Andorra is surging the tourism industry with new visa-free entry policy for 63 countries, including USA, UK and Schengen Nations

Saturday, July 13, 2024

Andorra is boosting its travel industry by implementing a new visa-free entry policy for citizens from 65 countries. This initiative aims to attract more tourists by simplifying the entry process. The countries benefiting from this policy include all European Union member states such as Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden. Additionally, Schengen Area countries like Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland are included. Non-European countries such as the USA, UK, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, and the United Arab Emirates also benefit from this policy. This extensive list of visa-exempt nations is expected to significantly increase tourism, enhancing Andorra’s global appeal and economic growth in the travel sector. Andorra, a small but vibrant country in the Pyrenees mountains, does not have any international airports within its territory due to its mountainous terrain. However, the nearest airport serving Andorra is the Andorra–La Seu d’Urgell Airport (IATA: LEU), located in Catalonia, Spain, approximately 12 kilometers south of the Andorran border. This airport hosts general aviation and commercial flights, primarily connecting to various destinations in Spain. For international flights, travelers to Andorra typically use nearby airports in Spain and France, including Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN), Toulouse-Blagnac Airport (TLS), and Girona-Costa Brava Airport (GRO). Air Nostrum operates commercial routes from Andorra–La Seu d’Urgell Airport to Madrid, providing access to a wide range of international and intercontinental flights. For rail travel, the closest train station to Andorra is L’Hospitalet-près-l’Andorre in France, located just 11 kilometers from the Andorran border, served by trains from major French cities like Toulouse. In Spain, the Lleida Pirineus station offers high-speed trains (AVE) connecting from Madrid-Puerta de Atocha and Barcelona Sants. Andorra also offers a well-organized public bus service with several national regular lines, such as L1 (Escaldes-Engordany to Sant Julià de Lòria) and L2 (Encamp to Andorra la Vella). Tickets are available from the driver, at bus stations, or online. The top hotels in Andorra include Andorra Park Hotel, Grand Plaza Hotel & Wellness, Hotel & Spa Xalet Bringue, Hotel Metropolis, and Acta Arthotel, all offering luxurious accommodations and easily accessible by local transportation. Popular tourist attractions in Andorra include Andorra la Vella, Vallnord, Grandvalira, Ordino, Pas de la Casa, Madriu-Perafita-Claror Valley, Sant Joan de Caselles Church, Mirador del Roc del Quer, Caldea Thermal Complex, and Les Escaldes, known for their natural beauty, ski resorts, and historic landmarks. Andorra is famous for its ski resorts like Grandvalira and Vallnord, duty-free shopping, stunning natural landscapes, and rich cultural heritage with numerous Romanesque churches and museums.

European Union (EU) Countries

• Austria
• Belgium
• Bulgaria
• Croatia
• Cyprus
• Czech Republic
• Denmark
• Estonia
• Finland
• France
• Germany
• Greece
• Hungary
• Ireland
• Italy
• Latvia
• Lithuania
• Luxembourg
• Malta
• Netherlands
• Poland
• Portugal
• Romania
• Slovakia
• Slovenia
• Spain
• Sweden

Schengen Area Countries (Non-EU)

• Iceland
• Liechtenstein
• Norway
• Switzerland

USA

UK

Asian Countries

• Japan
• Malaysia
• Singapore
• South Korea
• United Arab Emirates

Andorra does not have any international airports within its territory due to its mountainous terrain. However, the nearest airport serving Andorra is the Andorra–La Seu d’Urgell Airport (IATA: LEU, ICAO: LESU), located in Catalonia, Spain, approximately 12 kilometers south of the Andorran border. This airport hosts general aviation and commercial flights, primarily connecting to various destinations in Spain.

For international flights, travelers to Andorra typically use the following nearby airports in Spain and France:

1. Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN) – Spain
2. Toulouse-Blagnac Airport (TLS) – France
3. Girona-Costa Brava Airport (GRO) – Spain

Airlines Serving Andorra–La Seu d’Urgell Airport

• Air Nostrum: Operates commercial routes, including connections to Madrid, providing access to a wide range of international and intercontinental flights.

Andorra does not have its own railway network. However, travelers can access Andorra via nearby train stations in France and Spain. The closest train station to Andorra is L’Hospitalet-près-l’Andorre in France, located just 7 miles (approximately 11 kilometers) from the Andorran border. This station is served by trains from major French cities, particularly those in the south such as Toulouse.

For travelers coming from Spain, the Lleida Pirineus station is a convenient option, with high-speed trains (AVE) connecting from Madrid-Puerta de Atocha and Barcelona Sants.

Andorra Bus Service Information

Top Hotels in Andorra

Top Destination Management Companies (DMCs) in Andorra

Tourist Attractions in Andorra

Andorra is a small but vibrant country in the Pyrenees mountains, known for its natural beauty, ski resorts, and historic landmarks. Here are some of the top tourist attractions in Andorra:

1. Andorra la Vella:
   • Description: The capital city, known for its bustling shopping streets, historic buildings, and the Caldea Thermal Complex, the largest spa in Europe.
   • Activities: Shopping, dining, and visiting cultural sites like Casa de la Vall and the Església de Sant Esteve.
2. Vallnord:
   • Description: A popular ski resort that offers skiing, snowboarding, and summer activities like hiking and mountain biking.
   • Location: In the northern part of Andorra, accessible from La Massana.
3. Grandvalira:
   • Description: The largest ski area in Andorra, offering extensive slopes and facilities for winter sports enthusiasts.
   • Location: Spans several parishes including Encamp, Canillo, and Pas de la Casa.
4. Ordino:
   • Description: A picturesque town with quaint streets, shops, and the historic Casa d’Areny-Plandolit museum.
   • Activities: Exploring historical sites and enjoying the local cafes and scenery.
5. Pas de la Casa:
   • Description: A ski resort town known for its lively après-ski scene and proximity to the French border.
   • Activities: Skiing, nightlife, and shopping.
6. Madriu-Perafita-Claror Valley:
   • Description: A UNESCO World Heritage Site offering stunning hiking trails and breathtaking landscapes.
   • Activities: Hiking, wildlife spotting, and photography.
7. Sant Joan de Caselles Church:
   • Description: A well-preserved 11th-century Romanesque church located in Canillo.
   • Activities: Visiting historical religious sites and enjoying the architecture.
8. Mirador del Roc del Quer:
   • Description: A viewpoint offering spectacular views of the valley and mountains, with a unique glass walkway.
   • Activities: Photography and sightseeing.
9. Caldea Thermal Complex:
   • Description: The largest spa complex in Europe, featuring thermal pools, saunas, and various wellness treatments.
   • Activities: Spa treatments and relaxation.
10. Les Escaldes:
    • Description: Known for its hot springs and the Romanesque Sant Miquel d’Engolasters church.
    • Activities: Visiting hot springs and exploring historical sites.

Popular Aspects of Andorra

• Ski Resorts: Andorra is famous for its ski resorts like Grandvalira and Vallnord, which attract winter sports enthusiasts from around the world.
• Shopping: The country is a duty-free shopping haven, especially in Andorra la Vella, where tourists can find great deals on electronics, clothing, and luxury goods.
• Natural Beauty: With its mountainous terrain, Andorra offers stunning natural landscapes, ideal for hiking, biking, and outdoor photography.
• Cultural Heritage: Andorra boasts a rich cultural heritage with numerous Romanesque churches, historic buildings, and museums.

Nearby Airports for International Flights:

1. Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN)
2. Toulouse-Blagnac Airport (TLS)
3. Girona-Costa Brava Airport (GRO)
4. Reus Airport (REU)
5. Perpignan-Rivesaltes Airport (PGF)
6. Carcassonne Airport (CCF)
7. Lleida-Alguaire Airport (ILD)

Airlines Operating Near Andorra:

• Air Nostrum: Operates commercial routes from Andorra–La Seu d’Urgell Airport to various destinations within Spain, including Madrid. This allows passengers to connect to a wide range of international and intercontinental flights.
• Private Flights: Andorra–La Seu d’Urgell Airport also supports private flights.

• Iberia calls the strike unjustified