Aruba ED card for U.S. Citizens

Information for Americans planning a trip to Aruba

Aruba ED Card Application

Aruba is a popular destination for American tourists — the U.S. is the largest source market for tourism in Aruba.

If you’re planning a trip to Aruba from the United States, the information on this page is for you. This guide covers:

  • Passport, visa, and ED Card requirements
  • Health and vaccination advice
  • Entry procedures from the U.S.
  • Flight and cruise ship arrivals

You’ll also find some general travel information for U.S. citizens traveling to Aruba. Everything you need to plan a successful trip.

Aruba: A Caribbean Island Destination

Aruba is an island in the south of the Caribbean Sea. Florida is the closest U.S. state to Aruba, slightly over 1,000 miles northwest of the island.

While enjoying a close relationship with the United States, Aruba is not a U.S. territory. Aruba is a constituent country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands: It has its own autonomous government but is still part of the Dutch kingdom.

This means that, as a U.S. passport holder, understanding the entry requirements for foreign visitors is essential. Aruba visa for U.S. citizens is not needed, but there are other document requirements.

Aruba’s Entry Requirements for U.S. Citizens

There are 3 important documents for your trip to Aruba. Which ones you need depends on how long you’ll stay.

Document Who needs it?
U.S. Passport All travelers
Aruba ED Card All travelers
Visa for Aruba To stay over 90 days

Do you need a passport to go to Aruba?

Your U.S. passport must be valid for your entire stay in Aruba. Check your passport requirements, the expiration date and make sure you reapply before you travel if it’s about to expire.

You’ll undergo passport checks when you arrive at the port of entry.

Passport cards for U.S. travelers

You can use your U.S. passport card when traveling to Aruba by sea. Passport cards are accepted at sea ports of entry, but not for international air travel.

Passport cards are a convenient option if you’re traveling from the United States to Aruba on a cruise ship. Check specific requirements with your cruise line.

Aruba ED Card for American travelers

The Embarkation-Disembarkation (ED) Card for Aruba is a mandatory document for all visitors to Aruba, including Americans.

The ED card collects information about your travel plans and stay in Aruba. This is how U.S. passport holders have to apply:

  • Fill out the Aruba ED Card form: You will need to provide personal and passport details, and travel and health information

  • Wait for your ED Card to be processed: Processing takes 1 to 2 days

  • Receive your approved ED Card by email: Print or show in digital format when you travel

The ED Aruba Card contains a QR code which U.S. citizens must present to immigration officials on arrival in Aruba.

Is needed an Aruba visa for U.S. citizens?

U.S. passport holders can visit Aruba for up to 90 days without a visa. You can travel to Aruba visa-free for:

  • Tourism: Vacations and other leisure activities
  • Business: Attending meetings, conferences, or other events
  • Visiting friends and family: Short trips to see relatives or friends
  • Short study: Non-credit or recreational courses like cooking classes
  • Transit: Take a connecting flight in Aruba without the need for a visa

Aruba visa requirements for americans for more than 90 days

Americans must get a visa to stay in Aruba for over 90 days. The permit you need depends on your reason for traveling to the island. Some examples include:

  • Retirements Visa
  • Investor Visa
  • Work Visa
  • Study Visa

U.S. passport holders can apply for these visas through the Aruba Immigration Department.

You need to provide proof of financial means and medical insurance for each visa type. There are additional requirements for different visa types, for example, a letter of acceptance from an Aruban educational institution for a Study Visa.

Vaccination and Health Advice for Americans Visiting Aruba

The Aruba ED application form includes a health declaration. U.S. citizens must give accurate information about their current medical status.

The information travelers provide is used to help make Aruba a safe destination for locals and visitors.

Yellow fever certificate for travelers arriving from risk areas

You need a yellow fever vaccination certificate for Aruba if you:

  • Are arriving from a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission
  • Have transited for more than 12 hours in an airport or a risk country

Other vaccine recommendations for American travelers

Aside from yellow fever, there are no mandatory vaccines. General Aruba vaccine recommendations for visitors from the U.S. include:

  • Routine vaccinations: Check you’re up to date
  • COVID-19: Get the recommended doses
  • Hepatitis A and B: Suggested for unvaccinated travelers
  • Rabies: Travelers working directly with wildlife
  • Typhoid: Travelers to smaller cities or rural areas

You should visit your doctor at least a month before you travel to Aruba for personalized medical advice.

Travel health insurance for American tourists in Aruba

It’s a good idea to take out comprehensive travel insurance for your trip to Aruba. Select an insurance policy that covers medical emergencies and accidents.

Travel insurance policies also include coverage for trip cancellation, lost luggage, and delays.

Aruba Entry Procedures for U.S. Arrivals

Border crossing procedures for U.S. passport holders arriving in Aruba are relatively straightforward. Here’s an overview of what you can expect:

1. Passport control

On arrival at the airport, you’ll proceed to the passport control area. Present your U.S. passport, ED Card, and visa (if required) to an immigration officer.

The officer will check your documentation and stamp your passport, officially granting you entry into Aruba.

2. Customs inspection

Next, you'll go to the customs area. You’ll be asked to declare any large amounts of cash, expensive items, or restricted goods such as:

  • Agricultural products
  • Tobacco and alcohol
  • Firearm and weapons
  • Controlled substances and medicines

If you have nothing to declare, go through the green channel. If you have items to declare, you'll need to go to the red channel and speak with a customs officer.

3. Health questions

You may also be asked a few health-related questions, such as whether you've had any infectious diseases or been in contact with anyone with infectious symptoms.

This is part of Aruba's preventive measures to protect public health.

4. Baggage claim and exit

Once cleared through customs, you can head to the baggage claim area to collect your luggage. You may then exit the airport.

How to Travel From the United States to Aruba

You can travel from the United States to Aruba by air or sea.

Flying from the USA to Aruba

Many major U.S. cities offer direct flights to Aruba's Queen Beatrix International Airport (AUA). Departure airports include:

  • Miami: Miami International Airport (MIA)
  • New York: John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
  • Atlanta: Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
  • Charlotte: Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT)

Traveling from the U.S. to Aruba by sea

Cruises are a popular way to reach Aruba from the United States. Aruba is a common stop on Caribbean cruise itineraries. Some Americans travel to Aruba by private yacht.

Whether traveling by air or sea, you must have your passport and approved ED Card ready for inspection by immigration officials. Additional documentation may be required by your cruise company or airline. Always check before you travel.

Other Aruba Travel Information for U.S. Citizens

Here you can find some additional information to help you prepare for your stay in Aruba.

Currency and payment options in Aruba Toggle faqs

The official currency of Aruba is the Aruban Florin (AWG), but the U.S. dollar (USD) is widely accepted. Most hotels, restaurants, and shops take both currencies, making it convenient for American tourists.

Card payments are also accepted by most establishments, especially Visa and Mastercard. You’ll find ATMs in urban areas for cash withdrawals.

Time difference between the United States and Aruba Toggle faqs

Aruba operates on Atlantic Standard Time (AST) all year round, which is 1 hour ahead of Eastern Standard Time (EST) in the United States. When it’s 2 pm in Aruba, it’s 1 pm in New York.

During daylight saving time in the United States, there is no time difference between EST and AST. When it’s 2 pm in Aruba, it’s also 2 pm in New York.

Official and spoken languages spoken in Aruba Toggle faqs

The official languages of Aruba are Dutch and Papiamento. However, English and Spanish are also widely spoken, especially in the tourism sector.

English is commonly used in hotels, restaurants, and tourist areas. Many Arubans are multilingual, so you'll likely find it easy to communicate with locals.

Safety advice for American tourists in Aruba Toggle faqs

Aruba is generally considered a safe destination for American tourists. For a problem-free stay, you’re advised to:

  • Stay aware of your surroundings and be careful with valuable items
  • Choose reputable tour operations and transportation services
  • Take care when driving or riding a scooter, roads can be narrow and congested
  • Be mindful of the sun and heat: Use adequate sun protection and stay hydrated
  • Exercise caution when swimming or taking part in water sports

By taking general safety precautions, you can have a safe and enjoyable stay in Aruba.

U.S. Preclearance in Aruba for departing travelers Toggle faqs

You can benefit from U.S. preclearance when departing from Aruba at the end of your stay. There is a United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) facility located at Queen Beatrix International Airport in Oranjestad, Aruba.

You can save time on arrival by completing U.S. customs, immigration, and security checks before departing Aruba.