Andorra Nears EU Entry/Exit System Integration Amid Spain's Reservations

Andorra's agreement with the European Commission to integrate its border controls with the EU's Entry/Exit System (EES) remains in final negotiations, pending approval and minor formal amendments from EU member states. Officials aim to implement it before the system's mandatory rollout at Schengen external borders on April 10, though Spain's ongoing reservations over the deal's legal nature could delay progress.

Prime Minister Xavier Espot stated Wednesday that the Council of the European Union has not yet reached consensus, as Spain maintains a study reservation on whether the association agreement—covering Andorra and San Marino—is "mixed," requiring ratification by all 27 EU national parliaments alongside the European Parliament. Spain opposes this classification, fearing it could set a precedent complicating its own pending Gibraltar treaty, which seeks free movement and aims for approval by April 10. Espot expressed optimism that Spain will lift the reservation in coming weeks, noting the border pact is otherwise ready for signature and parliamentary ratification.

The deal would treat Andorra as effectively part of Schengen for entry purposes, preserving random checks at crossings like the Envalira tunnel, La Farga de Moles, Runer, and Baladrà to avoid systematic controls and queues. Non-EU nationals cleared at Schengen borders could enter Andorra, subject to local refusal rights, but time spent in the Principality would count toward the 90-day limit in any 180-day period.

Government spokesman Guillem Casal warned that visits to Andorra do not reset the Schengen clock, cautioning day-trippers seeking passport stamps against breaching EU rules. Espot added that even if ratification slips past April 10, European officials have signaled no immediate systematic controls at Andorran borders.

Separate pacts with Spain and France will enhance police and judicial data sharing for residence permits, screening for criminal records, open cases, or prior overstays. Andorra must repatriate non-EU residents whose permits are revoked through coordinated procedures.

To address labor needs, authorities are promoting "hiring at origin," shifting from tourist entries and later regularization to pre-arranged digital contracts from workers' home countries, including housing and return plans. Andorra has already amended Immigration Service rules to verify Schengen compliance for applicants, staying ahead of the EES timeline. Espot described overall progress as steady.