U.S. Relations With Andorra

Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs
Fact Sheet
July 22, 2016


More information about Andorra is available on the Andorra Page and from other Department of State publications and other sources listed at the end of this fact sheet.

U.S.-ANDORRA RELATIONS

The United States established diplomatic relations with Andorra in 1995, following Andorra's 1993 adoption of a constitution establishing the country as a sovereign parliamentary democracy. It retains as its heads of state two co-princes -- the Bishop of Urgell (Spain) and the French president.

The United States and Andorra enjoy excellent relations based on common values including the promotion of democracy and human rights.

Since 2000, Andorra has participated in the Fulbright Exchange Program. The two countries have also signed a Bilateral Work Agreement for dependents of members of diplomatic missions and consular posts assigned to official duty in the respective countries and concluded an agreement on the sharing of confiscated proceeds and instrumentalities of crimes.

Andorra supports U.S. foreign policy positions and objectives, such as voting for U.S. candidates to international organizations.

The U.S. Ambassador to Spain is also accredited as Ambassador to Andorra. The U.S. Consul General based in Barcelona is responsible for the day-to-day management of relations with Andorra. He travels regularly to Andorra to carry out diplomatic demarches, represent U.S. interests, and administer consular services as needed.

U.S. Assistance to Andorra

The United States provides no development assistance to Andorra.

Bilateral Economic Relations

The United States has no significant trade or investment with Andorra. The new investment law approved in mid- 2012 opened the country to foreign investment allowing foreign investors to gain full ownership of a business for the first time. The investment climate in the country has changed significantly with this new legislation liberalizing the Andorran economy. During the 2011-2015 legislature, the Andorran government made significant economic and tax reforms, which have led Andorra to improve its compliance with international standards.

Andorra participates in the Visa Waiver Program, which allows nationals of participating countries to travel to the United States for certain business or tourist purposes for stays of 90 days or less without obtaining a visa.

Andorra's Membership in International Organizations

Andorra and the United States belong to a number of the same international organizations, including the United Nations and Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE); as well as the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), and the World Health Organization (WHO). Andorra also is an observer to the World Trade Organization.

Since 1991, Andorra has had a special agreement with the European Union.

Bilateral Representation

The U.S. Ambassador to Andorra is James Costos; other principal embassy officials are listed in the Department's Key Officers List. The U.S. Consul General based in Barcelona is responsible for the day-to-day conduct of relations with the government of Andorra. The U.S. Consul General in Barcelona is Marcos C. Mandojana.

Andorra has no embassy in Washington, DC, but maintains a permanent representative to the United Nations in New York, who also is simultaneously accredited as ambassador to the United States.

More information about Andorra is available from the Department of State and other sources, some of which are listed here:

Department of State Andorra Page
Department of State Key Officers List
CIA World Factbook Andorra Page
U.S. Embassy: Spain
U.S. Consulate General in Barcelona
History of U.S. Relations With Andorra

Human Rights Reports
International Religious Freedom Reports
Narcotics Control Reports
Investment Climate Statements
U.S. Census Bureau Foreign Trade Statistics
Travel and Business Information