Aruba ED Card Health Declaration

Complete guide to answering health-related questions on your Aruba ED Card application

Start Application Back to Home

Understanding the Health Declaration Section

The health declaration section is a mandatory part of the Aruba ED Card application that collects important health information from all travelers entering Aruba. This section helps Aruba's health authorities monitor and protect public health by identifying potential health risks before travelers arrive on the island.

Completing the health declaration accurately and honestly is crucial. The information you provide helps ensure the safety of both visitors and residents of Aruba. All travelers must answer these questions, regardless of their current health status, age, or nationality.

The health declaration typically includes questions about recent symptoms, exposure to contagious diseases, current health conditions, and recent travel history. Understanding what information is required and how to answer these questions correctly will help you complete your ED Card application smoothly and avoid delays at immigration.

Why Is the Health Declaration Required?

Health screening process at airport

Public Health Protection

The health declaration serves several important purposes for Aruba's public health system:

  • Disease Prevention: Identifies travelers who may be carrying contagious diseases
  • Early Detection: Allows health authorities to detect potential health threats early
  • Contact Tracing: Provides information for contact tracing if needed
  • Risk Assessment: Helps assess health risks from different regions
  • Public Safety: Protects both visitors and local residents
  • Compliance: Meets international health regulations

Important: Providing false information on the health declaration can result in denial of entry, fines, or other legal consequences. Always answer truthfully and accurately.

Common Health Declaration Questions

What you can expect to be asked on the Aruba ED Card

Recent Symptoms

Questions about symptoms you may have experienced recently:

  • Fever or chills
  • Cough or difficulty breathing
  • Sore throat
  • Loss of taste or smell
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Body aches or fatigue
Exposure & Contact

Questions about potential exposure to diseases:

  • Contact with confirmed cases
  • Exposure to contagious diseases
  • Recent travel to high-risk areas
  • Quarantine requirements
  • Testing history
  • Vaccination status
Current Health Status

Questions about your current health condition:

  • Chronic health conditions
  • Current medications
  • Recent hospitalizations
  • Ongoing treatments
  • Pregnancy status
  • Allergies (if relevant)

How to Complete the Health Declaration

Step-by-step instructions for filling out the health section

Step 1: Read Each Question Carefully

Before answering, read each health question thoroughly to understand exactly what information is being requested. Pay attention to time frames mentioned (e.g., "in the past 14 days" or "in the past 30 days").

Step 2: Answer Honestly and Accurately

Provide truthful answers to all health questions. Do not withhold information about symptoms, exposures, or health conditions, even if you think they are minor. Honesty is crucial for public health and your own safety.

Step 3: Consider Recent Travel History

Think about all the places you've visited in the past 30 days. If you've traveled to areas with known disease outbreaks or health advisories, disclose this information in your health declaration.

Step 4: Report All Symptoms

If you're experiencing any symptoms, even mild ones, report them in the health declaration. This includes:

  • Respiratory symptoms (cough, shortness of breath, sore throat)
  • Fever or elevated temperature
  • Gastrointestinal issues (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea)
  • Loss of taste or smell
  • Unusual fatigue or body aches
  • Skin rashes or other visible symptoms

Step 5: Disclose Exposure to Illness

If you've been in close contact with someone who has a contagious disease, or if you've been in an environment where exposure was likely, report this information. Close contact typically means being within 6 feet of an infected person for 15 minutes or more.

Step 6: Provide Vaccination Information (If Required)

Some health declarations may ask about vaccination status for certain diseases. If asked, provide accurate information about your vaccination history, including dates if available.

Step 7: Double-Check Your Answers

Before submitting your ED Card application, review all your health declaration answers to ensure they are complete and accurate. Make sure you haven't missed any questions.

Special Considerations for Health Declarations

Health Declarations for Children

When completing the health declaration for children and minors, parents or guardians should:

  • Monitor symptoms: Observe your child for any signs of illness before travel
  • Answer on their behalf: Provide accurate health information for your child
  • Consider recent illnesses: Report any recent illnesses, even if the child has recovered
  • Disclose exposures: Report if your child has been exposed to sick individuals
  • Be thorough: Children may not always communicate symptoms clearly, so be observant

Chronic Health Conditions

If you have a chronic health condition, you should:

  • Disclose the condition if specifically asked
  • Mention if it affects your ability to travel
  • Report any recent changes in your condition
  • Carry necessary medications and documentation
  • Consider bringing a doctor's letter explaining your condition
Family preparing health documentation for travel

What Happens After You Submit Your Health Declaration?

After you complete and submit your health declaration as part of your Aruba ED Card application, the information is reviewed by Aruba's health authorities. Here's what you can expect:

For Travelers with No Health Concerns

If you report no symptoms, exposures, or health concerns, your application will typically be processed normally. You'll receive your ED Card confirmation and can proceed with your travel plans as scheduled.

For Travelers Reporting Health Issues

If you report symptoms, recent exposure, or other health concerns:

  1. Additional Screening: You may be subject to additional health screening upon arrival
  2. Health Assessment: A health professional may assess your condition at the airport
  3. Testing Requirements: You may be required to undergo health testing
  4. Quarantine Possibility: In some cases, quarantine or isolation may be required
  5. Medical Clearance: You may need medical clearance before being allowed to enter

Important: Reporting health concerns does not automatically mean you'll be denied entry. It simply ensures that appropriate health measures are taken to protect everyone's safety.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

โŒ

Withholding Information

Never hide symptoms or exposure. Honesty protects everyone and prevents legal issues.

โฐ

Ignoring Time Frames

Pay attention to specified time periods in questions (e.g., "in the past 14 days").

๐Ÿ“

Incomplete Answers

Answer all health questions completely. Don't skip questions or leave them blank.

๐Ÿค”

Guessing Answers

If unsure about a health question, take time to think or consult medical records.

Frequently Asked Questions About Health Declarations

If you develop symptoms after submitting your ED Card but before traveling, you should consider postponing your trip and seek medical advice. If you must travel, inform the airline and be prepared for additional health screening upon arrival in Aruba.

You may also want to submit a new ED Card application with updated health information. It's better to be transparent about your health status than to risk complications at immigration.

Generally, no documentation is required for the health declaration section of the ED Card. However, if you report certain health conditions or symptoms, you may be asked to provide medical documentation upon arrival.

It's advisable to carry any relevant medical documents, test results, or vaccination records when traveling, especially if you have chronic conditions or have recently recovered from an illness.

Not necessarily. Reporting symptoms doesn't automatically mean you'll be denied entry. However, you may be subject to additional health screening, testing, or quarantine requirements upon arrival.

The decision to allow entry depends on the nature and severity of symptoms, current health regulations, and the assessment of health professionals at the airport. Honesty in your health declaration is always the best policy.

If your health status changes after submitting your ED Card, you can submit a new application with updated information. It's important to have the most current and accurate health information when you travel.

For guidance on updating your application, visit our page on correcting ED Card applications. Always use the most recent confirmation when traveling to Aruba.

If you're uncertain about how to answer a health question, err on the side of caution and disclose the information. It's better to provide more information than to withhold potentially important health details.

You can also consult with your healthcare provider before completing the application if you have specific health concerns or questions about what to report. For general questions about the ED Card, visit our FAQ page.

Yes, you must report any contagious or communicable diseases, especially those that pose public health risks. This includes respiratory illnesses, gastrointestinal diseases, and any conditions that could spread to others.

The health declaration will typically ask specific questions about symptoms and exposures. Answer all questions honestly, and if you're unsure whether a condition should be reported, it's best to disclose it.

Tips for Completing Your Health Declaration

Before You Start

  • Monitor your health: Pay attention to your health in the days leading up to your application
  • Keep records: Note any symptoms, doctor visits, or medications you're taking
  • Review travel history: Remember all places you've visited in the past 30 days
  • Check requirements: Stay updated on current health requirements for Aruba
  • Gather documents: Have vaccination records or medical documents ready if needed

While Completing the Form

  • Read carefully: Understand each question before answering
  • Be specific: Provide detailed information when asked
  • Use accurate dates: Provide correct dates for symptoms, exposures, or travel
  • Don't rush: Take your time to ensure accuracy
  • Ask for help: Consult a healthcare provider if you're unsure about medical questions

After Submission

  • Save confirmation: Keep your ED Card confirmation email safe
  • Monitor health: Continue to monitor your health until departure
  • Update if needed: Submit a new application if your health status changes
  • Prepare documents: Have any relevant medical documents ready for travel
  • Follow guidelines: Adhere to any health guidelines provided in your confirmation

Ready to Complete Your ED Card?

Answer health questions honestly and prepare for a safe trip to Aruba

Start Application

Additional Resources

๐Ÿ“‹

Required Information

See what information you need for your application

View Checklist
๐Ÿ‘จโ€๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€๐Ÿ‘งโ€๐Ÿ‘ฆ

ED Card for Minors

Complete health declarations for children

Family Guide
โ“

FAQ Section

Find answers to common questions

View FAQs