Aruba has long been a popular vacation spot for tourists looking for both leisure and adventure because of its stunning beaches, pristine oceans, and lively culture. In 2025, the island continues to streamline the entry process to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience for international visitors. The Embarkation/Disembarkation (ED) Card, which streamlines the entrance processes for visitors arriving by plane, is a crucial component of this modernization.
What Is the Aruba ED Card?
Before entering the country, all travelers must fill out an online form called the Aruba ED Card. The digital ED Card, which was introduced in 2020, was intended to replace the conventional paper admission form and expedite the immigration process. Travelers can have a more seamless arrival experience by completing the form ahead of time and avoiding airport delays.
A significant update to the ED Card system in 2024 was the introduction of a $20 Sustainability Fee, which supports environmental initiatives on the island, such as wastewater treatment and sustainable infrastructure development. In order to ensure that visitors can help preserve the island's resources and beauty, this charge is now included in the ED Card application procedure.
Who Requires an ED Card?
All passengers, including children and newborns, coming to Aruba via flight must have an ED Card. You must fill out the form before you leave, regardless of whether you are there for business or for leisure. HandyVisas explains passport-free travel scenarios for special cases as well. Make sure to go through them to understand if you need an ED Card.
It’s important to note that cruise passengers are exempt from this requirement, as the ED Card is designed for air travelers only.
Make sure to prepare ahead of time because the online application needs to be finished seven days before the trip. By submitting the form early, you ensure that your travel information is up-to-date, and you can avoid any last-minute rushes. Thanks to the system's user-friendly design, completing it is simple and quick.
What Information Is Required for the ED Card?
To complete the ED Card, travelers will need to provide basic information such as:
The ED Card is not a visa, although it is necessary for entry. Automatic entry into Aruba is not assured. This document is merely a part of the process of entry, so that visitors have submitted the proper documentation and Aruba's authorities can monitor visitors for immigration purposes.
Introducing the Sustainability Fee: A New Addition
All visitors to Aruba will have to pay a $20 Sustainability Fee via the ED Card platform starting in July 2024. All tourists must pay this fee once a year, regardless of how often they visit Aruba. In order to preserve Aruba's natural resources for future generations, it contributes to the funding of vital environmental programs such as waste management and preservation initiatives.
Supporting these initiatives helps tourists directly protect Aruba's stunning nature, which will make the island a more sustainable and alluring tourism destination in the future. The fee is processed concurrently with the ED Card completion, making it easy to pay while filling out the required form.
How to Complete the ED Card
The official Aruba ED Card website is where you fill out the ED Card online. This website is easy to use and enables travelers to make their submissions effectively. In order to ensure that the ED Card is valid, it is recommended that the application be submitted at least seven days before travel. After you've filled it out, you'll get a confirmation email with a green checkmark, which means your submission has been successful.
You have the option to keep it digital or to print it. You will have to produce this confirmation when you check in at the airport or take your flight, so make sure it's within reach.
Travel Advice to Keep in Mind
Timing: Make sure you finish the ED Card application no later than seven days before your departure. Timing is crucial since completing it too soon will render the form invalid.
Passport and Documents: Double-check that your passport is valid for the duration of your stay in Aruba. Make sure your accommodation details and travel itinerary are accurate.
Payment: Have a valid credit card available to pay the $20 sustainability fee. This fee is mandatory and supports environmental initiatives.
Confirmation: Have your printed or digital ED Card confirmation on hand so you may provide it at check-in or when you board. You can be asked for it at different times when you're traveling.
Why the ED Card Makes Travel to Aruba Easier
The Aruba ED Card simplifies the process of entering the island, saving time and ensuring a smoother transition through customs and immigration. By eliminating paper forms and integrating travel information into one convenient platform, it makes the experience better for everyone.
Aruba's commitment to ecotourism is also shown through the introduction of the Sustainability Fee, which enables tourists to experience the natural beauty of the island while at the same time contributing to the conservation of the environment. Aruba is among the most enticing tourist destinations in the Caribbean due to these advancements and its iconic beaches, crystal-clear water, and rich cultural attractions.
With expedited services such as Handy Visas, which streamline the travel document process, tourists planning a trip to Aruba can benefit from expedited entry procedures. By using online services to complete the ED Card and navigate visa requirements, your trip to Aruba can begin with ease and peace of mind.
