Yes, you read it right! Andorra has no visa policy, and you can enter this tiny country if you have a passport or an EU Identity card. BUT (Yes, a big BUT), there’s no airport to Andorra. You need to pass through France or Spain to enter. Andorra is not part of the Schengen area but is a “de facto.” You have no choice but to get a Multiple Schengen Visa.

Andorra is my 117th country; I arrived here from Barcelona Spain. The Principality of Andorra is about 468 square kilometers. Andorra also has two co-Princes, a bishop of Urgell, Spain and the president of France along with a Prime minister (an Andorran). Shopping is tax-free here, has amazing baths, ski resorts, and medieval towns. You should cross here from Spain to France or vice versa.

This guide will help you in getting a Schengen Visa and some spots to tour at Andorra as well. I hope this will help you.

QUICK FACTS ABOUT SCHENGEN VISA

Validity: 90 days

Number of Entries: Single, Double, Multiple Entry

YOU MUST APPLY FOR A DOUBLE OT MULTIPLE ENTRY SCHENGEN VISA. MULTIPLE IS MUCH PREFERRED.

Examples:

Multiple Entry Example - Entry 1 - France > Andorra (Out of Schengen) > Entry 2 – Spain > Portugal > Andorra (Africa) > Entry 3 - Italy
Single Entry Example – Entry 1 – France > Spain > Portugal (If it’s only Spain to France and not through Andorra, it’s considered single entry since you haven’t gone out of the Schengen Area)

SCHENGEN VISA THROUGH SPAIN

Processing Time: 3-5 working days

Where to Apply: BLS International Visa Services
Address: Unit 1903, 19th Floor, Philippine AXA Life Center, 1286 Sen. Gil Puyat Ave., Makati City

Embassy: Consulate General of Spain
Address: 5th Floor, A.C.T. Tower. 135 Sen. Gil J. Puyat Avenue.1227 Makati City, Metro Manila.
Telephone Number: 8818 3561, 8818 3581, 7759 2970, 7759 2971
Email: con.manila@maec.es

Website: exteriores.gob.es

Visa Fee and Service Fee:

For adults- Php 4,510
For children 6-12 y/o- Php 2,260
For children below 6 y/o- Free
Service Fee – PHP 870

SCHENGEN VISA THROUGH FRANCE

Processing Time: 15 working days

Where to Apply: VFS France Global
Address: 30th Floor, The World Centre, Senator Gil Puyat Avenue, Makati City, Metro Manila, Philippines

Embassy: Embassy of France in Manila
Address: 16th Floor Pacific Star Building, Sen. Gil Puyat Extension corner Makati Avenue, 1200 Makati City, Philippines
Telephone Number: +632 8 857 6900

Website: ph.ambafrance.org

Visa Fee and Service Fee:

For adults- EURO 80
For children 6-12 y/o- EURO 40
For children below 6 y/o- Free
Service Fee – EURO 26 (about PHP 1,500)

SCHENGEN VISA REQUIREMENTS

This is only a run-through of the Visa Requirements; you can check their descriptions and explanations on the Schengen Visa Guide for France or Spain.

1. Schengen Visa Application Form

2. Passport-sized photo

3. Valid Passport and photocopies

4. Proof of Occupation like Certificate of Employment or Registration and ITR

5. Proof of financial resources like Bank Certificate or Statements

6. Travel Reservation

7. Detailed itinerary

8. Proof of Accommodation

9. International Travel Insurance

10. Visa Fee

ABOUT ANDORRA

Capital: Andorra la Vella

Official Language: Catalan

Currency: EURO

With only 468 sq. kilometers, Andorra is considered as the 6th tiniest country in Europe. This microstate is nestled on valleys and is famous for its sky-high mountains, which make it a perfect destination for skiing once it’s all covered in snow. Nevertheless, when the snow melts, it turns out to be a famous hiking destination. Being small as it is, Andorra has big and great things which the rest of the world needs to see.

HOW TO GO TO ANDORRA:

By Plane

You need to fly to Andorra–La Seu d'Urgell Airport in Alt Urgell in Spain. From there, it is about 20 minutes by car to arrive at the Border.

By Train

From France by train, you can ride and stop at L'Hospitalet-près-l'Andorre station, from there you can arrive at the border in 20 minutes
From Spain, the nearest station is at Lleida Pirineus; you can take a bus there to Andorra for about 2.5 – 3 hours

By Bus

Spain - La Seu d'Urgell (1.5 hours), Lleida, Barcelona (3.5 – 4 hours), and Salamanca (7.5 – 9 hours)
France - L'Hospitalet-prés-l'Andorre, and Toulouse (3 – 3.5 hours)
Porto, Portugal - 18 - 20 hours.

THINGS TO DO IN ANDORRA

1. Ski or Hike

Andorra is situated in the mountains and very popular for Skiing in Europe. The snow condition is great, as well as the gorgeous views. If it’s not winter season, trekking is a popular activity. It also offers picturesque landscapes!

2. Shop ‘til you drop!

Go on a shopping spree in the Andorra la Vella! There are big malls with competitive prices, many people do shop here as it’s very cheap because it’s tax-free. Just ready your baggage allowance as you might bring a lot of goodies home.

3. See the view at Mirador roc Del Quer

Go from Canillo to Ordino and look out for the totem poles. Go up and see Mother Nature at its best! The panoramic view is breathtaking, and it’s free to enter. Day or night, you can visit this spot.

4. Check out the churches

See the churches with Romanesque architecture, from Sant Joan de Caselles Church, Church of Santa Coloma d'Andorra, or Església de Sant Esteve. These gorgeous and historic churches are heritage properties of the country. They have been constructed as early as the 9th century.

5. Stroll Around Andorra la Vella

Walk around the capital of Andorra, both with medieval and modern touches. This historic capital is the highest Capital City in Europe as it’s located in the Pyrenees Mountains. Don’t forget to see Central Park, too!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS FOR YOUR TRAVEL IN ANDORRA

1. Is Andorra Visa-free?

Andorra has no Visa Policy, but you can’t enter it directly. You need to either pass through Spain or Portugal.

2. What do I need to enter Andorra?

You will need your passport and a multiple-entry Schengen Visa as you need to enter and get out through a Schengen Territory.

3. What if I only have a Single Entry Schengen Visa?

The authorities in the border may not allow you to go out of the Schengen Area, or if you do so, it will be hard to enter again; you may pay a fine and have it on record as not following the rules of the Schengen Area.

4. Is it safe to travel to Andorra?

Andorra is a safe place to travel. However, be careful of scams and pickpockets. I always recommend buying travel insurance since we don’t know what will happen to us. You need to double-check your AXA Schengen so that it includes Andorra.

5. Is it expensive in Andorra for tourists?

Andorra is a bit expensive but cheaper than its neighbors France and Spain. However, the tax-free schemes there make it worth and affordable to visit.

6. When is the best time to visit Andorra?

Peak seasons are in summer, July to August and winter, December to March. You can try those months as they are great. However, if you want to avoid crowds, you might want to choose spring or fall.

7. Where should I stay in Andorra?

I recommend staying in the capital, Andorra la Vella or at ski resorts (if it’s wintertime).

I hope this guide will help you in your travels to this small but great country. You will need a Schengen Visa for this. If you need help in applying for a Schengen visa, you can hire me to be your VISA and Travel Coach. I’ll help you with your documents as well as give you application tips on your adventure to Europe. Happy Travels!