Travel Information

 Special Notes    Road Safety and Conditions   Medical Care

Limited Attraction for Tourists (one of four globes)

Andorra is a pleasant country that offers the tourist scenic beauty, good hiking, solitude, and some lively holiday celebrations, if you are in the country at the right time. Andorra is not the place for  museum aficionados or anyone looking for the architectural treasures of Europe.  Andorra is a good destination for those interested in outdoor activities as its landscape provides good quality hiking in the summer and skiing in the winter.

1. Andorra is a good place for an overnight, in-transit stop, especially to recharge your batteries on  a vacation involving visits to Spain and France. 
2. Andorra can easily be toured by the independent traveler.
3. Andorra is best experienced by automobile touring.  However, the country's road network is inadequate for the influx of crowds during  August when most Europeans take their vacations. 
4. If you plan to visit Andorra, be sure to make reservations, as accommodations are limited in smaller towns.
5. ThereArePlaces recommended travel destinations in Andorra can be found at Andorra: Best Places To Visit.
6. Additional information on Andorra may be obtained from the Andorran Mission to the U.N., 2 U.N. Plaza, 25th Floor, New York, New York 10018, telephone (212) 750-8064 or via the Internet at http://www.andorra.ad/
7. When planning your travel, be sure to review the ThereArePlaces Travel Planning Guides for insights on how  to "travel well" and "travel safe".

Overall, Andorra is a safe travel destination for tourists.

1. No Official health advisories, travel advisories, travel warnings, or terrorism warnings have been posted for Andorra, at this time.  Before you depart, always check with the Department of State  and CDC to insure that these conditions have not changed.  In addition, the Foreign & Commonwealth Office  of the British Government provides excellent travel advisories.
2. The State Department's Overseas Citizens Services call center at 1-888-407-4747 can answer general inquiries on safety and security overseas. This number is available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). Callers who are unable to use toll-free numbers, such as those calling from overseas, may obtain information and assistance during these hours by calling 1-202-501-4444 .
3. While you are visiting any foreign country, avoid  public demonstrations (whatever the cause) and do not broadcast either your public opinions or your nationality.
4. The United States does not maintain an embassy or consular office in Andorra.  If you need assistance from the U.S. Embassy while in Andorra, contact Consular Services at the U.S. Embassy in Barcelona. The U.S. Consulate in Barcelona is located at Paseo Reina Elisenda 23-25; telephone (34)(93) 280-2227 and fax (34)(93) 205-5206. Visitors to Barcelona can access additional information from the Consulate General’s web page at http://www.embusa.es/barcelonaen.html   
5. See our article on How U.S. Counsels can help Americans abroad.

Blending In
Europeans are, generally, more reserved than Americans.  It  is the unspoken consensus among Europeans that Americans speak more  loudly than necessary and frequently smile without good reason.  Although Americans often use humor and smiles as a way of starting conversations, these actions are not conventional for Europeans.  Europeans are very good at wearing their "game face" until and unless they develop a real and sincere friendship.  So do not be put-off by the serious expressions. 

When traveling on vacation, try to blend in.  Americans can often be identified, anywhere in the world, as the ones wearing the uniform consisting of the  baseball cap and white sneakers.  Our counsel for smooth traveling is to take your cues from the crowd on the streets, dress to fit in, and be open to the adventure of the moment.

A passport is required for entrance to Andorra, but a visa is not required for tourist or business stays up to 90 days. 

The 90-day period begins when you enter any of the Schengen countries: Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden.

Individuals who enter Andorra without a visa are not authorized to work. For further information on entry requirements to Andorra, travelers should contact the Andorran Mission to the U.N., 2 U.N. Plaza, 25th floor, New York, NY 10018, telephone (212) 750-8064 or via the Internet at http://www.andorra.ad . 

If you do not have a passport, see our article on the Ins and Outs of Passports.  Other important travel documents are covered in our Information Guide on Passport, Visas, Customs.

In an effort to prevent international child abduction, many governments have initiated procedures at entry/exit points. These often include requiring documentary evidence of relationship and permission for the child's travel from the parents or legal guardian not present. Having such documentation on hand, even if not required, may facilitate entry/departure

Andorra has a low crime rate.

Before you travel, read our articles on Pickpockets, Con Artists, and ATM safety in the ThereArePlaces Information Guide on Personal Safety for travelers.

If you are the victim of a crime while overseas, in addition to reporting to local police, contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for assistance. The embassy/consulate staff can, for example, assist you to find appropriate medical care, to contact family members of friends, and explain how funds could be transferred. Although the investigation and prosecution for the crime is solely the responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can help you to understand the local criminal justice process and to find an attorney

2. ThereArePlaces makes every attempt to ensure that the travel information we present to you is current. Before you depart, be sure to check with official government sources to determine the status of critical information relating to a particular county.

While in Andorra, you may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States.

Road conditions in Andorra in the winter can be treacherous, due to ice and snow.  During the summer, traffic is a significant problem.

Use of mobile telephones while driving is against the law in most European countries.  The fine for violating laws against the use of mobile phone while driving is significant.  If you need to use your mobile phone while on the road, stop your car in a designated parking area and place your call.

Traffic is generally heavy during the summer holiday season, at Christmas and during Easter.

US. Citizens are encouraged to obtain International Driving Permits if they plan to drive in Andorra.

Tourists driving rented vehicles should pay close attention to the provisions of their rental contracts.  Failure to do so could result in fines or confiscation of the car during your travels.  Make sure that you are familiar with the terms, restrictions and costs related to your car rental( see our article on Rental Car Costs.)

ThereArePlaces recommends that you do not drink and drive.  In most foreign countries, especially in Europe and the UK, the maximum permitted blood alcohol levels are lower than those enforced in the United States. Penalties and punishments are significant. See our article on drinking and driving in foreign countries  for more information.

For information about driving in Andorra, refer to the Andorran website at http://www.andorra.ad .

For additional general information about road safety, including links to foreign government sites, see the Bureau of Consular Affairs Internet home page at http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/safety/safety_1179.html.

Good medical care is available in Andorra.

Regulations regarding medications may vary from those in the U.S.; Americans with need for specific medications are encouraged to bring a supply sufficient for their anticipated period of stay as the medication may not be available and customs regulations do apply to medications mailed to Andorra.

We strongly urge you to consult your medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and whether it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation. U.S. medical insurance plans seldom cover health costs incurred outside the United States unless supplemental coverage is purchased. Further, U.S. Medicare and Medicaid programs do not provide payment for medical services outside the United States. However, many travel agents and private companies offer insurance plans that will cover health care expenses incurred overseas including emergency services such as medical evacuations.

When making a decision regarding health insurance, you should consider that many foreign doctors and hospitals require payment in cash prior to providing medical service and that a medical evacuation to the U.S. may cost in excess of $50,000. Uninsured travelers who require medical care overseas often face extreme difficulties. When consulting with your insurer prior to your departure, please ascertain whether payment will be made to the overseas healthcare provider or if you will be reimbursed later for expenses you incur.

Read our article on  travel insurance to learn the factors that you should consider before you purchase or decline to purchase a travel related insurance policy.

Your existing medical insurance carrier may cover "customary and reasonable" medical care while you are abroad. Usually, if reimbursement is provided, it is paid at a reduced ("out of system provider") rate. Check with your insurance carrier before you depart to determine the type and amount of coverage that may be provided. If coverage is provided, be sure to ask how claims should be filed and ask them to send some claim forms, in case you require any medical treatment while on vacation.

Useful information on medical emergencies abroad, including overseas insurance programs, is provided in the Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs brochure                         “Medical Information for Americans Traveling Abroad,” available via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page.  ThereArePlaces Information Guide on Health contains valuable health related advice for the traveler considering a trip abroad.