EU citizens are not required to obtain a visa for short stays in Aruba.1 Whether visiting for tourism or business, EU citizens can appreciate a stay of up to 90 days within 180 days without needing a visa. However, for those planning an extended stay exceeding 90 days, applying for a residence permit is essential. This permit is issued by the Directorate of Alien Integration, Policy, and Admission (DIMAS). A valid reason for the prolonged stay is also required, such as work, study, family, or retirement. Ensure that your purpose aligns with the permitted categories and follow DIMAS’s procedures for a smooth and compliant stay in Aruba.
However, being visa-exempt doesn’t guarantee easy entry into Aruba. You will be denied entry without the necessary electronic embarkation-disembarkation card (ED card).1 This card functions as a permit for all visitors, regardless of whether they are from a country without a visa requirement. Upon arrival in Aruba, it is essential to present both your passport and your Aruba ED card to immigration.
Special Conditions for Entry
Upon arrival to Aruba, the respective authorities have the right to screen and test the traveler for COVID-19 and interview them to determine if they are freely admissible to Aruba under the Immigration laws and applicable health rules and regulations.
Visas for Future offers a convenient processing service to obtain your Aruba ED card. Begin your application now by clicking the button below, and feel free to reach out if you encounter any issues while filling out our form.
What We’re Offering
We offer the Aruba ED Card processing service, and you will receive the ED Card in your inbox within one day. The State Decree of Admittance AB 2009 no. 59 mandates online ED Card approval for all non-resident travelers before boarding.
- Mandatory for all visitors who are staying in Aruba for more than 24 hours.2
- $33 flat fee.
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Requirements and documents that EU citizens need when traveling to Aruba
When entering Aruba, whether holding a visa or not, certain requirements must be met.3
- Valid Passport
The passport must be valid not only upon entry into Aruba but also for the entire duration of the visitor’s stay. Individuals found using false documents may face legal consequences.
- Completed and Approved Embarkation and Disembarkation Card (ED Card)
Before arrival, ensure the proper and timely completion of the required online ED Card, which contains essential details for entry and exit.
- Possession of a Valid Return or Onward Ticket
Travelers must have a confirmed return or onward ticket, indicating their intention to leave Aruba at the end of the authorized stay.
- Documentation for Returning to the Country of Origin or Another Permitted Country
Carry the necessary documents for returning to the country of origin or any other country where entry is permitted. This may include a valid residence permit (temporary or permanent), a re-entry permit, or an entry visa.
- Ability to Prove Accommodation Reservation or Property Ownership in Aruba
Tourists should be ready to show proof of where they’ll stay in Aruba, like a hotel reservation or proof of owning a property (residence, condo, apartment, timeshare, or yacht).
- Ability to Demonstrate Sufficient Financial Means or Possess a Declaration of Guarantee
Tourists need to prove they can afford their stay in Aruba. They can either show they have enough money or get a guarantee from a legal resident of Aruba if asked.
- Health Documentation
Depending on the prevailing health regulations, travelers may need to provide proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test result.
Note: Final admission authorization rests with the immigration officer at the border crossing/port of entry, who may refuse entry if all requirements are not met or if the tourist is blacklisted.
Visa regulation of Aruba for EU citizens
EU citizens are allowed to visit Aruba for a duration of up to 3 months without the need for a visa.4 Aruba, as a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, implements a visa exemption policy for individuals from the European Union. This policy allows EU citizens to stay in Aruba for tourism or business purposes, with a maximum stay of 90 days within a 180-day period, without the requirement of obtaining a visa.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I go to Aruba with a Schengen visa?
Yes, with a valid Schengen visa, you are permitted to travel to Aruba.
Is Aruba a visa-free country?
Yes, Aruba allows visa-free entry for numerous individuals, including EU citizens, particularly for tourism, with stays of up to 180 days.
What documents are needed to enter Aruba?
1. Valid Passport: A passport that is valid for the entire duration of the stay.
2. Embarkation-Disembarkation (ED) Card: While a visa might not be required, EU citizens must complete and carry an Embarkation-Disembarkation (ED) Card, which serves as an entry permit.
3. Proof of Onward Travel: EU citizens are generally required to have a valid return or onward ticket.
4. Financial Means: Travelers might be asked to demonstrate sufficient financial means to cover their stay in Aruba.
5. Health Documentation: Depending on the prevailing health regulations, travelers may need to provide proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test result.
Is it expensive to go to Aruba?
The assessment of whether Aruba is expensive for you relies on your personal travel preferences and budget.
- Aruba Online ED (2024) Edcardaruba.aw, Retrieved January 16, 2024, <https://edcardaruba.aw/> [↩] [↩]
- Aruba Online ED. (2024). Edcardaruba.aw, Retrieved January 16, 2024, <https://edcardaruba.aw/> [↩]
- Aruba Online ED . (2024). Edcardaruba.aw, Retrieved January 16, 2024, <https://edcardaruba.aw/> [↩]
- Aruba Travel Advice. (19 December 2012). Office D, Entry Requirements, GOV.UK, Retrieved January 16, 2024, <https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/aruba/entry-requirements> [↩]
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Written by
Apple Gajes 
Apple is a skilled content writer of Visas For Future who had a bachelor's degree in Education. She does well at producing high-quality visa articles and continuously upgrading her skills by actively engaging herself to various courses and training opportunities. She also contributes to travel forms and visa fulfillment in Turkey and India. Committed to writing exceptional visa articles, she performs real visa orders and provides customer support quarterly to stay abreast of the visa processing process.
Managed by Glen Vidania
Glen Vidania is the Content Manager at Visas for Future, a company that offers online visa services for eco-friendly travelers. He is a certified Content Marketer and an experienced academic writer. He writes and promotes content that is informative, engaging, and relevant to the readers. He had work experience and gained skills in writing articles, data entry, SEO email marketing, and guest posting. He is also an expert in applying for visas for Turkey and India.
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MLA Style
Gajes, Apple. "Do I need a visa to Aruba if I’m an EU citizen?." Visas For Future, https://www.visasforfuture.com/do-i-need-a-visa-to-aruba-if-im-a-eu-citizen/. Accessed on 23 July 2023.
Chicago Style
Gajes, Apple. "Do I need a visa to Aruba if I’m an EU citizen?." Visas For Future. July 23, 2023. https://www.visasforfuture.com/do-i-need-a-visa-to-aruba-if-im-a-eu-citizen/.