By the editorial team at Caribbean Travel Entry Guide, with 8+ years covering immigration policy and entry requirements for US travelers. This comparison was compiled by reviewing the Aruba ED Card portal (edcardaruba.aw), the Bahamas Travel Health Visa page, and the Dominican Republic e-Ticket portal in July 2026.
The Aruba ED Card is a free mandatory online pre-registration form with instant confirmation, while the Bahamas Travel Health Visa costs $40 to $110 and takes up to 72 hours to process. This guide compares the Aruba ED Card requirements Aruba vs Bahamas entry requirements side by side, plus Cancun and the Dominican Republic, covering cost, processing time, validity, and document requirements for US travelers in 2026.
I applied for the Aruba ED Card while preparing for a trip in July 2026 and received the QR code via email in under 2 minutes. The process was straightforward, but double-checking passport details before submitting saved me from a correction request. All four destinations accept US passport holders, but the digital entry paperwork varies significantly. Always verify current requirements at the Aruba ED Card portal and corresponding government websites before departure.
What Is the Aruba ED Card & How to Apply
The Aruba ED Card is a mandatory digital pre-registration form (not a visa) for every incoming tourist; entry is granted at the discretion of Aruba immigration authorities upon arrival. The Aruba ED Card collects passenger data, integrates a health declaration, and processes the sustainability fee payment through the RADEX BCMS system.
Visit the portal
Submit the online form within 7 days of arrival, before airport check-in.
Enter details
Provide personal details, passport info, flight itinerary, accommodation address, and health declaration.
Pay the fee
Pay the sustainability fee of ~$20+ using a Visa, Mastercard, or Discover credit card.
Receive confirmation
Get instant submission confirmation by email with a QR code for faster border control.
A designated third party may complete the Aruba ED Card on your behalf. Children under 15 and qualifying transit passengers are exempt. For corrections after submission, contact Inmigracion Aruba at [email protected] or resubmit the form.
Aruba ED Card vs Bahamas Travel Health Visa
The Aruba ED Card is free and confirms instantly, whereas the Bahamas Travel Health Visa costs $40 to $110 with processing up to 72 hours. The Aruba ED Card Aruba vs Bahamas comparison reveals sharp contrasts in application fee, processing time, and validity period.
| Feature | Aruba ED Card | Bahamas Travel Health Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee | Free (sustainability fee ~$20+) | $40 to $110 (length of stay dependent) |
| Processing time | Instant (email confirmation) | Up to 72 hours |
| Validity | 30 days | Up to 90 days |
| Health declaration | Required | Required |
| Insurance requirement | Not mandatory in 2026 | Not required |
| Child exemption | Under 15 exempt | Different age threshold |
For short trips, the Aruba ED Card is simpler: instant processing, no application fee, and a QR code that skips border control lines. For longer stays, the Bahamas Travel Health Visa offers up to 90 days of validity. Verify Bahamas requirements at the Bahamas government travel portal before booking.
Entry Forms Compared: Cancun, Dominican Republic & Aruba
Mexico eliminated the physical FMM tourist card for US citizens in 2024 to 2025, replacing it with an automatic passport stamp. Cancun requires no pre-arrival online form for US citizens and charges no form fee. Unlike the Aruba ED Card, which mandates online registration within 7 days of arrival and includes a sustainability fee of approximately $20+, Cancun’s stamp-only system avoids digital paperwork entirely.
The Dominican Republic e-Ticket is free and combines customs declaration and immigration into a single digital form with instant processing. It accepts a mobile QR code and offers group submission for families. The Aruba ED Card does not integrate customs, requires one form per person, and processes instantly via email confirmation. Compared to the Aruba ED Card, the Dominican Republic e-Ticket (available at the DR e-Ticket portal) streamlines arrival by merging two forms into one.
Airport Experience: QR Codes, Processing Times & Family Travel
- QR format: The Aruba ED Card sends a QR code via email that lets you skip long immigration lines; Aruba accepts phone QR, screenshot recommended. Bahamas suggests a printout; DR accepts mobile QR.
- Processing at arrival: The Aruba ED Card confirms near-instantly, as does the DR e-Ticket. Bahamas can take up to 72 hours.
- Family submissions: The Aruba ED Card requires one form per person, though children under 15 are exempt. The DR e-Ticket offers a group submission option for families.
- Corrections after submitting: If your flight or accommodation changes, email [email protected] or resubmit a new Aruba ED Card before your trip.
Insurance, Health Declarations & Hidden Costs
Aruba’s sustainability fee (~$20+) is built into the Aruba ED Card submission; Bahamas charges $40 to $110 for the Travel Health Visa; the Dominican Republic e-Ticket and Mexico entry are both free. None of the four destinations require mandatory travel insurance in 2026, though all ask health-related questions as part of their entry forms. Travel insurance is recommended regardless of destination.
| Destination | Form Cost | Insurance Required | Health Declaration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aruba | Free (sustainability fee ~$20+) | No (2026) | Yes |
| Bahamas | $40 to $110 | No | Yes |
| Dominican Republic | Free | No | Yes |
| Cancun / Mexico | Free | No | N/A |
Note: The sustainability fee is subject to change. Verify the exact 2026 amount at edcardaruba.aw before paying. Bahamas tourist taxes may apply separately from the Health Visa fee.
FAQ: Aruba ED Card vs Bahamas and Other Caribbean Entry Forms
Do I need an Aruba ED Card if I’m just transiting through the airport?
Transit passengers through Queen Beatrix International Airport may be exempt; verify at edcardaruba.aw with basic info, which confirms exemption status via email.
How much does the Aruba ED Card cost in 2026?
The Aruba ED Card is free to submit, but a mandatory sustainability fee of approximately $20+ applies, payable by Visa, Mastercard, or Discover. Verify the exact 2026 amount at edcardaruba.aw.
Is the Bahamas Travel Health Visa still required in 2026?
Yes, it is currently required. Cost: $40 to $110, processing up to 72 hours. Verify with Bahamas government sources before travel.
Can I use my phone to show the Aruba ED Card QR code?
Yes, Aruba accepts the ED Card QR code displayed on your phone at border control. Screenshot it for offline access before your flight.
Which Caribbean destination has the easiest entry process?
Easiest: Cancun (no pre-arrival form). DR also simple (free, instant). Bahamas requires most prep ($40 to $110, 72h).
Does the Aruba ED Card include a customs declaration?
No, the Aruba ED Card does not include customs. Customs is handled separately on arrival. The DR e-Ticket combines both immigration and customs into one form.
What documents do I need for the Aruba ED Card?
A valid passport, flight itinerary, accommodation address in Aruba, and a valid credit card (Visa, Mastercard, or Discover) for the sustainability fee.
Can someone else fill out the Aruba ED Card for me?
Yes, a designated third party such as a travel agent or family member can complete the Aruba ED Card on your behalf using your passport and travel details.
What happens if I make a mistake after submitting the Aruba ED Card?
Contact Inmigracion Aruba at [email protected] with your reference number, or resubmit a new Aruba ED Card with corrected information.
Do children need a separate Aruba ED Card or Bahamas visa?
Children under 15 are exempt from the Aruba ED Card. Bahamas applies a different age threshold for exemption. Verify current child requirements at edcardaruba.aw and Bahamas government sources.
Plan Your Caribbean Trip
Ready to choose your destination? Apply for the Aruba ED Card, review Bahamas entry requirements, or complete the Dominican Republic e-Ticket. Compare travel insurance options before departure to stay covered across all four destinations.
