete your application. The form is in English. You will need:
- Full name as shown on your Venezuelan passport
- Passport number and expiration date
- Nationality: select VENEZUELA from the dropdown
- Flight details: airline, flight number, arrival date
- Accommodation address in Aruba
- Email address for QR code delivery
- Health declaration responses
Note: If a visa is required for your nationality, completing the ED Card does not substitute for the visa. Both documents may be needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Venezuelan citizens need an ED card for Aruba?
Yes. The Aruba ED Card is mandatory for all nationalities arriving by air, including Venezuelan citizens.
Do Venezuelans need a visa for Aruba?
The visa status is unclear due to conflicting sources. Verify directly with Aruba immigration (DIMAS) or the nearest Netherlands embassy before travel.
How close is Venezuela to Aruba?
Aruba is approximately 30 kilometers from the Venezuelan coast. Flight time from Caracas to Aruba is typically under 1 hour.
Do Venezuelan travelers pay the $20 sustainability fee?
Yes. All air travelers aged 8 and older pay $20 USD when completing the ED Card application.
Is VENEZUELA listed in the ED card nationality dropdown?
Yes. VENEZUELA is included in the nationality dropdown on the official ED Card form at edcardaruba.aw.
What documents do Venezuelan citizens need for Aruba?
A valid Venezuelan passport and a completed Aruba ED Card. A visa may also be required — verify with official sources before travel.
Can Venezuelans with US visas enter Aruba more easily?
A US visa is for entering the United States, not Aruba. Aruba has its own immigration rules regardless of what other visas you hold.
Where can Venezuelans verify current visa requirements for Aruba?
Check aruba.com/passports-and-visas, contact Aruba’s DIMAS, or visit the nearest Netherlands Embassy or Consulate.