The consequences of global warming have driven words like “eco-friendliness”, “regeneration” and “environmental responsibility” to dominate the tourism market. In fact, the 2024 WTM Global Travel Report, created alongside Tourism Economics (a subsidiary of Oxford Economics), highlights the rising demand for sustainable travel. From the Caribbean to Fiji, many governments and companies now prioritize this issue.
Aruba, for example, introduced a Sustainability Fee in 2024 for all air visitors. Beyond understanding that its purpose is to support the island’s wellbeing and longevity, what essential details must we all know about this new charge? Read on for more information.
What is Aruba’s Sustainability Fee?
This yearly fee is individual and aims to pave the way for a greener destination. Credits: Toa Heftiba/Unsplash
Aruba’s Sustainability Fee is a tax introduced by Aruba Water Sustainable Solutions (AWSS), a local company managing this place’s wastewater treatment facilities. Its goal is to fund infrastructure optimization, preserve the natural heritage, and pave the way to create a greener destination. In the future, it aims to support new infrastructure projects.
Some sources state that Aruba’s Sustainability Fee took effect on July 1st of last year, while others claim that it began on December 1st. Regardless, the $20 charge is now active and applies to all air passengers visiting this Caribbean destination. According to the Aruba Tourism Authority, it specifically finances the AWSS and will remain permanent (though future changes are possible). Thus, it should not be confused with the $3 environmental tax the government administers.
Aruba ED Card, What is Needed to Enter Aruba?
Who should and should not pay this fee
As we mentioned before, Aruba’s Sustainability Fee targets all adventurers arriving by plane at the Queen Beatrix International Airport, the only one on the island. While the main release frequently names the aforementioned profile, those who reach the constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands via any of its ports (such as cruise ship passengers) must also pay.
On another note, some individuals do not need to make this payment. Below is the complete list as shown on the official website of the Aruba Tourism Authority:
- “Residents who are registered with the Aruba Census”.
- “Children under eight years old”.
- “Visitors who arrive in Aruba and leave for another destination outside Aruba on the same day”.
- “Crew members of airplanes or ships, if they are entering Aruba on their employer’s behalf for their regular duties”.
- “Visitors who return to Aruba one or more times within the same calendar year”. This means that, if you are a frequent traveler to this destination, you only need to pay the $20 once per calendar year, which starts on January 1st and ends on December 31st.
- “Former Aruban residents who can demonstrate that they are pursuing education at a foreign educational institution and have been non-residents for no longer than eight years prior to their arrival. Students will need to contact AWSS for reimbursement until a database is created to exempt them”.
Aruba flights? Look no further, here’s all you need to know
How to pay Aruba’s Sustainability Fee
People can only pay this fee with a credit card. Credits: Clay Banks/Unsplash
Aruba’s Sustainability Fee is individual and included in the online payment processing fee required to complete the Embarkation and Disembarkation (ED) Card form, which is mandatory for everyone wishing to enter the country. As per official data, travelers cannot pay in cash; they must use a credit card (Visa, Mastercard, Discover) or other electronic payment methods. The interested party must complete this process before checking in with the chosen airline, as it is the only way to obtain the “authorization to travel”.
With this tariff, Aruba joins the growing list of countries seeking new ways to use the tourism industry to improve their infrastructure and offer better services for both locals and travelers worldwide.
Now that you know all the key points about this topic, you are one step closer to enjoying Aruba’s beauty. For luxury accommodations, we recommend Ocean Z Boutique Hotel, located in the Noord neighborhood. Click on the button below to learn more about its suites and restaurant:
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