How Much Does the Aruba ED Card Cost?
The Aruba ED Card costs $20 per person when submitted through the official government portal at edcardaruba.aw. This flat-rate fee applies to every traveler, regardless of age, nationality, or length of stay in Aruba. The $20 fee covers the processing of your embarkation/disembarkation card and is the only mandatory charge when using the official website.
Understanding the complete cost structure of the Aruba ED Card helps you budget accurately for your trip and avoid overpaying through unofficial channels. While the base fee is straightforward, travelers should be aware of potential additional costs, payment method considerations, and the significant price differences between the official portal and third-party services.
The ED Card fee is paid once per person per trip. If you visit Aruba multiple times, you need to pay the fee each time you apply, as the ED Card is valid for a single entry.
Official Aruba ED Card Fee Breakdown
The fee structure for the Aruba ED Card is as follows:
Base fee: $20 per person. This is the standard government fee for processing the ED Card. It applies equally to adults, children, and infants. There are no discounts for age, group size, or nationality.
No hidden charges on the official portal. When you apply through edcardaruba.aw, the $20 fee is the total amount you pay. There are no processing fees, convenience charges, or additional taxes added at checkout.
Per-trip payment. The $20 fee covers a single trip to Aruba. If you visit Aruba multiple times per year, you must pay $20 for each visit’s ED Card application.
Family cost calculation. For a family of four (two adults and two children), the total ED Card cost is $80 (4 x $20). For a family of five, the cost is $100. Each family member requires their own individual application and payment.
| Travelers | Total ED Card Cost |
|---|---|
| 1 adult | $20 |
| 2 adults | $40 |
| Family of 3 | $60 |
| Family of 4 | $80 |
| Family of 5 | $100 |
Payment Methods Accepted
The official Aruba ED Card portal accepts the following payment methods:
Credit cards. Visa, Mastercard, and American Express are accepted for ED Card payments. Ensure your card has international transaction capability enabled if your card was issued outside Aruba.
Debit cards. Debit cards with online payment functionality (typically those bearing a Visa or Mastercard logo) are accepted. Contact your bank before traveling to confirm your debit card works for international online payments.
Prepaid cards. Some prepaid credit cards may work for ED Card payments, but this depends on the card issuer. Cards that require registration for online purchases may need to be activated first.
Not accepted. The official portal generally does not accept PayPal, bank transfers, cash, cryptocurrency, or mobile payment services like Apple Pay or Google Pay. Credit and debit cards remain the primary payment methods.
International transaction fees. If your card was issued in a country outside the US or Aruba, your bank may charge an international transaction fee (typically 1-3% of the purchase amount). This fee is charged by your bank, not by the ED Card portal. Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees for your Aruba trip expenses.
Third-Party Service Costs – What to Avoid
Numerous third-party websites offer to process Aruba ED Card applications at significantly higher prices:
Typical third-party fees: $45-$70. These unofficial services charge 2-3 times the official fee for the same document. They position themselves as “expedited” or “concierge” services but deliver the same ED Card available for $20 on the official portal.
How to identify unofficial sites. Third-party sites often appear in search engine results alongside the official portal. Look for the official domain (edcardaruba.aw) and avoid sites with different domain names or those that charge fees above $20.
Risks of using third-party services:
- Higher cost with no additional benefit
- Potential mishandling of personal information
- Delayed processing compared to direct applications
- No guaranteed refund if the application is denied
- Possible data security concerns
Official portal advantage. Applying directly through edcardaruba.aw ensures you pay only the government fee, your personal data is handled securely by Aruba’s immigration department, and you have direct access to application status and support.
Cost Comparison with Other Caribbean Destinations
Understanding how the Aruba ED Card cost compares to similar entry requirements in other Caribbean destinations provides helpful context:
| Destination | Entry Document | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Aruba | ED Card | $20 |
| Bahamas | Health Travel Visa | $40-$60 |
| Jamaica | C5 Form | Free |
| Dominican Republic | Tourist Card | Included in ticket |
| Cuba | Tourist Visa | $50-$100 |
| Barbados | ED Form | Free |
The Aruba ED Card fee of $20 is moderate compared to other Caribbean destinations. While some islands offer free entry forms, others charge significantly more for their entry documentation.
Additional Travel Costs to Budget For
While the ED Card itself costs $20, travelers should budget for these related expenses:
Airport taxes. Aruba’s airport departure tax is typically included in your airline ticket price. Verify this with your airline to avoid surprise charges at the airport.
Tourist levy. Aruba may charge a small environmental or tourist levy, which is usually included in hotel bills. Check with your accommodation for any additional charges.
Travel insurance. While not mandatory, travel insurance is strongly recommended for Aruba trips. Costs vary based on coverage level and trip duration, typically ranging from $30-$100 for a week-long trip.
Customs declarations. There is no fee for Aruba customs declarations, but you should be aware of duty-free limits and restricted items to avoid fines.
For the complete overview of the Aruba ED Card, including application process and requirements, visit our Aruba ED Card complete guide. For step-by-step application instructions, see our application guide.
Refund and Cancellation Policy
Understanding the refund policy for the Aruba ED Card fee is important:
No refund after submission. Once your ED Card application has been submitted and the $20 fee has been paid, refunds are generally not available. The fee covers the processing of your application regardless of the outcome.
Denied applications. If your application is denied, the $20 fee is typically not refunded. However, you may contact the ED Card support team through the official portal to discuss your specific situation.
Trip cancellation. If you cancel your trip to Aruba after submitting your ED Card, the fee is not refundable. The ED Card is valid for a specific travel period, and unused cards cannot be transferred or credited.
Duplicate payments. If you accidentally pay twice for the same application, contact the ED Card support team immediately. Duplicate payment refunds are processed on a case-by-case basis.
Cost-Saving Tips for the Aruba ED Card
Follow these tips to minimize your ED Card expenses:
Use the official portal. Always apply through edcardaruba.aw to pay only the $20 government fee. Third-party sites charge $45-$70 for the same service.
Use a no-foreign-transaction-fee card. If your bank charges international transaction fees, use a credit card that waives these fees for purchases abroad. This saves 1-3% on the ED Card payment and all your Aruba expenses.
Apply early. While early application does not reduce the fee, it prevents the need for last-minute applications through expensive third-party services when time is short.
Budget per person. Remember that the $20 fee applies to each traveler, including children. Calculate the total cost for your entire travel group before applying.
Avoid unofficial “expedited” services. No legitimate service can expedite the Aruba ED Card processing beyond what the official portal offers. Paying extra for “priority processing” through third-party sites is unnecessary.
Processing Time and Its Impact on Cost
While the standard Aruba ED Card fee remains $20 regardless of processing time, understanding the timeline helps you avoid additional costs:
Standard processing (free): 24-72 hours. This is the normal processing time included in the $20 fee.
Peak season consideration. During busy travel periods, processing may take up to 5 business days. Plan ahead to avoid needing expensive last-minute alternatives.
No paid expedited option. The official Aruba ED Card portal does not offer a paid expedited processing option. All applications are processed in the order they are received.
For details on processing timelines, visit our Aruba ED Card processing time guide.
FAQ
How much does the Aruba ED Card cost?
The Aruba ED Card costs $20 per person through the official portal at edcardaruba.aw. This fee applies to all travelers including adults, children, and infants.
Is there a discount for children or families?
No, the $20 fee applies equally to all travelers regardless of age. Each family member, including infants, requires their own ED Card at $20 each.
Why do some websites charge more than $20 for the Aruba ED Card?
Third-party websites charge additional service fees (typically $25-$50 extra) for processing the ED Card on your behalf. These sites are not affiliated with the Aruba government. Always use the official portal edcardaruba.aw to pay only $20.
Can I pay for the Aruba ED Card in cash?
No, the ED Card fee must be paid by credit or debit card through the online portal. Cash, bank transfers, and other offline payment methods are not accepted.
Is the ED Card fee refundable if my trip is cancelled?
No, the $20 fee is non-refundable once the application has been submitted. The fee covers processing costs and is not returned even if you cancel your trip or your application is denied.
Do I need to pay the ED Card fee every time I visit Aruba?
Yes, the ED Card is valid for a single entry only. Each time you visit Aruba, you need to submit a new application and pay the $20 fee.
Are there any hidden fees beyond the $20 ED Card cost?
No, when using the official edcardaruba.aw portal, $20 is the total cost. However, your bank may charge a small international transaction fee (1-3%) if your card was issued outside the US or Aruba.
What currency is the Aruba ED Card fee charged in?
The fee is charged in US dollars (USD). If your bank account uses a different currency, your bank will convert the amount at their current exchange rate, which may include a conversion fee.
