Andorra Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in Andorra.
Healthcare System
Andorra has a modern, high-quality healthcare system with the Meritxell Hospital in Escaldes-Engordany serving as the main medical facility. The country has reciprocal healthcare agreements with neighboring countries, but these don't extend to most international visitors. Healthcare is primarily private, though well-regulated and efficient.
Hospitals
Hospital Nostra Senyora de Meritxell in Escaldes-Engordany is the main hospital with 24/7 emergency services. Several private clinics operate in major towns including Andorra la Vella, Escaldes-Engordany, and the ski resort areas. Medical facilities are equipped to handle winter sports injuries and mountain emergencies.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies (farmàcies) are widely available in all major towns and ski resorts, marked with green crosses. They're well-stocked with international medications and pharmacists often speak multiple languages. Many common medications available by prescription elsewhere can be purchased over-the-counter. Pharmacies rotate Sunday and holiday opening schedules.
Insurance
Travel insurance with comprehensive medical coverage is strongly recommended and often required by ski resorts. Ensure your policy covers winter sports, mountain activities, and helicopter evacuation, which can cost €3,000-€6,000. The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) has limited applicability in Andorra.
Healthcare Tips
- Bring copies of prescriptions with generic drug names, as brand names may differ
- Ensure travel insurance specifically covers skiing, snowboarding, and mountain activities if participating
- Medical costs must typically be paid upfront and claimed back through insurance
- Mountain rescue and helicopter evacuation are expensive and not always covered by basic travel insurance
- Keep emergency numbers and your insurance policy details accessible on your phone and in writing
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Pickpocketing and bag snatching are rare but can occur in crowded shopping areas, particularly during sales periods and peak tourist season. Theft from rental cars in parking areas near ski resorts occasionally happens.
The most common cause of injury to tourists. Andorra's ski resorts (Grandvalira and Vallnord) are generally well-maintained, but accidents occur due to collisions, falls, going off-piste, and skiing beyond ability level.
Sudden weather changes, getting lost on trails, altitude sickness, falls, and inadequate preparation for mountain conditions. Andorra's mountains reach over 2,900 meters and weather can change rapidly.
Mountain roads can be challenging with steep grades, hairpin turns, and winter conditions. Snow and ice are common from November to April. Some drivers may be unfamiliar with mountain driving.
Avalanche risk exists in winter and spring, particularly after heavy snowfall. While ski resorts manage this risk, off-piste skiers and mountain hikers face real danger.
While Andorra's altitudes are moderate (ski areas 1,800-2,600m), some visitors may experience mild altitude effects, especially if arriving from sea level and immediately engaging in strenuous activity.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Some rental shops may try to upsell unnecessary equipment, charge for damage that was pre-existing, or add hidden fees not disclosed upfront. End-of-rental inspections may claim damage to equipment.
While Andorra uses the euro, some shops near borders may accept multiple currencies but offer poor exchange rates or confusing pricing that benefits the merchant.
Andorra is not in the EU, so has different duty-free allowances. Some retailers may not clearly explain customs limits, potentially leading to issues when crossing back into France or Spain with excess goods.
Some restaurants in heavy tourist areas may have different menus or prices for tourists versus locals, or add service charges and cover charges not clearly indicated.
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
Winter Sports Safety
- Always wear a helmet when skiing or snowboarding
- Purchase ski pass insurance which covers rescue and initial medical costs
- Stay on marked runs and respect closure signs
- Carry a charged mobile phone in a waterproof case
- Know the international ski distress signal (crossed skis in snow)
- Take breaks to avoid fatigue which leads to accidents
- Never ski alone in bad weather or at end of day
- Respect your ability level and don't attempt runs beyond your skill
Mountain Hiking Safety
- Inform hotel staff or friends of your hiking plans and expected return time
- Carry the Andorran emergency number (112) and ensure your phone is charged
- Bring paper maps as GPS and phone signals can be unreliable
- Pack the 'ten essentials': map, compass, water, food, clothing, light, first aid, fire, shelter, knife
- Start hikes early to avoid afternoon thunderstorms in summer
- Wear sturdy hiking boots and bring layers for temperature changes
- Carry at least 2 liters of water per person
- Download offline maps before heading into mountains
Driving Safety
- Winter tires are mandatory from November 1 to May 15
- Carry snow chains even if you have winter tires
- Fill up fuel regularly as stations can be sparse in mountain areas
- Use lower gears on steep descents to avoid brake overheating
- Be extremely cautious in tunnels where ice can form
- Park only in designated areas near ski resorts to avoid towing
- Consider parking in Andorra la Vella and using ski buses to resorts
- Drive with headlights on in tunnels and poor weather
Shopping and Money
- Keep receipts for all purchases for customs when leaving
- Use ATMs for best exchange rates rather than exchange bureaus
- Credit cards are widely accepted but carry some cash for small purchases
- Understand duty-free limits before making large purchases
- Shops close for siesta in some areas (typically 1:30-4:30 PM)
- Compare prices as duty-free doesn't always mean cheapest
- Be aware that Andorra is not in the EU so different customs rules apply
General Safety
- Learn basic phrases in Catalan, Spanish, or French
- Keep copies of important documents separate from originals
- Register with your embassy if staying for extended periods
- Respect local customs and quiet hours (typically after 10 PM)
- Tap water is safe to drink throughout Andorra
- Emergency services are efficient but may have limited English
- Download offline translation apps for emergencies
- Keep hotel contact information with you when exploring
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
Andorra is very safe for women travelers, whether solo or in groups. The country has low crime rates, respectful local culture, and women will generally feel comfortable exploring alone. Harassment is rare and the local population is accustomed to international tourists. Women hold prominent positions in Andorran society and enjoy full equality under law.
- Solo women travelers can feel safe walking around towns even in the evening
- Standard precautions apply: avoid excessive alcohol consumption and stay aware of surroundings
- Dress comfortably and practically for activities; there are no special dress code requirements
- Use licensed taxis or hotel-arranged transportation late at night
- Women's ski and hiking groups are common and welcoming to solo travelers
- Andorran men are generally respectful; unwanted attention is uncommon
- Hotel staff and tourism professionals are helpful and professional
- Solo dining is completely normal and you won't feel out of place
- Trust your instincts and don't hesitate to seek help from police or hotel staff if needed
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Homosexuality is legal in Andorra with same-sex civil unions recognized since 2014 and same-sex marriage legalized in 2022. Anti-discrimination laws protect LGBTQ+ individuals in employment and services. Andorra has made significant progress in LGBTQ+ rights in recent years.
- LGBTQ+ travelers should feel safe and welcome in Andorra's tourist areas and resorts
- Major hotels and resorts are LGBTQ+-friendly and professional
- Public displays of affection are legal but use discretion in smaller, traditional villages
- Andorra la Vella and ski resorts are more cosmopolitan and accepting than rural areas
- While there's no large LGBTQ+ scene due to country's small size, visitors can access nearby Barcelona or Toulouse for nightlife
- Discrimination is illegal and can be reported to police
- Hotel staff are professional and won't discriminate regarding room arrangements
- No safety concerns specific to LGBTQ+ travelers beyond general travel precautions
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is essential for Andorra, particularly if engaging in winter sports or mountain activities. Medical costs must be paid upfront and can be substantial, especially for mountain rescue operations. Helicopter evacuations can cost €3,000-€6,000 and are not covered by standard health insurance. Most ski resorts strongly recommend or require proof of insurance.
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