Andorra entry requirements for South Africa passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 2026·View sources
Visa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
South African passport holders need a visa to enter Andorra. Since Andorra has no airport, you'll arrive via Spain or France and must have a valid Schengen visa or a multiple-entry visa for either country. Plan ahead — processing can take weeks.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Apply for a visa at an Andorran consulate | Andorra does not have its own visa issuance system — you must apply at a Spanish or French consulate that handles Andorran visa requests. Contact the nearest consulate well before travel; processing takes 2–4 weeks. Andorra is not in the Schengen zone, but you need a Schengen visa to enter Spain or France to reach Andorra.Andorra visa info | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the entire stay | Your South African passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in Andorra. No minimum validity beyond departure is required by Andorran law, but airlines may enforce 6 months — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at the Spanish or French border check for a return or onward ticket before allowing entry into Andorra. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight booking ready — they may ask to see it at the border checkpoint. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to carry | Hotel booking confirmations or an invitation letter from your host in Andorra can speed up border processing. Officers rarely ask, but having it avoids delays if they do. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to carry | Carry proof of sufficient funds for your stay — bank statements or a credit card with a reasonable limit. Andorra is expensive (€100–150/day for accommodation and meals), so show you can cover costs if asked. | Recommended |
No airport in Andorra — plan your transit
Andorra doesn't have an airport. You must fly into Spain or France, then take a bus or drive. Your visa must be valid for both entry and re-entry into the Schengen area.
Visa-free access? Not for South Africans
Unlike some nationalities, South Africans cannot enter Andorra visa-free. A Schengen visa is mandatory. Don't assume otherwise — border officers will turn you away.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for a Schengen Visa
Submit your visa application at the embassy or consulate of the Schengen country you'll transit through (usually Spain or France). Expect processing times of 2-4 weeks. You'll need to provide your passport, photos, flight itinerary, accommodation bookings, travel insurance, and proof of funds.
2
Travel to Andorra via Spain or France
Fly into Barcelona, Toulouse, or another nearby airport, then take a bus or rental car to Andorra. At the border crossing, present your passport and Schengen visa. The officer may ask for your return ticket and accommodation details.
3
Enter Andorra
Once through the border, you're in Andorra. There's no additional visa check at the Andorran side. Enjoy your stay — just remember your visa's expiry date for your return trip.
Download Andorra Entry Checklist
PDF · South Africa Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days within 180-day period
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)
Apply at Spanish embassy/consulate as Andorra has no visa issuance; Schengen visa required.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days within 180-day period
Validity6 months to 5 years
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)
Same fee as single entry; requires justification for multiple entries.
Long-stay visa (national D visa)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification; apply at Spanish embassy.
work visa
Work Permit (Permís de Treball)
1 year, renewable
€80 (~$87 USD) application fee
For those with a job offer in Andorra. Requires employer sponsorship and proof of qualifications. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Student Visa (Visat d'Estudis)
Up to 1 year, renewable
€80 (~$87 USD) application fee
For enrollment in an accredited Andorran educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
retirement visa
Residence without Work (Residència sense Treball)
1 year, renewable
€80 (~$87 USD) application fee
For retirees or those with sufficient passive income. Requires proof of income (at least €1,500/month) and health insurance.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard Schengen visa fee for South African passport holders. | €80 (~$87 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry, but allows multiple entries within validity. | €80 (~$87 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying visa-free or visa period. | €50 (~$54 USD) per day, max €500 (~$545 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documents20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Andorra
No transit visa needed
Andorra has no airports; transit is via Spain or France. South African passport holders need a Schengen visa to enter those countries for transit.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid Schengen visa or residence permit may transit without additional visa.
Transit hubsBarcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN) · Toulouse-Blagnac Airport (TLS)
Health & vaccines for Andorra
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, varicella)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedTyphoidConsiderInfluenzaRecommended
Health risks
Altitude sicknessModerate risk
Andorra's high altitude (average 1,996m) can cause altitude sickness; ascend gradually and stay hydrated.
Tick-borne encephalitisLow risk
Rare but present in forested areas; use insect repellent and check for ticks.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Andorra la Vella
Immigration Office (Oficina d'Immigració)
Carrer de la Vall, 1, AD500 Andorra la Vella
Mon–Fri 09:00–14:00
Handles visa extensions and residency permits; bring passport, visa, and proof of funds.
Practical information for ZA travellers
Country basics
CapitalAndorra la Vella
LanguageCatalan
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US driver's license for up to 3 months.
Money
CurrencyEuro (EUR)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 0.88 EUR
Time zone
Local timeUTC+1
vs New York+6h
vs Los Angeles+9h
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,FType C (two round pins) and Type F (two round pins with grounding clips)
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Tap water is safe to drink throughout Andorra.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
Yes. South African passport holders must obtain a Schengen visa (or a multiple-entry visa for Spain or France) before traveling, since Andorra has no airport and you must enter via Spain or France.
No. There is no visa-on-arrival option. You must have a valid visa before you reach the border.
Your stay in Andorra is limited by your Schengen visa's validity — typically up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Andorra itself doesn't issue separate stay limits for visa holders.
A single-entry Schengen visa won't work because you'll leave the Schengen area when you enter Andorra. You need a multiple-entry visa to re-enter Spain or France on your way back.
The standard Schengen visa fee is around €80 for adults (about R1,600), plus any service charges from the visa application centre. Fees are non-refundable.
Processing usually takes 15 calendar days, but can extend to 30-45 days during peak season. Apply at least 4-6 weeks before your trip.
You'll need a valid passport (6+ months validity), completed application form, recent passport photos, flight itinerary, accommodation bookings, travel insurance, proof of funds (bank statements), and a cover letter explaining your trip.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.