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Email: support@evisa.express
Support: +44 2031 293 603
Email: support@evisa.express
Timing your application correctly ensures a stress-free arrival in Aruba
Start Application Application GuideKnowing when to apply for your Aruba ED Card is crucial for ensuring a smooth travel experience. While the application process is quick and straightforward, applying at the right time gives you peace of mind and allows for any necessary corrections before your departure.
The Aruba ED Card is a mandatory digital immigration form that must be completed before entering Aruba. In 2026, the system processes applications rapidly, but timing your submission correctly helps avoid last-minute stress and potential travel complications. This guide will help you determine the best time to submit your ED Card application based on your travel plans.
Quick Answer: The recommended timeframe to apply is 7 to 14 days before your departure, though applications can be submitted as early as 90 days or as late as a few hours before travel.
Follow these guidelines for optimal timing
The sweet spot for applying is between 7 and 14 days before your scheduled departure. This timeframe offers several advantages:
Understanding different application windows
| Time Before Travel | Status | Advantages | Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30-90 days | ✓ Very Early | Maximum preparation time; no rush | Travel plans may change; confirmation email might be harder to find later |
| 14-30 days | ✓ Early | Good balance; travel details likely confirmed | Still time for plans to change |
| 7-14 days | ✓ Optimal | Best timing; details finalized; easy to remember | None - this is the recommended window |
| 3-7 days | ✓ Good | Still acceptable; quick processing expected | Less buffer time for corrections |
| 1-3 days | ⚠ Last Minute | Can still be processed in time | Limited time for error correction; increased stress |
| Less than 24 hours | ⚠ Very Late | Usually still processed successfully | High stress; no time for corrections; risk of technical issues |
| At airport | ✗ Too Late | None | May cause delays; paper forms might be required; potential entry issues |
Most Aruba ED Card applications are processed within minutes of submission. You'll typically receive your confirmation email almost immediately.
In rare cases, processing may take up to 24 hours, especially during peak travel seasons or if additional verification is needed.
During busy travel seasons (December-April, summer holidays), the system may experience higher volumes. While processing remains fast, applying earlier is advisable.
Peak periods include major holidays, spring break, and winter vacation months when Aruba sees maximum tourist arrivals.
The ED Card system is available 24/7, but occasional maintenance may occur. Applying well in advance ensures you're not affected by any temporary system downtime.
Learn more about ED Card processing times and what to expect.
If you're traveling with children or minors, allow extra time to complete separate applications for each family member. Each traveler, regardless of age, needs their own ED Card. Consider applying 10-14 days before departure when traveling with a family to ensure all applications are processed smoothly.
Cruise passengers should apply as soon as their cruise itinerary is confirmed. Since cruise schedules are typically set well in advance, you can safely apply 30-60 days before your cruise departure. This gives you ample time to focus on other cruise preparations.
If you're only transiting through Aruba, check whether you need an ED Card based on your transit duration. If required, apply at least 3-5 days before your transit to ensure you have the necessary documentation.
For spontaneous trips or last-minute bookings, you can still apply for your ED Card even a few hours before departure. However, this approach carries risks:
Even with last-minute travel, try to apply at least 24-48 hours before departure if possible.
Wait until your flights and accommodation are confirmed before applying. This ensures all your travel details are accurate and final.
Set a calendar reminder for 10-14 days before departure to complete your ED Card application. This helps you remember without leaving it too late.
Before starting your application, collect all required information including passport details, flight information, and accommodation addresses.
Once approved, save your confirmation email and take screenshots. Store them in an easily accessible location for your trip.
While there's technically no restriction on how early you can apply, submitting your ED Card more than 90 days before travel has some drawbacks:
If your plans do change after applying early, you may need to submit a new application with updated information.
Applying very close to your departure time is risky but usually still works:
If you find yourself applying at the last minute, double-check all information carefully before submitting. Learn about common application errors to avoid.
A practical week-by-week guide
Book Your Trip: Confirm your flights, accommodation, and travel dates. Ensure all bookings are finalized before proceeding with your ED Card application.
Gather Information: Collect all necessary documents and information for your application. This includes your passport, flight details, hotel address, and contact information. Review the complete list of required information.
Submit Your Application: This is the optimal time to complete and submit your Aruba ED Card application. Take your time to ensure all information is accurate.
Save Your Confirmation: Once approved, save your confirmation email, take screenshots, and store them in multiple locations (email, phone, cloud storage). Learn what to do after your ED Card is approved.
Verify Your Confirmation: Double-check that you have your ED Card confirmation saved and accessible. Verify that all details match your current travel plans.
Final Check: Ensure your ED Card confirmation is easily accessible on your phone or printed. Add it to your travel documents folder.
Have It Ready: Keep your ED Card confirmation readily available for check-in and immigration. You may be asked to present it at various points during your journey.
While technically possible, it's not recommended to apply before your travel plans are confirmed. The ED Card application requires specific flight details, arrival dates, and accommodation information. If these details change after you submit your application, you may need to submit a new application with updated information.
Wait until your flights and accommodation are booked and confirmed before applying for your ED Card.
If your travel dates change significantly after submitting your ED Card, you should submit a new application with the updated information. The ED Card is linked to your specific travel dates and flight details.
Minor changes (a few hours difference in flight time) typically don't require a new application, but significant date changes should be updated. Learn more about correcting your ED Card application.
There is no official deadline, but the ED Card must be completed before you arrive in Aruba. You can technically apply up until a few hours before your flight, though this is not recommended.
For the best experience and to avoid any complications, apply at least 7 days before your departure. This gives you adequate time to address any issues that might arise.
The Aruba ED Card is valid for single entry only and is tied to your specific travel dates. It's designed to be used for the trip you specified in your application.
If you're planning multiple trips to Aruba, you'll need to complete a new ED Card application for each visit. The form cannot be reused for future trips.
If you forget to apply before your flight, you may still be able to complete the application at the airport before departure, though this can cause stress and delays. Some airlines may check for ED Card confirmation during check-in.
In worst-case scenarios, you might need to complete a paper form upon arrival in Aruba, which can lead to longer processing times at immigration. To avoid this situation, set reminders and apply well in advance of your travel date.
No, each traveler needs their own individual ED Card application, including children and infants. However, parents or guardians can complete the applications on behalf of minors.
When traveling as a family, plan to spend extra time completing multiple applications. It's recommended to apply 10-14 days before departure when traveling with family to ensure all applications are completed without rushing. See our guide on ED Cards for children and minors.
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