WHEN TO TRAVEL to Andorra

Location

Climate

Seasons in Andorra: climate and crowds

Located in the Pyrenees between France and Spain, the Principality of Andorra enjoys a mountain climate with cold winters and mild summers. The best time to go to Andorra will depend on your preferences and your desired activities.

Winter: skiing and winter sports

Winter in Andorra, from December to March, is the ideal time to enjoy winter sports. The ski resorts are open and the slopes well covered with snow. But it's also peak tourist seasonWith higher lodging rates and possible overcrowding in some resorts.

Spring: hiking and green landscapes

Spring, from April to June, offers a milder climate and verdant landscapes. Hikers and nature lovers will appreciate this quiet, less crowded period. Please note, however, that temperatures may vary and it's possible to encounter a few more days of snow in early spring.

Summer: outdoor activities and festivals

Summer, which generally runs from July to September, is the hottest period in Andorra. Temperatures are ideal for a wide range of outdoor activities such as cycling, climbing and fishing. Numerous festivals and cultural events also take place during this season.

Autumn: flamboyant colors and tranquility

In autumn, from October to November, the landscapes take on flamboyant colors, offering visitors a magnificent spectacle. It's also a quiet period with few tourists, ideal for those who want to enjoy nature without the crowds.

Major cultural events in Andorra

The Principality of Andorra offers a wide range of cultural and artistic events all year round. Here are just a few of them:

1. Festival Colors de Música This music festival takes place in July and features free concerts at various venues around the country.
2. Fête de la Musique Every year on June 21, this event celebrates the arrival of summer with concerts all over the country.
3. Cirque du Soleil In July, the famous circus company presents a unique and exclusive show in Andorra la Vella.
4. Festival Internacional Narciso Yepes This prestigious classical music festival is held in October at various Andorran venues.

Public holidays in Andorra

To plan your stay in Andorra, it is important to take into account the following public holidays:

• January 1st New Year's Day
• January 6 : Epiphany
• March/April Good Friday and Easter Monday (dates vary)
• May 1st Labour Day
• September 8 Andorra National Day
• November 1st : Toussaint
• December 8 Immaculate Conception
• December 25 : Christmas
• December 26 Saint-Étienne

Please note that some shops and tourist attractions may be closed on these days.

Low and high season in Andorra

As mentioned above, tourist numbers vary throughout the year. Here's a summary of the low and high seasons in Andorra:

Low season

There low season corresponds to the months of April, May, June, October and November. During this period, temperatures are cooler, but landscapes are more colorful and tourist sites are less crowded. Accommodation rates are generally more affordable.

High season

There high season covers July, August, December, January, February and March. It attracts more tourists, especially to enjoy winter sports or summer festivals. Accommodation rates can be higher during this period.

Key immigration figures for Andorra

A host country for many immigrants, Andorra has seen its population grow in recent years. According to official data, the number of foreigners acquiring Andorran nationality has risen considerably since 2010. To better understand this phenomenon, let's take a look at some key figures:

• Andorra's total population is around 77,000, with average annual population growth of 1.9%.
• Over 53% of residents were born abroad, mainly in Spain, Portugal and France.
• Around 10,000 people obtained a residence permit in Andorra in 2020, representing almost 13% of the total population.

Most popular visas in Andorra

There are several types of visa for entering and staying in Andorra. Here are the most common categories:

• Short-stay visa (Schengen) : This visa allows foreign nationals from outside the European Union to stay in Andorra for a maximum of 90 days within a 180-day period. It is required for tourists as well as for people wishing to visit relatives or for business purposes.
• Passive residence visa : Foreigners wishing to settle in Andorra without working can opt for this type of visa. It requires an investment in the country, for example in the purchase of real estate or the creation of a business.
• Active residence visa : Intended for people wishing to work in Andorra, this visa is granted under certain conditions, such as possession of an employment contract or the creation of a company with at least one Andorran employee.
• Student visa: For international students wishing to study in Andorra, this visa allows them to stay in the country for the duration of their studies.

Please note that Schengen visas issued by France and Spain are also valid for entry into Andorra, so you don't need to take any further steps.

Visa requirements

To obtain an Andorran visa, you need to meet certain conditions and provide a set of documents. Criteria vary according to the type of visa requested:

• Schengen Visa : Proof of sufficient financial resources, medical insurance, reason for stay, accommodation bookings.
• Passive residence visa : Investment of at least 400,000 euros in the country, proof of income in excess of 36,000 euros per year, clean criminal record.
• Active residence visa : Possession of an employment contract or creation of a company with at least one Andorran employee, no criminal record.
• Student visa: Proof of enrolment in an Andorran school, proof of sufficient financial resources, medical insurance.

International tourism in Andorra: figures and trends

Andorra is a popular tourist destination, particularly for its ski resorts, rich culture and exceptional natural surroundings. Here are a few facts about international tourism in this country:

• In 2019, Andorra welcomed almost 8 million visitors, including over 3 million foreigners.
• Tourists mainly come fromSpain (64%), from France (22%) and United Kingdom (7%).
• The tourism sector accounts for around 40% of Andorra's GDP and employs almost a quarter of the working population.

Recent developments in tourism in Andorra

Tourism in Andorra has grown steadily in recent years. Between 2010 and 2019, the number of international tourists increased by 50%, from 2 million to 3 million. This increase is due to several factors:

• Diversification of the tourism offering, including the development of outdoor activities and cultural infrastructures.
• Improving transport and road links between Andorra and its European neighbors.
• Promotional campaigns to attract foreign visitors.