Aruba ED Card: What’s changed, what it costs, and how to do it right
October 3, 2025

If you’re planning a trip to Aruba, there’s one essential step you can’t skip: the Aruba ED Card (Embarkation-Disembarkation Card). And as of October 30, 2024, the process has changed in a key way: it’s no longer free for most international travelers.

While Aruba’s official tourism website hasn’t yet updated its page to reflect this change, travelers are now being charged a $20 USD Sustainability Contribution during the ED Card application on the official government platform. This fee is mandatory for non-residents, paid once per calendar year, and allows unlimited entries to Aruba during that year.

In this guide, we’ll explain exactly what’s required, how to pay only what’s necessary, and why you should never use third-party sites.

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What Is the Aruba ED Card?

The ED Card is a mandatory digital form for every traveler entering Aruba—including infants and children—whether by air or sea. It verifies that you’ve met entry requirements and is part of Aruba’s immigration process.

As confirmed by Aruba.com:
“The Aruba ED-Card is a mandatory step for every passenger traveling to the island of Aruba. Including infants and children.”

You must complete it within 7 days before your travel date—not earlier.

“The Aruba ED-Card is a mandatory step for every passenger traveling to the island of Aruba. Including infants and children.”
— Aruba.com

The $20 Annual Fee: What It Is and Why It Exists

Starting October 30, 2024, the official ED Card platform (https://edcardaruba.aw/ ) began collecting a $20 USD Sustainability Contribution from non-resident visitors.

  • Paid once per calendar year (Jan 1 – Dec 31)
  • Covers all trips to Aruba within that year
  • Exempts Aruban citizens and legal residents
  • Revenue supports environmental and tourism sustainability initiatives

Note: As of now, Aruba.com does not mention this fee on its ED Card page. However, the charge appears during the live application process on the official government site, making it a real and required step.

This is not a processing fee—it’s a tourism sustainability contribution, similar to fees in other island destinations.

Visiting Aruba More Than Once in a Year?

Great news: you only pay the $20 fee once per year.

Here’s how it works:

  • On your first trip of the year, you pay the $20 during your ED Card application.
  • On your second, third, or fourth trip (within the same calendar year), you still complete a new ED Card (required within 7 days of each departure).
  • The system automatically recognizes your prior payment—no second charge.
  • You receive your “qualifier” instantly and can travel again.

Pro Tip: Always use the same passport number and personal details so the system links your applications correctly.

Official Website: The Only Place to Apply

The only official platform is:
https://edcardaruba.aw/

Managed by Inmigracion Aruba (IA), this is where you’ll:

  • Complete your ED Card
  • Pay the $20 Sustainability Contribution (if applicable)
  • Receive your new “qualifier” (replacing the old “OK to Board”)

As Aruba.com states:

Starting October 30th, 2024, all travelers to Aruba will be able to obtain a ‘qualifier’ by clicking on the redesigned Aruba Online ED card platform, https://edcardaruba.aw

Why Third-Party Sites Are a Waste of Money

Some websites offer to “help” you complete your ED Card—but they often charge $35–$60+ for a service that:

  • Takes 5 minutes to do yourself
  • Costs only $20 on the official site
  • Requires you to enter all the same info

Aruba.com warns:

“It is important to note that some services/companies may charge a fee to assist you with filling in the form. When it can easily be completed independently within a few minutes.”

There’s no faster processing, no special support, and no benefit—just an unnecessary markup.

“Some services/companies may charge a fee to assist you but you don’t need them.”— Aruba.com

Final Checklist Before You Fly

Complete your ED Card at https://edcardaruba.aw/

  • Apply within 7 days of your departure
  • Pay only $20 once per calendar year (if you’re a non-resident)
  • Save or print your “qualifier” for check-in
  • Ignore third-party ads and fake .com lookalike sites

See you soon in Aruba!