Andorra travel guide: skiing or summer, entry rules and customs

Andorra is a small state of 468 km² (181 sq mi) high in the Pyrenees, between France and Spain. People come in winter to ski, in summer to hike in the high mountains, and all year round to shop. This Andorra travel guide covers what you need to know: entry requirements, the ski and hiking seasons based on official climate normals, and the customs allowances that apply when you cross back into France, according to French customs.

The principality has a feature that often surprises visitors: it uses the euro but is not part of the European Union or the Schengen area. There is a real border post on the way in and on the way out, and purchases are subject to specific limits.

Skiing or summer: which season to choose?

In Andorra la Vella (weather station at 1,075 m, or 3,527 ft), average lows drop below 0 °C (32 °F) in January, February, March and December, according to the Atles Climàtic Digital d’Andorra (1971–2000 normals). The ski areas are much higher, so winter there is considerably colder. In summer, highs reach 26.2 °C (79 °F) in July on the valley floor, with cool nights (11.4 °C, 53 °F).

Criterion	Winter (skiing)	Summer (hiking)
Main activities	Downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing	Hiking, mountain biking, high-altitude lakes, Madriu valley
Temperatures in Andorra la Vella	6.9 °C / −2.5 °C (44 °F / 28 °F) in January	26.2 °C / 11.4 °C (79 °F / 53 °F) in July
Precipitation	37.9 mm (1.5 in) in February, the driest month	89.8 mm (3.5 in) in May, 85.6 mm (3.4 in) in August (thunderstorms)
Roads	Winter tyres or snow chains required from 1 November to 15 May (UK FCDO)	Check the mountain forecast before any outing
Risks to plan for	Avalanches: check conditions and safety advice before skiing (UK FCDO)	Altitude sickness in parts of the country (UK FCDO)

Ski areas

The largest ski area is Grandvalira, created in 2003 by merging the Pas de la Case-Grau Roig-Encamp and Soldeu-El Tarter-Canillo resorts. It links seven sectors, for about 210 km (131 mi) of slopes according to Wikipedia. To the west, the Pal Arinsal and Ordino Arcalís areas complete the offer. Opening dates and snow conditions vary every season: check the resorts’ official reports before booking.

Summer in Andorra

In summer, the Andorran mountains are explored on foot: waymarked trails, mountain huts and high-altitude lakes. The Madriu-Perafita-Claror valley, a glacial pastoral landscape, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The UK FCDO (GOV.UK, updated 10 December 2025) notes that altitude sickness is a risk in parts of Andorra. Check the mountain forecast before setting out.

What to see in Andorra

Andorra la Vella and Escaldes-Engordany

The capital and its neighbor form a single built-up area in the Valira valley. The historic quarter (Barri Antic) and the Casa de la Vall, the former seat of parliament, contrast with the shopping avenues. In Escaldes, the Caldea spa complex is one of the country’s main attractions.

Canillo, Soldeu and Encamp

To the east, on the road to Pas de la Case, these villages give access to the Grandvalira ski area. They make good bases in both winter and summer.

Romanesque churches

Small churches with Romanesque-style paintings dot the valleys, such as Sant Joan de Caselles, Sant Martí de la Cortinada and Sant Romà de les Bons, according to Wikipedia. Check opening times on the official Andorra tourism website.

Pas de la Case

Just past the French border, at high altitude, Pas de la Case concentrates shops and access to the slopes. It is often the first stop for visitors arriving from France.

Ordino and La Massana

In the northwest, these quieter parishes have kept their stone houses and lead to the Pal Arinsal and Ordino Arcalís ski areas, as well as to hikes toward Coma Pedrosa.

Customs allowances: what you can take into France

Andorra is not a member of the EU: according to the UK FCDO (GOV.UK, updated 10 December 2025), you may have to pay taxes and duties on tobacco, alcohol and luxury goods when you re-enter France or Spain, and customs officers may impound excess tobacco and the vehicle carrying it. If you leave via France, French customs applies the allowances below to purchases and gifts; above them, you must declare the goods and pay duties. If you leave via Spain, check the Spanish customs rules.

Product	Limit per traveler	Conditions
Cigarettes	300	Aged 17 and over; or 150 cigarillos, or 75 cigars, or 400 g of smoking tobacco
Still wine	5 liters	Aged 17 and over
Drinks over 22% ABV	1.5 liters	Aged 17 and over; or 3 liters of drinks of 22% ABV or less
Coffee	1,000 g	Aged 17 and over; or 400 g of extracts
Tea	200 g	Aged 17 and over; or 80 g of extracts
Perfume / eau de toilette	75 ml / 37.5 cl
Food	€300 (€150 under 15)	Plus maximum quantities: 1 kg of butter, 4 kg of cheese, 5 kg of meat, 5 kg of sugar and sweets…
Other goods	€900 (€450 under 15)	Total value, excluding food

Common mistakes on the way back

• Pooling allowances: quantities cannot be added up between several travelers for the same purchase.
• Forgetting the age limit: tobacco, alcohol, coffee and tea are only duty-free from the age of 17, with no allowance below that age.
• Mixing tobacco categories: you can mix products within a category, up to the set limit.
• Traveling with equipment you already own: to avoid carrying receipts (camera, phone…), French customs offers a free circulation card, valid for 10 years, issued at any customs office.

When you fly home, your own country’s allowances apply: check them with your home customs authority (e.g. CBP in the US, HMRC in the UK).

When to go to Andorra

It depends on your plans. For skiing, December to March, when lows are below freezing on the valley floor; check that the ski areas are open. For hiking, June to September, with afternoon highs of 21.9 to 26.2 °C (71 to 79 °F) in Andorra la Vella; May, August and September are the wettest months (thunderstorms). Spring and late autumn are shoulder seasons, when some lifts and activities are closed.

Month	High	Low	Rain	Verdict
January	6.9 °C (44 °F)	−2.5 °C (28 °F)	53.1 mm (2.1 in)	✅ Skiing, cold
February	8.9 °C (48 °F)	−1.8 °C (29 °F)	37.9 mm (1.5 in)	✅ Skiing, the driest month
March	11.7 °C (53 °F)	−0.2 °C (32 °F)	40.5 mm (1.6 in)	✅ Spring skiing
April	13.3 °C (56 °F)	1.7 °C (35 °F)	71.2 mm (2.8 in)	⚠️ Shoulder season, snow at altitude
May	17.6 °C (64 °F)	5.3 °C (42 °F)	89.8 mm (3.5 in)	⚠️ Wet, snow on high trails
June	21.9 °C (71 °F)	8.8 °C (48 °F)	84.2 mm (3.3 in)	✅ Hiking, long days
July	26.2 °C (79 °F)	11.4 °C (53 °F)	60.7 mm (2.4 in)	✅ Hiking, the warmest month
August	25.4 °C (78 °F)	11.4 °C (53 °F)	85.6 mm (3.4 in)	✅ Hiking, thunderstorms possible
September	21.4 °C (71 °F)	8.5 °C (47 °F)	80.9 mm (3.2 in)	✅ Hiking, quieter
October	16.0 °C (61 °F)	4.7 °C (40 °F)	72.4 mm (2.9 in)	⚠️ Shoulder season, autumn colors
November	10.7 °C (51 °F)	0.6 °C (33 °F)	68.4 mm (2.7 in)	⚠️ Shoulder season, chilly
December	7.5 °C (46 °F)	−1.4 °C (29 °F)	67.9 mm (2.7 in)	✅ Start of the ski season

Getting there and getting around

• By plane, then bus or car: Andorra has no international airport. According to the U.S. Department of State (travel.state.gov, last updated June 11, 2026), the closest airports are La Seu d’Urgell, Barcelona, Lleida, Reus and Girona in Spain, and Toulouse, Carcassonne and Perpignan in France; most offer coach or minibus service to Andorra.
• By car: from France via Pas de la Case, from Spain via La Seu d’Urgell. From 1 November to 15 May, winter tyres or snow chains are compulsory, and drink-driving can mean a fine of up to €600, a 2-month ban and the vehicle being impounded (UK FCDO, GOV.UK, updated 10 December 2025).
• Driving licence: a UK photocard licence is accepted; holders of an old paper licence may need a photocard licence or the correct International Driving Permit (UK FCDO). The U.S. Department of State says you must carry proof of car insurance and an International Driving Permit while driving. Hire companies may have stricter requirements.
• By train, then bus: the nearest station on the French side is Andorre-L’Hospitalet (line to Toulouse), from which a shuttle bus serves the principality; Latour-de-Carol-Enveitg station can also be used (Wikipedia).
• Getting around: buses connect all the parishes, with frequent long-distance services to La Seu d’Urgell and Barcelona in Spain and to Toulouse and Perpignan in France (U.S. Department of State).

Where to stay

• Andorra la Vella and Escaldes: for shopping, Caldea and a car-free stay.
• Soldeu, El Tarter, Canillo: at the foot of the Grandvalira slopes, and well placed in summer too.
• Pas de la Case: close to France, handy for a short ski break.
• Ordino, La Massana, Arinsal: quieter, for hiking and the western ski areas.

Hotels and tourist apartments must register all overnight guests with the police, so you will be asked for your passport details (UK FCDO, GOV.UK, updated 10 December 2025).

Entry requirements for Andorra

Andorra is only reachable through France or Spain, so you must meet the Schengen entry rules for one of those two countries before crossing the Andorran border.

US citizens

• According to the U.S. Department of State (travel.state.gov, last updated June 11, 2026), you may enter Andorra through Spain or France under the Schengen visa waiver for a stay of up to 90 days; Andorra does not issue visas.
• The State Department recommends a passport valid for at least six months beyond your stay; on re-entry to the Schengen area, it should be valid for at least 90 days after your planned departure from the Schengen area.
• If you need a Schengen visa, make sure it allows multiple entries so you can re-enter Spain or France after Andorra.

UK citizens

• According to the UK FCDO (GOV.UK, updated 10 December 2025), you do not need a visa to enter Andorra, but you must meet the Schengen entry requirements of France or Spain to travel through them.
• Your passport must have been issued less than 10 years before the day you arrive and be valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave the Schengen area.
• To stay longer than 3 months, you must apply in person to the Andorran immigration department for a work or residence permit.

The two sources differ on passport validity (six months recommended by the State Department, three months after leaving Schengen for the FCDO): if in doubt, check with the embassy of Andorra, France or Spain. Children: single parents or adults traveling alone with children should carry custody documents or written permission from the other parent (GOV.UK; travel.state.gov gives similar advice). Entry requirements checked on 24 October 2026.

Health and safety

• Health insurance: the EHIC and GHIC are not valid in Andorra: take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance (UK FCDO, GOV.UK, updated 10 December 2025). The U.S. Department of State notes that hospitals usually require advance payment or proof of insurance, and recommends insurance covering medical evacuation.
• Medication: carry prescription medication in its original packaging with your doctor’s prescription, and do not ship medication to Andorra, as packages transit through Spain or France and are likely to be intercepted (U.S. Department of State).
• Emergencies: 112, usually with English-speaking operators (U.S. Department of State); the UK FCDO also lists ambulance 116, fire 118, police 110 and mountain rescue 112.
• Safety: Andorra has a low crime rate (U.S. Department of State) and street crime is rare (UK FCDO), but keep an eye on your belongings. Drinking alcohol in the street is illegal, and Andorra has zero tolerance for illegal drugs (UK FCDO).

Phone: Andorra is not in the European Union, so check with your mobile provider whether your plan covers Andorra before using mobile data.

Frequently asked questions

Our sources

• Entry, health, safety and driving information read on 24 October 2026: U.S. Department of State, Andorra country information (travel.state.gov, last updated June 11, 2026), and UK FCDO, foreign travel advice for Andorra (GOV.UK, updated 10 December 2025)
• French customs (douane.gouv.fr): « Passer la douane en Andorre : taxes et franchises », read on 24 October 2026
• Atles Climàtic Digital d’Andorra (ACDA), 1971–2000 normals for Andorra la Vella, via the Wikipedia climate box (article « Andorra la Vella »)
• Wikipedia: « Andorra » (including Romanesque religious heritage) and « Grandvalira », read on 23 October 2026
• Destination de Voyage summaries: skiing vs. summer comparison, common customs mistakes
• Our methodology

Updated October 2026.

To keep exploring, see our pages on Spain, the Costa Brava, the Dolomites and our other destinations in Europe.