Travel
Requirements
Travel Requirements
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.
Aruba ED Card: What is it?
Aruba ED Card:
What You Need to Know Before Arrival
The ED Card is Aruba’s digitized customs and immigration form, and it can be completed online up to 7 days before your arrival. While it technically opens at that 7-day mark, I recommend waiting until 6 days out or later, especially if you’re staying in an Airbnb. Sometimes the system glitches if you try to complete it too early, and it won’t let you proceed—which can cause unnecessary panic. (Trust me—been there, freaked out. 😅)
What You’ll Need to Complete the ED Card
Make sure to have the following details handy:
• Passport-you will need to scan it
• Personal information
• Travel dates
• Flight numbers and times of arrival/departure
• Hotel name or Private Vacation Rental address
If you’re staying in a private vacation home, wait until your host sends the full address before filling out the form. When entering an Aruba address, you’ll notice a section labeled NR and Letter—this simply refers to the house or unit number. For example:
Koyari 24H → Koyari is the street name, 24 is the NR (number), and H is the letter.
December 2024 Update: New QR Code & Tourist Tax
As of December 2024, the ED Card process received another update:
• Instead of a green checkmark, you’ll now receive a green QR code upon completion.
• Take a screenshot of the QR code and save the confirmation email. You may need to upload both your passport and the QR code on some airline apps in order to get your boarding pass.
Additionally, the Aruba government has introduced a new $20 USD annual tourist tax, now collected during the ED Card process.
Here’s what to know:
• Applies only once per year per person
• Does not apply to children under 8, Aruba residents, or visitors staying less than 24 hours
• Funds will go toward improving the island’s wastewater treatment infrastructure, supporting sustainability and preserving Aruba’s natural beauty
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is like a safety net for your adventures abroad, offering peace of mind and protection against unexpected mishaps. We usually use Travel Guard/AIG and have had a good experience, plus it's super reasonable!
Here's why it's a savvy move:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.