But if you’re planning a road trip to Andorra, it’s essential you’re fully prepared ahead of time as driving there has many differences to the UK. 

To make your trip to the Continent as safe and effortless as possible, we’ve put together a guide to everything you need to know before you go, from required documents to rules of the road.

Driving a rented vehicle? Jump to the advice for driving a hire car in Andorra section

RAC European Breakdown Cover (Basic and Comprehensive) provides a wide range of benefits should you breakdown in Andorra to ensure you stay safe. 

To supplement this, RAC also offers travel insurance. Cover will include medical expenses, baggage, personal money and belongings, among many other benefits.

• A valid, full UK driving licence
• Your motor insurance certificate
• V5 registration document or hire car paperwork

Do I need an insurance green card?

From 2nd August 2021, drivers will no longer require an insurance green card for taking their vehicles to Andorra.

ETIAS – 2025

ETIAS stands for the European Travel Information and Authorisation System. It is a visa program for visitors who don’t need a Schengen visa, who want to travel to the European Union and a few other European countries.

Visitors who purchase an ETIAS will be able to enter the 26 member states of the Schengen Zone as well as Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, and Romania.

This will be launching in 2025. Learn more about ETIAS here.

Although this does not impact travelling in Andorra, many of its neighbours will need an ETIAS. So, if you are driving across Europe, make sure you have your relevant paperwork.

You must also have:

• Headlamp converters (stickers for your headlights when driving on the right, so your lights don't dazzle motorists coming the other way)
• Reflective jacket (compulsory to carry and wear should you leave your vehicle due to a breakdown or collision)
• Two red warning triangles (compulsory to carry in vehicles in case of a breakdown)
• A full set of spare light bulbs and the tools to change them
• Spare pair of glasses should you need to wear glasses or contact lenses
• Snow chains or winter tyres (compulsory if travelling from 1 November to 15 May)
• Drive on the right, overtake on the left
• Be 18 or over
• Make sure everyone in the car wears a seatbelt at all times
• Wear a crash helmet if you're riding a motorcycle
• Ensure your car is covered by third-party insurance recognised in Andorra. This is the legal minimum cover for residents and visitors, so check with your provider before you travel

It's a good idea to have:

• A fire extinguisher 
• A Green Card (this is no longer a requirement but it could be useful to back-up your insurance documents and show you've got the minimum legal level of cover. To find out more, contact your insurance company)
• An International Driving Permit (again, not compulsory but it could provide extra peace of mind if you have one)

• Your insurer might not cover driving in Andorra so check before you go and make sure you’re covered
• In Andorra, you drive on the right and overtake on the left. Vehicles from the right and emergency vehicles have priority
• The standard of roads in Andorra is generally good although remember this is a mountainous country so be prepared for steep roads whose quality may vary in more remote areas
• Using your phone behind the wheel is illegal unless you use a completely hands-free unit
• There are no motorways in Andorra
• Motorists are required to either use winter tyres or carry snow chains between 1 November and 15 May. Failure to do so can lead to an on-the-spot fine of €180
• Unleaded petrol and diesel are readily available, with payment available in cash and credit card
• If you're caught committing a driving offence while driving through Andorra, you could be given an on-the-spot fine
• Seat belts should be worn in front seats
• Children under the age of 10 are not allowed in the front seat. Small children must also use a restraint
• The drink-drive limit for all drivers is 0.05%
• Parking can be limited in built-up areas, with restricted zones signposted. Cars parked illegally will be towed

Speed limits vary across Andorra, so always check the signposts for maximum speeds. In urban areas, the limit is usually 50km/h unless otherwise signposted and up to 90km/h outside these areas

112 - Here's a really important bit of knowledge; you can dial 112 from anywhere in Europe and an operator will connect you to an emergency service in the country you're visiting. Operators can answer your call in their native language, English or French. 

Useful guides and maps

Download a copy of our full Driving Abroad report.

RAC offers great-value, flexible RAC European breakdown cover tailored to meet your needs. We also offer comprehensive travel insurance, including cover for medical expenses, baggage, personal money and belongings.

Not all of the information in the guide above will be relevant to those looking to rent a hire car in Andorra.

Though it might be a good idea to read through everything anyway, here are the most important things to know for drivers of rental vehicles:

Rental information

• The minimum age to hire a car is 21, although drivers under 25 may face additional fees
• You need a full, valid UK driving licence and usually a second proof of ID (passport)
• Car rental companies ask that you have held your licence for aminimum of 1-2 years
• Some companies may require you to use a credit card for deposit
• You may not be able to drive outside of Andorra unless planned in advance - check with your hire company first
• Make sure you get car hire excess insurance before your trip to protect yourself from unexpected costs. It's almost always cheaper to do this with a separate insurer and in advance

Hire car driving tips

• Andorrans drive on the right and overtake on the left - the opposite to the UK
• There are no motorways in Andorra. The speed limits for main roads outside a built-up area is 90 km/h. For built-up areas it’s 50km/h
• Dial 112 in an emergency
• It’s compulsory to wear seat belts in the front and rear seats
• The blood alcohol content limit for drivers of private vehicles is 0.05%. That's lower than the 0.08% in England Wales and Northern Ireland, but the same as Scotland.

UK Government travel advice

Click here to see up-to-date travel advice