Entry Requirements & Visas
New for 2025: No Direct ETIAS for Andorra
Andorra is not part of the Schengen Area or EU, so ETIAS does not apply directly; however, entry requires passing through Spain or France, where ETIAS (€7) will be mandatory for visa-exempt travelers starting mid-2025. The online authorization is valid for three years and takes minutes to obtain, but apply early to align with your Schengen transit.
Passport Requirements
Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure from Andorra, with at least two blank pages for entry stamps from bordering countries.
Children under 18 traveling without parents should carry notarized consent letters to avoid delays at borders.
Visa-Free Countries
Citizens of the EU, US, UK, Canada, Australia, and many others can enter Andorra visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period, provided they have valid access to Spain or France.
Stays longer than 90 days require a residence permit application through Andorran authorities, often tied to work or investment.
Visa Applications
If a Schengen visa is needed for transit through Spain or France, apply at the relevant consulate (€80 fee) with documents including proof of accommodation in Andorra, sufficient funds (€50/day minimum), and return tickets.
Processing typically takes 15 days, but allow up to 45 for peak seasons; Andorra itself issues no separate tourist visas.
Border Crossings
Andorra has land borders only with Spain and France; expect passport checks at these points, but no internal controls within Andorra once entered.
Air travelers fly into Barcelona or Toulouse airports (2-3 hours drive), where Schengen rules apply; buses and shuttles make the journey straightforward.
Travel Insurance
While not mandatory, comprehensive insurance is highly recommended, covering medical evacuations from mountains, ski accidents, and trip disruptions in this remote Pyrenean nation.
Plans from €4/day should include high-altitude coverage; EU citizens can use EHIC cards for basic care but need supplements for full protection.
Extensions Possible
Short extensions for tourism are rare but possible for humanitarian reasons via the Andorran Immigration Department; apply before your 90 days expire with proof of funds and accommodation.
Fees range from €20-50, and approval isn't guaranteed, so plan your itinerary to fit the standard limits.
Money, Budget & Costs
Smart Money Management
Andorra uses the Euro (€) as its de facto currency. For the best exchange rates and lowest fees, use Wise to send money or convert currency - they offer real exchange rates with transparent fees, saving you money compared to traditional banks.
Daily Budget Breakdown
Money-Saving Pro Tips
Book Flights Early
Find the best deals to Barcelona or Toulouse by comparing prices on Trip.com, Expedia, or CheapTickets.
Booking 2-3 months in advance can save you 30-50% on airfare, plus budget for the €20-40 shuttle to Andorra.
Eat Like a Local
Opt for mountain refugios or family-run escudellas (stew) spots for meals under €15, avoiding high-end tourist traps to cut dining costs by 40%.
Stock up on picnic supplies from tax-free supermarkets for affordable hikes and self-catering in apartments.
Public Transport Passes
Andorra has no trains, but get a multi-day bus card for €15-25 covering all valleys, reducing taxi reliance and saving €20+ per trip.
Free hiking shuttles in summer link trailheads, combining transport with outdoor adventures at no extra cost.
Free Attractions
Explore the free Tristaina Lakes trails, Meritxell Sanctuary, and valley viewpoints for authentic Pyrenean experiences without entry fees.
Tax-free shopping windows in Andorra la Vella offer entertainment, but compare prices to ensure real savings on purchases.
Card vs Cash
Cards are accepted in most shops and hotels, but carry €50-100 cash for rural cafes and border buses where fees might apply.
Use ATMs in major towns for withdrawals at interbank rates, avoiding airport exchanges that charge up to 5% premiums.
Ski & Activity Passes
Purchase multi-resort ski passes for €150-200/season instead of daily tickets (€50+), ideal for winter sports enthusiasts visiting multiple areas.
Summer activity bundles for hiking and biking save 20-30% on individual rentals and guides.
Smart Packing for Andorra
Essential Items for Any Season
Clothing Essentials
Layer with thermal base layers, fleece mid-layers, and waterproof shells for Andorra's variable mountain climate, which can shift from sunny to snowy quickly.
Include quick-dry hiking pants and sun hats for summer trails; pack modest clothing for visits to historic churches like Sant Esteve.
Electronics
Bring a European Type C/F adapter for 230V outlets, a rugged power bank for remote hikes, and GPS-enabled devices with offline Pyrenees maps.
Download language apps for Catalan and Spanish; a portable charger is vital for full-day ski or shopping outings without outlets.
Health & Safety
Pack comprehensive travel insurance docs, a high-altitude first-aid kit with altitude sickness meds, personal prescriptions, and high-SPF sunscreen for reflective snow.
Include blister plasters, hydration salts for hikes, and a personal locator beacon for backcountry adventures in the remote valleys.
Travel Gear
A lightweight 30L daypack is essential for trails, along with a reusable insulated bottle for fresh spring water, a compact sleeping bag liner for mountain huts, and euros in small notes.
Secure passport copies in a waterproof pouch and use a neck wallet for tax-free shopping receipts to track VAT refunds.
Footwear Strategy
Invest in waterproof hiking boots with good ankle support for rugged Pyrenean paths like the Sorteny Valley, and crampons for winter snowshoes if venturing off-piste.
Comfortable trail runners suffice for gentler walks in Andorra la Vella, but always pack extra socks to handle wet conditions from mountain streams or sudden rains.
Personal Care
Carry travel-sized biodegradable soaps, moisturizer for dry high-altitude air, and a multi-tool with altitude gauge for outdoor safety.
A compact avalanche transceiver and probe are must-haves for winter backcountry; lip balm with SPF protects against intense UV reflection on snowfields.
When to Visit Andorra
Spring (March-May)
Mild thawing weather of 5-15°C brings blooming alpine meadows and fewer crowds, ideal for early-season hiking in valleys like Incles without summer heat.
Shoulder season means 20-30% lower accommodation rates; watch for late snow in higher elevations requiring microspikes.
Summer (June-August)
Peak warmth of 15-25°C fuels outdoor festivals, mountain biking on Grandvalira trails, and wildflower hikes with long daylight hours.
Expect busier trails and events like the Andorra la Vella music fest; book lifts and guides early for popular routes like Pic de Comapedrosa.
Autumn (September-November)
Cool 5-15°C temps showcase golden larch forests and harvest festivals, with excellent mushroom foraging and uncrowded Romanesque church tours.
Lower prices post-summer; prepare for early frosts with layers, as it's a prime time for photography in the colorful Pyrenees.
Winter (December-February)
Cold -5 to 5°C conditions transform Andorra into a ski haven with world-class resorts like Vallnord, plus festive markets in the capital.
High season crowds and prices, but magical for snowshoeing and après-ski; avalanche awareness is key for off-trail exploration.
Important Travel Information
- Currency: Euro (€) - unofficial but universally used and accepted. No restrictions on imports/exports for tourists.
- Language: Catalan is official, with Spanish, French, and Portuguese widely spoken; English is common in tourist hubs like ski resorts.
- Time Zone: Central European Time (CET), UTC+1 (observes daylight saving)
- Electricity: 230V, 50Hz. Type C/F plugs (European two-pin round)
- Emergency Number: 112 for police, medical, or fire assistance - multilingual operators available
- Tipping: Not customary as service is included; rounding up the bill by €1-2 for good service is appreciated
- Water: Tap water is safe and high-quality from mountain sources; bottled water is inexpensive
- Pharmacies: Available in all parishes; look for "Farmàcia" signs with green crosses for 24-hour options in Andorra la Vella