Aruba ED Card - Frequently Asked Questions

Find quick answers to the most common questions about the Aruba ED Card application process

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Your Questions Answered

Planning your trip to Aruba and have questions about the Aruba ED Card? You're in the right place. This comprehensive FAQ section addresses the most common questions travelers have about the mandatory Embarkation and Disembarkation Card.

Whether you're wondering about application procedures, processing times, requirements for children, or what to do upon arrival, we've compiled detailed answers to help you prepare for a smooth journey to Aruba in 2026.

General Questions About the Aruba ED Card

Essential information every traveler should know

The Aruba ED Card (Embarkation and Disembarkation Card) is a mandatory digital immigration form that all travelers must complete before entering Aruba. This online system replaced traditional paper forms to streamline the immigration process and enhance border security.

The ED Card collects essential information including:

  • Personal identification details
  • Travel itinerary and accommodation information
  • Health declaration data
  • Purpose of visit

Completing the ED Card in advance helps immigration officers process arrivals more efficiently, reducing wait times at the airport. Learn more about what the Aruba ED Card is.

All travelers entering Aruba must complete an ED Card, regardless of nationality, age, or purpose of visit. This includes:

  • Tourists and vacation travelers
  • Business visitors
  • Residents returning to Aruba
  • Children and infants (completed by parents/guardians)
  • Cruise ship passengers (in most cases)

Each person requires their own individual ED Card - you cannot submit one form for multiple travelers. Parents or legal guardians can complete applications on behalf of minors. For detailed eligibility information, visit our requirements page.

No, the ED Card is not a visa. The Aruba ED Card is an immigration form that collects information about your trip, while a visa is a separate authorization that grants permission to enter a country.

Key differences:

  • ED Card: Required for all travelers, collects travel information, free to submit
  • Visa: Required only for certain nationalities, grants entry permission, typically involves fees

Many nationalities can enter Aruba visa-free for tourism purposes, but they still need to complete the ED Card. Check if you need a separate visa based on your nationality. Read more about the difference between ED Card and visa.

The Aruba ED Card is free to submit when you apply through the proper channels. There is no application fee for completing the mandatory immigration form.

Important note: Be cautious of third-party websites that may charge service fees for assistance with the application. While these services may offer convenience, the ED Card itself can be completed at no cost through the appropriate application portal.

No, you cannot enter Aruba without completing an ED Card. The ED Card is a mandatory requirement for all travelers. Failure to complete the form before arrival may result in:

  • Delays at immigration
  • Having to complete a paper form at the airport
  • Extended processing time upon arrival
  • Potential complications with entry

To avoid these issues, complete your ED Card application before your departure date. The process takes only 5-10 minutes and ensures a smooth arrival experience.

Application Process Questions

Everything you need to know about applying

The Aruba ED Card application typically takes 5-10 minutes to complete, depending on how quickly you can provide the required information. If you have all your documents ready before starting, the process is very straightforward.

To complete the application efficiently, prepare:

  1. Valid passport with at least 6 months validity
  2. Travel dates and flight information
  3. Accommodation details (hotel name and address)
  4. Contact information
  5. Health declaration responses

For a detailed guide, see our step-by-step application instructions.

The Aruba ED Card requires several categories of information:

Personal Information:

  • Full name (as it appears on passport)
  • Date of birth
  • Nationality
  • Gender
  • Email address and phone number

Passport Details:

  • Passport number
  • Passport issue and expiry dates
  • Country of issue

Travel Information:

  • Arrival date in Aruba
  • Departure date from Aruba
  • Flight number
  • Accommodation name and address

Health Declaration:

  • Recent travel history
  • Health status questions
  • COVID-19 related information (if applicable)

For a complete checklist, visit our required information page.

You can apply for your Aruba ED Card anytime before your departure, but it's recommended to submit your application at least 7 days before travel. This timeframe allows for:

  • Processing of your application
  • Time to correct any errors if needed
  • Peace of mind before your trip
  • Avoiding last-minute technical issues

Application timeline recommendations:

  • 7+ days before travel: Optimal timing
  • 3-7 days before travel: Recommended
  • 1-3 days before travel: Acceptable but apply soon
  • Less than 24 hours: Apply immediately

While processing is usually immediate, applying early ensures you're prepared. Learn more about the best time to apply.

No, each traveler needs their own individual ED Card application. This includes children and infants. However, parents or guardians can complete applications on behalf of minors.

For families traveling together:

  1. Complete one application per person
  2. You can submit them one after another using the same device
  3. Each application takes 5-10 minutes
  4. Each person will receive their own confirmation email

For specific guidance on applying for children, see our ED Card for minors guide.

If you notice an error after submitting your ED Card application, you should correct it as soon as possible. The approach depends on the type of error:

Minor errors (spelling variations, minor typos):

  • May not cause significant issues
  • Immigration officers can often verify your identity
  • Still recommended to correct if possible

Major errors (passport number, dates, names):

  • Should be corrected immediately
  • Submit a new application with correct information
  • Use the corrected version when traveling

For detailed instructions on fixing errors, visit our correction guide.

Processing and Approval Questions

Understanding the approval process

Aruba ED Card approval confirmation on smartphone

Processing time after submission is usually immediate to a few minutes. Most applicants receive their confirmation email within minutes of submitting their ED Card application.

Typical processing timeline:

  • Immediate: Most applications
  • Within 1 hour: Standard processing
  • Up to 24 hours: During high-volume periods

If you haven't received confirmation within 24 hours, check your spam folder or contact support. Learn more about processing times.

You can check your Aruba ED Card application status through several methods:

  1. Check your email: Look for the confirmation message in your inbox
  2. Check spam folder: Sometimes confirmation emails are filtered
  3. Use status checker: Some systems offer online status tracking
  4. Contact support: If you can't locate your confirmation

For detailed instructions, visit our status checking guide.

While printing is not mandatory, it's highly recommended to have either a printed copy or digital copy saved on your phone. Immigration officers may ask to see your confirmation upon arrival.

Best practices:

  • Save the confirmation email
  • Download a PDF copy to your device
  • Print a physical backup
  • Take a screenshot for quick access
  • Store in cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox)

Having both digital and printed copies ensures access even if your phone battery dies. See what to do after approval.

Special Circumstances

Questions about specific travel situations

Yes, every traveler needs their own ED Card, including children and infants of all ages. Parents or legal guardians can complete the application on behalf of minors.

For children's applications:

  • Use the child's passport information
  • Parents/guardians provide contact details
  • Each child needs a separate application
  • Infants under 2 years also require an ED Card

For complete guidance on traveling with children, visit our children and minors guide.

Yes, most cruise passengers need to complete an ED Card if they plan to disembark in Aruba. This applies whether you're staying for a few hours or the entire day.

Cruise passenger requirements:

  • Complete ED Card before arrival in Aruba
  • Each passenger needs their own form
  • Include your cruise ship details
  • Have confirmation ready when disembarking

Some cruise lines may provide specific instructions. Check our cruise passenger guide for details.

Transit passengers who are not leaving the airport and staying less than 24 hours typically do not need an ED Card. However, if you plan to exit the airport or stay longer, you must complete the form.

ED Card required if you:

  • Leave the airport during your layover
  • Stay overnight in Aruba
  • Have a layover longer than 24 hours
  • Plan to visit the island during transit

For specific transit requirements, see our transit passenger information.

Your passport must meet specific requirements to complete the Aruba ED Card application:

Passport validity requirements:

  • Minimum validity: At least 6 months beyond your planned departure from Aruba
  • Condition: Must be in good condition with readable information
  • Type: Must be a valid travel passport (not emergency documents)
  • Blank pages: At least one blank page for entry stamp

When entering passport information:

  • Enter details exactly as they appear on your passport
  • Double-check passport number for accuracy
  • Verify expiration date is correct
  • Ensure name spelling matches exactly

For detailed passport requirements, visit our passport requirements page.

Technical Issues and Troubleshooting

Solutions to common problems

If you're experiencing technical difficulties submitting your ED Card application, try these troubleshooting steps:

Common solutions:

  1. Check your internet connection: Ensure you have a stable connection
  2. Try a different browser: Use Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge
  3. Clear browser cache: Remove cached data and cookies
  4. Disable browser extensions: Ad blockers may interfere
  5. Try a different device: Use a computer instead of mobile, or vice versa
  6. Check all required fields: Ensure all mandatory information is complete
  7. Wait and try again: System may be temporarily busy

For more troubleshooting tips, visit our technical support page.

If you haven't received your ED Card confirmation email, follow these steps:

  1. Check spam/junk folder: Confirmation emails are sometimes filtered
  2. Check promotions tab: In Gmail, check the Promotions or Updates tab
  3. Verify email address: Ensure you entered the correct email during application
  4. Wait 24 hours: Processing may take time during busy periods
  5. Check status online: Use the status checker if available
  6. Contact support: Reach out with your application details

Information to have ready when contacting support:

  • Full name as entered on application
  • Passport number
  • Date of application submission
  • Travel dates

Avoid these common mistakes when completing your Aruba ED Card application:

Most frequent errors:

  • Passport number typos: Double-check every digit
  • Name spelling differences: Must match passport exactly
  • Incorrect dates: Verify arrival and departure dates
  • Wrong passport expiry date: Check your passport carefully
  • Incomplete accommodation details: Provide full hotel name and address
  • Email address errors: Verify your email is correct
  • Missing required fields: Complete all mandatory sections

Tips to avoid errors:

  • Have your passport in front of you while applying
  • Review all information before submitting
  • Use copy-paste for long numbers when possible
  • Take your time - rushing leads to mistakes

For a complete list of errors to avoid, see our common errors guide.

Arrival and Immigration Questions

What to expect when you arrive in Aruba

When you arrive in Aruba, the immigration process with your ED Card is straightforward:

Immigration procedure:

  1. Approach immigration counter: Join the appropriate queue
  2. Present your passport: Hand your passport to the officer
  3. Show ED Card confirmation: Display your confirmation email or printout
  4. Answer questions: Officer may ask about your stay
  5. Receive entry stamp: Your passport will be stamped
  6. Proceed to baggage claim: Collect your luggage

Having your ED Card completed in advance significantly speeds up this process compared to filling out forms at the airport.

The Aruba ED Card is valid for single entry only and corresponds to the specific travel dates you provided in your application. Key validity points:

  • Single entry: Valid for one entry into Aruba
  • Date-specific: Tied to your stated arrival date
  • New trip requires new ED Card: If you leave and return, apply again
  • Cannot be extended: Must submit new application for date changes

If your travel plans change significantly, you should submit a new ED Card application with updated information.

If you lose your ED Card confirmation, don't panic. You have several options to retrieve it:

Recovery steps:

  1. Check your email: Search for the original confirmation message
  2. Check cloud storage: If you saved it to Google Drive or Dropbox
  3. Contact support: Provide your details to request a copy
  4. Reapply if necessary: As a last resort, submit a new application

Information needed to retrieve confirmation:

  • Full name as on passport
  • Passport number
  • Date of birth
  • Travel dates
  • Email address used for application
Travelers at Aruba airport immigration counter

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