If you visited Aruba before 2020, you remember filling paper cards on the plane. Those are gone. The digital Aruba ED Card system is now fully established. Here is what changed and what it means for your travel.
The Old Paper Card System (Pre-2020)
- Paper cards distributed on the aircraft during flight
- Filled by hand with pen, collected at immigration on arrival
- No pre-arrival submission or digital verification
- No payment required
- Manual processing caused immigration delays
Why the Switch to Digital?
Aruba launched the digital ED Card in 2020 during COVID-19 for health screening. Benefits recognized immediately:
- Advance passenger data for security screening
- Reduced airport congestion and faster immigration
- Elimination of paper waste
- Enabled the Sustainability Fee collection from July 2024
Old vs. New – Key Differences
| Aspect | Old Paper System | New ED Card |
|---|---|---|
| When | During the flight | Up to 7 days before arrival |
| Format | Paper form | Online at edcardaruba.aw |
| Verification | Immigration on arrival | Airline check-in + arrival |
| Fee | Free | Free + $20 Sustainability Fee |
| Confirmation | None | Email confirmation |
October 2024 Portal Migration
In October 2024, the ED Card portal migrated to edcardaruba.aw. Old bookmarks may be outdated. Always use the current official URL at edcardaruba.aw.
Net Impact for Travelers
Mostly positive – no rushed in-flight forms, faster airport processing. Main downside: requires advance planning and the $20 Sustainability Fee was added. For full process guidance, see our filling guide and FAQ.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Aruba switch from paper to digital ED Card?
Aruba introduced the digital ED Card in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. It became a permanent requirement afterward.
When did the ED Card portal URL change?
The portal migrated to edcardaruba.aw in October 2024.
Is the new system better for travelers?
For most travelers yes – no rushed in-flight form, faster airport processing. The Sustainability Fee added a cost but is once per year.
