Do You Need a Passport for Aruba? Entry Requirements Explained

Yes, US citizens need a valid passport to travel to Aruba. Aruba is not US territory, it is a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, so a passport is required at the border just like any international trip.

The good news is that entry is straightforward for most travelers. No visa is required for US, Canadian, or EU citizens visiting for tourism, and the main pre-travel step beyond your passport is completing the Aruba ED card online before you fly. Here is everything you need in one place.

Passport Requirements for Aruba

Your passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay. Aruba does not technically require six months of remaining validity beyond your departure date, but the standard travel advice is to have at least six months left on your passport anyway. Airlines may refuse to board you with less, and you do not want a last-minute passport renewal to derail your trip.

If your passport is close to expiring, renew it before you book. US passport renewals in 2026 can take several weeks or longer during busy season, so give yourself time.

• Passport must be valid for the full length of your stay
• Recommended: at least 6 months of validity beyond your travel dates
• Children also need their own passport (see below)
• Passport cards are not accepted for air travel

Do You Need a Visa for Aruba?

No visa is required for tourists from the United States, Canada, or the European Union. US citizens can stay up to 30 days without a visa, with extensions possible up to 90 days. Canadian citizens are also admitted visa-free, with stays of up to 90 days in a 180-day period. EU passport holders are similarly exempt from visa requirements for short tourism stays.

Aruba is one of the easier Caribbean destinations for entry paperwork. You will not need to apply for anything in advance except the ED card, which is covered below.

The Aruba ED Card: Required Before You Fly

Every traveler entering Aruba, including children, must complete an Embarkation/Disembarkation (ED) card online before arrival. This replaced the old paper card you used to fill out on the plane, and it now also collects the island's mandatory sustainability fee.

You can submit it up to 7 days (168 hours) before your arrival. Do not submit it more than 7 days out or the form will not be valid and you will need to redo it. The best window is 1 to 3 days before you fly.

What the ED Card Costs

The ED card form itself is free to fill out. However, there is a mandatory $20 USD sustainability fee for all air travelers ages 8 and older. The fee is charged once per passport per calendar year. If you visit twice in the same calendar year, you will still need to complete the ED card for your second trip but the $20 is not charged again.

Where to Complete the ED Card

The only official site is edcardaruba.aw. Many copycat websites appear in search results and charge extra service fees for doing nothing more than submitting the same form. Always use the .aw domain. See our full ED card guide for step-by-step instructions.

Other Entry Requirements

Beyond your passport and ED card, you will need a few more things ready when you land.

• Return or onward ticket: You must have a confirmed ticket showing you are leaving Aruba. A one-way arrival ticket without an exit booking will raise flags at immigration.
• Proof of accommodation: A hotel reservation, rental booking, or a letter from someone you are staying with. Print it or have it on your phone.
• Sufficient funds: Immigration officers can ask you to demonstrate you have enough money to support yourself during your stay. Having a credit card and some cash covers this.

Do Kids Need a Passport for Aruba?

Yes. Every traveler, regardless of age, needs their own valid passport to enter Aruba. There are no exceptions for infants or young children traveling on a parent's passport. Apply for your child's passport well in advance since child passport applications can take as long as adult ones, and expediting adds cost.

Children also need to be included on the ED card before travel. You can add multiple family members to a single submission.

US Preclearance: Clear US Customs Before You Leave Aruba

One of the underrated perks of flying home from Aruba is US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) preclearance at Queen Beatrix International Airport. Aruba has a US preclearance facility, which means you go through US passport control and customs before boarding your return flight, not after landing at home.

When your plane lands at a US airport, you walk straight out like a domestic passenger. No customs lines, no baggage claim delay for inspections. It is a genuine time saver, especially if you are connecting to another flight.

Because of preclearance, you should plan to arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before your departure. The US CBP facility adds time to the check-in process. In 2026, Aruba also introduced a biometric facial scan option for US-bound travelers, so Global Entry and Mobile Passport Control users can move through faster.

What to Do Before You Leave for Aruba

Here is a quick checklist to make sure you are covered on the entry side before your trip.

• Check your passport expiration date and confirm you have at least 6 months of validity
• Get passports for every traveler in your group, including young children
• Complete the ED card at edcardaruba.aw within 7 days of arrival and pay the $20 sustainability fee
• Have your return flight booking and hotel reservation saved and accessible
• Arrive at the airport 3 hours before your US-bound departure to allow for preclearance

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a passport card to travel to Aruba?

No. Passport cards are only valid for land and sea crossings into the US from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean. They are not accepted for international air travel. You need a full passport book.

Do I need a visa to visit Aruba?

No. US, Canadian, and EU citizens do not need a visa for tourist stays. US citizens can stay up to 30 days without a visa, with the ability to extend. Canadian and EU citizens can stay up to 90 days.

Is Aruba part of the US or a US territory?

No. Aruba is a constituent country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. It is not a US territory. That is why a passport is required for entry, unlike Puerto Rico or the US Virgin Islands where US citizens can travel on a driver's license.

What is the $20 Aruba travel fee?

It is a sustainability fee charged to all air travelers ages 8 and older, introduced in July 2024. It is paid as part of the ED card application at edcardaruba.aw. The fee is per person, per year, so if you visit twice in the same calendar year the second trip does not charge it again.

How early should I arrive at the Aruba airport for a US flight?

At least 3 hours before departure. US-bound flights require going through the CBP preclearance facility, which adds time. See the Aruba airport guide for more on what to expect when you get there.

Entry to Aruba is genuinely simple once you know what to bring. Passport in hand, ED card completed a day or two before you fly, and a return ticket ready to show, and you will be through immigration without any friction. From there, the only thing between you and the beach is a short taxi ride. Check out our packing guide and 3-day itinerary to make sure the rest of your trip planning is just as locked in.