ed card aruba

How to fill out your ed card non residents

(ED = Embarkation/Debarkation)

 

 

 

I have seen this question come up several times on many social media pages. Please fear not!! I am here to show you step by step how to fill out your ED Card for entering Aruba. The steps are different if you are a resident than if you are a non-resident (tourist). I will explain in detail with pictures to make this ‘required’ step a breeze!

 
 
 

EVERYONE HAS TO FILL THIS OUT (or have it done for them), ALL HUMANS, ALL AGES, ONE PER PERSON.

 
 
 

The first thing you need to know is this process changes frequently. I will do my very best to keep up to date. Don’t hesitate to comment if there is a change I have overlooked.

 
 
 

As of March 19, 2022, you do not need to upload a negative Covid test or vaccine certificate to enter Aruba. And as of June 12, 2022, you do not need to be tested or show proof of vaccine to re-enter the US. And as of July 8, 2022, you no longer need to purchase the formerly mandatory COVID insurance.

 
 
 
 
 

ED CARD NON-RESIDENTS:

 

 

 

First make sure you are within 7 days of your arrival flight, then go to www.edcardaruba.aw

 
 
ed card aruba
 
 

Here you will choose non-resident.

 
 
 
 
 

Here you will enter your arrival date into Aruba.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Now enter your personal information.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Now enter your home address.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Now your flight information.

 

*This is the flight number that lands in Aruba.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Here you will put in your visiting information. Now at this point make a note of the place you are staying. If it is a chain hotel it won’t be difficult to remember, but if you are at an Airbnb you will want to have the address written on a piece of paper (even just on the back of the papers you are carrying), or easily accessible in your phone. The agent may ask you where you are staying and if not at ‘chain hotel’ they will also want an address.

 

At this point when you hit the next button the screen sometimes looks like it goes back to the start. Just give it a few more seconds and it will move on to the next screen. I have panicked when I saw that in the past and ended up having to start over!

 
 
 
 
 

I am not positive these following questions are still being asked since there is no testing or insurance requirements. I will update this section the next time I fly to Aruba, in a few weeks.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Now you will review your application.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

At this point you should receive your Boarding Qualifier link and green check mark!!

 
 
 
 
 

Another very common question that often comes up is: Do I need travel health insurance coverage while on Aruba?

 
 
 

While no policies are required, I strongly recommend a travel policy for serious injury or possible evacuation. Although, your health policy at home may reimburse you for care outside of the US, you will have to pay before you leave here so an extra policy is completely worth it. There are a few companies to choose from, but we like to use Geo Blue Travel Insurance

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

And now you have received the infamous “Green Check”!!

 
 
 

Remember to print a copy of this. Somewhere on here write the address (or hotel name) you will be staying at while in Aruba.

 

At this point you are approved to board the flight. Keep those printed copies handy as they are checked by the airline agents when you depart and once you arrive in Aruba.

 
 
 
 
 

Also, if you would like to drop your email on my contact page, I would be happy to send you a free copy of my list of ‘Useful tips & hints’ for traveling to Aruba.

 

Don’t worry, I do not sell my email list to anyone.

 
 
 

BON BINI!! WELCOME TO ARUBA!!

For Sale!

Bon dia friends! It has been some time since I have written a post for this website.

 

I am on Aruba and still enjoying all of the wonderful things this island has to offer. But I am realizing that maintaining (and profiting from), a travel blog takes a lot of time. More than I am willing to give right now. With that being said, I am looking to sell my website and domain. If anyone is interested please reach out to me, Donnita, at risercash@gmail.com

 

The website was created using WordPress and I can transfer ownership to the buyer.

 
 
 

An appraisal tells me it is worth $1,100.00. I would really just like to get out of it what I have invested, which is about $500. The domain expires next month, so ideally would like to transfer ownership asap. I hate to see all of my work go to waste. And even with little effort recently, Google says I am doing well. Happy to share SEO info with anyone seriously interested.

 

Off to the beach! Pasa bon dia!

aruba caribbean sea

All-inclusive-or-à-la-carte

Until the end of time people will disagree on this subject. What is better? Staying in an all inclusive resort or staying in a hotel, condo or villa and paying for things as you go?

There are so many factors involved to come to this decision. Having traveled to many places around the world over the past 31 years, we have tried both options many times.

When we were young and just started traveling, we tended to lean towards all inclusive options.

 

But as we evolved into more seasoned travelers, we wanted to get out of that bubble and see more of what our destinations had to offer. Once you become a more confident traveler you will potentially feel that way as well. Or maybe not! Our palettes enhance as we get to try new and unique foods. Some of us even become self proclaimed ‘foodies’. I will never forget being at a Sandals (AI) in the buffet line and having the gentleman next to me explain kefta to me. I was so young and had never tried Mediterranean food. I was blown away! Now it is one of my fav’s! There are some really delicious Mediterranean restaurants to try on Aruba. We LOVE Sultan and the Habibi Express Food Truck!

aruba caribbean sea

We began staying in hotels without the AI option so we could spread our wings and try anything we wanted. And traded in our frozen fruities for wine and ‘tried’ to be adventurous. Still young but learning, we did ok.

 

Then we became tired of having to get ‘dolled up’ for dinner every night. (Mind you, this was 15-20 years ago when there were strict dress codes at many places.) We decided to try our first ‘villa’ in the early 2000’s and it was on a trip to Aruba. We actually saw an ad for it in the Aruba Today newspaper while laying at Renaissance Beach (then called Sonesta). Talk about throwback!

 

Needless to say, we loved it! We still went out to our favorite places, but also had a kitchen. I love to cook so we really saved a ton by doing some grocery shopping and throwing in a few home cooked meals as well as ‘much less expensive albeit the same’ wine at home. It was somewhere around this time we stopped checking luggage. We needed so much less when staying at more casual accommodations! I also made room for some essential seasonings in my carry-on for in room meal prep. We began doing this on all of our trips, not just Aruba, and it worked very well for us.

 

Then once you become a repeat traveler to the same destination, multiple times a year, you begin to make local friends. Now you aren’t just cooking in your room and going out here and there. You are having barbecues and pool parties with your new island family. A few years go by and maybe you make the leap to own property on Aruba like we did.

 

Now it feels like we are coming full circle, as friends and family come from the States to visit and want to try our best restaurants. So we are back out there trying those places, old and new, and making new favorites that are off the beaten path.

 
 

Aruba is one place we never did an all inclusive because there are so many fantastic restaurants with world class chefs ready to wow us. But that doesn’t mean that is for you! You have to go with what is comfortable for you and let your own experiences evolve you. Everyone has an opinion and none of them are wrong. Enjoy our beautiful island and all it has to offer. That is one of the many things that makes Aruba soooooo great. There is truly something for everyone!

 
 

If you are looking for a place to stay, check out my ‘Places to stay’ page. Of course I do not list them all, but many of the major hotels to give you an idea of location.

 

A very popular place to stay on Aruba is the Holiday Inn. It is located right on Palm Beach within a short walk to a lot of restaurants and shops. While it is not the most fancy of resorts, you really get a lot of bang for your buck here. There are various inclusive packages or you can just book the room. It is free to sign up for the IHG Rewards program, and in return you get a discount on your stay!

 

Click on this link for pricing and package options.

 

Or check out Hotels.com for pricing on other hotels or villa rentals.

 

Current promo, get up to $100 cash rebate on certain stays!

If you are looking for a condo type setup, my friend has a 2 bedroom on Eagle Beach for rent. Here is the link.

 

You have a large party? Another friend has a 5 bedroom, Bali inspired home just minutes from Palm Beach. Here is the website. www.villabahati.com

 

If you prefer to stay closer to downtown and centrally located on the island, yet another friend, has a super cute 1 bedroom AirBnB just about a mile from the airport. Have a look at her place here.

 

Give me a shout out if you book with any of my friend’s places. I don’t get a commission but would love to share with them if someone books through my page!

 
 
 

A good local resource for condo/apartment rentals is Aruba Happy Rentals. Take a look!

Ready to take the plunge and buy? Go to the BEST real estate company on Aruba here.

If you plan to go the villa/apartment route, depending on location, you will want a car. Here are a couple links to

 

help with that. Dollar Rent A Car has 25% off if you prepay with this link. And Thrifty has 15% off if you prepay and use this link.

 
 

*I do receive a small commission from my affiliates when you use the links provided here. There is no extra cost to you! For more info read my affiliate disclaimer below.

 

Masha danki! For your support!

 

Also check out my other posts:

 

What to Pack and Step by Step instructions for filling out your ED Card and much more!

 
 
 

Affiliate Disclaimer

Update-~-what-to-pack

I decided to repost this article since it is a VERY commonly asked question. I have made a few updates and added some more links with deals I am able to pass on to you at no extra cost. I do receive compensation for some of the items you purchase from my links, but it does not cost you anything extra. If you would like to read my affiliate disclaimer, it is at the bottom of the page.

Thank you, I really appreciate your support.

For many of you it may be your first time visiting Aruba. Packing for your trip can be a very daunting task. Aruba is extremely diverse and you can make the trip as fancy or casual as you wish.
 

If you wish to have dinner at fancy restaurants and plan to frequent casinos or night spots, you will want to bring some dressier clothes. For men just a nice pair of shorts and a shirt with a collar works. (Long pants if you wish but not necessary. Most local men do wear long pants in the evenings.)

 

For women anything from nice shorts to skirts to sundresses will suffice. You will want to bear in mind that if you are going to be in the casinos for any length of time, they tend to keep the air conditioning on frigid, so a light cardigan or jacket would be a good idea.

 

If you want to keep things more casual and dine at more of the outdoor establishments you can certainly get away with shorts, T-shirts or tank tops. Of course swimsuits are a must, and you will see every style imaginable, so wear what makes you comfortable. Nudity is not allowed on the beaches in Aruba therefore be sure to bring plenty of swimwear.

 

Also, with that being said, it is frowned upon to wear your swimwear in public places outside of the beach or beach bars. So while walking around in town and shopping it is best to have some type of cover-up or regular clothing on over your swimwear. And the guys should not go shirtless.

 
 
 

The weather in Aruba is quite consistent. Daytime highs in the low to mid 80s Fahrenheit and nighttime lows in the upper 70s Fahrenheit. There is almost always a constant breeze. Typically anywhere from 10 to 20 mph. The only exceptions to this are during the fall months if there is an active hurricane season to the north. Then the winds will die down on Aruba and it will feel more hot and humid than normal. Aruba is outside of the hurricane belt though, so have no fear! November and December are also considered the rainy season but most years the rains are short lived and you will not find it interrupting your vacation. I will say, if you tend to ‘chill’ easily in the evening you might wish to have a light cardigan or long sleeve shirt. If you are sunburned the breeze can feel cool. And speaking of that breeze, it’s really a ‘beach hair don’t care’ kind of attitude, so bringing a ton of hair tools and products is really a waste of your time and space. But be sure to bring those hair ties or headbands though!

 
 
 

Over my many years of traveling I have found it is best to bring clothes that are interchangeable so you can mix and match and wear things a couple times. I know that between casual wear, swimwear and evening wear, I am often changing three times a day, so anything you wear can likely be worn again. Just rearrange and change up your accessories and no one will notice, promise. We have done several 7-10 day vacations with just our roll aboard carry-on bags and personal item. (And still return home with items we never wore!) But by all means, check a bag if you must. Do keep in mind, if you are checking a bag and making multiple connections, there is always a chance your luggage will get lost or delayed. I definitely recommend packing at least 1 change of warm weather clothes, 1 swimsuit and one pair of sandals in your carry on, (and anything else you cannot live without for a day or two), just in case.

 
 
 

Here is a list of items that I recommend to bring for a one week stay.

 

Ladies:

 

  • 3- casual shorts

  • 3- nicer shorts or skirts

  • 3-6 mix of tanks from casual to nice

  • 2- shirts with sleeves (short or long or one of each)

  • 1- light cardigan (You will probably need it on the plane anyway.)

  • 1- Pair of jeans or dress pants (I just use the ones I wear on the plane)

  • 2-3 sun dresses (If you love wearing dresses more than not, add a couple more and leave the dress shorts behind.)

  • Undies for each day (Plus a couple extras in case you get stranded!)

  • Bras- your choice, but I would love to recommend a GREAT adhesive bra called Brassy Bra! Click here to see how they work and order today! They are strapless, backless and waterproof! Also, fun fact, the CEO and creator of this great product is my friend and lives right here on Aruba!! She has given me a special discount code just for you!

Enter arubaislander at check out for 20% off your order.

 

  • 4-5 swimsuits- I also like to mix and match tops and bottoms for a different look everyday with only a few suits.

  • 1-2 swimsuit coverups

  • Sleepwear (everyone is different)

  • 2- sandals

  • 1- dress shoe or sandal

  • 1- sneaker (if you plan to walk or hike) Don’t forget the socks!

  • 1- pair of water shoes if you plan to explore or snorkel – Use code FEB10OFF for 10% off your order.

  • Some mix and match, casual jewelry.

  • Makeup-optional

 
 

Gents:

 

  • 3- casual shorts

  • 2-3 nicer shorts

  • 6- shirts (A combo of tank tops and T-shirts.)

  • 1-2 shirts with collar (Short or long sleeve.) Of course, if you plan to dine at fine restaurants and go to the casinos every night might need a few more.

  • 1- pair of long pants, totally optional

  • Undies for each day

  • 4- swim trunks (Or speedos if that is your thing.)

  • Sleepwear – up to you

  • 2- pair of shoes (sandals or other)

  • 1- pair of sneakers (if you plan to walk or hike) Don’t forget the socks!

  • 1- pair of water shoes if you plan to explore or snorkel – Use code FEB10OFF for 10% off your order.

  • Jewelry optional

 
 
 
 

Both:

 

  • Necessary toiletries (If you are doing carryon only, all of your liquids must fit in bottles 3.4oz or smaller which must all fit in 1 quart sized ziploc bag per person.)

 
 

  • If you bring sunscreen from home just make sure it is “Reef Safe”. Aruba has banned all sunscreens that contain ‘oxybenzone’. A great locally made sunscreen from Aruba Aloe can be found here: They also carry a line of shampoo, conditioner and other products and can be bought once you arrive or ordered online and delivered to your accommodations. But if you wish to bring your own check out Sun Bum here (for travel sizes) or here (for full sizes). Or Ocean Potion fits the criteria as well. If you prefer to cover up, have a look at these UV protective shirts.

 
 

Some other helpful things to bring:

 

  • Sunglasses – you cannot beat a nice pair of Costa sunglasses specifically made for use on the ocean or beach. By using the link provided, you will get free carbon neutral shipping.

  • Towel clips (for keeping your towel attached to your chair in the wind) ok these are adorable

  • Insulated mug (for keeping those drinks cold in the heat) LOVE my YETI!

  • Beer bottle koozies (If you drink the local beer they are small, so unless you have smaller ones maybe wait to buy when you arrive. They make a nice souvenir and easy to pack for your return home.

  • Reusable straws (Aruba has banned plastic therefore only paper straws are given out. And let me tell you, they do not hold up well.) Our fav’s: I like metal and he likes silicone so this set covers us both and then some!!

  • A dry bag if you plan to be on the water with your electronics. This style would be perfect for your days on the beach.

  • Beach chair safe bag (for leaving your wallet or phones at your beach chair while taking a dip).

  • Reusable grocery bags (grocery stores make you provide your own or you can buy one at the market to take home as a souvenir). Can also double as a beach bag.

  • Travel sized bug spray.

  • Baseball hat or large brimmed hat.

  • A small first aide kit is never a bad idea.

  • We love music so we always travel with a small Bluetooth speaker. And it’s waterproof!

  • An underwater camera if you are an avid snorkeler or diver.

  • Chargers for your devices, a portable one is also nice to keep the tunes going at the beach. We love this portable charger.

And of course, remember your passport and paperwork! I have a step by step guide for filling out your ED Card for entry to Aruba. Get the details HERE.

 
 
 

Also, if you would like to drop your email on my contact page, I would be happy to send you a free copy of my list of ‘Useful tips & hints’ for traveling to Aruba.

 

Don’t worry, I do not sell my email list to anyone.

 
 
 
 
 

BON BINI!! WELCOME TO ARUBA!!

Aruba ed card

2021 High Season

Sorry for my hiatus! We took a short vacation to the British Virgin Islands. It is so great to see all the islands making a recovery and getting their economies back on track! Obviously things are not yet back to normal, but with Aruba being outside of the hurricane belt, they are given the advantage of an ability to ‘shift’ their high season into the later part of the year as restrictions are eased and COVID cases are becoming less and less.

As of yesterday Aruba has 28 active COVID cases and 56,500 people have had both their first and second shot of the vaccine, and 10, 113 people have had their first shot thus far. Currently there is no curfew and the use of masks is no longer obligatory, (unless required by the establishment).

Entry testing is still required for everyone over the age of 14 (unless you are a resident). And visitor insurance is still required at $30 per person ages 15-75 and $10 per person ages 0-14. This covers you for the duration of your stay should you test positive while on Aruba. To read the details of coverage click here.

I would expect Aruba to have a ‘late’ high season this year and next season we anticipate a lot of traffic. If you are planning a trip in the next year you should think about starting to make reservations for flights, hotels, dinners, rental cars and excursions sooner than later. I have this link for hotels.com that will give you up to 25% off on selected stays on certain weeks

If you need a car use this link for up to 15% off if you prepay. Valid until Sep 26, 2021 with Dollar Rent A Car. Or get a free single upgrade with National if you use this link and book by July 31, 2021. If you want a no fuss pick up right at the airport you can check prices with Alamo here.

Everyone is excited to get back to traveling and seeing beautiful places all around the world. Why not make Aruba your first stop?

alamo beach aruba
caribbean sea

Amazon is a great place to stock up on any supplies you need for your trip, like reef-safe sunscreen, towel clips, bluetooth speakers, and much, much more! Click here to get right to it!! Need a tumbler for your beach drinks? Can’t beat a YETI! Click here to get yours.

Be sure to read my other posts – What to Pack, To Rent a Car or Not, Money, Local Artisans, Filling out your ED card (step by step) and more!

 
 

Fill out my contact page and get a free guide to more than 25 tips & hints!

 
 

See my affiliate disclaimer here.