Andorra
About Andorra
| Currency | Euro (EUR) |
| Language | Catalan. Also commonly spoken are Spanish, French, and Portuguese. |
| Capital | Andorra la Vella |
The Principality of Andorra, located in southwestern Europe, is a mountainous country on the eastern Pyrenees Mountains sharing borders with Spain and France. This country is the sixth smallest nation in Europe with an estimated population of 85,000 people. Andorra la Vella is the highest capital city in Europe, at an elevation of 1,023 metres.
The government is a parliamentary democracy with two co-princes as heads of state. The General Council is the legislative body, and members are elected by direct vote.
Andorra is a prosperous country mainly because of its tourism industry. Tourists enjoy the impressive scenery of the Pyrenees, skiing, and hiking.
Recommended Vaccinations For Andorra
For Most Travellers
Hepatitis B Vaccine
Although there is a low risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country, the vaccination is recommended.
For Some Travellers
Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccine
A dose of Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is recommended for infants aged 6 to 11 months.
Rabies Vaccine
The vaccination is recommended for those travellers whose activities or work bring them into direct contact with bats.
Recommended Medications For Andorra
There are no recommendations for Andorra at this time.
Diseases To Be Aware of for Andorra
For Some Travellers
Measles
There is a risk of measles in this country, especially in infants aged 6 to 11 months.
Tuberculosis
Travellers to this country are at risk for tuberculosis if visiting sick friends or family, working in the healthcare field, or having close prolonged contact with the general population.
Hanta Virus
There is a risk of acquiring Hantavirus in this country through the consumption of food and water contaminated by an infected rodent or through rodent bites.
Hepatitis B
There is a low risk for acquiring hepatitis B in Andorra.
Rabies
Rabies may be present in bats in this country.
Safety & Security in Andorra
Personal Safety
Andorra ranks as one of the safest countries in the world. The crime rate stands at 153.9 convictions per 100,000 inhabitants, significantly lower than neighboring Spain and France. The homicide rate sits at 0.37 per 100,000 inhabitants. Violent crime is extremely rare, with very few reported cases of serious offenses. Petty crimes like pickpocketing can occur in busy tourist areas and crowded places such as bus stations, but these incidents remain uncommon. Most visitors report feeling safe walking around at all hours. The small territory of just 468 square kilometers with limited border entry points makes it easier for police to maintain security. The visible police presence, especially in commercial areas and near borders, contributes to the overall sense of safety. Scams targeting tourists are not widespread, though you should verify bills in restaurants and bars to avoid overcharging. Cannabis is the biggest drug-related concern in the country, though drug trafficking does not pose a substantial threat. Andorra maintains a zero-tolerance policy on illegal drug possession, with penalties including fines, expulsion, and prison sentences even for small amounts.
Extreme Violence
Andorra has never experienced a terrorist incident in its history. There have been no terrorist attacks recorded, and the country maintains robust legal frameworks for terrorist offenses. The country has a Special Intervention Unit (UEI) as its main counterterrorism force, part of the Police Corps. Political stability and an absence of violence rank between 95 and 100 percent according to World Bank data. The peaceful tradition extends back centuries, with the country maintaining neutrality through major conflicts including both World Wars. Organized crime does not pose a substantial threat. Arms trafficking occurs on a very small scale, primarily involving weapons smuggled from Andorra into France. Human trafficking has no confirmed cases, though concerns exist about forced labor in seasonal and domestic work. The cannabis market represents the biggest organized crime threat, though it remains limited compared to neighboring countries. Cyber-dependent crime does not appear to be a major criminal market. The country historically served as a tax haven, leading to past money laundering concerns, but regulatory reforms since 2015 have brought the country to international standards.
Political Unrest
Andorra maintains exceptional political stability with regular free and fair elections. The country operates as a parliamentary democracy and holds elections every four years. Political rights and civil liberties are generally respected. The most recent parliamentary elections in April 2023 were considered competitive, credible, and well-administered. Political parties operate freely, with multiple active parties across the political spectrum. Demonstrations against government policies occur occasionally but remain peaceful. In 2019, protests against abortion prohibition drew hundreds of participants. The most significant protest since 2011 occurred on Labor Day 2022, when approximately 500 workers demonstrated peacefully for wage increases, pension reform, and affordable housing. In 2018, Andorra experienced its first major strike in 85 years when civil servants protested contract reforms. Various nongovernmental organizations function without restriction, and human rights groups can publish findings without repercussions. The country has no recent history of violent political unrest. The last significant political upheaval occurred in 1933 during the Andorran Revolution, when France occupied the country following social unrest. The judicial system is impartial and independent.
Areas To Avoid
Andorra has no specific dangerous areas that require avoidance. The entire country maintains exceptionally high safety standards across all parishes. The capital Andorra la Vella and other major towns are very safe for visitors. Pas de la Casa, known as the Ibiza of the Pyrenees, attracts young tourists during high season and has a lively party atmosphere, but safety concerns relate more to alcohol consumption in freezing conditions rather than crime. Two young men died of hypothermia in separate incidents during the 2009-2010 season after becoming disoriented while intoxicated. Rural mountain areas present natural hazards rather than crime concerns. Trails can be rugged and potentially dangerous, with weather conditions changing rapidly even in summer. Some hiking trails are not always well-marked. The mountainous terrain means you should prepare properly with gear, food, water, and maps before venturing into remote areas. Avalanche risks exist in winter months. Getting into the country through its sheer valleys can be challenging, with congested narrow passes shared by locals, tourists, and commuters. The combination of difficult terrain and limited access points means you should take mountain safety seriously rather than worrying about crime.