Andorra
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Risk level(s)
Risk level(s)
Andorra - Exercise normal security precautions
There is no nationwide advisory in effect for Andorra. Exercise normal security precautions.
Safety and security
Safety and security
Crime
The crime rate is low. Exercise normal safety precautions and ensure that your personal belongings and passports and other travel documents are secured at all times.
Terrorism
On November 21, 2016, the U.S. Department of State issued a Travel Alert for Europe, alerting U.S. citizens to the “heightened risk of terrorist attacks throughout Europe, particularly during the holiday season” and advising them to “exercise vigilance when attending large holiday events, visiting tourist sites, using public transportation, and frequenting places of worship, restaurants, hotels, etc.”
There is a threat of terrorism in Europe. Terrorist attacks have occurred in a number of European cities and there is a potential for other violent incidents, which could target areas frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.
Road safety
There are no major highways. Narrow, winding mountain roads pose risks year-round and may be impassable in winter.
Renseignements généraux en matière de sécurité
Dial 112 for mountain rescue.
Entry/exit requirements
Entry/exit requirements
It is the sole prerogative of every country or territory to determine who is allowed to enter or exit. Canadian consular officials cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet entry or exit requirements. The following information has been obtained from the Andorran authorities and is subject to change at any time. The country- or territory-specific entry/exit requirements are provided on this page for information purposes only. While every effort is made to provide accurate information, information contained here is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, express or implied. The Government of Canada assumes no responsibility, and shall not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided. It is your responsibility to check with the Embassy of the Principality of Andorra based in New York, New York (U.S.A.) for up-to-date information.
Andorra is landlocked and does not have an airport, so you must enter Andorra through France or Spain. You will, therefore, be required to meet entry/exit requirements for France or Spain, as well as any Schengen visa requirements. For more information, contact the Embassy of France or the Embassy of Spain directly.
Official (special and diplomatic) passport holders must consult the Official Travel page, as they may be subject to different entry requirements.
Passport
To visit Andorra, Canadians must present a passport at any of the border control points along Andorra’s borders with France and Spain. Ensure your travel documents are valid for entry and re-entry into the country through which you wish to transit. Prior to travelling, ask your transportation company about its requirements related to passport validity, which may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.
Temporary passport holders may be subject to different entry requirements. Check with diplomatic representatives for up-to-date information.
Visas
Tourist visa: not required
Business visa: not required
Student visa: not required for stays up to 90 days
Andorra is not a member of the Schengen area. If you require a visa to enter the Schengen area and are planning to travel to Andorra, ensure you are in possession of a multiple-entry visa. Holders of a single-entry visa will face delays and may be refused re-entry when trying to return to France or Spain.
Children and travel
Children need special documentation to visit certain countries. See Children for more information.
Yellow fever
See Health to obtain information on this country’s vaccination requirements.
Health
Health
- Measles: Global Update - July 28, 2016 00:00 EDT
Vaccines
Routine Vaccines
Be sure that your routine vaccines are up-to-date regardless of your travel destination.
Vaccines to Consider
You may be at risk for these vaccine-preventable diseases while travelling in this country. Talk to your travel health provider about which ones are right for you.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a disease of the liver spread through blood or other bodily fluids. Travellers who may be exposed (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) should get vaccinated.
Influenza
Seasonal influenza occurs worldwide. The flu season usually runs from November to April in the northern hemisphere, between April and October in the southern hemisphere and year round in the tropics. Influenza (flu) is caused by a virus spread from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Get the flu shot.
Measles
Measles is a highly contagious viral disease and is common in most parts of the world. Be sure your measles vaccination is up-to-date regardless of your travel destination.
Yellow Fever Vaccination
Yellow fever is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.
Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.
| * It is important to note that country entry requirements may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements. | |
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Food/Water
Food and Water-borne Diseases
Travellers to any destination in the world can develop travellers' diarrhea from consuming contaminated water or food.
In some areas in Southern Europe, food and water can also carry diseases like hepatitis A. Practise safe food and water precautions while travelling in Southern Europe. When in doubt, remember…boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
Insects
Insects and Illness
In some areas in Southern Europe, certain insects carry and spread diseases like Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, leishmaniasis, Lyme disease, tick-borne encephalitis and West Nile virus.
Travellers are advised to take precautions against bites.
Malaria
Malaria
There is no risk of malaria in this country.
Animals
Animals and Illness
Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats. Some infections found in Southern Europe, like rabies, can be shared between humans and animals.
Person-to-Person
Person-to-Person Infections
Crowded conditions can increase your risk of certain illnesses. Remember to wash your hands often and practice proper cough and sneeze etiquette to avoid colds, the flu and other illnesses.
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV are spread through blood and bodily fluids; practise safer sex.
Medical services and facilities
Good medical care is widely available.
Keep in Mind...
The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.
Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a travel health kit, especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.
Laws and culture
Laws & culture
You are subject to local laws. See Arrest and detention for more information.
Canada and Andorra are signatories to the Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons (Council of Europe). This enables a Canadian imprisoned in Andorra to request a transfer to a Canadian prison to complete a sentence. The transfer requires the agreement of both Canadian and Andorran authorities.
Dual citizenship
Dual citizenship is not legally recognized in Andorra. If local authorities consider you an Andorran citizen, they may refuse to grant you access to Canadian consular services, thereby preventing Canadian consular officials from providing you with those services. You should always travel using your valid Canadian passport and present yourself as Canadian to foreign authorities at all times to minimize this risk. You may also need to carry and present an Andorran passport for legal reasons, for example to enter and exit the country (see Entry/exit requirements to determine passport requirements). Citizenship is determined solely by national laws, and the decision to recognize dual citizenship rests completely with the country in which you are located when seeking consular assistance. See Travelling as a dual citizen for more information.
Illegal drugs
Andorran authorities practise zero tolerance with respect to possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs. Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are strict. Convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines.
Driving
An International Driving Permit is recommended.
Seat belt use is mandatory, as is the use of car seats for infants and children under the age of 10 who are less than 1.5 metres tall. Children under 10 years of age are not allowed to sit in the front passenger seat of a car.
The use of cellphones while driving is prohibited, unless they are fitted with a hands-free device.
Vehicles must be equipped for emergency situations with: two red warning triangles that you must place in front of and behind the vehicle in case of accident or breakdown; a reflective jacket that you must wear when leaving a vehicle that is stranded or involved in a highway accident; and a spare tire and full set of spare light bulbs, plus the tools to change them. Drivers who fail to comply with these laws may be subject to on-the-spot fines.
Penalties for drinking and driving are strict. The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.05 percent. Convicted offenders can expect heavy fines or jail, and could have their driver’s licence confiscated immediately.
Customs
Andorra is not a member of the European Union (EU); purchases of duty-free tobacco, liquor and luxury goods are subject to taxes and duties when re-entering EU countries. France and Spain apply strict rules on the amount of tobacco imported from Andorra for personal use. Contact the Embassy of the Principality of Andorra for specific information regarding customs requirements.
Money
The currency of Andorra is the euro (EUR).
When crossing one of the external border control points of the European Union (EU), you must make a declaration to customs upon entry or exit if you have at least €10,000 or the equivalent in other currencies. The sum can be in cash, cheques, money orders, traveller’s cheques or any other convertible assets. This does not apply if you are travelling within the EU or in transit to a non-EU country. For more information on the EU legislation and links to EU country sites, visit the European Commission’s cash controls.
Natural disasters and climate
Natural disasters & climate
The weather in mountainous areas is highly unpredictable and avalanches present a risk. If you are planning on mountaineering or a skiing holiday, consult Ski Andorra for information on weather and safety conditions. Take note of the coordinates for the Embassy of Canada to Spain in Madrid, in the event of an emergency.
Assistance
Assistance
Local services
Emergency services
In case of emergency, dial:
- police: 110
- medical assistance: 116
- firefighters: 118
Consular assistance
There is no resident Canadian government office in Andorra. You can obtain consular assistance and further consular information from the embassy of Canada in Madrid, Spain.
Madrid - Embassy of Canada
For emergency consular assistance, call the embassy of Canada in Madrid, Spain and follow the instructions. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.
The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. The Government of Canada takes the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provides credible and timely information in its Travel Advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad. In the event of a large-scale emergency, every effort will be made to provide assistance. However, there may be constraints that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide services.
See Large-scale emergencies abroad for more information.