To complete your Aruba ED Card documents needed checklist in 2026, gather a valid passport (check expiration date), your full name and date of birth, an active email address, your Aruba accommodation address, flight details (number, airline, dates), and a Visa, Mastercard, or Discover card for the $20 USD Sustainability Fee.
Why Every Traveler Needs an ED Card for Aruba in 2026
The Aruba ED Card is a mandatory online pre-registration form for all incoming tourists spending more than 24 hours on the island. The Embarkation and Disembarkation (ED) Card is an electronic entry authorization, not a visa, and does not guarantee entry into Aruba upon arrival. Submit your application exclusively through the Aruba ED Card portal at edcardaruba.aw; third-party sites may charge inflated fees or request unnecessary personal data. The application takes approximately 10 to 15 minutes, and you must submit it within 7 days before your departure date. Approval is delivered via email with a green checkmark and QR code, typically within 5 to 15 minutes during standard processing, or up to 4 hours during peak travel periods from November to April.
Complete Pre-Application Document Checklist for the Aruba ED Card
Travelers who prepare passport scans and hotel confirmations in advance typically complete the Aruba ED Card documents needed checklist in about 10 to 15 minutes. Gather a valid passport, personal details, contact information, travel itinerary, accommodation address, and a credit card before opening the ED Card form. For a full walkthrough of each field, see our step-by-step ED Card application guide.
Passport Details to Have Ready
- Passport number, expiration date, and country of issue
- A digital scan or smartphone photo of the passport page in JPG, PNG, or PDF format
- Verify your passport remains valid for the full duration of your stay in Aruba
- Check expiration at least 72 hours before departure
Personal Information You Will Enter Into the Form
- Full name exactly as printed on your passport
- Date of birth and nationality
- Active email address (confirmation is sent here) and phone number
- Home address in your country of residence
- Emergency contact name and phone number
Travel Details and Accommodation Address
- Flight number, airline, arrival and departure dates (entering the flight number in the ED Card form suffices; no separate return ticket upload is required)
- Accommodation address in Aruba: hotel name, resort, Airbnb, or private address
- Purpose of visit (selected from a drop-down list)
Health Declaration and Vaccination Documents
- The health declaration includes screening for fever, cough, and recent exposure to infectious diseases within 14 days prior to travel
- Travelers arriving from or transiting through yellow fever endemic regions must present a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate per WHO and DIMAS guidance
- Unvaccinated visitors may need travel insurance confirmation with COVID-19 coverage, depending on nationality and health status
The $20 Sustainability Fee and Exemptions in 2026
The Aruba ED Card documents needed include a valid credit card to cover the $20 USD Sustainability Fee during ED Card submission, implemented in July 2024, which funds environmental preservation, beach maintenance, and conservation projects on the island. For a detailed breakdown of all charges, see our guide to the total cost of the Aruba ED Card in 2026.
| Traveler Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| Visitors aged 8 and older (first trip) | $20 USD |
| Children under 8 | Exempt ($0) |
| Transit passengers (under 24 hours) | Exempt ($0) |
| Returning travelers within one year | Exempt ($0) |
| Aruba residents | Exempt ($0) |
| On-duty crew members | Exempt ($0) |
Accepted card brands are Visa, Mastercard, and Discover. Apple Pay, Google Pay, American Express, and PayPal are not confirmed as accepted during ED Card submission. For more details on which cards work and alternatives, read about Aruba ED Card payment methods. The cardholder need not match the applicant, and the charge is processed in USD.
Submitting ED Cards for Families and Groups
Every traveler, including infants, requires an individual ED Card and a valid passport, even if submitted under one group application. The RADEX BCMS processing system allows a single lead applicant (an adult) to manage the entire family submission using one valid email address for all confirmations. Children under 8 are exempt from the $20 USD Sustainability Fee but still require an individual ED Card. For complete rules on minors, see our Aruba ED Card guide for children and infants. Minors traveling with only one parent need a consent letter and unabridged birth certificate. Missing a child travel authorization document can result in secondary inspection at Queen Beatrix Airport immigration.
What Happens After You Submit the ED Card
After submission, you receive an email confirmation containing a green checkmark and scannable QR code, typically within 5 to 15 minutes during standard processing, or up to 4 hours during peak travel periods from November to April.
Present confirmation at checkpoints
Airline check-in counter, boarding gate, and arrival immigration in Aruba
Choose your format
Airlines accept email, phone screenshot, or printout – no single format required
Approval validity
The ED Card approval remains valid only for your specified travel dates
To correct a submitted ED Card, email DIMAS at
[email protected]with your full name, date of birth, and original confirmation ID. Do not submit a duplicate; it creates conflicting records in the RADEX BCMS system. For guidance on fixing mistakes in your form, read our article on how to edit your Aruba ED Card after submission.
Aruba ED Card FAQ
What documents are required to fill out the Aruba ED Card form?
A valid passport, full name (as on passport), date of birth, email, flight number, Aruba hotel address, and a Visa, Mastercard, or Discover card for the $20 USD Sustainability Fee.
Do U.S. citizens need a visa for Aruba, or just the ED Card?
U.S. citizens are visa-exempt for stays up to 90 days but must complete the mandatory ED Card. The ED Card is a digital pre-registration form, not a visa, and does not guarantee entry.
Can I submit the Aruba ED Card without a smartphone or computer?
The platform is browser-based with no dedicated mobile app; any device with internet access and Chrome, Safari, Firefox, or Edge works.
Do I need to print my ED Card for Aruba?
A printed copy is not required. Airlines and immigration accept the confirmation via email, a screenshot of the green checkmark and QR code, or a printed copy.
How far in advance should I submit my Aruba ED Card?
Submit within 7 days before departure; recommended 72 hours before your flight. The system accepts submissions up to airline check-in.
What if I arrive in Aruba by private boat or yacht?
Travelers arriving by private vessel still need an ED Card. Contact DIMAS at [email protected] for specific vessel entry instructions.
Is there a minimum age requirement to apply for the ED Card?
There is no minimum age, but a parent or guardian must complete the application for minors. Infants require their own ED Card and valid passport.
What happens if my ED Card is denied or I don’t receive confirmation?
Confirmations typically arrive within minutes. If you still lack confirmation, contact DIMAS at [email protected] before traveling.
Can I use someone else’s credit card to pay the Sustainability Fee?
Yes, the cardholder name does not need to match the applicant. Any valid Visa, Mastercard, or Discover card works.
Do I need proof of sufficient funds to enter Aruba?
Proof of sufficient funds is not required during the ED Card process but may be requested by immigration upon arrival.
Last updated: August 2026. This is an informational guide based on publicly available requirements. Always verify your requirements with the Aruba ED Card portal at edcardaruba.aw before traveling.
