You can fill out the Aruba ED Card a maximum of 7 days (1 week) before your arrival date in Aruba. Attempting to submit earlier returns an “invalid dates” error. The earliest possible submission is 7 days before arrival; the latest is before airport check-in on your departure day. The recommended window is 1–3 days before departure for a smooth experience.
The 7-Day Rule: Official Aruba Policy
According to official Aruba government guidance, the ED Card must be completed within the 7-day period before your scheduled arrival in Aruba. This means:
- If you arrive in Aruba on June 15, the earliest you can submit is June 8
- If you arrive on December 10, the earliest submission date is December 3
The portal at edcardaruba.aw enforces this rule automatically. Any attempt to enter an arrival date more than 7 days in the future will result in a rejection message.
What Happens If You Fill Out the ED Card Too Early?
If you try to submit your ED Card before the 7-day window, the portal will display an “invalid dates” error and will not process your application. Your submission will not go through. You simply need to wait until you are within the 7-day window and try again.
There is no penalty for trying — just come back when the timing is right. Set a reminder for 7 days before your departure to avoid forgetting.
Minimum Time: How Close to Departure Can You Apply?
There is no official minimum time requirement — theoretically, you can submit the ED Card on the same day as your flight. However, there are practical constraints:
- The ED Card must be submitted before airline check-in
- Airlines verify your qualifier (confirmation email) when you check in
- Without a qualifier, you will not receive a boarding pass
Submitting at the airport on the day of your flight is risky. If there are any processing delays, you could miss check-in. Always complete the ED Card before you arrive at the airport.
Why Some Airlines Say 72 Hours (Explained)
Some airlines, including United Airlines and others, recommend completing the Aruba ED Card at least 72 hours (3 days) before departure. This is a conservative airline-specific recommendation designed to ensure you have your qualifier well before check-in, and does not change the official 7-day Aruba government policy.
Both timelines are valid:
| Source | Recommended Window |
|---|---|
| Official Aruba government | Within 7 days before arrival |
| Some airlines (e.g., United) | At least 72 hours before departure |
| Recommended by travelers | 1-3 days before departure |
Following the airline’s 72-hour recommendation is safe and leaves enough buffer for any email delays or technical issues.
Best Time to Fill Out the Aruba ED Card
Based on traveler experience and official guidance, the optimal time to complete the Aruba ED Card is 1 to 3 days before your departure. This timing gives you:
- Enough time to receive your qualifier before check-in
- Time to resolve any issues (wrong email, payment problem, error in data)
- Buffer in case of email delivery delays
- Peace of mind without rushing at the last minute
Time Zone Considerations
The Aruba ED Card portal uses Aruba Standard Time (AST), which is UTC-4. When calculating your 7-day window, use the Aruba local date as the reference point — not your home country’s timezone.
For example: If you depart from Los Angeles (PST, UTC-8) on the morning of June 15, and your flight lands in Aruba on the afternoon of June 15 (AST), your 7-day ED Card window opens on June 8 in Aruba time. The difference is typically minor but worth noting for travelers flying from significantly different time zones.
How Long Does ED Card Approval Take?
The Aruba ED Card qualifier is typically issued within minutes of submission. In rare cases, processing can take up to a few hours. The qualifier is sent automatically to your registered email address. You do not need to check a portal status page — just wait for the email.
If you have not received your qualifier within 1-2 hours:
- Check your spam or junk email folder
- Verify you entered the correct email address
- Re-submit the ED Card if no confirmation is found
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance can I fill out the Aruba ED card?
You can submit the Aruba ED Card a maximum of 7 days (1 week) before your arrival date in Aruba. Earlier submissions are rejected.
What happens if I fill it out more than 7 days early?
The portal displays an invalid dates error and rejects the submission. Wait until you are within the 7-day window.
Can I fill out the ED card the day of my flight?
Yes, but only before check-in. Completing it the morning of your flight is possible but risky — do it 1-3 days before for safety.
How late is too late to submit the ED card?
The ED Card must be completed before airline check-in. Ideally submit at least 24-48 hours before your departure.
Why does my airline say 72 hours?
Some airlines recommend completing the ED Card 72 hours before departure as a safety buffer. The official Aruba policy allows up to 7 days before arrival.
How quickly is the ED card approved?
Approval is typically instant to a few minutes. Occasionally it can take up to a few hours.
What if I submit the ED card but don’t get a confirmation email?
Check your spam folder first. If not received within 1-2 hours, resubmit the ED Card.
Do I need a new ED card if my flight is rescheduled?
Yes. If your arrival date changes, you must submit a new ED Card with the correct dates. The old submission with the original dates is no longer valid.
Can I fill out the Aruba ED card on the plane?
No. The ED Card must be completed before arriving at the airport for check-in. In-flight submission is not accepted.