Andorra travel guide
About Andorra
Tucked away in the eastern Pyrenees, the tiny Principality of Andorra is a land of narrow valleys and mountainous landscapes that’s popular for skiing and trekking. Its pretty villages and hamlets – dotted along the main road that traverses the country – are filled with Romanesque churches and houses, built in a unique, local style and preserved through the country’s seclusion.
Tracing its roots back to Ancient Greek times and Polybius’ mention of Iberian Andosinos, Andorra is not short of history. Tradition has it that Charlemagne rewarded the Andorrans for fending off the Moors by granting them a charter. It’s this peculiar independence, somehow enduring over the ages against successive threats, that has allowed Andorra’s beautiful architecture to remain so unspoiled.
Liberal snowfalls and an undulating chunk of the Pyrenees make for great skiing conditions; those who love wintersports will find some of Europe's best pistes here. Politicians and royalty of Spain choose Andorra’s white peaks for their skiing holidays – and prices are certainly geared towards the well heeled. During milder spells, Andorra also offers excellent hiking conditions, with sweeping valleys, challenging ascents and charming vistas.
The diminutive nation is administered from the capital city, Andorra la Vella, with two ‘Co-Princes’ as joint heads of states: the President of France and Bishop of Urgell in Catalonia, a tradition that dates back to the 13th century. The capital might not be to everybody's taste (think chock-a-block traffic barging between more shops than could possibly be required), but just a brief distance away lie some rural gems.
Villages such as Pal, a medieval settlement with an 11th century church, are well worth visiting. The Iron Route – by foot or bus – is also popular, taking visitors around the old town of Ordino. Andorra sees an incredible 10 million visitors a year, but wander off the beaten track and you’ll find many secluded Pyrenean spots to call your own.
Key facts
467.8 sq km (180.6 sq miles).
69,165 (UN estimate 2016).
183.3 per sq km.
Andorra la Vella.
Principality under the suzerainty of the President of France and the Spanish Bishop of Seu d'Urgell.
Co-heads Joan Enric Vives i Sicilia (Bishop of la Seu d'Urgell) since 2003.
Prime Minister Xavier Espot Zamora since 2023.
Travel Advice
Before you travel
No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to:
- see general advice for women travellers
- read our guide on disability and travel abroad
- see general advice for LGBT+ travellers
- read about safety for solo and independent travel
- see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad
All travel to Andorra is through France or Spain. Check the France travel advice or Spain travel advice before you travel for updates that may affect your journey.
Travel insurance
If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.
About FCDO travel advice
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.
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This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of the current rules for the most common types of travel.
The authorities in Andorra set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Andorra Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Travelling through France or Spain
You must travel through France or Spain to enter Andorra. Check the entry requirements for France or Spain before you travel.
Passport validity requirements
To travel to Andorra, you must follow the Schengen area passport requirements. Andorra is not in the Schengen area, but you must travel through a Schengen area country to reach Andorra, either France or Spain.
Your passport must:
- have a ‘date of issue’ less than 10 years before the date you arrive – if you renewed your passport before 1 October 2018, it may have a date of issue that is more than 10 years ago
- have an ‘expiry date’ at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave the Schengen area
Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.
You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.
Visa requirements
Check visa requirements in France travel advice or Spain travel advice, as you’ll travel through one of those countries to reach Andorra. You do not need a visa to enter Andorra.
The Andorran Ministry of Foreign Affairs has further information on entering Andorra.
To stay longer than 3 months, you must go in person to the Andorran immigration department to apply for a work or residence permit (in Catalan).
Travelling with children
Single parents or other adults travelling alone with children should bring a copy of any custody documents or written authorisation from the other parent.
Vaccine requirements
For details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Andorra guide.
Registering with the police
Hotels and tourist apartments must register the names of all overnight guests with the police. You must provide your passport details.
Customs rules
There are strict rules about goods that can be brought into and taken out of Andorra. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.
Andorra is not a member of the EU. You may have to pay taxes and duties on tobacco, liquor and luxury goods when you re-enter France and Spain.
France and Spain have strict rules on the amount of tobacco exported from Andorra for personal use. Customs officers may impound excess amounts of tobacco and the vehicle transporting it.
Terrorism
There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.
UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.
Terrorism in Andorra
Although there’s no recent history of terrorism in Andorra, attacks cannot be ruled out.
Crime
Protecting your belongings
Street crime is rare, but you should:
- take care of your personal belongings
- not keep money and valuables all in one place
- keep a copy of your passport somewhere safe
Drink and food spiking
Be aware of the possible use of ‘date rape’ and other drugs including GHB and liquid ecstasy. Buy your own drinks and always keep sight of them to make sure they are not spiked.
Laws and cultural differences
Alcohol laws
It is illegal to drink alcohol in the street.
Illegal drugs
Andorra has a zero-tolerance policy on the possession and use of illegal drugs. Punishment for possession of even the smallest amount of illegal drugs can include refusal of entry, expulsion from the country, fines and prison sentences.
LGBT+ travellers
Andorra is a generally tolerant place for LGBT+ travellers. Same-sex marriage is legal in Andorra. Transgender people can register under their preferred sex in public documents without undergoing prior gender reassignment surgery.
Read advice for LGBT+ travellers.
Outdoor activities and adventure tourism
Skiing
If you plan to ski in Andorra, before you travel check:
- weather conditions
- safety advice, including protecting yourself against avalanches
For information, see:
Transport risks
Road travel
If you are planning to drive in Andorra, see information on driving abroad and check the rules of the road in the RAC’s Andorra guide. The guide lists driving regulations and other legal requirements you need to be aware of.
You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Andorra. If you still have a paper driving licence, you may need to update it to a photocard licence or get the correct version of the international driving permit (IDP) as well.
Hire car companies often have stricter requirements for their customers, such as a year of driving experience, a higher minimum age and holding an IDP.
Andorra has stricter drink-driving laws than many other countries, including the UK. You can get a fine of up to 600 euros and a 2-month driving ban. The Andorra authorities can also impound your vehicle.
Check if you need a UK sticker to drive your car outside the UK.
From 1 November to 15 May, you must use winter tyres or carry snow chains in Andorra. You can get a fine if you do not. Winter tyres have a snowflake icon on the wall of the tyre.
Before you travel check that:
- your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
- you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation
This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.
Emergency medical number
Dial 116 and ask for an ambulance.
Contact your insurance or medical assistance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.
Vaccine recommendations and health risks
At least 8 weeks before your trip:
- check the latest vaccine recommendations for Andorra
- see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page
See what health risks you’ll face in Andorra.
Altitude sickness is a risk in parts of Andorra. Read more about altitude sickness on TravelHealthPro.
Medication
The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.
Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.
Healthcare in Andorra
‘Visit Andorra’ has a list of medical centres and pharmacies.
Health insurance cards
The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) and Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) are not valid in Andorra. Take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling.
Travel and mental health
Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.
Emergency services in Andorra
Ambulance: 116
Fire: 118
Police: 110
Mountain rescue: 112
Contact your travel provider and insurer
Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.
Refunds and changes to travel
For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.
Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:
- where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider
- how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim
Support from FCDO
FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:
- finding English-speaking lawyers in Andorra
- dealing with a death in Andorra
- if you’re arrested abroad
- getting help if you’re a victim of crime
- what to do if you’re in hospital
- if you’re affected by a crisis, such as a terrorist attack
Contacting FCDO
Help abroad
See how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency.
Help in the UK
You can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.
Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)
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