Aruba ED Card for US Citizens: Your Essential Travel Guide

Traveling to Aruba requires a mandatory digital pre-registration for all foreign visitors before arrival. This is called the online Embarkation/Disembarkation (ED) Card. For U.S. citizens and all other foreign travelers, completing this process is an essential entry requirement for the island.

The purpose of the Aruba ED Card is to streamline immigration and, since July 2024, includes a mandatory Sustainability Fee aimed at supporting the island’s environmental infrastructure. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of registering for the Aruba ED card and provide you with the facts you need to complete your Aruba ED Card quickly and accurately.

What is an Aruba ED Card?

The Aruba ED Card is a digital pre-registration form required for all foreign travelers arriving in Aruba; it is not a visa. It is part of the country's immigration policy, confirming that you have provided the necessary personal and travel details before your arrival in Aruba.

Do I Need an Aruba ED Card?

Yes, you will need an Aruba ED Card for any trip to Aruba arriving by air or sea, regardless of your age (though fees apply only to travelers aged 8 and older). You must get an Aruba ED Card if you are:

Any incoming tourist, including infants and children.
Traveling for tourism, family visits, or business.

Note: The Aruba ED Card is a mandatory requirement for all travelers, regardless of arrival method. While some cruise lines may not list it, all travelers arriving at Aruba's seaports or airports must complete the ED Card. Please note the Aruba ED card does not guarantee entry. Your eligibility will be assessed by immigration upon arrival.

Applying for Your Aruba ED Card: DIY vs. Full-Service

When it comes to completing your online Aruba ED Card form, the official process is straightforward. However, many travelers prefer assistance to ensure all details are correct.

Applying On Your Own (DIY): For travelers comfortable navigating government websites and forms, applying directly through the official Aruba ED Card online platform is the most cost-effective method (you will only pay the mandatory government fee).
The Full-Service Route (Simple and Secure): For travelers who prefer to save time and have complete confidence that their application is error-free, a dedicated service is a great option. iVisa simplifies the process with a clear interface and provides an expert review of your application before it's submitted. This helps eliminate common mistakes that could lead to delays or denial. You also get 24/7 multilingual support, flexible payment options, and the ability to manage documents for hundreds of destinations worldwide.

The Official Aruba ED Card Process: A 3-Step Guide

The Aruba ED Card process must be completed entirely online. You can apply within 7 days before your trip to Aruba.

Official Gov. Application Fee:	Free (The card itself is an immigration formality)
Mandatory Sustainability Fee:	$20 USD (Applies to all travelers aged 8 and older)
Validity & Uses:	Single Entry (You must apply for a new card for each trip), must be completed within 7 days of arrival in Aruba

Aruba ED Card Fee Exemptions

The mandatory $20 Sustainability Fee is charged per traveler (age 8+) once per calendar year. You are exempt from paying the fee if you are:

A resident of Aruba.
A child under 8 years old.

Step 1: Get Your Information Ready

Your valid passport.
An active email address.
Accommodation details (e.g., hotel name/address).
Flight information (arrival/departure dates).
A valid credit card (Visa, Mastercard, or Discover) for the mandatory sustainability fee payment.

Step 2: Complete the Online Application

Access the official Aruba ED Card website or use an accredited service like iVisa.
Enter your personal details, contact information, and travel information.
Answer questions related to your travel and background.

Step 3: Pay and Receive Your Confirmation

Pay the mandatory $20 Sustainability Fee (all travelers age 8 years or older).
Double-check all your information for accuracy. If you make an error after submission, you will need to start a new application and pay the fee again.
Submit your application.
Confirmation: Upon successful submission (and payment), you will receive a confirmation email. Keep a digital or printed copy of this confirmation (which includes a green checkmark and QR code) to show to the airline or cruise line before boarding.

Beyond the ED Card: Other Aruba Entry Requirements

The Aruba ED Card is a mandatory pre-registration, but it is not the only requirement to enter Aruba. An approved Aruba ED Card confirmation does not guarantee entry into Aruba. Immigration officials will assess your eligibility upon your arrival.

Be prepared to show (as requested):

Valid Passport: Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay.
Onward/Return Ticket: Proof that you intend to leave Aruba (e.g., a return flight confirmation).
Proof of Funds: Evidence that you can financially support yourself and your dependents during your stay.

Aruba ED Card Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is the Aruba ED Card the same as a visa?

No. The Aruba ED Card is a mandatory pre-registration form for immigration purposes. It is a separate requirement and is needed even if you are a citizen of a visa-exempt country (like the U.S.).

Why do I have to pay the $20 fee?

The $20 is a mandatory Sustainability Fee implemented by the Aruban government (as of July 2024) to fund critical environmental infrastructure projects, such as upgrading wastewater treatment plants.

I am traveling with my family, can I pay the fee once?

No. Each traveler, including children (aged 8 and up), must complete an individual Aruba ED Card application (online) and pay the $20 Sustainability fee individually.

I made a mistake on my ED Card after paying the fee. What should I do?

You must submit a brand new Aruba ED Card application with the corrected information and pay the $20 Sustainability Fee again. There is no option to edit an existing, submitted card. This is one of the primary reasons many travelers turn to services like iVisa to complete their ED card forms.

Do I need to print my ED Card confirmation?

While not always mandatory, it is highly recommended to save a digital copy (and perhaps a printed copy) of the green checkmark/QR code confirmation (sent via email) to present to airline or cruise line staff during check-in and Aruba immigration officers upon arrival.

Apply for your Aruba ED Card quickly and securely with iVisa today! Save your application and continue anytime, enjoy expert review, 24/7 multilingual support, flexible payment options, and complete confidence in your travel documents.