Every child and infant entering Aruba needs an individual Aruba ED Card for children, regardless of age. Children under 8 years old are exempt from the $20 USD Sustainability Fee. Parents or legal guardians must submit each minor’s application online at edcardaruba.aw before travel.
What Is the Aruba ED Card for Children?
The Aruba ED Card for children, formally the Embarkation/Disembarkation card, is a mandatory pre-registration form, not a visa, for anyone spending more than 24 hours in Aruba, from newborns to teenagers. The platform replaced the paper card on October 30, 2024 and is processed by RADEX BCMS. It does not guarantee entry; all provided information is evaluated on its own merits upon arrival as part of the Aruba Entry Assessment.
Each child needs a separate ED Card entry; a parent or guardian can complete one family application, but every person must be listed separately with their own passport details. The Aruba ED Card for children is valid only for the specified travel dates. No dedicated mobile app exists; the browser-based form is compatible with Edge. For support, contact [email protected].
Age Thresholds and the Aruba Sustainability Fee for Children
Children under 8 years old are exempt from the $20 USD Sustainability Fee; travelers aged 8 and older pay the full fee during ED Card submission. The Aruba ED Card for children application itself is free ($0); the $20 is solely the Sustainability Fee for eligible travelers.
Integrated into the edcardaruba.aw platform since July 2024, the fee funds sustainable tourism projects. The accepted payment method is a Discover credit or debit card. The child’s age is calculated based on the arrival date in Aruba, which matters for children turning 8 near the travel date. On-duty crew members are also exempt ($0). DIMAS uses Aruba ED Card for children data for border control and immigration screening. For details, consult the Sustainability Fee FAQs linked from the portal.
| Age Group | ED Card Required? | Sustainability Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Infants (0-1) | Yes | $0 |
| Children under 8 | Yes | $0 |
| Children 8+ | Yes | $20 USD |
| Adults | Yes | $20 USD |
Step-by-Step: How to Apply for an Aruba ED Card for Your Minor Child
Each Aruba ED Card for children is submitted individually at edcardaruba.aw with the child’s passport data, accommodation details, and Sustainability Fee for ages 8+.
Open edcardaruba.aw
Avoid third-party websites charging extra fees. The .aw domain is the correct portal.
Enter child’s passport data
Nationality, country of issue, number, and photo page (JPEG, JPG, PNG, HEIC, GIF).
Add parent/guardian contact info
A parent’s email works for children without a personal inbox.
Enter accommodation details
Complete health declaration questions.
Provide parental consent
Or legal guardian authorization.
Link the child to a family group
One application per family, individuals listed separately.
Review, pay $20 USD if the child is 8+, and submit.
The application takes 10 to 15 minutes. Submit 3 to 5 days before departure (max. 7 days early). Approval in minutes to hours; a QR code is emailed per child. A designated third party may submit on a traveler’s behalf.
Common pitfalls when completing the Aruba ED Card for children: Using the child’s birth certificate number instead of passport number. Only a valid passport is accepted. Another frequent error: uploading the wrong passport page for an infant, causing processing delays. Ensure the photo page clearly shows the child’s face and passport number.
Required Documents for Your Child’s ED Card Application
A valid passport is mandatory for all children, including newborns. Solo-parent travel may require a notarized consent letter. The Aruba ED Card for children demands the following documents needed:
- Child’s valid passport: mandatory for all ages including newborns; a birth certificate alone is not accepted. Passport scan or photo from smartphone gallery required.
- Parent/guardian contact info: email and phone number.
- Travel itinerary: departure date, return flight details.
- Accommodation: hotel name and address in Aruba.
- US citizen minors may stay visa-free up to 90 days.
- Transit passengers under 24 hours: exempt from the Aruba ED Card for children requirement.
If Your Child Has a Different Last Name
If the parent and child have different surnames, carry an unabridged birth certificate, adoption decree, or court order to prove the parent-child relationship at immigration.
Traveling with a Minor: Special Scenarios and Consent Rules
Solo-parent travelers and unaccompanied minors may need additional consent documentation; consult Aruba’s DIMAS immigration authority for current requirements regarding the Aruba ED Card for children.
Solo-Parent and Unaccompanied Minor Travel Consent Rules
- Solo-parent travel: carry a signed, notarized consent letter from the non-traveling parent; contact DIMAS at [email protected].
- Unaccompanied minors under 18: parent authorization letter, guardian contact in Aruba, airline unaccompanied minor form.
Arriving without a valid Aruba ED Card for children risks entry delays, on-site completion, or denial of entry. Always save the approved QR code offline for every family member.
Aruba ED Card for Children: FAQ
Does a newborn baby need an Aruba ED Card?
Yes. Every traveler, including newborns, needs a separate ED Card. A birth certificate is not accepted; a valid passport is required.
Do children under 18 pay the Aruba Sustainability Fee?
No, not all children under 18 pay the fee. Children under 8 years old are exempt and pay $0. Children aged 8 and older are subject to the full $20 USD Sustainability Fee, integrated directly into the ED Card platform.
What is the processing time for an Aruba ED Card for a child?
The approval processing time for an Aruba ED Card for children is typically within minutes to a few hours. A QR code is emailed to the provided address after approval.
How long before travel should I submit my child’s ED Card application?
The earliest you can submit is 7 days before departure. The recommended window is 3 to 5 days before travel, with a suggested buffer of 72 hours before your flight. The latest allowed submission is at the airport before airline check-in.
What documents are needed for a child’s Aruba ED Card application?
A valid passport is mandatory for all children, including newborns. You also need parent or guardian contact information, travel itinerary, and accommodation details in Aruba. A birth certificate alone is not accepted for the Aruba ED Card for children.
Do I get one QR code for my whole family or one per child?
Each approved application receives its own QR code. Save and print one QR code per family member to present at immigration upon arrival.
What if I was mistakenly charged the Sustainability Fee for my child under 8?
Contact the Aruban Department of Immigration (DIMAS) at [email protected]. Provide proof of your child’s age, such as a passport or birth certificate, to initiate the refund process.
Can a designated third party submit the ED Card for my child?
Yes, a designated third party may submit the ED Card on a traveler’s behalf. A travel agent, relative, or guardian can complete the online pre-registration form using the child’s valid passport details, travel information, and accommodation address.
Last updated: August 28, 2026. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Always verify current requirements at edcardaruba.aw or contact DIMAS directly at [email protected].
