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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

Area:

467.8 sq km (180.6 sq miles).

Population:

69,165 (UN estimate 2016).

Population density:

183.3 per sq km.

Capital:

Andorra la Vella.

Government:

Principality under the suzerainty of the President of France and the Spanish Bishop of Seu d'Urgell.

Head of state:

Co-heads Joan Enric Vives i Sicilia (Bishop of la Seu d'Urgell) since 2003.

Head of government:

Prime Minister Xavier Espot Zamora since 2023.

Travel Advice

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help British nationals make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide as well as support for British nationals abroad which includes:

advice on preparing for travel abroad and reducing risks
information for women, LGBT+ and disabled travellers

Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. You can also sign up to get email notifications when this advice is updated.

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.

This advice reflects the UK government’s understanding of current rules for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK, 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.

COVID-19 rules

Countries may restrict travel or bring in rules at short notice. Check with your travel provider for changes.

If you test positive for COVID-19, you may need to stay where you are until you test negative. You may also need to get treatment there.

Read TravelHealthPro’s general COVID-19 advice for travellers.

Travel to Andorra

There are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for passengers entering Andorra.

Passport validity requirements

If you are travelling to an EU country (except Ireland), or Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino or Vatican City, you must follow the Schengen area passport requirements.

Your passport must:

have a ‘date of issue’ less than 10 years before the date you arrive. Passports issued after 1 October 2018 are now valid for only 10 years, but for passports issued before 1 October 2018, extra months may have been added if you renewed a passport early
have an ‘expiry date’ at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave

Although Andorra is not in the Schengen area, all travel to Andorra is through France or Spain. Contact the embassy of the country you are travelling through to reach Andorra if you think that your passport does not meet both these requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

Check with your transport provider or travel company that your passport and other travel documents meet their requirements.

Travellers who arrive without a valid travel document, or a passport that has previously been reported lost or stolen, will be denied entry to Andorra.

Visa requirements

British nationals do not need a visa to visit Andorra. However, all travel to Andorra is through France or Spain. See FDCO’s travel advice for France and Spain, and information on visas from the Andorra Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

If you wish to stay in Andorra longer than 3 months, you must apply for a work or residence permit, in person in Andorra, through the Andorran government immigration department (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 of the other parent.

Vaccination requirements (other than COVID-19)

At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the vaccinations and certificates you need in TravelHealthPro’s Andorra guide.

Accommodation

You will have to provide your passport details during your stay. Hotels and tourist apartments must register the names of all overnight guests with the police.

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. You should remain vigilant 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

Terrorist attacks in Andorra 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 photocopy or scanned 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 and bans

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.

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 Ski Andorra, Visit Andorra and European Avalanche Warning Services.

Read preparing for winter sports abroad.

Transport risks

Road travel

If you are planning to drive in Andorra, see information on driving abroad and read the RAC Andorra guide.

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.

Licences and permits

You need either an international driving permit (IDP) or a valid UK driving licence to drive in Andorra as a tourist. You cannot buy an IDP outside the UK, so get one before you travel. You can buy an IDP in person from some UK post offices – find your nearest post office branch that offers this service.

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 promptly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Vaccinations and health risks

At least 8 weeks before your trip check:

the latest information on vaccinations and health risks in TravelHealthPro’s Andorra guide
where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page

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.

The NHS has information on whether you can take your medicine abroad.

Healthcare facilities in Andorra

You can view a list of medical centres and pharmacies on Visit Andorra.

COVID-19 healthcare in Andorra

Read information on COVID-19 measures from Andorra visitor information .

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, funeral directors and translators and interpreters 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

Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. You can also sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.

Help abroad in an emergency

If you are in Andorra and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the British consulate in Barcelona who provide consular assistance for Andorra.

You can also contact FCDO online.

FCDO in London

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)

Find out about call charges.