Since July 1, 2024, all visitors to Aruba arriving by air pay a mandatory $20 USD Sustainability Fee. This tourist tax is collected through the ED Card portal and applies on every first visit per calendar year.
What Is the Sustainability Fee?
A mandatory environmental levy of $20 USD per person charged to air travelers entering Aruba. Paid online at edcardaruba.aw when completing the ED Card. Introduced July 1, 2024 to fund Aruba’s sustainability and infrastructure initiatives.
Who Pays?
Must pay: Air travelers, aged 8+, all nationalities
Exempt: Children under 8, cruise passengers, Aruba residents, travelers who already paid this calendar year
The Once-Per-Year Rule
The fee is tracked by passport number – charged only once per calendar year:
- First Aruba visit in 2026 → pay $20
- Second visit in same year → no charge
- First visit in 2027 → pay $20 again
This makes Aruba friendly for frequent visitors. Full fee breakdown: ED Card fee guide.
What Does the Fee Fund?
- Infrastructure improvements
- Environmental protection and reef preservation
- Renewable energy initiatives
- Waste management
- Water sustainability
Cruise Passengers
The $20 air Sustainability Fee does NOT apply to cruise passengers. Cruise port fees are separate and typically included in cruise fares. See our cruise guide.
Comparison with Other Caribbean Fees
- Jamaica: $35 USD tourism fee
- Turks & Caicos: $15 USD
- Aruba: $20 USD (once per year – best value for repeat visitors)
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the Aruba Sustainability Fee?
$20 USD per person for air travelers aged 8+. Introduced July 1, 2024.
Is the Sustainability Fee charged every visit?
No – only once per calendar year per passport. Multiple visits in one year = one fee.
Do children pay the Aruba Sustainability Fee?
Children under 8 are exempt. Children aged 8 and older must pay.
Are cruise passengers exempt?
Yes – the $20 air Sustainability Fee does not apply to cruise passengers.
