Andorra Secures EU Deal to Keep Random Border Checks Amid EES Rollout

# Andorra Finalizes EU Agreement to Preserve Random Border Checks During EES Implementation

Andorra has secured an agreement with the European Union allowing it to maintain random border controls with France and Spain, avoiding the systematic checks required by the Entry/Exit System (EES). Head of Government Xavier Espot described the deal as "very satisfactory," emphasizing that it upholds the current border "status quo" while expanding short-stay travel rights across Schengen for Andorrans and legal residents, without EES registration or electronic authorizations.

The pact, finalized after talks that closed weeks ago and published last week following legal checks, addresses the EES rollout that began progressively on October 12, 2025, with full enforcement planned for April 10, 2026. The system captures biometric data like fingerprints and facial scans for third-country nationals at Schengen external borders to monitor stays up to 90 days in any 180-day period, replacing manual passport stamps. Espot warned that systematic checks would have caused "enormous damage" to mobility, the economy, and tourism, which draws 10 million visitors annually. Andorra pursued a bespoke accord since 2021, rejecting full EES application or Schengen membership.

Tourist stays in Andorra now count toward Schengen limits, sparing third-country visitors from EES processing at borders. Security measures include bolstered police collaboration through joint operations, cross-border hot pursuit, and readmission for irregular migrants. Systematic controls could resume temporarily amid serious threats to public order, health, or security.

For third-country residence applications, France or Spain will conduct security assessments within 28 days, extendable by 14. Andorra grants temporary economic activity permits during this review, alongside its standard checks. Favorable results lead to Schengen-format residence cards enabling full-area travel. If deemed a "threat," permits are denied or revoked; "alerts" prompt consultations with the issuing state, potentially restricting movement. Existing third-country residents have two years post-implementation to upgrade cards. EU Relations Secretary Landry Riba noted this adds a Schengen-level filter without direct database access.

Recent government alerts highlight improper EES registrations of Andorrans by uninformed transport operators or border staff, risking false overstay records. Citizens should contact authorities like the consular emergencies line (+376 324 292) to cancel such entries. Until full implementation, third-country residents traveling beyond France and Spain must verify destination rules.

Bilateral progress includes talks with France on February 24, Spain on March 18 and 24, and a trilateral on March 19. Foreign Affairs Minister Imma Tor reported advancing operational details. The accord requires signature, ratification, immigration law amendments, and several months for full effect, with provisional border measures from April 10.

## EU Association Agreement Remains Blocked at Council

Progress on Andorra's broader EU association agreement is stalled at the EU Council, awaiting unanimous member-state approval on its legal form. Espot anticipates a breakthrough "in a matter of weeks" through phased processes but cited uncontrollable external dynamics, including Spain's unchanged position favoring a mixed agreement needing national ratifications. He decoupled it from the border deal, despite aligned interests.