International Driving Permit Andorra
High in the eastern Pyrenees between France and Spain, Andorra is a small country with beautiful mountain views that are often overlooked in travel itineraries. However, despite its size, Andorra is known as a winter destination in Europe for its excellent ski slopes, and popular summer activities include hiking and mountain biking.
Andorra comprises several small towns and villages surrounded by high mountain peaks, just a three-hour drive south of Barcelona and north of Toulouse; if you’re busy with time, here would be an ideal day trip. A great way to travel around these places is in your comfort, a car. But there are some things you should know before you start driving.
What is the difference between an International Driving Permit (IDP) and an International Driver’s License (IDL)?
An International Driving Permit is a small grey booklet marginally larger than a passport containing a translation of your original driving license in 10 languages, including English, French, Russian, Chinese, Arabic, and Spanish. It is recognized by 141 countries worldwide and is valid for one year.
In comparison, an International Driving License is not a legal document and cannot be used to drive in foreign countries or instead of an IDP.
Why do people carry IDPs?
You have an Identification Number IDP which you can use to identify yourself in more than 100 nations across all countries. It can translate your identifying data into ten languages. In most cases, a license is recommended. Another country does not issue IDPs to be issued separately. It is only possible for a person with an id to obtain a U.S. driving permit, and some countries require legal residence. Driving without a driver’s license can cause fines and penalties. Consult country requirements before traveling.
United Nations agreement on traffic regulation
Three international conventions govern the international driving license: the 1926 Paris International Convention on Motor Traffic, the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic, and the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic in 1968. The country is bound by several agreements, the most recent of which annulled and replaced the earlier ones.
The term International Driving Permit was recognized and mentioned for the first time in a document governed by the International Convention on Motor Traffic signed in Paris in 1926 and is a translation of “international driving license.” The Treaty of Paris, and all subsequent treaties, use only the word “license” in relation to all types of driving licenses.
Advantages of carrying an IDP
Reduce or eliminate the risk of penalties. All non-resident drivers need an International Driving Permit to drive in many countries legally. If you don’t have one and get caught by law enforcement, you risk a fine.
You will be able to communicate with local authorities easily. The International Driver’s License presents your U.S. driver’s license information in multiple languages. We hope this will facilitate your interactions with local authorities.
If so, most major car rental companies require tenants to provide a valid international driver’s license. This is true even in countries where foreign drivers are not legally required to have this document.
Knowing they could be fined for doing something illegal can be stressful and overwhelming for some people. When driving abroad, having an international driver’s license gives you extra peace of mind knowing you’re following the law.
Driving requirements in Andorra
You will need an IDP to drive in Andorra. However, keep in mind that you still need to bring your original license with you. Getting the IDP is not enough, as it is simply a translation of your original license. However, if you plan to stay longer, Andorra allows you to exchange your local license for {Andorra.
With IDP, driving in Andorra will be hassle-free. If the traffic police have an eye on you, show them your original license along with your IDP. Also, you don’t have to explain to them the nature of the IDP. IDP translates your native driver’s license into many languages. If a traffic police officer from another country who doesn’t speak your language asks for your native driver’s license, you can use your IDP to translate for them.
The IDP should not be valid for longer than one year.
Inter-American Driving Permit
The Inter-American Driving Permit (IADP) is an identification card that gives holders the right to drive a personal car abroad if they have a valid driver’s license from their home country. The Inter-American Driver’s License is similar to the International Driving Permits recognized (IDP) but only applies to North American, Central American, and South American driver’s licenses. To be eligible for a U.S. driver’s license, you must first have a valid driver’s license. Inter-American driving permits are a part of the Geneva Convention of 1949 or the Vienna Convention of 1968, so they may not be enacted in all countries in the Americas.
Car rental in Andorra la Vella
There are two ways to rent a car in Andorra. First, you can book your tickets online before your trip. Alternatively, you can contact a local car rental company in the appropriate city of Andorra la Vella, or an office in a neighboring town in Spain and France. A more convenient option is to book a rental car location online. Some local car rental companies offer cheaper car rentals if you have a limited budget.
In most cases, tourists stop in Spain or France to rent a car and then drive to Andorra. If the plane lands at Barcelona’s Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport, you can rent a car at the airport and fly to Andorra. The journey from Barcelona to Andorra takes about 3 hours.
You will need to bring essential documents when renting a car, and you should check the rental car website in advance to avoid unnecessary delays. But here are some standard requirements, a valid driver’s license, IDP, passport, debit, or credit card.
Andorra car rental companies can offer different types of cars to suit your needs. If you check the online booking site, the number of seats and the vehicle size will differ. There is also a 9-seater minivan for large groups if you are traveling in groups. The vehicle type also depends on the requirements—an ideal SUV for long trips.
The cost of a rental car depends on the length of the rental car, the type of car, the number of seats, and the payment method. Additional charges may apply if more protection is required. Driving in Andorra in winter can be rare, so it’s a good idea to contact your provider about your vehicle as part of an add-on. Weekly rates can vary between 200 and 800 euros. The required driving age in Andorra is 18 years. However, if you are from France and want to visit Andorra, you must get an unlimited permit. In France, the minimum driving age is 15 if supervised and 18 if unsupervised.
Car insurance varies by car rental company. For example, Avis Rent-A-Car offers € 1,200 insurance against the loss of vehicle integrity. However, there is additional coverage at an additional charge. You can use these insurance plans as a safety measure in the event of something terrible. However, if you purchase supplemental insurance, you should at least choose a plan that protects you from collision damage and partial or total loss due to theft.
Driving rules
You must know national driving laws. Some of the rules below are new, so you must check your national driving standards before swearing off a road accident. Be mindful of the legal age for driving in this country.
Always bring your driving license and IDP.
Driving with no driver’s permit is illegal. In the United Kingdom, the law says that people who don’t qualify can’t work on their vehicles without being licensed. If a passenger continuously drives without permission for at least two consecutive offenses, they are liable to face up to six months imprisonment in jail. International Driving Permits are essential documents to travel through Andorra. You may find this easily from the International Motoring Federation. There are no requirements for registering for a computer test for an international driver’s license. You can add more pictures and then transfer your photo files.
Obey speed limits
Driving to and from the coast of Andorra is strictly forbidden. It doesn’t exist anywhere else, and in Andorra, a few kilometers away, accelerating 90 kilometers/hour and being regularly spotted around the city center. You could see some speeding cameras thrown into the box, and you must stay outside what the most experienced drivers will think. If a motorist is arrested after speeding, he could face jail for at least two years with a maximum of ten months, and he could be suspended for the whole time without the fine. Driven in the best way possible ensures the safety of everyone.
Driving under the influence
Drunk drivers are a major cause of road fatalities worldwide. Andorra has imposed strict penalties for those who have drunk. They’d charge you for it if they caught you in a vehicle with a high blood alcohol content, and you won’t be charged for blood alcohol concentrations above 0.05 percent. If the patient refused BAC tests, the license was suspended, and the fines would increase to 300 € in three months. A further three months jail sentence for causing an accident will be imposed on a drunk driver with a drug history.
Driving with an expired driving license is prohibited.
Upon arrest, you may face criminal prosecution for driving on an expired driving license in Andorra. IDPs are merely translations for local drivers’ licenses, which is not an effective replacement for your elapsed driver’s license. These I.D.s can contain your name, address, driver’s license number, vehicle type, validation date, and other information. If you renew your international driving license online, you must follow the same process when completing an IDP application online.
Wearing a seat belt is mandatory.
Safety belts are used to reduce traffic fatalities that specialist are careful to execute. Driving is required for the safety-conscious traveler. Kids under 8 are welcome to sit in the seat. It should be obvious a seat belt will prevent unauthorized driving in the Andorran region. All persons who fail to follow these rules will face serious consequences.
The use of handheld mobile phones is not allowed
In Andorra, a caller is not allowed to contact or inform while traveling simultaneously. Several people have reported road crashes in the past, which is a common reason drivers cannot see their thoughts on the road and is often ignored. Use the Sans Hand system when answering critical calls.
Overtaking and driving
Drive on the right side of the road and two-thirds of the world’s countries. For example, there is a steering wheel on the left side of Andorra’s car. Since you are from a left-handed country like Australia, driving with the correct steering wheel won’t be easy.
Andorra has an overtaking method. Overtaking is usually permitted when driving in Andorra, but with the following restrictions:
- Overtaking vehicles must give the vehicle in front the appropriate traffic lights (blinking lights, horns, etc.).
- Do not overtake if clearance is inadequate
- Do not overtake the vehicle when visibility is poor
- Be restrained and careful when overtaking in urban or rural areas. Overtake only if there are many highways
Useful guides and maps
RAC carries high-quality European breakdown coverage to suit all your needs. In addition to medical coverage, travel insurance covers personal expenses, baggage expenses, and possessions. However, you can also purchase a GPS or use google maps. Although in some places, you’ll face a signal issue.
Emergency in Andorra
You can call 112 from any location worldwide, and an emergency service provider will contact you, and operators will answer you on call in English or French.
Speed limits in Andorra
In Andorran, speed limits vary, and always read signposts for maximums. In cities, the speed limits are usually 50km/h (except where otherwise noted) but up to 90 km/h within the same zone.
Do I need a green card?
Drivers can now use Green Card Insurance (GAP) cards without insurance to drive on holidays in August 2021.
Top 5 Places to Visit in Andorra
Soldeu Ski Resort
Soldeu Ski Resort is one of the most visited resort destinations in the region. Although the distance is steep, most people can endure the drive time just as they view this picturesque Pyrenee resort. This hostel offers 200 kilometers of accommodation for a single toddler or couple to travel in. Soldeu mainly skis in other disciplines. There are many restaurants, cafes, and shops that we recommend. The Cafés at Soldeu offer a variety of British American and Catalonian cuisine to the entire visitor community. In Soldeu, there is excellent gastronomy.
Museu Carmen Thyssen
Tell us the cultural background of the nation. Alternatively, you may visit another famous attraction in the country— Museu Carmen Thyssen, where you will see the artistic arrangements by Baroness Thyssen-Bornemisza, which also operates offices in Madrid and Malaga. Last few months, it opened in March 2017, allowing for stunning performances from world-class artists, including William Turner, Wassily Kandinsky, and John Culp. Tickets cost anywhere from € 5-10. You must make an online reservation before you enter the lobby.
Grandvalira Ski Area
The most popular ski resort in the Pyrenäens is Grandvala Ski Resort. It has more than 30 restaurants, a few cafes, and more than 50 restaurants. Low temperatures ensure a safe snow experience. The region is the main place to have Alpine winter sports in the Pyrenees. Snowmobiling in Grand valira and Snowmobiles and ice boarding are among those activities. In Grand Valira, skiing will appeal to everyone, but the activities available during a stay in the country are also welcome. Throughout the summer, Grand valira offers a variety of fun activities.
Casa de la Vallée
Casa La Vall was one of its main attractions in the country, arranged in Andorra. The family purchased it in the 1650s. Its function as a parliamentarian center was also expanded by the parliaments of Andorre between 1702 and 2012. The seat of the most established and predicted European Parliament is created. Inside there are meeting rooms and a criminal tribunal. When traveling through Casa de la Vall, the exquisite architecture features attractive rooms and surprises for guests.
Vallnord Ski Area
Vallnord ski area is situated within the northernmost Andorran valley, including Arcalis, Arinsal, and Pal. Arcalis boasts 25 ski runs – mainly reds, blues, and greens – so they’re more suitable for beginners and intermediate skiers. Pal and Arinsal each have an estimated 63 kilometers of slopes with red and dark trails ideal for seasoned skiing. A further three skiing schools are located there, which have a total of 250 instructors.
FAQs
Do I need an International Driving Permit to drive in Andorra?
Yes, International driver permits must be obtained when you travel through the Andorra cities with a vehicle.
How do I apply for an International driving permit?
You can apply online easily through our website. You will need your current driver’s license details, photographs, and identity to fill in the application form.
How long will it take to get my International driving permit?
The application process will take around 20 minutes; you can get a digital copy of your IDP in 2 hours via email. A printed copy will arrive in 2-30 days, depending on your region and delivery method.