New Border Rules for UK Travellers have come into place from 10th April 2026, there have been some updates to how UK travellers enter Europe, which may affect your journey to Andorra. As Andorra does not have its own airport, all visitors travel via Spain or France, meaning UK customers follow Schengen border rules when entering and exiting.
What has changed?
The EU has introduced a new digital system called the Entry/Exit System (EES). This replaces traditional passport stamping and is now being used at borders across Europe.
When travelling, UK passport holders will now:
- Scan their passport at border control
- Provide biometric data (a facial photo and fingerprints on first entry)
- Have their entry and exit recorded digitally
This system is designed to improve security and make border crossings more efficient over time.
Will this affect my travel?
For most travellers, the process remains straightforward. However, during the early stages of the rollout, there may occasionally be slightly longer wait times at border control, particularly during busy periods. On the first day of introduction, buses were held at the border for around an hour while the new processes were implemented.
Aside from this, the rules around how long you can stay remain the same:
– You can stay up to 90 days within any 180-day period in the Schengen Area
What do I need to check before travelling?
- Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months after your return date
- It must have been issued within the last 10 years
- You may be asked for proof of accommodation or return travel
- Any questions, check the official government website: https://www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration
Looking ahead
A further system called ETIAS (a travel authorisation) is expected to be introduced in the future, but it is not yet required.
When planning your journey, it’s also worth allowing a little extra time at the border, particularly for return transfers, as the new processes may increase waiting times during busy periods.
In summary
While the way you pass through border control is changing, travelling to Andorra remains simple. With the right documents and a little preparation, you can continue to enjoy a smooth journey to the mountains.
