Aruba ED Card for Children & Minors

Complete guide for parents and guardians applying for ED Cards on behalf of children and infants

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Do Children Need an Aruba ED Card?

Yes, every child traveling to Aruba requires their own individual ED Card, regardless of age. This includes newborns, infants, toddlers, and teenagers. The Aruba Embarkation and Disembarkation Card is mandatory for all travelers entering Aruba, with no age exemptions.

Parents or legal guardians are responsible for completing and submitting the Aruba ED Card application on behalf of their children. While each child needs a separate application, the process is straightforward and can be completed consecutively for all family members using the same device.

Important: Even if your infant is traveling on your passport in some countries, they still need their own ED Card for Aruba. Plan to complete one application per family member before your departure date.

Age Requirements and Definitions

Understanding Minor Classifications

For the purpose of the Aruba ED Card application, it's important to understand how different age groups are classified:

  • Infants (0-2 years): Children under 2 years of age, including newborns
  • Children (2-12 years): Young travelers between 2 and 12 years old
  • Minors (under 18 years): All individuals under 18 years of age
  • Adults (18+ years): Travelers 18 years and older who complete their own applications

Regardless of the age category, all minors under 18 require a parent or legal guardian to complete their ED Card application. Once a traveler turns 18, they are responsible for their own application.

Family with children preparing for travel to Aruba

Who Can Complete the Application for a Minor?

The Aruba ED Card application for children and minors can be completed by:

  1. Parents: Biological or adoptive parents with legal custody
  2. Legal Guardians: Court-appointed guardians with proper documentation
  3. Authorized Adults: Adults traveling with the child who have written consent from parents/guardians

Important Documentation: If a child is traveling without both parents, you may need to provide additional documentation at immigration, such as:

  • Notarized letter of consent from non-traveling parent(s)
  • Birth certificate showing parental information
  • Legal guardianship documents (if applicable)
  • Court orders regarding custody (if applicable)

While these documents aren't required for the ED Card application itself, it's advisable to have them ready for your arrival in Aruba. Learn more about required information for the ED Card.

Step-by-Step Guide: Applying for a Child's ED Card

Follow these steps to complete the Aruba ED Card for your child

Step 1: Gather Documents

Before starting the application, collect the following information for your child:

  • Child's valid passport
  • Birth certificate (for reference)
  • Travel itinerary details
  • Accommodation information
  • Parent/guardian contact details
Step 2: Complete the Form

Access the online application and fill in your child's information:

  • Enter passport details exactly as shown
  • Provide accurate travel dates
  • Include accommodation address
  • Answer health declaration questions
  • Add parent/guardian information
Step 3: Review & Submit

Before submitting, carefully verify all information:

  • Double-check passport number
  • Verify spelling of child's name
  • Confirm travel dates are correct
  • Review all entered information
  • Submit and save confirmation

Information Required for Children's Applications

Parent completing Aruba ED Card application for child

Child's Personal Information

When completing the ED Card application for a child, you'll need to provide:

Passport Details:

  • Full name (as shown on passport)
  • Passport number
  • Date of birth
  • Nationality
  • Passport expiration date
  • Country of issue

Travel Information:

  • Arrival date in Aruba
  • Departure date from Aruba
  • Flight number (if available)
  • Accommodation address in Aruba
  • Purpose of visit

Parent/Guardian Information:

  • Parent or guardian's full name
  • Contact email address
  • Contact phone number
  • Relationship to child

Common Questions About Children's ED Cards

No, each family member needs their own individual ED Card. This includes every child, regardless of age. You cannot submit a group or family application.

However, you can complete all applications consecutively using the same device. Simply finish one application, submit it, and then start a new one for the next family member. Make sure to save each confirmation email separately.

Yes, even newborn infants require their own ED Card. There is no age exemption for the Aruba ED Card requirement. If your baby has a passport and is traveling to Aruba, they need an ED Card.

As the parent, you will complete the application on behalf of your infant using their passport information. The process is the same as for older children, just ensure you have your baby's passport details ready.

Every traveler to Aruba must have their own valid passport, including children and infants. If your child is listed on your passport but doesn't have their own, they will not be able to enter Aruba.

You must obtain an individual passport for your child before applying for the ED Card. Check with your country's passport office about requirements and processing times for children's passports. Learn more about passport requirements.

It's recommended to complete ED Card applications for all family members at least 7 days before your departure. This allows time to correct any errors if needed.

The application can be submitted as early as you have confirmed travel details. Processing is typically immediate, but applying early provides peace of mind and time to address any issues. Read more about when to apply for the ED Card.

Minors under 18 years old should have their ED Card completed by a parent or legal guardian. While teenagers may be capable of filling out the form, it's best practice for a parent to complete it to ensure accuracy and to provide proper contact information.

Once a traveler turns 18, they are considered an adult and should complete their own application. For travelers aged 16-17, parents can decide whether to complete the application themselves or supervise their teen while they fill it out.

If you notice an error after submitting your child's ED Card, you should correct it as soon as possible. Minor spelling errors may not cause issues, but mistakes in passport numbers, dates, or other critical information should be addressed.

You can typically submit a new, corrected application for your child. Make sure to use the updated confirmation when traveling. For guidance on fixing errors, visit our page on correcting ED Card applications.

Tips for Families Applying for Multiple ED Cards

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Prepare in Advance

Gather all family members' passports and travel documents before starting. Having everything ready makes the process faster and reduces errors.

Complete One at a Time

Finish and submit each family member's application completely before starting the next one. This prevents confusion and mixing up information.

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Save All Confirmations

Keep each family member's confirmation email in a dedicated folder. Label them clearly with each person's name for easy access during travel.

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Double-Check Details

Verify passport numbers and spelling carefully for each child. Small errors can cause delays at immigration, so accuracy is crucial.

Special Situations for Traveling Children

Situation ED Card Requirement Additional Documentation Recommendations
Child traveling with both parents ✓ Required None additional Standard application process
Child traveling with one parent ✓ Required Consent letter from other parent recommended Carry notarized consent letter and birth certificate
Child traveling with grandparents ✓ Required Parental consent letter required Notarized letter from both parents, birth certificate, contact info
Child traveling with school group ✓ Required Parental consent and school authorization Coordinate with school, ensure all permissions are documented
Unaccompanied minor ✓ Required Airline unaccompanied minor form, parental consent Check airline policies, arrange airport assistance
Adopted child ✓ Required Adoption papers recommended Carry adoption certificate if surname differs from parents

Health Declaration for Children

Answering Health Questions

The Aruba ED Card includes a health declaration section that must be completed for each traveler, including children. As a parent or guardian, you'll answer these questions on behalf of your child.

Health questions typically include:

  • Recent symptoms of illness
  • Exposure to contagious diseases
  • Current health conditions
  • Recent travel to high-risk areas

Important: Answer all health questions honestly and accurately. If your child has any health concerns, it's better to disclose them in the application. This information helps Aruba's health authorities ensure the safety of all travelers and residents.

If your child has a chronic condition that requires medication or special care, consider carrying a doctor's letter explaining the condition and treatment, though this is not required for the ED Card application itself.

Healthy children preparing for travel with parents

Pre-Travel Checklist for Families

Ensure you have everything ready before your trip to Aruba

Before Applying for ED Cards

  • ✓ Verify all family members have valid passports (at least 6 months validity)
  • ✓ Confirm travel dates and flight details
  • ✓ Book accommodation and note the address
  • ✓ Gather all passport information for each family member
  • ✓ Prepare contact information (email and phone)
  • ✓ Check if any family member needs a visa (separate from ED Card)

After Receiving ED Card Confirmations

  • ✓ Save all confirmation emails in a dedicated folder
  • ✓ Print copies of each family member's ED Card confirmation
  • ✓ Save digital copies on your phone or tablet
  • ✓ Verify all information is correct on each confirmation
  • ✓ Prepare consent letters if children traveling without both parents
  • ✓ Pack all necessary travel documents together
Start Your Family's Applications

Ready for Your Family Adventure in Aruba?

Complete ED Cards for all family members and prepare for an unforgettable vacation

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Additional Resources for Families

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Application Guide

Step-by-step instructions for completing the ED Card

Read Guide

FAQ Section

Answers to common questions about the ED Card

View FAQs
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Correct Errors

Learn how to fix mistakes on submitted applications

Correction Guide