Andorra is a tiny, independent principality nestled in the Pyrenees mountains between France and Spain. This microstate offers world-class skiing, duty-free shopping, Roman ruins, and the largest thermal spa in Southern Europe, making it a year-round destination for adventure and relaxation.
Andorra is one of the safest countries in the world with an extremely low crime rate. Violent crime is virtually non-existent and petty crime is rare even in crowded shopping areas. The main safety considerations are mountain-related: rapidly changing weather, avalanche risk in ski season, and altitude-related hazards.
Current safety advisory
Low
No travel advisory in effect. Standard tourist precautions recommended. Mountain safety awareness important for outdoor activities.
Last updated: 2025-01
Official advisories
Guidance from national travel-advisory services.
Level 1 - Exercise Normal Precautions
Andorra is assessed at Level 1. Standard precautions apply. No specific threat to tourists.
Safe destination
No specific travel warning for Andorra. Standard safety advice for mountain activities applies.
Essential safety tips
Practical advice that applies everywhere.
Petty crime like pickpocketing may occur in shopping areas - keep valuables secure
Mountain weather can change rapidly - check conditions before hiking
Road conditions in winter require caution - snow chains may be mandatory
Emergency services are excellent but Andorra is only accessible via Spain or France
ATMs are widely available and credit cards accepted in most establishments
Register with your embassy or consulate before visiting; Andorra has no embassies of its own, so your home country embassy in Spain or France handles emergencies.
Carry your passport at all times — even for day trips within Andorra. Borders with Spain and France are periodically checked, and police can request ID in the capital.
Andorra has strict limits on duty-free goods you can bring out. Exceeding alcohol (1 litre spirits / 2 litres wine) or tobacco allowances at the Spanish or French border results in confiscation and fines.
Mountain weather changes rapidly — even in summer, afternoon thunderstorms roll in fast on exposed ridges. Check the Meteo Andorra forecast before hiking and carry a waterproof layer.
In ski season, always check piste maps and avalanche bulletins (ANIVARN) before heading off-piste. Skiing off-marked runs without a guide can be fatal.
Tap water is safe to drink throughout Andorra. Bottled water is an unnecessary expense — fill a reusable bottle at any tap.
Petty theft is rare but does occur in Andorra la Vella shopping streets. Keep valuables in front pockets and watch bags in crowded duty-free stores.
Emergency number is 112. Mountain rescue (GEPA) is free of charge but travel insurance covering helicopter evacuation is strongly recommended for hikers and skiers.
Smoking is banned in enclosed public spaces, bars, and restaurants. Fines apply and enforcement is active in the capital.
Andorra does not use EU roaming agreements — check your mobile plan as standard EU roaming may not apply here. Local SIM cards from Andorra Telecom are available cheaply.
Night driving in winter on mountain roads (especially the CG-2 to Pas de la Casa) requires snow chains — carry them. Fines for not having them during snow alerts are steep.
Common scams to avoid
Recognise and sidestep tourist-targeted scams.
Duty-free overcharging
A rare but reported practice where some shops charge higher-than-listed prices or apply misleading 'original prices' on electronics and luxury goods.
How to avoid: Compare prices at multiple shops before purchasing; check the labeled price and receipt total; research prices online before buying electronics
Unofficial guides
Occasionally individuals near Casa de la Vall or tourist sites claim to offer guided tours but are not official guides and may charge inflated prices for minimal service.
How to avoid: Book guided tours through the official Andorra Tourism office; look for official guide credentials
Unmetered taxis
Rare cases of unlicensed drivers offering rides at non-standard rates, particularly near resort areas after dark.
How to avoid: Use the CityXerpa app or licensed taxis via Andorran Taxi Association (+376 863 000); confirm rate before entering any vehicle
Health considerations
Staying healthy on your trip.
- Vaccinations
- No mandatory vaccinations required. Routine vaccines recommended (MMR, DTP, Hepatitis A). No special health precautions for most visitors.
- Water
- Tap water is safe to drink throughout Andorra — high-quality mountain water. No need for bottled water.
- Food
- Food safety standards are high throughout Andorra. No significant food safety concerns. Standard hygiene precautions apply at market stalls.
- Facilities
- Nostra Senyora de Meritxell National Hospital in Escaldes-Engordany provides full emergency and specialist care. Multiple pharmacies throughout all parishes. EU health card (EHIC) accepted; non-EU visitors should carry travel insurance.
Safety for specific travellers
Tailored advice for different groups.
Solo travellers
Andorra is extremely safe for solo travelers with minimal crime, well-lit streets, and friendly locals. The compact size makes navigation easy. Solo hikers should always register routes and carry communication devices in remote mountain areas where phone signal is absent.
Female travellers
Very safe for solo female travelers. No significant gender-related safety concerns. Standard common-sense precautions apply at nightclubs in Pas de la Casa during ski season. Hiking alone is generally safe but inform someone of your route on backcountry trails.
Families
Andorra is an excellent family destination with safe streets, reliable infrastructure, and family-friendly services. Children can roam freely in resort and village environments. Car seats and child safety equipment are readily available at rental agencies. Public bus system is stroller-friendly.
LGBTQ+ travellers
Same-sex relationships are legal in Andorra and discrimination is prohibited. Andorra is broadly tolerant and welcoming, though public displays of affection may attract attention in more conservative rural areas. Andorra la Vella and ski resorts are welcoming to LGBTQ+ travelers.
Emergency contacts
Numbers to know before you go.
- Police
- 110 (Andorran police) or 112 (all emergencies)
- Medical
- 116 (medical emergency) or 112
- Embassy
- No Andorran embassies — contact your home country embassy in Spain (Madrid) or France (Paris) for consular assistance
- Tourist Police
- 110 (Cos de Policia d'Andorra) — English-speaking officers available in capital