Frequently Asked Questions
The Aruba Sustainability Fee helps us care for our island’s wastewater and environment. Here you’ll find clear answers to the most common questions about the fee.
The Aruba Sustainability Fee is a mandatory charge for all non-residents entering Aruba.
It must be paid when completing the Embarkation/Disembarkation (ED) Card (ED Card).
Please make sure to use the correct website:
https://edcardaruba.aw/
No, the fee is generally non-refundable, even if:
- Your travel plans change
- Your trip is canceled
- You don’t use the QR code from your ED Card to enter Aruba
- You change your passport after making the payment
Complete your ED Card as early as possible – up to 6 days before your flight.
If your flight itinerary changes after submission, you’ll need to fill out a new ED Card.
However, if the Sustainability Fee was already paid, the system will recognize your passport number and won’t charge you again.
Duplicate charges
Verified system errors preventing you from claiming an exemption (with valid documentation)
No refunds will be issued if:
- You provided incorrect or incomplete information
- The refund request is submitted more than 60 days after travel
- You ask for a refund to a different credit card
From July 1 to December 6, 2024, payment was technically required but not strictly enforced due to the system rollout.
As of December 6, 2024, the fee is fully mandatory for all travelers except those who qualify for an exemption.
Yes. Starting July 7, 2025, automatic exemptions are being rolled out in phases.
Phase 1 (active):
Travelers who re-enter Aruba within one year of a previous visit are automatically recognized by their passport number during the ED Card process, no payment required.
Please note: Due to issues with the migration of 2024 traveler data, some repeat visitors who traveled in both 2024 and 2025 may not have been automatically exempted. These travelers are eligible for a refund, provided they submit their refund application within the designated timeframe.
Automatic exemptions for native Aruban students living abroad are also now active. Eligible students who wish to be automatically exempted can contact info@awss.aw or refer to the information below to verify if they qualify.
The following travelers are exempt:
- Residents of Aruba
- Children under the age of 8
- Transit passengers staying in Aruba less than 24 hours under a transport agreement
- Travelers returning to Aruba under a transport agreement within 1 year
- Aircraft/vessel crew members on duty
- Repeat travelers re-entering Aruba within 1 year of their last visit
Cruise ship passengers usually do not need to complete an ED Card when visiting Aruba.
Only passengers on vessels that are required to go through Aruba Immigration must complete the ED Card.
If you’re unsure whether this applies to your cruise, please check with your cruise line staff to confirm if your vessel’s passengers are required to go through immigration upon arrival in Aruba.
Not by law, but AWSS grants refunds to eligible medical visitors from:
- The Netherlands
- Curaçao
- Sint Maarten
- Bonaire
- Saba
- Sint Eustatius
Submit proof after arrival, such as:
- Letter from your health insurer confirming the medical purpose of travel
- Doctor’s referral
- Appointment confirmation from a local medical institution
- Travel authorization letter (e.g., SVB, ZVK)
- Hospital admission or outpatient registration
- All requests must include proof of payment and will be verified before approval.
The database exemption for native students living abroad is now live!
Aruban students abroad may apply for an exemption before traveling if they:
- Were registered as Aruba residents within the past 8 years
- Are currently enrolled in a recognized school, college, university, or Higher professional education (MBO or HBO-level) abroad
To apply, email info@awss.aw with:
- Passport copy
- Recent population registry extract (uittreksel bevolkingsregister)
- At least 2 of the following:
- Proof of current enrollment
- Student ID (with visible academic year)
- Recent tuition invoice or payment receipt
- Transcript or grade list
- Signed letter from the institution confirming active enrollment
Exemption is valid for 4 years
New passport? You must reapply
Not registered before travel = no refund, even if eligible
The Sustainability Fee is non-refundable unless a verified system issue or exemption applies
Eligible travelers must register in advance or request a refund after travel with complete documentation
For questions or to submit documents: info@awss.aw
