Safety and security

Terrorism

There is a general threat from terrorism in Europe, which could be against civilian targets, including places frequented by tourists and expatriates. However, the threat in Andorra is considered to be low. In the event of any security incident, you should follow the instructions of the local authorities.

Crime

Crime remains relatively low in Andorra but you should take sensible precautions:

• Don’t carry your credit card, travel tickets and money together - leave spare cash and valuables in a safe place.
• Don’t carry your passport unless absolutely necessary and leave a copy of your passport or your passport card (and travel and insurance documents) with family or friends at home.
• Avoid showing large sums of money in public. Check that no one can see you enter your PIN or the transaction amount, and no one has has followed you after conducting your business.
• Keep a close eye on your personal belongings and hold on to them in public places such as internet cafés, train and bus stations.

Reporting crime

If you’re a victim of a crime while in Andorra, report it to the local police immediately. The number for the police in Andorra is 110. You can contact us at the Irish Embassy in Madrid if you need help.

Driving

If you’re planning to drive in Andorra, you should take normal precautions and to drive on the right-hand side, the opposite to Ireland. If you want to drive:

• Bring your full and international driving licence and make sure you have adequate and appropriate insurance.
• If you are hiring a vehicle, make sure that you have all the documentation to present to police, in case required.
• Andorra has stricter drink-driving laws than most European Union countries. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is against the law and you risk being detained, fined or banned from driving if caught.
• If you need to leave your vehicle as the result of a breakdown or accident, you must wear a reflective jacket. Failure to do so can result in a fine. 
• Drivers must carry two red warning triangles to place in front of and behind the vehicle in the event of an accident or breakdown. 

Hiring a vehicle

If you’re hiring a vehicle, we advise you not to hand over your passport as a form of security. If you’re allowing your passport to be photocopied, keep it in your sight at all times.

Check that you have adequate insurance and read the small print of the vehicle hire contract (particularly any waiver that will come into effect if the vehicle is damaged).

Local laws and customs

Remember, the local laws apply to you as a visitor and it is your responsibility to follow them. Be sensitive to local customs , traditions and practices as your behaviour may be seen as improper, hostile or even illegal.

Illegal drugs

Illegal drug use (no matter what the drug), carries stiff penalties, including fines and long prison terms.

Alcohol

It's illegal to consume alcohol in public in Andorra and there is a penalty of €300.

Duty free

Andorra isn't a member of the European Union and if you buy duty-free tobacco, liquor and luxury goods, you'll have to pay taxes and duties on them when you re-enter European Union countries.

Additional information

Entry requirements (visa/passport)

Irish citizens don’t need a visa to enter Andorra.

Passports

Your passport must be valid for the planned period of your stay. You should take a number of photocopies of your passport with you and during your stay, and carry a photocopy of your passport at all times.

Natural disasters and climate

If you’re travelling to Andorra, make sure you know what to expect – then plan and pack so that you’re prepared. Co-operate with local authorities and emergency services in the case of serious incidents

Avalanches

If you’re going to a ski resort, take advice on weather and avalanche conditions before you travel and throughout your visit (see: www.avalanches.org).

Be alert to the risk of avalanches and always follow the safety instructions issued by the authorities at ski resorts.

Travel Insurance

We can’t pay for emergency medical repatriation, repatriation of remains, or for expenses as a result of a personal emergency while you are abroad. If you buy an appropriate travel insurance policy, these costs will be covered, provided you haven’t broken the terms and conditions. If you’re planning on skiing or taking part in other winter or adventure sports, ensure that your insurance policy provides appropriate cover.

The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is not valid in Andorra.

Buying comprehensive travel insurance can save you and your family a lot of money if something goes wrong. It will also ensure that you get the medical attention you need, when you need it. Hospital bills can quickly run into thousands of euro, and a medical evacuation back to Ireland can cost thousands more.

Not all policies are the same, and the cheapest one might be cheap for a reason. Make sure your policy covers all the activities you plan to do on your trip. Insurance Ireland recommend that you purchase a policy that provides a minimum medical cover of €1 million.

Emergency expenses

Your policy should cover:

• All medical care abroad, including evacuation by air ambulance, or other emergency procedures, and any other costs associated with an unexpected longer stay.
• Your entire trip, from departure to return. Consider an annual multi-trip policy if you’re making more than one trip in the year.   
• 24-hour emergency service and assistance.
• Personal liability cover (in case you’re sued for causing injury or damaging property).
• Lost and stolen possessions.
• Cancellation and curtailment.
• Any extra activities you intend to do that are excluded from standard policies (e.g. activities such as skiing or other winter or adventure sports).

Exclusions: You should know most insurance policies will not cover drink or drug-related incidents.