Andorra border - Customs check

Andorra Customs

Limits, allowances and rules for crossing the border smoothly

If you're coming to Andorra for shopping, there's one question on your mind: how much can I bring through customs without trouble? Checks are frequent, especially on weekends at Pas de la Casa, and officers will ask you to open your boot.

In this guide I'll explain exactly what the legal limits are, which products have specific allowances, and what happens if you exceed them. Clear, no-nonsense information so you can enjoy your shopping without worries.

Important: Andorra is not in the European Union, so although they don't systematically check identity, you need to carry your passport or ID card to cross the border.

For non-Schengen travellers: If you're from outside the Schengen area, you need a multiple-entry Schengen visa. When you leave Andorra you re-enter Schengen (Spain or France), and then need to exit again towards your home country. A single-entry visa won't be enough.

🏨 Looking for a hotel near the Shopping area? Check out our guide on where to stay in Andorra and discover the centre section, ideal for shopping.

📱 Want to shop along Avenida Meritxell? Don't forget to check our guide to internet in Andorra. Keep in mind that in Andorra roaming is not included and using your mobile data can cost you money.

Why it's important to know the customs rules

Andorra is not part of the European Union, which means that when you leave the country towards Spain or France, you cross a real customs border. This means there are limits on what you can transport without declaring.

Customs checks are frequent, especially on weekends, particularly for tobacco and alcohol. Don't try to hide goods: penalties can be severe, from fines to confiscation of products.

Why is it cheaper in Andorra?

Thanks to the IGI (Impost General Indirecte) of just 4.5% — compared to 21% in Spain or 20% in France — prices are significantly lower:

  • Tobacco: ~50% cheaper
  • Alcohol: 30-40% savings
  • Perfumes: 20-30% less
  • Electronics: 10-20% discount

To find out which products are most worth buying and get tips on where to shop, read our guide to what to buy in Andorra. If you want to plan your shopping around sale dates and holidays, check our Andorra shopping calendar.

🗺️ Plan your full trip: If you're coming for several days to maximise your shopping without exceeding customs limits, our 2-3 day Andorra plan helps you organise the best times for shopping, where to park free at shopping centres (Leclerc, Pyrénées), and how to combine shopping with Caldea and nature.

The general rule: 900€ per person

You can transport purchases worth a total of 900€ per person without paying additional taxes or making a customs declaration.

General allowance for industrial products

  • Adults (over 15): up to 900€
  • Under 15: up to 450€

This allowance applies to industrial products like electronics, clothes, footwear, jewellery, watches, etc. However, certain products have specific allowances independent of the value, which we'll look at next.

Important: Allowances CANNOT be combined between travellers. You can't "add" your allowance with someone else's to buy a higher-value product.

Specific allowances by product

Certain products are subject to strict allowances, regardless of their value. These are the maximum quantities you can bring from Andorra:

Tobacco (over 17s)

You can choose ONE of these options:

  • 300 cigarettes (one and a half cartons)
  • 150 cigarillos (cigars under 3g each)
  • 75 cigars (cigars over 3g each)
  • 400 grams of rolling tobacco

Important: These quantities are alternatives, NOT cumulative. If you take 300 cigarettes, you can't add cigars or rolling tobacco. Under 17s have no tobacco allowance.

Alcohol (over 17s)

You can bring:

  • 5 litres of wine (still wine)
  • CHOOSE (one option only):
    • 1.5 litres of spirits over 22° (whisky, vodka, rum, etc.)
    • Or 3 litres of spirits or aperitifs under 22° (Port, etc.)

Clarification: You cannot combine the two spirit options. Wine (5L) is independent and can always be added to one of the two spirit options.

Under 17s have no alcohol allowance. Official reference from French Customs

Perfumes and colognes

  • 75 grams of perfume
  • 375 ml of eau de cologne

Coffee and tea

  • 1 kg of coffee (or 400g extracts)
  • 200 grams of tea (or 80g extracts)

Food products (agricultural)

The accumulated value of agri-food products must not exceed 300€ per traveller (150€ for under 15s). Specific limits:

6 litres fresh milk

2.5 kg powdered milk

3 kg condensed milk

1 kg butter

4 kg cheese

5 kg sugar/sweets

5 kg meat

What if you exceed the limits?

If you exceed the established limits, you must:

  1. Voluntarily declare your purchases at customs
  2. Pay additional taxes on the excess amounts
  3. If you don't declare and get caught: financial penalty + possible confiscation of goods

Customs officers are especially vigilant with tobacco and alcohol. Checks are frequent, especially on weekends at Pas de la Casa (French border) and at the Spanish border, but they can't check everyone.

Important advice: If you're unsure whether you're over the limit, it's better to declare. Paying the corresponding taxes is always cheaper than a fine for not declaring.

Official information

For official customs allowance information:

Practical tips for crossing customs smoothly

1. Keep your receipts: If you get stopped and have doubts about the value of your purchases, receipts will help prove you're within the 900€ limit.

2. Don't mix products: If you're taking the maximum tobacco (300 cigarettes), don't try to add cigars or rolling tobacco. The options are exclusive.

3. Travel midweek if you can: Weekends and holidays have the most intense checks. If possible, travel midweek to get through faster.

4. Be honest: If asked, tell the truth. Officers have experience and can spot lies. Honesty is always the best policy.

5. Plan extra time: If shopping on Avenida Meritxell, factor in extra customs time in your planning.

Hotels Near the Shopping Area

If you're coming for shopping, the ideal is to sleep nearby so you don't have to take the car every time you want to visit a store. The outlets and Av. Meritxell are right in the centre of Andorra: Andorra la Vella and Escaldes-Engordany. So the hotels in this area leave you 5-15 minutes walk from almost everything.

In this section I'm giving you 3 hotels in the centre that I recommend: a 4-star (Hotel Metropolis), a more affordable 3-star (Hotel & Aparthotel Cosmos) and the cheapest of all, a hostel in the old town (Barri Antic Hostel & Pub). All three are within walking distance of the shopping area and I've chosen them to cover three different budgets.

1️⃣ Hotel Metropolis - 4★ with the best rating (Recommended)

Rating: 9.3/10 · 🏨 Category: 4 stars · 📍 Location: Escaldes-Engordany (~10 min walk from Av. Meritxell) · 🅿️ Parking: 18€/night (ample parking)

Hotel Metropolis is a 4-star and has one of the best ratings in the area. It's in Escaldes, right next to the river, and the walk to Av. Meritxell goes through Prat del Roure park and the Dalí Clock: very pleasant for walking with shopping bags. It's about 20-30€ more expensive than the Cosmos, but the room, breakfast buffet and staff treatment justify the difference.

"The room with an extra-large bed, the very complete breakfast buffet, the soundproofing, ample parking (depending on the vehicle they assign you one or another), perfect. 5 minutes from Caldea and 10 from the centre."

Check Availability & Prices at Hotel Metropolis

2️⃣ Hotel & Aparthotel Cosmos - 3★ with cheap parking

Rating: 8.2/10 · 🏨 Category: 3 stars · 📍 Location: Andorra la Vella, right in the centre · 🅿️ Parking: 18€/day

The Cosmos is a well-located 3-star, right in the centre of Andorra la Vella. Its private parking costs 18€/day, one of the most reasonable prices among central hotels. If you come in low season you can find rooms for €80. I recommend it if you're looking for an affordable option without giving up being right in the heart of the shopping area, and also if you prefer having parking included in the price.

"We decided to pay for the hotel parking (€18) since everything in the centre is paid parking. Very central hotel. The breakfast buffet was very complete, all the staff were very friendly. Clean and cozy room."

Check Availability & Prices at Hotel Cosmos

3️⃣ Barri Antic Hostel & Pub - The cheapest option

Rating: 8.9/10 · 📍 Location: Barri Antic, Andorra la Vella (old town)

If you're looking for the cheapest option right in the centre, I recommend this hostel in the Barri Antic (old town) of Andorra la Vella. It has its own pub, shared kitchen and a very pleasant youthful atmosphere. Most guests are young backpackers or couples on a tight budget. To park you can use Parking Madriu (€2.10/day, 30 min walk) or look for blue zone/free parking nearby.

"Central location, with a bar downstairs that doesn't disturb you at night at all. Really friendly and helpful people. I'll be back."

Check Availability at Barri Antic Hostel

If you want more options, check out my complete guide on where to stay in Andorra with recommendations by area (centre, mountain, ski, family-friendly). And if you're coming by car and prefer a hotel with parking included in the price (or cheaper than the blue zone), take a look at my comparison of the best hotels with parking in Andorra.

Manuel Cabarcos

Written by

Manuel Cabarcos

Andorran, passionate about my country

Born and raised in Encamp, Andorra. In my free time I explore my country and share the best activities, trails and hidden spots that most travel guides don't mention.

Contact me:

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