Safety and Security

The U.S. government reminds U.S. citizens to remain vigilant with regard to their personal security and to exercise caution at all times. Like its Western European neighbors, Andorra shares the same concern regarding the increased threat of international terrorist incidents.

Although public demonstrations are not common in Andorra, even demonstrations meant to be peaceful can become unpredictable and turn violent. Travelers should avoid them if at all possible. Be alert and aware of your surroundings, and pay attention to what local news media have to say.

To stay connected:

• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program so the Department of State can keep you updated with important safety and security announcements.
• Follow the Bureau of Consular Affairs on Twitter and Facebook.
• Bookmark the Bureau of Consular Affairs website, which contains the current Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts as well as the Worldwide Caution.
• Follow the U.S. Consulate General in Barcelona on Twitter http://twitter.com/usconsulatebcn and visit the Consulate General’s website
• In the event of an emergency, contact us at 1-888-407-4747 toll-free within the United States and Canada, or via a regular toll line, 1-202-501-4444, from other countries.
• Take some time before traveling to consider your personal security and checking for useful tips for traveling safely abroad.

CRIME: Andorra has a low crime rate. However, since all visitors to Andorra will transit through Southern France or Northeast Spain to get there, it is important to be aware of the type of crime that tourists typically experience in the region. Please refer to country information sheets on Spain and France for additional information.

Street crime affects thousands of tourists each year mostly in major cities in the region. The most common incidents involve petty theft such as pickpocketing and stolen items. Although less common, muggings, with or without violence, do occur. Criminals frequent tourist areas and major attractions such as museums, monuments, beaches, outdoor cafes, and public transportation while searching for an easy mark. Criminals have also been known to victimize people inside restaurants and hotel lobbies where customers tend to feel more comfortable letting their guard down.

Thieves often work in teams of two or more people using tactics to distract the unsuspecting tourist while the accomplice makes off with one’s personal belongings. The distractions they employ are quite varied and creative: Waving a map in your face while asking for directions, reenacting a soccer kick, spilling something on you and pretending to clean it, dropping coins or keys near a prospective victim relying on his assistance to pick it up, etc. They will even sit next to you at a restaurant pretending to be a customer just long enough to rifle through your jacket or purse.

After the mark has been identified, the actual theft is usually imperceptible until later when the victim tries to look for his/her wallet, phone, or bag. The thieves will use any means to accomplish the robbery as inconspicuously as possible. They weave in and out of a crowd distracted by buskers, cut straps on purses, money belts, and fanny packs, or grab purses and suitcases from distracted victims in restaurants and hotel lobbies. Bolder criminals will do a snatch and grab in plain view or pretend to be police officers checking tourists for counterfeit money, which they ultimately confiscate as evidence.

One of the most insidious examples of theft is known as the Good Samaritan scam. A motorist will hail down a tourist to inform him of a flat tire that his accomplice punctured earlier. The motorist appears kind and willing to help change the tire but is only serving as a distraction while the accomplice steals all of their belongings from the unlocked vehicle. A variation of this scam involves someone yelling at the driver that there is a cat underneath the vehicle. When the driver opens the door, the thief snatches a purse, bag, or phone and takes off.

Travelers should remain alert to their personal security, exercise caution, and carry limited cash, one credit card, and a copy of their passport. Travelers are urged to leave extra cash and credit cards, passports and personal documents in a safe location, and shouldn’t leave luggage or other valuables in plain view through a car window.

While sightseeing, travelers are urged to avoid placing passports, cash or other valuables in the outer pockets of backpacks or purses. Travelers should not leave belongings unattended in public areas and should not put purses on the floor or on the backs of chairs in restaurants.

Sexual assault is not common, but incidents have occurred. We recommend travelers be accompanied by a friend whenever possible, especially at night. Travelers should remain cautious in bars and clubs where alcohol is served, as tourists and students have reported having their drinks spiked with drugs and only discover the following morning that they have been robbed and assaulted. Never leave drinks unattended and never accept a drink from a stranger.

VICTIMS OF CRIME: If you or someone you know becomes the victim of a crime abroad, contact the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. We can:

• Replace a stolen passport.
• Help you find appropriate medical care if you are the victim of a violent crime such as assault or rape.
• Put you in contact with the appropriate police authorities; and if you want us to, contact family members or friends.
• Help you understand the local criminal justice process and direct you to local attorneys who speak English, although it is important to remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime.

The local equivalent to the “911” emergency line in Europe, including in Spain, France, and Andorra, is 112.

Please see our information on victims of crime, including possible victim compensation programs in the United States.