Andorra is a favourite destination for skiers from around the world and it is especially popular with British skiers. The United Kingdom’s foreign office estimates that approximately 150,000 British nationals visit Andorra every year, with most of them doing so in order to enjoy a Pyrenees skiing holiday. So, how do these British skiers travel to Andorra from UK? Right here, this guide will outline all you need to know about the logistics of travelling to Andorra from UK.
Which UK airports fly to Andorra?
For all those wondering how to get to Andorra from the United Kingdom, the most important thing to know is that there isn’t actually an airport inside the borders of the principality of Andorra. But, this isn’t a problem since there are a few helipads and there is an Andorra airport just across the border next to the Spanish town of La Seu d'Urgell, with this airport called Andorra–La Seu d'Urgell Airport. This is the closest airport to Andorra, separated from the capital of Andorra la Vella by just 18km as the crow flies, or by 27km if driving along the roads. That’s a journey of just half an hour.
How can you travel to Andorra from UK?
Most of the flights into Andorra–La Seu d'Urgell Airport are from Madrid, so this means that anyone flying from London to Andorra or anyone flying from anywhere else in the UK to Andorra will need a stopover at Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport. That is actually really easy to do, since there are 25 UK to Madrid flight routes. As such, this is the way many British tourists decide how to get to Andorra from UK.
Another airport worth considering if travelling to Andorra from UK is the Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport. That’s because there are regular bus connections from Barcelona’s airport to the centre of Andorra, with at least six daily bus transfers and more during the Andorra peak season. That bus takes a little more than two hours and is commonly used by British and other international visitors to the microstate.
There are other ways to travel to Andorra besides the air, as some visitors use train, bus or car to reach Andorra, and there is free parking in Andorra for Grandvalira ski pass holders.
Do you need a visa to travel to Andorra from UK?
The UK government’s foreign office makes it very clear that British nationals don’t need a visa to visit Andorra for tourism. You should also keep in mind that you will likely have to pass through Spain, or maybe France, to reach Andorra, but a visa is also not required for visiting or transiting through those countries.
If you plan to stay in Andorra for longer than 90 days then you will need an Andorra visa. UK residents can start the process for this type of Andorra visa at the Andorra embassy London or even by visiting the Andorra government website.
Are there any COVID-19 Andorra travel restrictions?
In these modern times, anyone wondering how to get to Andorra from UK must also consider the coronavirus situation as well as the usual transport logistics of a ski holiday. The good news is that there are no COVID-19 Andorra travel restrictions ahead of the 2022/23 Andorra ski season. The Andorran government has removed all COVID-19 measures and facemasks are no longer required in Andorra except in healthcare settings.