The border between Andorra and Spain is in the Pyrenees between northern Spain and southern Andorra. It is long. It is the outer border of the EU, as Andorra is not part of the EU.
Specifications
The Spanish-Andorran border runs 64 km between the south of Andorra and northern Spain in the Pyrenees Mountains. Because both Spain and Andorra are situated in the same watershed, travel is easier than travel between Andorra and France. The most used languages of Andorra are also Catalan and Spanish. The border begins in the west at the Andorra-France-Spain tripoint. It then follows a generally south-eastern direction, later turning northeast to the eastern Andorra-Spain-France tripoint. The dividing line between the two countries goes through high mountain areas, often over 2000 m, and passes close to the highest point of Andorra, the peak of Coma Pedrosa. It also borders the Madriu-Perafita-Claror Valley, the only UNESCO World Heritage Site in Andorra. In May 2015 the European commission adopted a cooperation program to improve the protection of the environment at the Spain-Andorra and Andorra-France borders.
Border controls
The main channel of communication between the two countries is through the Valira Valley between La Seu d'Urgell and the parish of Sant Julia de Loria. The only border control at the Andorra–Spain border is located along this road. There is no rail crossing point. In addition, helicopters are allowed to go to airports with border control in other countries, but not to anywhere else outside Andorra. Flights usually go to the airports of Barcelona or Toulouse. An agreement signed in 2003 between France, Spain and Andorra governs the movement and residence in Andorra of citizens of third states. It says that the three countries will coordinate their visa requirements, although in reality today Andorra follows the Schengen Agreement visa requirements, and that Andorra will only allow entry of those who have right of entry to Spain or France. Andorra is allowed to permit residency to any person and such persons will be treated as long-term residents of France or Spain.
Contraband
Due to the low tax on tobacco in Andorra there is significant cigarette smuggling between the two countries; it takes place through the border post of La Farga de Molas but also often through the mountains passes. The Guardia Civil is responsible for surveillance at the border and arrests smugglers on the Spanish side.
