Travel Requirements For Aruba
Passport
Technically, Aruba just needs your passport to be valid your entire trip, but I would make sure your passport is valid and not going to expire within 6 months of your trip abroad.
If getting a passport for the first time, allow enough time to receive it in the mail before your trip. Average time is 6-8 weeks, not including USPS, which can make it much longer. I would allow at least 12 weeks (3 months) to be safe, longer if you can! Waits can be long.
ED Card: What is it?
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The ED card is Aruba's digitized customs and immigration process and can be filled out on-line, 7 days prior to your arrival in Aruba. I usually wait until mid-week or until I have my airbnb address. Sometimes, if you try to fill it out too early on that first day, 7 days out, it's too soon and they won't let you do it and you will freak out. lol. So just stick to 6 days out or after!
When you fill out the card on-line, you will need the following information ready: your personal info, dates traveling, passport number and expiration date, flight numbers, times of arrival and departure, name of hotel or address of Airbnb. If staying at an Airbnb, just wait until you get the address a few days prior to departing to Aruba.
For an Airbnb address, there is a section on the form that asks for NR and Letter, this means the address. Some addresses may have the street name, then a # and a letter. For example, Koyari 24H. Koyari is the street name, 24 is the NR(#) and H is the letter.
The ED card just went under another revamp on December 5, 2024. As part of the revamp, you will now receive a green QR code instead of a green checkmark like you used to. You can take a screen shot and it will also be emailed to you. Take a screen shot of this as you will need to upload with your passport on some airline apps to get your boarding pass.
The Aruba government has implemented a new $20 tourist tax collected via the online ED card system. This annual fee, excluding residents, children under eight, and visitors staying less than 24 hours, would apply only ONCE per year, even for multiple visits. The funds will support crucial upgrades to the island’s wastewater treatment facilities, enhancing environmental sustainability and preserving Aruba’s natural beauty. This new tax is a significant step towards improving Aruba’s infrastructure, ensuring the island remains a premier destination for future generations.
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The fee request originally came after you got approval, so technically you didn't need to pay, but that has been updated as of December 5, 2024. You are now required to pay the $20 fee per person before you receive approval. As of right now (Dec 6, 2024), there seems to be a glitch in the system and it's not recognizing if you have already paid the annual fee. Hopefully this will be updated soon!
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Travel Insurance
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Travel insurance is like a safety net for your adventures abroad, offering peace of mind and protection against unexpected mishaps. Here's why it's a savvy move:
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Medical Emergencies: Travel insurance typically covers medical expenses, including hospital stays, doctor visits, and emergency medical evacuation. This is crucial, especially in countries where healthcare costs can be exorbitant.
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Trip Cancellations and Interruptions: Life is unpredictable, and plans can change unexpectedly. Travel insurance can reimburse you for prepaid, non-refundable trip expenses if you need to cancel or cut short your trip due to covered reasons like illness, injury, or severe weather.
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Lost or Delayed Baggage: Airlines misplace luggage more often than we'd like. Travel insurance can provide reimbursement for essential items if your baggage is lost, stolen, or delayed for an extended period.
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Travel Assistance: From lost passports to language barriers, navigating unfamiliar territories can be challenging. Many travel insurance policies offer 24/7 assistance services to help you with emergencies, including locating medical facilities, arranging transportation, and providing translation services.
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Personal Liability Coverage: Accidents happen, and if you're found liable for injuring someone or damaging property while traveling, travel insurance can help cover legal expenses and settlement costs.
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Emergency Evacuation: In the event of a natural disaster, political unrest, or other emergencies, travel insurance can cover the costs of emergency evacuation to get you to safety.
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Ultimately, having travel insurance ensures that you're financially protected against the unforeseen, allowing you to focus on enjoying your trip without worrying about what might go wrong.