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Andorra Information

Overview

Almost hidden on the border between France and Spain, the tiny Principality of Andorra is a land of narrow valleys and mountainous landscapes situated in the eastern Pyrenees, bordered by France and Spain.

The country is traversed by a main road which runs roughly north-east to south-west, along which most of the settlements are to be found. Many of these are villages or hamlets with Romanesque churches and houses built in the local style; others, off the main road, are even more unspoilt, and provide spectacular views across the rugged countryside.

Andorra is one of the oldest nations in Europe, originally established by Charlemagne as a buffer state against the Iberian muslims. As a result of the Paretages of 1278 and 1288, control of the country was split between the Spanish Bishop of Urgell and a nominee appointed by the King of France (initially the Count de Foix) and subsequently by the French emperors and presidents. The country was therefore a co-principality, with two heads of state jointly sharing power – the readiness of both sides to compromise allowed this unique arrangement to last intact until the late 20th century.

Although the inhabitants of Andorra were not consulted, they were prepared to accept a deal that guaranteed their security and national integrity. With the exception of a brief period during the Napoleonic Wars, Andorra has retained its independence ever since. The present Andorran constitution, introduced in 1993, formally enshrined Andorra as a principality.

Today, the mainstay of Andorra’s economy is tourism, which accounts for roughly 80% of the principality’s GDP. An estimated 10 million people visit each year, drawn by the winter sports, summer climate and duty-free goods. The banking sector also enjoys a tax-haven status.

Top Things To See & Do

Andorra la Vella, the country’s capital, lies at the junction of two mountain streams. Sights there include a fine 12th-century church and the Casa de la Vall, the ancient seat of government.

Adjoining the capital is the spa town of Escaldes-Engordany, which also has examples of Romanesque architecture. These towns are also the centre of the colourful Andorran local festival in early September, in honour of the Virgin of Meritxell. Approximately 18km (11 miles) from Escaldes-Engordany, off the main road, is the hamlet of El Serrat, which commands a breathtaking view across the mountains. The town of Encamp, between the capital and the French frontier, is also worth a visit.

There are several ski resorts in Andorra, most of which offer good facilities. The main centre is Soldeu. There are also ski centres at Pas de la Casa-Grau Roig, on the French frontier, and at Ordino-Arcalis and Arinsal-Pal, all north of Andorra la Vella. Cross-country skiing is available in the resort of La Rabassa. Further information can be obtained from Ski Andorra (website: www.skiandorra.ad).

Other available activities include horse riding, cycling, tennis, swimming, trout fishing, clay-pigeon shooting, hiking and rock climbing. Football, rugby, basketball, motorbike and car rallies are the most popular spectator sports. Examples of high-level sports amenities include the Gerradells swimming pool and Comú Stadium (Andorra La Vella), the shooting range at La Rabassa (at Sant Juliá de Lória) and the Ice Palace (Canillo).

See Contact Addresses for further tourist information.

Going Out

Food and Drink

Cuisine is mainly Catalan, and generally expensive. Quality and prices in restaurants are similar to those in small French and Spanish resort towns.

Things to know: Alcoholic drinks bought in shops and supermarkets are cheap (Andorra is a duty-free zone), but prices in bars can be high. They do, however, stay open late.

National specialities:
• Coques (flavoured flat cakes).
• Trinxat (a potato and cabbage dish).
• Truites de carreroles (a type of mushroom omelette).
•Local sausages and cheese.
•A variety of pork and ham dishes.

Tipping: Service charges are usually included in the bill. Porters and waiters expect a further 10%.

Nightlife

Andorra’s many bars and hotels provide a variety of evening entertainment. Clubs are open during both summer and winter.

Shopping

There is duty-free shopping for all goods. Petrol, alcohol, cameras and watches can be purchased at low prices. Electrical goods are very good value.

Shopping hours: Mon-Sat 0930-1330 and 1600-2000, Sun 0930-1330 and 1600-1900. Department stores: Mon-Fri 0930-2000, Sat 0930-2100 and Sun 0930-1900.

Climate

Temperate climate with warm summers and cold winters. Rain falls throughout the year.

Required Clothing

Lightweights for the summer and warm mediumweights during winter. Waterproofing is advisable throughout the year.

Public Holidays

Below are listed Public Holidays for the January 2008-December 2009 period.

2008
1 Jan New Year’s Day.
6 Jan Epiphany.
14 Mar Constitution Day. 
21-24 Mar Easter.
1 May Labour Day.
1 May Ascension. 
12 May Whit Monday.
24 Jun St John’s Day.
15 Aug Assumption of the Blessed Virgin.
8 Sep National Day.
1 Nov All Saints’ Day.
4 Nov St Charles’ Day.
8 Dec Immaculate Conception.
24 Dec Christmas Eve.
25-26 Dec Christmas.
31 Dec New Year’s Eve.

2009
1 Jan New Year’s Day.
6 Jan Epiphany.
14 Mar Constitution Day. 
21-24 Mar Easter.
1 May Labour Day.
21 May Ascension. 
1 Jun Whit Monday.
24 Jun St John’s Day.
15 Aug Assumption of the Blessed Virgin.
8 Sep National Day.
1 Nov All Saints’ Day.
4 Nov St Charles’ Day.
8 Dec Immaculate Conception.
24 Dec Christmas Eve.
25-26 Dec Christmas.
31 Dec New Year’s Eve.

Note

In July, August and September, parishes have their own public holidays, during which festivals are held.

Health

Diphtheria

Special Precaution: No

Hepatitis A

Special Precaution: No

Malaria

Special Precaution: No

Rabies

Special Precaution: No

Tetanus

Special Precaution: Yes

Typhoid

Special Precaution: No

Yellow Fever

Special Precaution: No

Health Care

For UK citizens, most health costs are covered by reciprocal health agreements but additional insurance is advised. Other nationals are advised to take out comprehensive travel insurance. Visitors should note that as entry to Andorra is usually through France or Spain, the health regulations of these countries should be complied with.

Further Health Information

We advise you to check health requirements for the country you are traveling to with your GP, practice nurse or travel health clinic as health requirements and vaccinations can change at short notice.

Money

Currency

Although most currencies are accepted, the main currency in circulation is the Euro. Euro (€) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of €500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of €2, 1 and 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cents.

Currency Exchange

Andorran banks and bureaux de change will exchange foreign currency.

Credit/Debit Cards and ATMs

American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are accepted.

Traveller's Cheques

To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take traveller’s cheques in Euros, Pounds Sterling and US Dollars.

Banking Hours

Mon-Fri 0900-1300 and 1500-1700, Sat 0900-1200.

Passport/Visa

British

Passport Required: Yes
Visa Required: No/2
Return Ticket Required: No

Australian

Passport Required: Yes
Visa Required: No/2
Return Ticket Required: Yes

Canadian

Passport Required: Yes
Visa Required: No/2
Return Ticket Required: Yes

USA

Passport Required: Yes
Visa Required: No/2
Return Ticket Required: Yes

Other EU

Passport Required: Yes/1
Visa Required: No/2
Return Ticket Required: No

Passports

Valid passport required by all except:
1. nationals of France and Spain, providing they hold a valid national ID card.

Visas

2. There are no visa requirements for entry into Andorra for stays of up to three months; however, the relevant regulations for France or Spain should be followed, depending on which country is transited to reach Andorra. Andorra is not part of the Schengen area. People entering Europe on a Schengen visa should therefore make sure that their visa entitles them to repeated visits to prevent them from being refused entry to Spain or France following a stay in Andorra. Visitors wishing to have their passport stamped with the Andorran coat of arms should apply to the Sindicat d’Initiativa in the capital.

Contact Addresses

Sindicat d'Iniciativa Oficina de Turisme (Tourist Office)

Carrer Dr Vilanova,13 Edifici Davi, Local C, Andorra la Vella AD500, Andorra
Tel: 820 214.
E-mail: sindicatdiniciativa@andorra.ad

Embassy of the Principality of Andorra in the UK

63 Westover Road, London SW18 2RF, UK
Tel: (020) 8874 4806.
Website: www.andorra.ad
Opening hours: Mon-Sat 0900-1700 (by appointment only).

Permanent Mission of the Principality of Andorra to the United Nations

2 United Nations Plaza, 27th Floor, New York, NY 10017, USA
Tel: (212) 750 8064.
Website: www.andorra.ad

Travel Advice

Warning

Most visits to Andorra are trouble-free but you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate international terrorist attacks, which could be against civilian targets, including places frequented by foreigners.

This advice is based on information provided by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in the UK. It is correct at time of publishing. As the situation can change rapidly, visitors are advised to contact the following organisations for the latest travel advice:

British Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Tel: 0845 850 2829.
Website: www.fco.gov.uk

US Department of State
Website: http://travel.state.gov/travel

• Andorra Overview
• Andorra Things to See & Do
• Andorra Events
• Andorra Climate
• Andorra Public Holidays
• Andorra Health
• Andorra Currency
• Andorra Passport & Visas
• Andorra Contact Addresses
• Andorra Travel Advice