Grenada Makes ED Card Mandatory for All Arrivals
Grenada's new digital ED Card replaces paper immigration forms, cutting arrival times and streamlining processes for travelers entering the Caribbean island.
The Spice Isle is modernising its borders. If you’re planning a trip to Grenada in the Caribbean, say goodbye to paper immigration forms handed out on the plane. The Grenadian government has taken a major step forward in digitising its customs processes with the official launch of its online Embarkation/Disembarkation (ED Card) platform.
What is the ED Card?
The Embarkation/Disembarkation (ED) Card is now a 100% digital requirement for all travellers entering Grenada, fully replacing traditional paper forms. The aim, shared by the Grenada Tourism Authority (GTA) and the government, is clear: significantly reduce wait times at the island’s two airports and cruise ports, while smoothing out peak-season flows.
Concrete benefits for travellers include:
Advance processing: Everything can be handled from home, on phone or computer.
Fast-track entry: Immigration officers already have your information on arrival, speeding up passport checks.
Fewer errors: No more handwriting issues on paper forms.
How and when to submit your ED Card
While the process is straightforward, having your travel details ready is essential. Follow these key rules to stay compliant:
Timing: Authorities recommend completing the ED Card at least 72 hours before arrival—or no later than just before departure from your originating airport. Avoid filling it in on the plane; you’ll need a stable internet connection.
Submission portal: Complete and submit the form via the official government website: edcard.gov.gd
Prerequisites: Prepare your passport (valid per your nationality’s requirements), flight details (number and origin), and your island hotel or residence address.
Pro tip: Although your data is transmitted digitally to Grenada’s immigration service, always save a screenshot of the QR code or confirmation email on your phone. Airline staff may ask for this proof even before you board in Europe or during a North American stopover.
Why are the Caribbean islands going digital?
This change is part of a broader trend. Speaking at launch, Grenada’s Minister of Tourism and Culture, Adrian Thomas, said, "introducing this platform delivers a practical, forward-looking improvement. [...] As visitor arrivals grow, efficient processing at our entry points becomes increasingly vital." Stacey Liburd, CEO of the GTA, agrees, noting that modern travellers expect seamless experiences. "A smooth arrival sets the tone for a visitor’s entire stay," she remarked.
A digital embarkation/disembarkation card is becoming common across Caribbean islands, driven by surging visitor numbers and a push to ease immigration bottlenecks. This requirement already applies to destinations such as Sint Maarten/Saint-Martin.
Worried about visas and entry rules? Most nationalities can travel visa-free for a set period—European and US citizens, for example, can stay up to three months without a visa. However, citizens of some Asian and African countries must obtain a visa in advance through a Grenadian diplomatic mission.
Planning a business or leisure trip to the Caribbean? Double-check your passport validity and any transit visas (such as ESTA for US stops). Need help with travel formalities? Our team is on hand—browse our catalogue at visamundi.co.
En tant que chargée de relation client, mes missions sont la gestion et le suivi des demandes de visas. Je reste informée des actualités concernant les nouvelles formalités de voyage ainsi que les spécificités des nouveaux visas.