Many people who currently visit Andorra, or other EU microstates, currently do not require a visa in advance before they depart. Microstates are usually landlocked sovereign nations that do not have their own airports, and hence, rely on their neighbours to handle arrivals by air. Since Andorra is a microstate, all visitors enter the country overland from France or Spain.
Do I need a visa to visit Andorra?
Prior to 2024, travellers from third-countries, such as the United States and Canada, could enter Andorra without a visa. However, the EU has implemented new travel requirements that will go into effect starting in 2024 which affects these travellers. This new travel requirement is called ETIAS, which stands for European Travel Information and Authorisation System. Other travellers that needed a Schengen Visa to enter Europe prior to ETIAS will still need a Schengen Visa, as those requirements have not changed.
If you are a citizen of any of the European Union member states or one of the non E.U. Schengen members, you will not need to obtain an ETIAS to visit Andorra. You can continue using your EU passport to enter and exit Andorra.
Andorra is an EU microstate, thus third-country passport holders won't technically need an ETIAS if they flew into Andorra. However, since Andorra is landlocked between France and Spain, these travellers will need an ETIAS or Schengen Visa to enter either of those countries en-route to Andorra.
What is ETIAS?
ETIAS is a new European travel authorization system that will be implemented in 2024 for all travellers from countries that currently do not require a visa to enter the Schengen Area. The Schengen Area is a group of 27 European countries that have signed an agreement to allow free movement of people between them.
ETIAS will require all travellers from countries that currently do not require a visa to obtain a travel authorization before entering the Schengen Area. The authorization will be valid for 3 years and will allow travellers to enter the Schengen Area multiple times during that period.
ETIAS is similar to the U.S. ESTA program and will help to streamline the travel process for visitors to Europe. It will also help to improve security by allowing authorities to screen travellers before they arrive in the Schengen Area. ETIAS not officially ready yet, but it will be a reality from 2024.
Why visit Andorra?
There are many reasons to visit Andorra, including its stunning scenery, friendly people, and rich culture. Andorra is a small country located in the Pyrenees mountains between France and Spain. It is known for its ski resorts and outdoor activities. Andorra is also a tax-free country, making it a popular destination for shopping.
The history of Andorra can be traced back to the early Middle Ages. Andorra's first inhabitants were the Andosin tribe, a group of shepherds and farmers who migrated from the nearby region of Catalonia in the 9th century. The Andosin tribe eventually merged with the local population of Vascons, another group of shepherds and farmers who had settled in the area.
There are many things to do in Andorra. Some popular activities include skiing, snowboarding, hiking, mountain biking, and rock climbing.
Andorra is a prosperous country with a high standard of living. The economy of Andorra is based on tourism, agriculture, and the financial sector.