Who Needs an Aruba ED Card?

Understanding eligibility requirements for all travelers to Aruba

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ED Card Requirements for All Travelers

The Aruba ED Card is mandatory for virtually all travelers entering Aruba, regardless of nationality, age, or purpose of visit. Whether you're visiting for tourism, business, or family reasons, understanding who needs to complete this digital immigration form is essential for a smooth arrival experience in 2026.

This comprehensive guide will help you determine if you need an ED Card, explain the requirements for different types of travelers, and clarify any exemptions that may apply. By understanding these requirements before your trip, you can ensure you're fully prepared for entry into Aruba.

Quick Answer: If you're traveling to Aruba by air or sea, you almost certainly need to complete an ED Card before arrival. Continue reading to understand the specific requirements for your situation.

Universal ED Card Requirement

Diverse group of travelers at airport

All Travelers Must Complete the ED Card

The Aruba ED Card requirement applies to all international visitors entering Aruba, with very few exceptions. This universal requirement ensures efficient border control and public health monitoring for everyone arriving on the island.

The ED Card is required regardless of:

  • Nationality - Citizens from all countries must complete the form
  • Age - From infants to seniors, everyone needs their own ED Card
  • Purpose of visit - Tourism, business, family visits, or other reasons
  • Length of stay - Whether staying one day or several months
  • Visa status - Both visa-free and visa-required travelers need the ED Card

Learn more about what the Aruba ED Card is and why it's required for all visitors.

ED Card Requirements by Traveler Type

Specific requirements for different categories of travelers

Tourist Visitors

Requirement: YES

All tourists visiting Aruba for vacation, sightseeing, or leisure activities must complete the ED Card before arrival.

  • Required for all nationalities
  • Must be completed before departure
  • Valid for single entry only
  • Separate from visa requirements
Business Travelers

Requirement: YES

Business visitors attending meetings, conferences, or conducting business activities in Aruba must complete the ED Card.

  • Required for all business purposes
  • Same process as tourist visitors
  • No special business exemptions
  • Must specify business as purpose
Returning Residents

Requirement: YES

Even Aruban residents and citizens returning home must complete the ED Card for each entry into Aruba.

  • Required for all residents
  • Includes Aruban citizens
  • Must complete for each return
  • Helps track population movement

Special Traveler Categories

Children and Minors

Requirement: YES - Each child needs their own ED Card

All children, including infants and minors, must have their own individual ED Card completed before traveling to Aruba. Parents or legal guardians can complete the application on behalf of their children, but each child requires a separate form.

  • Infants (under 2 years) - Must have their own ED Card
  • Children (2-17 years) - Individual ED Card required
  • Parent/guardian - Can complete the form on their behalf
  • Separate applications - Cannot combine multiple children on one form

For detailed guidance, visit our ED Card for children and minors page.

Cruise Ship Passengers

Requirement: YES - With specific considerations

Cruise passengers visiting Aruba as a port of call must complete the ED Card, even if staying only for a few hours. The requirement applies to all cruise visitors disembarking in Aruba.

  • Required for all cruise passengers going ashore
  • Must be completed before disembarkation
  • Applies even for short port visits
  • Cruise lines may provide assistance

Learn more about ED Card requirements for cruise passengers.

Transit Passengers

Requirement: DEPENDS on circumstances

Transit passengers have different requirements depending on whether they leave the airport transit area:

  • Staying in transit area - Generally not required if staying less than 24 hours
  • Leaving airport - ED Card required if entering Aruba
  • Overnight layovers - Usually requires ED Card
  • Connecting flights - Check with airline for specific requirements

For complete details, see our guide on ED Card for transit passengers.

Requirements by Nationality

All Nationalities Must Apply

The ED Card requirement is universal across all nationalities. Whether you're from a visa-free country or require a visa to enter Aruba, you must complete the ED Card.

Important distinction: The ED Card is separate from visa requirements. Many nationalities can enter Aruba visa-free for tourism but still must complete the ED Card. Learn about the difference between the ED Card and a visa.

Visa-Free Nationals

Citizens from countries that don't require a visa for Aruba still need the ED Card:

  • United States citizens
  • Canadian citizens
  • European Union citizens
  • United Kingdom citizens
  • Many other visa-exempt countries
International travelers with passports

Exemptions and Special Cases

While the ED Card is required for nearly all travelers, there are very limited exemptions:

Potential Exemptions

  1. Transit passengers not leaving the airport - Those remaining in the international transit area for less than 24 hours may be exempt
  2. Diplomatic personnel - Some diplomatic passport holders may have different requirements
  3. Emergency situations - Medical emergencies or other exceptional circumstances may have alternative procedures

Important: Even if you believe you may be exempt, it's recommended to complete the ED Card to avoid any issues at immigration. The process is quick and ensures smooth entry.

When in Doubt, Apply

If you're unsure whether you need an ED Card, the safest approach is to complete one. The application process is straightforward and takes only 5-10 minutes. Having a completed ED Card ensures you won't face delays or complications upon arrival.

ED Card Eligibility Checklist

Use this checklist to determine if you need an ED Card

You Need an ED Card If:

  • ✓ You are traveling to Aruba by air or sea
  • ✓ You will be entering Aruba (not just transiting)
  • ✓ You are any age (infant to senior)
  • ✓ You are visiting for any purpose (tourism, business, family)
  • ✓ You are staying for any length of time
  • ✓ You are from any country (all nationalities)
  • ✓ You are a returning resident or citizen
  • ✓ You are arriving on a cruise ship and going ashore

You May Not Need an ED Card If:

  • ✗ You are transiting through Aruba airport without entering the country (staying in transit area less than 24 hours)
  • ✗ You hold a diplomatic passport with specific exemptions (verify with authorities)
  • ✗ You are in an emergency situation with alternative procedures

Note: These exemptions are rare. When in doubt, complete the ED Card to ensure smooth entry.

Apply for ED Card Now

How to Complete Your ED Card

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Step 1: Gather Information

Collect your passport, travel details, and accommodation information before starting

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Step 2: Complete Online Form

Fill out the digital ED Card with accurate personal and travel information

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Step 3: Receive Confirmation

Get your approval via email and save it for presentation upon arrival

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Step 4: Travel to Aruba

Present your ED Card confirmation at immigration for smooth entry

View Complete Application Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about ED Card eligibility

Yes, in most cases. If you're entering Aruba (leaving the airport or cruise ship), you need an ED Card regardless of how long you're staying. The only exception is for transit passengers who remain in the international transit area of the airport for less than 24 hours.

Even for short visits, completing the ED Card ensures you can enter Aruba without complications. The process takes only 5-10 minutes.

Yes, every traveler needs their own ED Card, including infants and babies. Each person entering Aruba, regardless of age, must have a separate ED Card application.

Parents or legal guardians can complete the application on behalf of their children, but you cannot combine multiple family members on one form. Learn more about completing ED Cards for children.

Yes, Aruban citizens and residents must also complete the ED Card when returning to Aruba. This requirement helps authorities track all arrivals and departures, maintain accurate population statistics, and monitor public health.

The process is the same for residents as for visitors, though you'll indicate your resident status in the application.

You can complete applications for family members, but each person needs a separate ED Card. One person can fill out multiple applications (for example, a parent completing forms for their children), but you must submit individual applications for each traveler.

You cannot combine multiple people on a single ED Card application. Each form is linked to one specific traveler and their passport information.

No, the ED Card is not a visa. The ED Card is an immigration form that collects information about your trip. It does not grant you permission to enter Aruba - that depends on your nationality and visa requirements.

Many nationalities can enter Aruba visa-free for tourism but still must complete the ED Card. Some nationalities require both a visa and an ED Card. Learn more about the difference between the ED Card and a visa.

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