The Principality of Andorra, the Kingdom of Spain and the Republic of France,

Considering the particular geographical situation of the Principality of Andorra and the historic bonds between the three States.

Considering the desire to maintain the quality of existing relations, passed down through history, reiterated in the Good neighbourhood, friendship and cooperation Treaty between the three States on 1 and 3 June 1993.

Also considering the agreements in force for the suppression of controls on persons at the common frontiers between the Kingdom of Spain, the French Republic and other States.

Desiring to regulate the methods of circulation and stay of nationals from third-party States who enter Andorran territory.

The following provisions are agreed

Article 1

For the effects of this Convention, by the expression “contracting Parties” is understood, for the one part, the Principality of Andorra, and for the other part, the Kingdom of Spain or the French Republic.

For the French part, this Convention applies to the departments of the French Republic

Article 2

The contracting Parties commit themselves to coordinate their legislation for matters of entry and stay by nationals of third-party States, taking into especial consideration their respective interests and their international commitments.

To this effect, the contracting Parties will communicate regularly the list of third-party States whose nationals are obliged to have a visa, for transit or a stay of a duration of less than ninety days.

Article 3

The nationals of third-party States cannot enter the Principality of Andorra without holding a valid travel document, provided with the contingent visas required in virtue of articles 2 and 4 of this Convention.

Nationals of countries obliged to have a visa for the Principality of Andorra must apply, in order to obtain the required visa, to the diplomatic missions of the Principality of Andorra. Exceptionally, the Andorran authorities may issue this visa on the site of the frontier controls.

Nationals of third-party States must however meet all the conditions required for entering the territory of the contracting Parties.

Article 4

The nationals of third-party States wanting to stay in the territory of the Principality of Andorra for a period greater than ninety days must present their application for an immigration permit to the Andorran authorities:

• The nationals of a member state of the European Union or a State Part of the Agreement on the European Economic Area, must present their application for a residence permit to the Andorran authorities.
• The nationals of other States legally resident in Spain or France for a minimum term of one year, can obtain a residence permit from the Andorran authorities who inform the Spanish and French authorities of their decision. The Spanish and French authorities inform the Andorran authorities of their decision to authorize residence to nationals of other States who have been residing legally in Andorra for a minimum period of one year.
• Nationals of other States not provided for in the previous section can obtain a residence permit from the Andorran authorities. In accordance with article 5 of the Good neighbourhood, friendship and cooperation Treaty, the Andorran technical services proceed, in advance, with an exchange of information with the competent French and Spanish authorities.

The system for entry and circulation in Spain and France of foreigners holding an Andorran immigration permit is identical to that applicable to foreigners bearing a French or Spanish immigration permit.

Article 5

This Convention is concluded for a period of 5 years from the date that it comes into force. It is renewable annually tacitly, unless a denouncement is made by the contracting Parties, through diplomatic channels, with advance notice of six months. This denouncement by the Kingdom of Spain or French Republic does not prevent this Convention remaining in force between the other two Parts.

This Convention will come into force after completing the necessary internal procedure for each contracting Party. Each contracting Party will notify the other two Parties on completion of the said internal procedure as pertaining to them. The notifications will be deposited in the archives of the Principality of Andorra.

This Convention will come into force on the first day of the second month following the date of receipt of the last notification.

Article 6

This Convention, drawn up as one copy, in Catalan, Spanish and French, the three texts equally authentic, will be deposited in the archives of the Principality of Andorra which will issue a certified copy to the other two Parts.

To testify this, the undersigned plenipotentiaries have placed their signatures at the foot of this Convention.

Made in Brussels, on 4 December 2000

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