Europe

• Travel Summary
• Safety and security
• Local laws and customs
• Entry requirements

• Health
• General
 

Travel Summary

• There is an underlying threat from terrorism. Attacks, although unlikely, could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.
  
  
• Andorra is not a Member of the European Union and therefore EU reciprocal medical arrangements do not apply.
  
  
• Around 25,000 British nationals visit Andorra every year (Source: Tour Operators).  Most visits are trouble-free. The main types of incident for which British nationals required consular assistance in Andorra in 2008/09 were: replacing lost and stolen passports; and dealing with deaths.
  
  
• Visitors to ski resorts should take advice on weather and avalanche conditions before they travel and throughout their visit (see: http://www.ski.andorra.com and http://www.avalanches.org. See the General (Winter Sports) section of this Travel Advice.
  
  
• We recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling.  See the General (Insurance) section of this Travel Advice.

Safety and security

Terrorism

There is an underlying threat from terrorism.  Attacks, although unlikely, could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.  For more general information see terrorism abroad.

Crime

Street crime is almost unknown.  However, you should take the usual precautions of taking care of passports and money.

For more general information see victims of crime abroad.

Road travel

It is a legal requirement for motorists travelling to or transiting Andorra to carry two red warning triangles to be placed, in the event of an accident or breakdown, in front of and behind the vehicle.  In addition, drivers must have a spare pair of spectacles (if needed for driving), a spare wheel, and a full set of spare bulbs plus the tools to change them.  If at any time you have to leave your vehicle due to accident or breakdown, or whilst awaiting the arrival of the emergency services, it is obligatory to wear a reflective jacket.  Failure to do so could result in a heavy fine.

Also, carry a certificate of insurance in case you are stopped. If you have a car hire and have purchased the insurance, you should be given documentation. If you are using your home insurance, carry your certificate with you at all times. Keep in mind that this is generally only good for a stay of shorter than three months. If you are staying longer, contact your insurance broker.

Andorra has stricter drink driving laws than many other countries. The legal limit is 0.05%. They are serious about drink driving and have strict penalties, such as heavy fines, loss of license and imprisonment.

Seat belts are required for front seat passengers. No children under the age of ten should be in the front seat. Andorra also has laws requiring small children to be in an approved child safety seat. Your hire car agency can provide a seat for you, just let them know at the time you reserve the car.

Talking on mobile phones when driving is forbidden by Andorran law. You can talk with a completely hands-free unit.

Political Situation

Country Profile: Andorra

Local laws and customs

Andorra has strict rules on public drunkenness and the possession and use of illegal drugs and applies zero tolerance. Andorra is not a member of the European Union and purchases of duty free tobacco, liquor and luxury goods are subject to taxes and duties on re-entering European Union countries.  France and Spain apply strict rules on the amount of tobacco exported from Andorra for personal use (300 cigarettes/400gms pipe tobacco/75 cigars). Amounts in excess of this can be impounded as can the vehicle in which they are transported.

For more general information for different types of travellers see your trip.

Entry requirements

Visas

British nationals do not need a visa to visit Andorra.

Staying for longer than three months

As a non-EU country, British citizens who wish to stay in Andorra for longer than three months must apply for a work or residence permit through local immigration services.

Passport validity

There is no minimum passport validity requirement for visiting Andorra.  You should ensure that your passport is valid for the duration of your visit.

Travelling with children

Single parents or other adults travelling alone with children should be aware that some countries require documentary evidence of parental responsibility before allowing lone parents to enter the country or, in some cases, before permitting the children to leave the country.

Health

The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), which has now replaced the E111 form, does not provide health cover in Andorra. It is therefore essential that you have comprehensive travel and medical insurance cover from a 'Bona Fide' company that is valid for travel to NON-EU countries. Skiers and those persons participating in sports such as rafting should ensure that their insurance policy covers this activity. For more general information see EHIC. You should be aware that, on rare occasions, the consumption of alcohol combined with low temperatures and high altitude can be fatal. You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. For more general information on how to do this see HIV and AIDS.

You should seek medical advice before travelling to Andorra and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up to date.  For further information on vaccination requirements, health outbreaks and general disease protection and prevention you should visit the websites of the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) and NHS Scotland's Fit For Travel or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47. For more general information see travel health. 

General

Registration

Register with our LOCATE service to tell us when and where you are travelling abroad or where you live abroad so our consular and crisis staff can provide better assistance to you in an emergency.

It is essential that you have comprehensive travel and medical insurance cover.  You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake.   For more general information see travel insurance. If things do go wrong

when you are overseas then this is When Things Go Wrong.
 

Winter sports

If you are planning a skiing holiday it is advisable to contact the Andorran Foreign Ministry for advice on safety and weather conditions before travelling.   They can be contacted at:

Carrer Prat de la Creu, 62-64 de Andorra la Vella.

Tel:  +376 875 700

Or visit:  http://www.andorraonline.ad
 
You should be aware that off-piste skiing is highly dangerous.  All safety instructions should be followed meticulously given the dangers of avalanches in some areas.  Further information can be found at the following websites: http://www.avalanches.org http://www.ski.andorra.com http://www.goski.com/weather/

If an accident occurs whilst mountaineering, canyoning, potholing or climbing, or if you become lost in the mountains or other areas requiring mountain rescue, you can reach the Emergency Services at the following telephone numbers:

118- Ambulance/Fire Brigade
110-Police
112-Mountain Rescue
116-Medical Emergency Service

Contact Details

British Consulate-General

Edifico Torre de Barcelona
Avenida Diagonal 477 - 13
08036 Barcelona

Telephone: (34) 933 666 200
Facsimile:  (34) 933 666 221

Email: Barcelona.Consulate@fco.gov.uk
Website: http://ukinspain.fco.gov.uk/en

Office hours: GMT Mon Fri 07:30 - 12:30
Local Time: Mon   Fri 08:30 - 13:30