Risk level

Safety and security

Crime

The crime rate is low. However, petty crimes such as pickpocketing and purse snatching may occur.

Ensure that your belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times.

Terrorism

There is a threat of terrorism in Europe. Terrorists have carried out attacks in several European cities.

Terrorist attacks could occur at any time.

Targets could include:

• government buildings, including schools
• places of worship
• airports and other transportation hubs and networks
• public areas such as tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets, hotels and other sites frequented by foreigners

Always be aware of your surroundings when in public places. Be particularly vigilant if attending sporting events, and during religious holidays and other public celebrations, as terrorists have used such occasions to mount attacks.

Mountain activities

The Principality of Andorra is located in the Pyrenees mountain range. Mountain activities, such as hiking, can be dangerous if unprepared. Trails are not always marked, and weather conditions can change rapidly, even in summer.

In winter, heavy snowfall can make roads impassable. There is also a risk of avalanches, some of which can be fatal.

If you intend to go hiking, mountaineering or skiing:

• never do so alone
• buy travel insurance that includes helicopter rescue and medical evacuation
• do not venture off marked trails or slopes
• ensure that your physical condition is good enough to meet the challenges of your activity
• ensure that you’re adequately equipped
• stay informed about weather and other conditions that may pose a hazard
• inform a family member or friend of your itinerary
• know the symptoms of acute altitude sickness, which can be fatal
• obtain detailed information on your activity and on the environment in which you will be doing it before setting out

Useful links

• Avalanche and winter mountain danger - National Meteorological service, Government of Andorra
• Safety advice - Civil protection and emergency management, Government of Andorra (in Catalan)
• Skiing in Andorra - Ski Andorra

Road safety

Road conditions are very good. There are no major highways. Narrow, winding mountain roads pose risks year-round and could be impassable in winter.

Public transportation

Public transportation is safe and reliable. There are public buses connecting the capital, Andorra la Vella, with other towns and villages of the principality.

Regular bus lines - Government of Andorra (in Catalan)

Air travel

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

Information about foreign domestic airlines

Entry and exit requirements

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from the Andorran authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the Foreign Representatives in Canada.

Transit through France or Spain

Andorra is landlocked, doesn’t have an airport and isn’t a member of the Schengen area. You must enter Andorra through France or Spain.

Before travelling to Andorra, you will have to meet entry, exit and visa requirements for France or Spain.

Useful links

• Entry/exit requirements for France
• Entry/exit requirements for Spain

Passport

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay in Andorra. Ensure your passport and other travel documents are also valid for transiting through the country of your choice.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports

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.

If you plan to stay in Andorra for a long-term stay, make sure you apply for the right residency permit.

Immigrations procedures - Government of Andorra (in Catalan)

Children and travel

Learn more about travelling with children.

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

Health

Routine vaccines

Be sure that your routine vaccinations, as per your province or territory, are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination.

Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary. 

Safe food and water precautions

Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.

• Learn more about food and water precautions to take to avoid getting sick by visiting our eat and drink safely abroad page. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
• Avoid getting water into your eyes, mouth or nose when swimming or participating in activities in freshwater (streams, canals, lakes), particularly after flooding or heavy rain. Water may look clean but could still be polluted or contaminated.
• Avoid inhaling or swallowing water while bathing, showering, or swimming in pools or hot tubs. 

Insect bite prevention

Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. When travelling to areas where infected insects may be present:

• Use insect repellent (bug spray) on exposed skin
• Cover up with light-coloured, loose clothes made of tightly woven materials such as nylon or polyester
• Minimize exposure to insects
• Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in buildings that are not fully enclosed

To learn more about how you can reduce your risk of infection and disease caused by bites, both at home and abroad, visit our insect bite prevention page.

Find out what types of insects are present where you’re travelling, when they’re most active, and the symptoms of the diseases they spread.

Animal precautions

Some infections, such as rabies and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. Certain types of activities may increase your chance of contact with animals, such as travelling in rural or forested areas, camping, hiking, and visiting wet markets (places where live animals are slaughtered and sold) or caves.

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating undercooked wild game.

Closely supervise children, as they are more likely to come in contact with animals.

Person-to-person infections

Stay home if you’re sick and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette, which includes coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu and other illnesses by:

•  washing your hands often
• avoiding or limiting the amount of time spent in closed spaces, crowded places, or at large-scale events (concerts, sporting events, rallies)
• avoiding close physical contact with people who may be showing symptoms of illness 

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), HIV, and mpox are spread through blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise safe sex, and limit your number of sexual partners. Check with your local public health authority pre-travel to determine your eligibility for mpox vaccine.  

Medical services and facilities

Health care is good. Service is available throughout the Principality.

Upfront payment may be required.

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Health and safety outside Canada

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

You must abide by local laws.

Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad.

Transfer to a Canadian prison

Canada and Andorra are signatories to the Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons. 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 Andorra authorities.

This process can take a long time, and there is no guarantee that the transfer will be approved by either or both sides.

Drugs

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences or heavy fines.

Drugs, alcohol and travel

Identification

Hotels and other commercial accommodation providers must provide the Andorran authorities with personal details on their guests. As such, you’ll have to present a passport upon check-in.

Wait at the reception until the hotel staff has taken the required details from your passport.

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is not legally recognized in Andorra.

If local authorities consider you a citizen of Andorra, they may refuse to grant you access to Canadian consular services. This will prevent us from providing you with those services.

Dual citizens

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. The convention applies between Canada and Andorra.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Andorra, and if the applicable conditions are met, you may apply for the return of your child to the Andorran court.

If you are in this situation:

• act as quickly as you can
• contact the Central Authority for your province or territory of residence for information on starting an application under The Hague Convention
• consult a lawyer in Canada and in Andorra to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
• report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to the Vulnerable Children's Consular Unit at Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country's judicial affairs.

Useful links

• List of Canadian Central Authorities for the Hague Convention
• International Child Abductions: A guide for affected parents
• Children and travel
• The Hague Convention – Hague Conference on Private International Law
• Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
• Request emergency assistance

Driving

Vehicles must be equipped for emergencies 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
• a spare tire, a full set of spare light bulbs, plus the tools to change them
• a spare pair of glasses if you need them to drive

You may be subject to on-the-spot fines if you don’t comply with these laws.

You should carry an International Driving Permit.

International Driving Permit

Customs

Andorra is not a member of the European Union or the Schengen area.

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 and alcohol imported from Andorra for personal use.

Money

The currency of Andorra is the euro (EUR).

Natural disasters and climate

The weather in mountainous areas is highly unpredictable. Hazardous winter conditions, such as heavy snowfall, blizzards, freezing temperatures and avalanches, present a risk.

If you plan a mountain or skiing holiday, stay informed of the latest weather and safety conditions.

Useful links

• Avalanche and winter mountain danger - National Meteorological service, Government of Andorra
• Safety advice - Civil protection and emergency management, Government of Andorra (in Catalan)
• Skiing in Andorra - Ski Andorra