Andorra Borders Run Smoothly on EES Launch Day Despite Isolated Delays
Andorra's borders experienced mostly smooth bus traffic on the first full day of the EU Entry/Exit System. Minor hold-ups occurred at French crossings and Spanish exits in the afternoon due to routine checks amid peak travel.
Key Points
- Bus companies reported fluid operations at borders on Friday with EES fully active.
- Occasional 30-minute delays at French border not linked to new system.
- Afternoon checks caused queues toward Spain at Valls de Valira and Pas de la Casa.
- Biometric controls at Farga de Moles shortened processing times; Andorrans exempt.
Bus companies reported generally smooth operations at Andorra's borders on Friday morning as the European Entry/Exit System took full effect, with only isolated delays toward France.
Transport firms noted fluid traffic toward Spain for most of the day, free of major issues. In contrast, the French border saw occasional hold-ups, including light morning stops with waits up to 30 minutes in some cases. Sector sources emphasized that these did not stem directly from the new system and described the overall day as routine, with no significant user complaints.
Services to La Seu d'Urgell faced no notable disruptions beyond random checks by authorities. From 5pm, however, delays emerged toward Spain, with witnesses reporting checks at the first roundabout after the Hispano-Andorran border, backed by a heightened National Police presence. Guardia Civil units were also visible at the Valls de Valira roundabout. Similar queues built up in the afternoon at Pas de la Casa toward France.
At the Farga de Moles Spanish customs post, biometric controls—using high-resolution cameras to match faces against biometric passports, fingerprint scanners, and a centralized EU database—fully replaced manual passport stamps. Officials hailed the debut as positive, with processing times shorter than anticipated. The system verifies identities, screens for threats, and tracks Schengen stays (90 days maximum in any 180-day period).
Andorran and resident nationals remain exempt from routine checks, with random inspections preserved to minimize traffic impacts. The government has coordinated with EU partners to ensure this, following negotiations that began in September 2024 and concluded after legal reviews earlier this year. The rollout started progressively in October at other Schengen external borders.
Authorities urged Andorrans not to register in the system when traveling in Schengen, as it could trigger false overstay alerts; if it occurs, affected individuals should contact officials for correction.
Friday's launch coincided with peak weekend travel, amplifying afternoon congestion at exits, including a Guardia Civil check at Valls de Valira roundabout where queues stretched to Epizen.
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