Do I need to print my ED card for Aruba? No. A digital copy of your approved ED Card, displayed as a QR code on your phone, is accepted at airline check-in and Aruba immigration in 2026. Printing a paper backup is strongly recommended in case your phone loses battery or signal.
What Is the Aruba ED Card?
The Aruba ED Card (Embarkation/Disembarkation Card) is a mandatory pre-registration form that all visitors must complete online before arrival. It applies to all nationalities, including US citizens, children, and infants. The ED Card is not a visa and does not guarantee entry; border officials assess each traveler on arrival. A single application is permitted for an entire family, with each individual listed separately on the form. The ED Card is valid only for the specific travel dates in your application.
Digital vs. Printed ED Card at Airport Check-In
The Aruba ED Card is accepted in both digital and printed formats at airport check-in, but a paper backup is strongly advised. The confirmation email includes a QR code with a green checkmark that airline staff can scan from a phone screen or a printed sheet.
| Format | Pros | Cons | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Digital (QR on phone) | No printer needed | Battery-dependent; low-res screenshots may fail | Reliable phone battery |
| Printed (paper copy) | Works offline; no battery needed | Requires a printer | Backup for all travelers |
Black-and-white printouts are acceptable; immigration scanners read the QR code regardless of color. Low-resolution screenshots may not scan, so use the original PDF from your confirmation email. Some airlines may independently require a physical copy, so verify with your carrier before departure. Best practice: carry both a digital copy and a printed backup.
Check-In to Immigration: Step-by-Step Process
Airline agents verify your ED Card QR code at check-in, then Aruba immigration officers scan it at passport control upon arrival.
Check-in counter
Show the QR code on your phone or present a printed copy to the airline agent.
Boarding
Without an approved ED Card, you face denied boarding or refusal to board.
Immigration screening
Upon arrival, Aruba immigration officers scan the QR code at passport control, not at customs.
Some airlines may independently require a physical copy, so verify with your carrier before departure. Keep a backup in case of secondary inspection.
How to Save Your ED Card Offline and Troubleshooting
Download the ED Card PDF or save the QR code to Apple Wallet or Google Wallet before departure for reliable offline access. The platform is browser-based with no dedicated mobile app, so prepare before you travel.
- Apple Wallet: Open the confirmation email on iOS, tap the QR code attachment, select “Add to Apple Wallet.”
- Google Wallet: On Android, open the email, tap the QR code file, choose “Add to Google Wallet.”
- PDF download: Download the attached PDF to local storage for offline viewing.
- Email backup: Forward the confirmation to a secondary email address.
If your phone dies before immigration, contact [email protected]. Airport business lounges and airline gate desks may offer printing at the terminal. Avoid third-party websites charging extra fees above the $20 USD rate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to print my Aruba ED Card for check-in?
No. A digital QR code on your phone is accepted at check-in and immigration. Carry a printed backup in case your phone loses battery or signal.
Can I show my ED Card on my phone at the Aruba airport?
Yes. Show the QR code from your confirmation email at check-in and passport control. Keep your screen bright and battery charged for reliable scanning.
What happens if I forget to bring my ED Card?
Without an approved ED Card, you face denied boarding or refusal to board your flight. The ED Card is mandatory for all visitors to Aruba.
How long does ED Card approval take?
Processing typically takes minutes to a few hours after submitting the online form. Submit at least 72 hours before your flight to receive the QR code in time.
Can I apply for my whole family with one ED Card submission?
Yes. A single application is permitted for an entire family, but each individual must be listed separately, including infants. Every member requires an approved ED Card.
Is the ED Card checked again at customs after immigration?
No. The ED Card is scanned only at passport control on arrival, not at customs. Keep a copy in case of secondary inspection.
Do US citizens need an ED Card to visit Aruba?
Yes. US citizens must complete the mandatory ED Card, though they are visa-exempt with stays up to 90 days. If departing from a Preclearance airport, airline staff still verify the ED Card before departure.
How far in advance should I submit my ED Card?
Submit as early as 7 days before arrival, ideally 72 hours before your flight. The latest submission deadline is before airline check-in.
Do I need to keep my ED Card during my stay in Aruba?
No. The ED Card is required for entry only. Keep a digital or printed copy for re-entry or emergencies, but you do not need to carry it during your stay.
Is the Aruba ED Card valid for multiple trips?
No. The ED Card is valid only for the specific travel dates in your application. Complete a new application and pay the applicable fees for each trip.
Where to Apply for Your Aruba ED Card
Apply only through edcardaruba.aw, the Aruba ED Card portal running on the RADEX BCMS system. The redesigned platform launched October 30, 2024, and is browser-based with no mobile app. The application takes 10 to 15 minutes and requires a passport scan or photo, nationality, phone number, purpose of visit, place of stay, and health declaration answers.
The total cost is $20 USD (Sustainability Fee) for visitors aged 8 and older, payable by Discover credit or debit card. The Sustainability Fee was implemented in July 2024 and funds sustainable tourism and conservation projects. Submit no earlier than 7 days before arrival, ideally 72 hours before your flight. Avoid third-party websites charging extra fees above the $20 USD rate.
Last reviewed: August 2026. Sources: edcardaruba.aw, edcardaruba.us.
