The Aruba ED Card is a mandatory digital pre-registration form (not a visa) submitted at edcardaruba.aw before each trip. The Aruba ED Card renewal fee is the $20 USD Sustainability Fee, paid once per rolling 12-month period; repeat visitors returning within one year owe $0 for subsequent applications. Source: edcardaruba.aw, last verified August 2026; platform redesigned October 30, 2024.
What Is the Aruba ED Card and the $20 Sustainability Fee?
The Aruba ED Card (Embarkation/Disembarkation) is a mandatory digital pre-registration form (not a visa) submitted at edcardaruba.aw; it does not guarantee entry, as immigration assesses eligibility on arrival. The RADEX BCMS system processes all applications (browser-based only; compatible with Chrome, Safari, Firefox, and Edge; no dedicated app). A designated third party may submit the application on your behalf. The form itself costs $0; the $20 charge is the mandatory Sustainability Fee for visitors aged 8 and older (effective July 2024), funding island sustainability, beach maintenance, and conservation. You can take multiple trips per year within one renewal window; the fee is charged once per year per 12-month annual fee cycle, not per calendar year.
| Scenario | Trips | Fee Paid | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 trip/year | 1 | $20 | $0 |
| 2 trips in 6 months | 2 | $20 | $20 |
| 3 trips in 12 months | 3 | $20 | $40 |
| 4 trips crossing month 13 | 4 | $40 | $40 |
| Dec to Jan back-to-back | 2 | $20 | $20 |
Who’s Exempt from Paying the Sustainability Fee
- Children under 8 ($0)
- Transit passengers staying less than 24 hours
- On-duty crew members
- Aruba residents
Exemptions are tied to individual passports and are non-transferable; your spouse’s waiver does not cover you. One application per family is allowed, with each member listed separately. The fee waiver frequency is once per 12-month cycle; a repeat visit within that period costs $0.
How to Renew Your Aruba ED Card for a Repeat Visit
Returning visitors submit a new ED Card at edcardaruba.aw (no renew button exists); the process takes 10 to 15 minutes. Submit at least 72 hours before departure (earliest: 7 days prior). A new application is required for each trip.
Go to edcardaruba.aw and select “New ED Card.”
Enter passport details
The system may pre-fill fields if your session is active.
Update travel dates (flight number, arrival, departure) and complete the health declaration.
Check fee status
“Paid” means $0 due; “Not Found” means $20 USD due.
Receive a new confirmation email with a QR code and green checkmark.
| Aspect | New Application | Renewal (within 12 months) |
|---|---|---|
| Fields | All fields required | All fields; only travel dates change |
| Fee | $20 USD | $0 (auto-waived by RADEX BCMS) |
| Health declaration | Required | Required |
What Your Confirmation Looks Like
A valid confirmation arrives by email with a green checkmark and QR code. Screenshot it and save the reference number as backup at check-in and immigration.
How to Pay the Sustainability Fee
The platform accepts Visa, Mastercard, and Discover (no American Express). Payment is non-refundable once processed. For a full breakdown of accepted cards and alternatives, check our dedicated payment guide.
Avoiding Scams, Penalties, and Incorrect Charges
The only legitimate ED Card domain is edcardaruba.aw. Any .com or .net site charging service fees above $20 is fraudulent. Learn how to spot a fake ED Card site and protect yourself before you apply.
Without a confirmed ED Card: (1) airline denies boarding at check-in, (2) forced to complete on mobile at gate or onboard (risk of delays and a late renewal penalty fee), (3) denied entry or delayed processing upon arrival. If charged $20 again within your 12-month window, email DIMAS at
[email protected]with proof of payment, passport details, and QR reference number.
What If You Renew Your Passport During the Fee Window?
If your passport number is unchanged, the ED Card system auto-recognizes prior payment. If you hold a new passport number, email DIMAS at
[email protected]with proof of your previous $20 payment to claim the exemption and avoid penalties.
Aruba ED Card Renewal FAQ
How long is the Aruba ED Card valid?
The ED Card is valid only for the travel dates entered. The $20 Sustainability Fee covers all trips within a rolling 12-month window from the initial payment date; a new form is required per trip.
How much is the Aruba ED Card renewal fee in 2026?
The Sustainability Fee is $20 USD per person aged 8+. If you paid within the last 12 months, the renewal application is free ($0).
Do I need a new ED Card for every trip to Aruba?
Yes. Each trip requires a separate ED Card with current travel dates, but you only pay the Sustainability Fee once per 12-month cycle. RADEX BCMS auto-detects prior payment via passport number.
Can I apply for the Aruba ED Card on the same day I fly?
You can, but it is discouraged. Submit at least 72 hours before departure; airlines may deny boarding if your ED Card is still pending.
I’m arriving by cruise ship; what do I enter for Flight Number?
Enter your cruise ship name and sailing date in the alternative vessel field. All cruise ship passengers clearing immigration must complete the ED Card if their stay exceeds 24 hours.
Is the Aruba ED Card the same as a visa?
No. The ED Card is a digital pre-registration. US citizens do not need a visa for Aruba but must complete the ED Card, which does not guarantee entry.
What if I’m incorrectly charged the $20 fee again within 12 months?
Email DIMAS at [email protected] with your previous payment confirmation, passport details, and QR reference number.
Does the Sustainability Fee exemption cover my spouse or children?
No. Exemptions are tied to individual passports. Each family member aged 8+ must pay separately. A family of four (two adults, two children 10+) pays $80 on the first visit and $0 for returns within 12 months.
What payment methods can I use for the Aruba ED Card renewal fee?
Visa, Mastercard, and Discover are accepted on edcardaruba.aw. American Express is not supported. Payment is non-refundable once processed.
Source: edcardaruba.aw, last verified August 2026. This guide is provided for informational purposes by an independent travel portal and is not affiliated with the Aruban government. For current requirements, consult edcardaruba.aw or the Aruba Department of Immigration (DIMAS) at [email protected].
