Aruba ED Card for Families – Traveling with Children

Do Families Need an Aruba ED Card?

Yes, every family member traveling to Aruba must have their own approved ED Card, including infants and toddlers. The Aruba ED Card is a mandatory embarkation and disembarkation document required for all visitors entering Aruba, regardless of age. This means a family of four needs four separate applications, each costing $20.

The good news is that the application process for families is straightforward. You can submit all applications from a single account on the official portal at edcardaruba.aw. For a complete overview of the ED Card system, see our complete ED Card guide.

How to Apply for the ED Card as a Family

Follow these steps to complete ED Card applications for your entire family:

Step 1: Create one account. Go to edcardaruba.aw and register with a single email address. This account will manage all family applications, making it easier to track status and download confirmations.

Step 2: Start the first application. Click “New Application” and fill in the primary applicant’s information. This is typically one parent or the trip organizer. Enter personal details, travel information, and accommodation details exactly as they appear on the passport.

Step 3: Submit additional applications. After completing the first application, return to your dashboard and start a new application for each remaining family member. You will need passport details for every person, including children.

Step 4: Enter child-specific information. For minors, you will need:
– The child’s full legal name as shown on their passport
– Date of birth
– Passport number (even infants need a passport for international travel)
– Nationality
– The same travel and accommodation details as the primary applicant

Step 5: Pay for all applications. Each application requires a $20 payment. You can pay for them one at a time using a credit or debit card. For detailed fee information, visit our ED Card requirements page.

Step 6: Save all confirmations. After payment, each family member will receive their own confirmation email with a unique QR code. Save all QR codes to your phone and print physical copies as backups.

For step-by-step application instructions, see our ED Card application process guide.

Required Documents for Families

Each family member needs the following for their ED Card application:

For adults:
– Valid passport (must be valid for at least 6 months beyond departure)
– Flight details (airline, flight number, arrival date)
– Accommodation name and address in Aruba
– Credit or debit card for the $20 fee

For children and infants:
– Valid passport in the child’s name
– Same flight details as accompanying adults
– Same accommodation information
– $20 fee per child (no reduced rate for minors)

Important: Even newborns need their own passport and ED Card. If your child does not yet have a passport, apply for one well before your Aruba trip. The ED Card application cannot be completed without a valid passport number.

ED Card Fee for Families

The Aruba ED Card costs $20 per person with no family discounts or group rates. Here is what a typical family can expect to pay:

Payment is made by credit or debit card (Visa, Mastercard, or American Express) during the online application. Each application is paid separately, even when submitted from the same account.

While $20 per person may seem like an additional expense, the ED Card replaces the old paper immigration forms and streamlines the arrival process. Combined with Aruba’s efficient immigration system, families typically clear customs faster with pre-approved ED Cards.

Processing Time for Family Applications

Most ED Card applications are approved within 24-72 hours after submission. However, families should consider the following:

Apply early. Submit all family applications at least 72 hours before your flight. During peak travel season (December through April, and summer months), processing may take longer due to high volume.

Apply together. Submit all family applications on the same day to ensure they are processed around the same time. This reduces the risk of some family members being approved while others are still pending.

Check status regularly. Log into your edcardaruba.aw account to monitor the status of each application. If one application is taking longer than others, do not panic – processing times can vary slightly between applications.

Peak season buffer. For travel during holidays or school breaks, apply 1-2 weeks in advance. This gives you time to resolve any issues without stress. For more details on processing timelines, see our ED Card for US Citizens guide.

Tips for a Smooth Family Application

Gather all passports first. Before starting any applications, collect every family member’s passport. Having all documents ready prevents interruptions and reduces the chance of errors.

Use a desktop computer. Filling out multiple applications is easier on a larger screen. The portal works on mobile, but a computer makes it simpler to switch between applications and verify information.

Double-check child passport numbers. The most common error in family applications is entering the wrong passport number for children. Children’s passport numbers are different from their parents’, and typos here can cause application delays.

Keep a family document sheet. Create a simple document with all family members’ passport numbers, dates of birth, and nationality. This makes filling out multiple applications much faster.

Save QR codes in one place. After all applications are approved, save every family member’s QR code to a single folder on your phone. You will need to present each QR code at check-in and immigration.

Print backup copies. Phone batteries die, internet connections fail, and screens crack. Print all QR codes and keep them in your carry-on bag as a backup.

Coordinate with your travel agent. If you booked through a travel agent, they can help submit ED Card applications for the entire group. Provide them with all passport details and confirm they have submitted applications for every traveler.

Common Questions About ED Card and Families