Support: +44 2031 293 603
Email: support@evisa.express
Support: +44 2031 293 603
Email: support@evisa.express
Essential information for travelers transiting through Aruba
Complete Your ED Card Back to HomeIf you're transiting through Aruba's Queen Beatrix International Airport on your way to another destination in 2026, you may be wondering whether you need to complete the Aruba Embarkation and Disembarkation (ED) Card. The answer depends on several important factors, including whether you'll be passing through immigration control and the duration of your layover.
This comprehensive guide provides specific information for transit passengers to help you understand the ED Card requirements, exemptions, and what you need to know to ensure a smooth transit experience through Aruba.
Important: Transit requirements can vary based on your nationality, final destination, and whether you remain airside. Understanding these rules will help you avoid delays and ensure compliance with Aruban immigration regulations.
The requirement to complete an Aruba ED Card for transit passengers depends primarily on whether you will be passing through immigration control and entering Aruba, even temporarily.
You NEED to complete an ED Card if:
You may NOT need an ED Card if:
Best Practice: If you're unsure about your transit status or connection requirements, it's safer to complete the ED Card application in advance. The process is quick and ensures you're prepared for any scenario.
Definition: Remaining in the international transit area without passing through immigration control.
ED Card Required: Generally NO
Conditions:
Definition: Passing through immigration to enter Aruba, even temporarily during a layover.
ED Card Required: YES
Conditions:
Definition: Layover exceeding 24 hours with accommodation in Aruba.
ED Card Required: YES
Conditions:
Transit passengers who need to complete an ED Card follow the same online application process as other travelers. Here's what you need to know:
1. Timing Your Application
Apply for your ED Card at least 24-48 hours before your arrival in Aruba. This ensures you have approval before your transit and avoids any last-minute complications.
2. Information You'll Need
3. Accommodation Address for Transit
If you're staying airside, you can indicate "Transit - Not leaving airport" or provide your airline's contact information. If you're leaving the airport, provide your hotel or accommodation address in Aruba.
4. Departure Information
Enter the date and time of your departing flight from Aruba to your final destination. This helps immigration officials understand your transit timeline.
Staying Airside: ED Card typically not required if you remain in the transit area
Leaving Airport: ED Card required even for short visits outside
Hotel Stay: ED Card always required when leaving airport for accommodation
Recommendation: Apply at least 48 hours before arrival
Separate Tickets: ED Card required if you must collect and recheck baggage
Through-Checked: May not need ED Card if staying airside
Tourism Visit: ED Card required for any sightseeing or leaving airport
Duration: Complete application regardless of layover length
When to complete your ED Card based on your transit type
| Transit Type | ED Card Required | When to Apply | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airside Transit (Under 24h) | Generally NO | Not applicable | Confirm with airline; apply if uncertain |
| Leaving Airport (Any duration) | YES | 24-48 hours before arrival | Apply early to ensure approval |
| Overnight Layover | YES | 2-3 days before arrival | Book accommodation and apply together |
| Baggage Collection Required | YES | 24-48 hours before arrival | Check with airline about baggage policy |
| Extended Stopover (Tourism) | YES | 3-7 days before arrival | Treat as regular visitor entry |
Common questions about the ED Card for travelers transiting through Aruba
It depends on your specific situation. If you're remaining in the international transit area (airside) and your layover is less than 24 hours with through-checked baggage, you typically do not need an ED Card.
However, if you need to pass through immigration for any reason—such as collecting baggage, changing terminals, or leaving the airport—you will need to complete the ED Card application. When in doubt, it's safer to apply in advance.
You must complete an ED Card if you plan to leave the airport, regardless of how long your layover is. This applies whether you want to visit the beach, have a meal in town, or simply explore the island during your connection.
Apply for your ED Card at least 24-48 hours before your arrival. You'll need to provide accommodation details (even if it's just for a few hours) and your departure flight information. This is treated the same as a regular visitor entry.
Yes, you will need an ED Card. When traveling on separate tickets, you typically must pass through immigration, collect your baggage, and then check in again for your connecting flight. This means you're technically entering Aruba, even if only briefly.
Complete your ED Card application before your trip. In the accommodation field, you can indicate that you're in transit and provide the airport or your airline's information if you're not leaving the airport area.
The best way to determine this is to check with your airline or review your ticket details. Key indicators that you'll remain airside include:
If any of these conditions don't apply, or if you're unsure, it's recommended to complete the ED Card as a precaution.
If you arrive at immigration without a completed ED Card when one is required, you may experience significant delays or complications. Immigration officials may require you to complete the form on the spot, which could cause you to miss your connecting flight.
To avoid this situation, always verify your transit requirements before traveling. If there's any possibility you'll need to pass through immigration, complete your ED Card in advance. The processing time is typically very quick, but it's best to apply at least 24 hours before arrival.
While it may be possible to complete an ED Card application at the airport in emergency situations, this is not recommended and may cause significant delays. The online system is designed for advance applications, and airport Wi-Fi or connectivity issues could complicate the process.
Always plan ahead and complete your application before traveling. If you discover during your journey that you'll need an ED Card, try to complete it as soon as possible using your mobile device or laptop, ideally before landing in Aruba.
Complete your ED Card now if you'll be passing through immigration
Apply for ED CardCheck with your airline whether you'll need to pass through immigration during your connection
If you need an ED Card, apply at least 24-48 hours before your arrival in Aruba
Keep your ED Card confirmation, boarding passes, and passport easily accessible
Single tickets with through-checked baggage usually don't require immigration clearance
Learn about the general ED Card requirements for all travelers to Aruba
Information for cruise ship passengers arriving in Aruba by sea
Step-by-step instructions for completing your ED Card application
Learn how long it takes to receive your ED Card approval