Andorra la Vella Entry Requirements

Visa, immigration, and customs information

Andorra la Vella, the capital of the Principality of Andorra, is a unique microstate nestled in the Pyrenees mountains between France and Spain. As Andorra is not part of the European Union or the Schengen Area, entry requirements differ from its neighboring countries. However, since Andorra has no airport or railway station of its own, all visitors must enter through either France or Spain, which means travelers must meet the entry requirements for one of these countries first before entering Andorra. The immigration process for Andorra is relatively straightforward for most nationalities. Andorra does not issue its own visas, so entry is generally permitted for those who hold valid Schengen visas or who are visa-exempt for the Schengen Area. Border controls exist at the road crossings from France and Spain, though checks may vary in intensity. Visitors should be prepared to show their passport, proof of accommodation, and evidence of sufficient funds for their stay. Before planning your trip to Andorra la Vella, it's essential to understand that your journey involves at least two countries. You'll need to ensure you meet the entry requirements for either France or Spain (whichever you're transiting through) as well as Andorra itself. Most tourists can stay in Andorra for up to 90 days within a 180-day period, though this is tied to your Schengen Area stay limits. Always verify current requirements with official sources, as regulations can change.

Visa Requirements

Entry permissions vary by nationality. Find your category below.

Andorra does not issue its own visas. Entry requirements are based on whether you can legally enter France or Spain (both Schengen countries). If you hold a valid Schengen visa or are visa-exempt for the Schengen Area, you can generally enter Andorra.

Visa-Free Entry

Up to 90 days within a 180-day period

Citizens of these countries can enter Andorra without a visa, provided they can legally enter France or Spain

Includes

United States Canada United Kingdom Australia New Zealand Japan South Korea Singapore All EU/EEA member states Switzerland Norway Iceland Brazil Argentina Chile Mexico Israel United Arab Emirates Malaysia

Passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond intended departure date from the Schengen Area. You must also meet Schengen Area entry requirements, including having a valid Schengen visa if required for France/Spain transit.

Electronic Travel Authorization (ETIAS)

Multiple entries over 3 years or until passport expires

Starting in 2025, visa-exempt travelers will need ETIAS authorization to enter the Schengen Area (and consequently Andorra)

Includes

United States Canada United Kingdom Australia New Zealand Japan South Korea Singapore and other visa-exempt non-EU countries

How to Apply: Apply online at the official ETIAS website at least 96 hours before travel. Processing is typically within minutes to 72 hours. Authorization is valid for 3 years or until passport expiry.
Cost: Approximately €7 for adults (free for those under 18 or over 70)

ETIAS is required for entering France or Spain, which is necessary to reach Andorra. This is not an Andorra-specific requirement but applies to all Schengen Area entries.

Visa Required

Typically up to 90 days within 180 days, depending on visa issued

Travelers from countries requiring a Schengen visa must obtain one before traveling to Andorra

How to Apply: Apply for a Schengen visa at the French or Spanish embassy/consulate in your country of residence. Indicate Andorra as your destination. Processing typically takes 15-30 days. Apply at least 3-4 weeks before travel.

Countries requiring Schengen visas include China, India, Russia, Turkey, South Africa, Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam, and many others. Your Schengen visa must be valid for France or Spain (your entry country). It's recommended to apply through the embassy of your first point of entry.

Arrival Process

Entry into Andorra la Vella occurs via road border crossings from France or Spain. The main entry points are from France via RN22/CG2 (Pas de la Casa) and from Spain via CG1 (Sant Julià de Lòria). Border controls exist, though the intensity of checks varies. During peak tourist seasons and for customs inspections (especially for goods), expect more thorough checks.

Enter France or Spain

First, you must legally enter either France or Spain through their airports, land borders, or other entry points. Clear immigration and customs in that country according to Schengen Area procedures.

Travel to Andorra Border

Drive or take a bus to one of the Andorran border crossings. The most common routes are from Toulouse (France) via the Pas de la Casa crossing, or from Barcelona (Spain) via the Sant Julià de Lòria crossing.

Border Control Check

At the Andorran border, you may encounter border police who will check your passport and travel documents. Have your passport, accommodation confirmation, and proof of sufficient funds ready. Some travelers may be waved through, while others are stopped for checks.

Customs Declaration

If carrying goods exceeding duty-free allowances or items requiring declaration, proceed to the customs area (marked 'Douane' or 'Aduana'). Andorra has generous duty-free limits as it's a tax haven, but controls exist when leaving to prevent smuggling into France/Spain.

Entry into Andorra la Vella

Once cleared, proceed into Andorra. The capital, Andorra la Vella, is accessible via the main roads (CG1, CG2). No further immigration checks exist within Andorra itself.

Documents to Have Ready

Valid Passport

Must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your intended departure from the Schengen Area. Some nationalities may use national ID cards if EU/EEA citizens.

Schengen Visa (if required)

Must be valid for France or Spain, covering your entire stay period including time in Andorra.

ETIAS Authorization (from 2025)

Electronic authorization for visa-exempt travelers entering the Schengen Area. Keep a copy (digital or printed) accessible.

Proof of Accommodation

Hotel reservation, rental agreement, or invitation letter from host in Andorra. May be requested at border or by French/Spanish immigration.

Proof of Sufficient Funds

Bank statements, credit cards, cash, or traveler's checks demonstrating ability to support yourself during your stay (approximately €100 per day is recommended).

Return/Onward Ticket

Evidence of your intention to leave Andorra/Schengen Area, such as return flight tickets or onward travel bookings.

Travel Insurance

While not always checked, Schengen visa applicants must have insurance with minimum €30,000 coverage. Highly recommended for all travelers.

Tips for Smooth Entry

Keep all travel documents easily accessible in a travel wallet or folder. Border checks can happen unexpectedly, and having documents ready speeds up the process.

Learn basic French or Spanish phrases. While many Andorrans speak Catalan (the official language), French and Spanish are widely understood, especially at border crossings.

Check border wait times during peak seasons (winter ski season and summer). Weekends and holidays can see significant delays, especially at the Spanish border.

Ensure your mobile phone has data roaming or purchase a local SIM card in France/Spain before entering Andorra, as you may need to access booking confirmations or contact accommodations.

If driving, ensure you have all required documents: valid driver's license, vehicle registration, insurance (Green Card), and safety equipment (reflective vests, warning triangles).

Keep receipts for any purchases made in Andorra if you plan to return to France or Spain, as you may need to declare goods and pay duties if exceeding allowances.

Be aware that your Andorra stay counts toward your 90-day Schengen limit, even though Andorra isn't in the Schengen Area. Track your total days carefully.

Customs & Duty-Free

Andorra is famous for its duty-free shopping and favorable tax regime. Customs allowances when entering Andorra are generally generous. However, stricter controls apply when leaving Andorra for France or Spain, as EU customs regulations limit what you can bring back. Be particularly mindful of these limits to avoid fines or confiscation.

Alcohol (entering Andorra)

No strict limits for personal consumption when entering Andorra

Must be 18+ years old. When leaving Andorra for EU countries: 1 liter of spirits over 22% OR 2 liters of fortified wine/sparkling wine, plus 4 liters of wine and 16 liters of beer per person.

Tobacco (entering Andorra)

Generous allowances for personal use when entering

Must be 18+ years old. When leaving Andorra for EU countries: 200 cigarettes OR 100 cigarillos OR 50 cigars OR 250g of tobacco per person. Many travelers purchase tobacco in Andorra but must respect these limits when returning to France/Spain.

Currency

€10,000 or equivalent

Amounts exceeding €10,000 (or equivalent in other currencies) must be declared when entering or leaving Andorra. This applies to cash, checks, traveler's checks, and other negotiable instruments. Failure to declare can result in fines or confiscation.

Gifts/Goods (leaving Andorra to EU)

€300 per person by land/sea (€430 by air)

This is the key limit to remember when shopping in Andorra. Total value of goods purchased in Andorra cannot exceed €300 per person when returning to France or Spain by car. Exceeding this requires payment of duties and VAT. Keep all receipts.

Fuel

Fuel in vehicle tank plus one portable container (max 10 liters)

Fuel is cheaper in Andorra, but you cannot transport large quantities across the border. Only the fuel in your vehicle's tank and one small container are permitted.

Prohibited Items

Illegal drugs and narcotics - Andorra has strict drug laws with severe penalties
Weapons and ammunition - Requires special permits; generally prohibited for tourists
Counterfeit goods - Including fake designer items, pirated media, and counterfeit currency
Endangered species products - Items made from protected animals/plants under CITES regulations
Offensive materials - Pornographic material, hate speech materials, and items promoting violence
Certain food products - Unprocessed meats, dairy products, and plants may be restricted (EU regulations apply when transiting)
Fireworks and explosives - Prohibited without special authorization

Restricted Items

Prescription medications - Bring only amounts for personal use with original packaging and prescriptions. Quantities exceeding 3 months' supply may require documentation
Professional equipment - Cameras, laptops, and other professional gear may require temporary import documentation if of high value
Drones - Subject to restrictions; check current regulations with Andorran aviation authorities before bringing
Cultural artifacts and antiques - May require export permits if over certain age/value thresholds
Large amounts of cash - While legal if declared, amounts over €10,000 require documentation explaining source and purpose
Pets - Require pet passports, microchips, rabies vaccinations, and health certificates (see Special Situations section)

Health Requirements

Andorra has no specific mandatory vaccination requirements for entry for most travelers. However, since you must transit through France or Spain, you should verify any health requirements those countries may have. Andorra has excellent healthcare facilities but services can be expensive for non-residents.

Required Vaccinations

Yellow Fever - Required only if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission (must have valid vaccination certificate). Note: This applies primarily to Schengen entry requirements for France/Spain.

Recommended Vaccinations

Routine vaccinations - Ensure you're up to date on routine vaccines including MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), DPT (diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus), polio, and influenza
Hepatitis A - Recommended for most travelers, especially if visiting rural areas or eating at local establishments
Hepatitis B - Recommended for travelers who may have intimate contact with locals or require medical treatment
Rabies - Consider if planning extensive outdoor activities, hiking, or contact with animals
Tick-borne Encephalitis - Recommended if hiking or camping in forested areas, especially spring through autumn

Health Insurance

Health insurance with coverage in Andorra is strongly recommended and required for Schengen visa applicants (minimum €30,000 coverage including medical evacuation). Andorra has excellent medical facilities but healthcare costs are high for non-residents. EU citizens should bring their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), though it provides limited coverage in Andorra as it's not an EU member. Ensure your policy covers mountain activities if skiing or hiking.

Current Health Requirements: COVID-19 and other pandemic-related requirements change frequently. Check the official Andorran government website (www.govern.ad) and the websites of France and Spain for current health entry requirements. As of late 2024, most COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted, but this can change. Verify testing, vaccination, or quarantine requirements before travel. Consider checking your government's travel advisory for Andorra and the Schengen Area for the latest health and safety information.

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Important Contacts

Essential resources for your trip.

Embassy/Consulate

Andorra has limited diplomatic representation. The French Embassy in Andorra and Spanish Consulate provide services. For your country's representation, contact your embassy in France (Paris) or Spain (Madrid/Barcelona)

French Embassy in Andorra: +376 820 809 | Spanish Consulate: +376 872 700. Check your government's travel advisory website for 24/7 emergency assistance numbers.

Immigration Authority

Ministry of Interior - Immigration Service (Servei d'Immigració): +376 875 700

Official government portal: www.govern.ad (available in Catalan, Spanish, French, and English). For visa questions, contact French or Spanish embassies in your home country.

Emergency Services

Dial 110 for Police, 116 for Medical Emergencies, 118 for Fire Brigade

General emergency number: 112 (works throughout Andorra and connects to appropriate services). English may be limited; French, Spanish, or Catalan preferred. Mountain rescue: 112.

Tourist Information

Andorra Tourism Office: +376 891 189 | Email: info@visitandorra.com

Main tourist office in Andorra la Vella at Plaça de la Rotonda. Provides maps, accommodation assistance, and general travel information. Website: www.visitandorra.com

Customs Information

Andorran Customs (Duana): +376 875 200

For questions about duty-free allowances, prohibited items, and import/export regulations. French Customs: +33 (0)8 11 20 44 44 | Spanish Customs: +34 91 728 95 00

Special Situations

Additional requirements for specific circumstances.

Traveling with Children

Children must have their own passport (valid for at least 3 months beyond departure from Schengen Area). Children under 18 traveling without both parents should carry a notarized letter of consent from the absent parent(s) authorizing travel, along with copies of the parents' passports. This is particularly important for single-parent travel or when traveling with one parent. French and Spanish border authorities may request this documentation. If the child has a different surname from the accompanying adult, bring birth certificates or legal guardianship documents. Unaccompanied minors may face additional scrutiny and should have comprehensive documentation including contact details for parents/guardians and accommodation in Andorra.

Traveling with Pets

Pets entering Andorra must comply with EU pet travel regulations (as applied by France/Spain). Dogs, cats, and ferrets require: (1) ISO-compatible microchip implanted before rabies vaccination, (2) Valid rabies vaccination (at least 21 days old, not expired), (3) EU Pet Passport or official veterinary certificate (Form CANIS), (4) Health certificate issued by licensed veterinarian within 10 days of travel. Dogs must be treated for tapeworm (Echinococcus) 24-120 hours before entry if coming from certain countries. Dangerous dog breeds may face restrictions. Maximum of 5 pets per person for non-commercial travel. Additional requirements apply for birds, rabbits, and other animals. Contact Andorran Ministry of Agriculture (+376 875 700) for specific requirements. Note: Accommodations in Andorra la Vella may have pet policies; verify before booking.

Extended Stays (over 90 days)

Tourist visits to Andorra are limited to 90 days within a 180-day period (tied to Schengen stay limits). For stays exceeding 90 days, you must obtain a residence permit. Options include: (1) Work permit - Requires job offer from Andorran employer who sponsors your application; (2) Passive residence - For financially self-sufficient individuals; requires deposit of €50,000 with Andorran Financial Authority (AFA) plus proof of €300,000 in assets and €40,000 annual income; (3) Active residence for entrepreneurs - Requires establishing business in Andorra with minimum investment; (4) Study permit - For enrollment in recognized Andorran educational institutions. All residence applications must be submitted before your tourist stay expires. Processing takes 2-4 months. Contact the Immigration Service (Servei d'Immigració) at +376 875 700 or email: immigracio@govern.ad. Start the process well in advance as you cannot remain in Andorra while application is pending unless you have authorization.

Business Travel

Business visitors conducting meetings, attending conferences, or negotiating contracts can enter on tourist status (no separate business visa exists for short stays). However, you cannot engage in paid work or establish business operations without proper permits. Bring invitation letters from Andorran companies, conference registration, and proof of business purpose. If conducting business activities exceeding 90 days or establishing commercial presence, you'll need work authorization or business residence permit. Bring business cards, company documentation, and be prepared to explain your business purpose at immigration. Note: Andorra's favorable tax regime attracts many entrepreneurs, but establishing tax residency requires spending 183+ days per year in Andorra and obtaining residence permit.

Students and Academic Travel

Short-term academic visits (conferences, research visits under 90 days) can be conducted on tourist status. Bring documentation from your institution and host organization in Andorra. For degree programs or extended study, you must obtain a student residence permit before arrival or shortly after. Requirements include: acceptance letter from recognized Andorran educational institution, proof of sufficient funds (approximately €10,000 per academic year), health insurance, clean criminal record certificate, and accommodation proof. University of Andorra (Universitat d'Andorra) is the main institution. Apply through the Immigration Service well before your program starts. Student permits are typically valid for one year and renewable. Part-time work may be possible with authorization.

Digital Nomads and Remote Workers

Andorra has become increasingly attractive to digital nomads due to favorable tax rates and quality of life. However, working remotely while on tourist status is legally gray area. For stays under 90 days, many digital nomads enter as tourists, but technically you should not be conducting business activities. For longer stays, consider: (1) Passive residence permit (requires significant financial resources - see Extended Stays), (2) Establishing Andorran company and obtaining work permit (more complex but allows legal remote work), (3) Entrepreneur residence permit if establishing business serving Andorran market. Andorra does not currently offer a specific digital nomad visa like some countries. Ensure you have stable internet (widely available in Andorra la Vella) and verify your accommodation has adequate connectivity. Tax implications can be complex; consult with tax advisor if considering extended stay.

Medical Travel

Andorra has excellent medical facilities and some travelers visit for medical treatment or wellness services. Enter on tourist status if treatment duration is under 90 days. Bring: medical documentation explaining treatment purpose, appointment confirmations from Andorran medical facilities, proof of payment or medical insurance covering treatment costs, and accommodation arrangements during recovery. If treatment exceeds 90 days, consult with Immigration Service about extended stay options. Major medical facilities include Hospital Nostra Senyora de Meritxell in Escaldes-Engordany. Ensure your travel insurance covers medical treatment abroad and medical evacuation if needed. Some travelers also visit Andorra's thermal spas (Caldea) for wellness treatments, which require no special documentation.