Yes — the Aruba ED Card is still required in 2026 for all air travelers, regardless of nationality. The ED Card has been mandatory since its introduction in 2020 and has never been suspended or waived. In 2024, two significant changes were made: a new portal (edcardaruba.aw) launched in October, and a $20 Aruba Sustainability Fee became mandatory in December. Both requirements remain in full effect for 2026.
Yes: ED Card Is Still Mandatory in 2026
The Aruba Embarkation-Disembarkation (ED) Card remains a firm requirement for every person flying into Aruba. There are no nationality exemptions, no waivers, and no alternatives. Airlines verify your ED Card qualifier before issuing a boarding pass — if you don’t have one, you won’t board.
As of 2026, the requirements are:
- Complete an individual ED Card per person at edcardaruba.aw
- Submit within the 7-day window before your arrival date
- Pay the $20 sustainability fee (for air travelers age 8+)
- Receive your qualifier by email and present it at check-in
What Changed Since the ED Card Was Introduced?
Since 2020, the Aruba ED Card has evolved significantly. Here is a timeline of key changes:
| Year | Change |
|---|---|
| 2020 | ED Card introduced as COVID-era digital entry form |
| 2021–2022 | COVID-related health fields (test results, vaccination) added |
| March 2022 | COVID test and vaccine requirements removed |
| July 2024 | $20 Aruba Sustainability Fee introduced (voluntary phase) |
| October 2024 | New portal launched: edcardaruba.aw (replaced ariba.gov) |
| December 2024 | Sustainability fee becomes fully mandatory |
| 2026 | Current state: ED Card + sustainability fee both mandatory |
Post-COVID Updates: What Was Removed
When the Aruba ED Card was first introduced in 2020, it included COVID-specific requirements: travelers had to provide negative COVID test results, vaccination status, and health declarations. All of these requirements were removed on March 19, 2022.
Since then, the ED Card has returned to its core function: a pre-arrival entry registration form. No health documents, vaccination records, or test results are required in 2026.
October 2024: New Portal (edcardaruba.aw)
In October 2024, the Aruba government replaced the old ariba.gov portal with a completely new system at edcardaruba.aw. The new portal includes:
- Streamlined form with fewer steps
- Passport scan/upload feature (auto-fills personal data)
- Integrated sustainability fee payment
- Faster processing and qualifier delivery
If you bookmarked the old ariba.gov website, update your links. The old portal is no longer functional.
July 2024: Sustainability Fee Added
The $20 Aruba Sustainability Fee was added to the ED Card process starting July 1, 2024 (voluntary), and became fully mandatory on December 6, 2024. The fee is charged per person per calendar year and is paid by credit card during the ED Card submission. Children under 8 are exempt. Cruise passengers are also exempt (they don’t complete the ED Card).
Do I Need an ED Card When Leaving Aruba?
No. The Aruba ED Card is an arrival requirement only. When departing Aruba, you do not need to fill out or present any ED Card. Your departure requires only a valid boarding pass and passport — standard international departure documentation.
This is a common source of confusion. The “D” in ED Card (Disembarkation) is a historical reference to the paper cards that were once collected on both arrival and departure. The modern digital system is arrival-only.
Visiting Aruba Multiple Times in One Year
If you visit Aruba more than once in the same calendar year:
- New ED Card required: Yes, a new form for each trip
- New sustainability fee: No — once per calendar year only
On your second visit, the portal will recognize your previous payment and skip the $20 fee step for that calendar year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Aruba ED card still required in 2026?
Yes. The Aruba ED Card is 100% mandatory for all air travelers in 2026. There are no exemptions by nationality.
Was the ED card ever dropped or suspended?
No. The ED Card was introduced in 2020 and has been a permanent requirement ever since.
Did Aruba remove COVID requirements?
Yes. COVID test and vaccine requirements were removed on March 19, 2022. The ED Card itself continues as an entry requirement.
Do I need a new ED card for every trip to Aruba?
Yes. A new ED Card is required for each trip to Aruba. However, the $20 sustainability fee is only charged once per calendar year.
What happens if I skip the ED card?
Airlines will not allow you to board without a valid qualifier. You may also be denied entry by Aruba immigration.
Do I need an ED card to leave Aruba?
No. The ED Card is required for arrival only. Departing Aruba requires only your boarding pass and passport.
Has the Aruba ED card website changed?
Yes. The old ariba.gov portal was replaced by edcardaruba.aw in October 2024.
Is there any country exempt from the ED card?
No. All nationalities flying to Aruba must complete the ED Card. There are no country-based exemptions.