The Aruba ED Card (Embarkation-Disembarkation Card) is a mandatory digital entry registration form that every air traveler must complete before arriving in Aruba. Introduced in 2020, the ED Card replaced the old paper form and is required for all nationalities — including US citizens, EU passport holders, and travelers from any country worldwide. Without a valid qualifier (confirmation email), airlines will not allow you to board your flight to Aruba.
ED Card Definition: What Does ED Stand For?
ED stands for Embarkation-Disembarkation. Historically, these paper cards were collected when travelers boarded a plane (embarkation) and when they departed a destination (disembarkation). Aruba digitized this system in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic and made it a permanent requirement. The card collects passenger data for immigration, public health tracking, and entry management purposes.
The official full name is the Aruba Embarkation-Disembarkation Card. In everyday use, travelers simply call it the “ED Card” or “Aruba ED Card.”
Who Must Complete the Aruba ED Card?
Every person traveling to Aruba by air must complete an individual Aruba ED Card — including:
- US citizens and permanent residents
- EU, UK, Canadian, and Australian passport holders
- All other nationalities
- Children, including infants (each person needs their own card)
- Aruba residents returning from abroad
Exception: Cruise ship passengers do not need to complete the ED Card.
What Information Do You Need to Fill Out the ED Card?
The Aruba ED Card form collects the following categories of information:
| Category | Details Required |
|---|---|
| Passport | Passport number, expiry date, nationality |
| Personal Info | First name, last name, date of birth |
| Contact Info | Valid email address, phone number |
| Travel Details | Arrival date, departure date, airline, flight number |
| Accommodation | Hotel name and address in Aruba |
| Payment | Credit card (Visa, Mastercard, or Discover) for $20 sustainability fee |
Is the Aruba ED Card Free?
The ED Card itself is free of charge. However, a mandatory $20 USD Aruba Sustainability Fee applies to all air travelers aged 8 years and older. This fee is paid during the ED Card application process via credit card. Children under 8 are exempt from the fee but still need an individual ED Card.
Important: The only official portal is edcardaruba.aw. Third-party websites may charge $50-$70 or more. Use only the official site.
How the ED Card Works: Step-by-Step Overview
- Visit edcardaruba.aw within 7 days before your arrival date
- Enter your arrival date and select traveler type (Resident or Non-Resident)
- Complete all personal, passport, and travel information
- Enter your Aruba accommodation address
- Pay the $20 sustainability fee (if applicable) by credit card
- Submit the form and receive your digital qualifier by email
- Show the qualifier email at airline check-in and/or upon arrival in Aruba
New Portal: edcardaruba.aw (Changed October 2024)
In October 2024, Aruba launched a completely new ED Card portal at edcardaruba.aw, replacing the old ariba.gov website. The new portal features a streamlined form, passport scanning capability (upload your passport photo for auto-fill), and integration of the $20 sustainability fee payment. If you used the old portal before, you must use the new one — ariba.gov is no longer active.
The term “qualifier” also replaced the older phrase “ok to board” — both refer to the same confirmation document you receive after successful submission.
What Happens After You Submit the ED Card?
Once you submit your Aruba ED Card, the system processes your application and sends a digital qualifier to your registered email address. This is typically received within minutes, though it can occasionally take a few hours. The qualifier is your proof that you have completed the entry registration. You must present it:
- At airport check-in (airlines verify it before issuing a boarding pass)
- Potentially at the Aruba immigration counter upon arrival
You do not need to print the qualifier — a digital copy on your smartphone is fully accepted.
Do Cruise Passengers Need an ED Card?
No. Cruise ship passengers are exempt from the Aruba ED Card requirement. The ED Card applies exclusively to air travelers arriving at Queen Beatrix International Airport. If you are arriving by cruise ship, no digital pre-registration is required, though standard passport and immigration checks still apply upon disembarkation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does ED card stand for in Aruba?
ED stands for Embarkation-Disembarkation. It is a mandatory digital entry registration form for all air travelers to Aruba.
Is the Aruba ED card the same as a visa?
No. The ED Card is an entry registration form, not a visa. Most nationalities do not need a visa for Aruba, but all air travelers must complete the ED Card regardless.
When was the Aruba ED card introduced?
The Aruba ED Card was introduced in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic and was subsequently made a permanent entry requirement.
Do US citizens need an ED card for Aruba?
Yes. All travelers, including US citizens, must complete the Aruba ED Card before flying to Aruba. No nationality is exempt.
Is the Aruba ED card free?
The ED Card form itself is free. However, a $20 USD Aruba Sustainability Fee applies to all air travelers aged 8 and older.
Do I get an email confirmation after submitting?
Yes. After successful submission, you receive a digital qualifier sent to your registered email address, typically within minutes.
Where do I fill out the Aruba ED card?
The official portal is edcardaruba.aw. Do not use third-party websites, which may charge excessive fees.
What happened to the old ariba.gov portal?
The ariba.gov portal was replaced by edcardaruba.aw in October 2024. All ED Card applications must now be submitted through the new portal.