Documentation for traveling to Andorra in 2026: passport, visa, children, and pets

I've spent years watching thousands of cars cross the border at La Farga de Moles and Pas de la Casa, and I'll tell you something many forget: Andorra is a sovereign country, not just another province of Spain or a department of France. Although we are in the heart of the Pyrenees, we do not belong to the Schengen area.

If you want to know how to cross the Andorra border without problems in 2026, here's everything a local recommends. Get ready to enjoy your safe trip to Andorra from minute one, whether you come alone, with family, or with your four-legged friend.

1. What documents do I need to enter Andorra from the EU in 2026

For residents of Spain, France, or any European Union country, the Andorra border in 2026 remains very accessible, but be aware that there are strict random customs checks.

• Valid ID (DNI) or EU Identity document: It is sufficient for entry and exit. Make sure it does not expire during your stay.
• Passport: Always an excellent alternative to the DNI.

If you are a foreign resident in the EU: If you reside in Spain (or France) but have the nationality of a country outside the EU, you must carry your TIE (Foreigner's Identity Card) along with your valid passport.

If you're looking for comfort after crossing the border, check out the best hotels in Andorra to drop off your bags as soon as possible and start exploring.

2. Documents and visa for traveling to Andorra from outside the EU in 2026

Andorra does not issue its own visas; we depend on the laws of our neighboring countries. If your nationality requires a visa to enter Europe, pay close attention to this requirement:

• Multiple-entry Schengen visa (MANDATORY): Upon entering Andorra, you are technically leaving the Schengen area. If your visa is single-entry, the Spanish or French police will prevent you from re-entering their territory to return to your country or continue your journey.

3. Traveling with children to Andorra 2026: parental authorization and mandatory documents

Knowing what necessary documentation to enter Andorra with children you need to carry is vital. This is where most families encounter problems at the border.

Traveling with both parents

The minor only needs their valid ID or Passport.

Traveling with a single parent, relatives, or third parties

If the minor travels with only one parent, with grandparents, uncles/aunts, or on a school trip, the legal requirements change:

1. Minor's ID or Passport.
2. Official authorization to leave the country signed by the non-traveling parent (or both parents if traveling with third parties). This procedure must be done before the National Police, Civil Guard, Mossos d'Esquadra, or a Notary Public.

4. Traveling with pets to Andorra 2026: passport, vaccinations and microchip

Andorra is a super pet-friendly destination, ideal for hiking in Ordino or Vall d'Incles. However, the legal requirements for traveling to Andorra with pets are rigorous.

To enter with your dog, cat, or ferret you need:

• European pet passport.
• Microchip approved and perfectly legible.
• Valid rabies vaccine: If it's the first time vaccinated, it must be administered at least 21 days before the trip.

5. Driving in the Principality: license, insurance and winter equipment

Driving on our roads requires having your car's documents up to date:

• Driving license: The one from Spain, France, or any EU country is 100% valid. If you come from outside the EU, you need an International Driving Permit.

• Insurance and Green Card: Although a physical Green Card is not mandatory for vehicles with Spanish or French registration, I recommend having your insurance receipt handy.
• Winter equipment (Mandatory): From November 1 to May 15, it is mandatory to carry snow chains in the trunk or mount winter tires (3PMSF marking). Without them, you risk fines and vehicle immobilization.

Prefer not to drive in the snow?

6. Health and safety: The E/AND.11 form and health insurance

Caution! The European Health Card DOES NOT work in Andorra. To avoid medical bills at Hospital Nostra Senyora de Meritxell, you have two options:

1. E/AND.11 form (certificate for temporary stay): If you are insured by the Spanish Social Security and travel or are temporarily in Andorra, you must request this certificate before traveling. It allows you to access public healthcare in cases of emergency or immediate need during your stay.
2. Andorra Travel Medical Insurance (Recommended): A good travel insurance covers that 25% co-payment and, most importantly, includes rescue expenses on ski slopes like Pal Arinsal or Grandvalira.

7. Roaming and connection: How to avoid astronomical bills

Andorra Telecom has the monopoly on telecommunications and there is no free roaming for the EU.

• The smart solution: Buy and install an eSIM for Andorra before leaving home.

8. Customs: Duty-free allowances and shopping limits

Andorra is famous for its shopping thanks to a reduced tax (IGI is only 4.5%). But to cross the border back home without paying duties, you must respect the allowances per person (over 17 years old):

• Tobacco: 300 cigarettes or 400g of rolling tobacco.
• Alcohol: 1.5L of spirits (over 22 degrees) or 3L of light spirits (under 22 degrees).
• Perfumes: 75g of perfume and 375ml of cologne.
• Industrial products (Electronics, fashion): Up to €900 per adult.

Don't leave home without this

• ID / Passport: Valid (mandatory).
  
• Minor's Authorization: Only if traveling without one or both parents (signed by police).
  
• E/AND.11 or Travel Insurance: Remember, the European Health Card is not valid.
  
• Pet Passport: With up-to-date rabies vaccine and microchip.
  
• eSIM Installed: To have cheap internet when crossing.
  
• Snow chains: Mandatory in the car from November to May.
  

Frequently Asked Questions

Joan
Article written and updated by the local team of Andorra.com