Last update: April 21th, 2021.
The European microstate of Andorra is working on the “development and implementation of a COVID-19 certificate in Andorra with aims of facilitating the movement of residents in the country through the European Union,” informed the local authorities via a press release.
The creation and recognition of such a travel document involve working on three key levels. According to the Andorran Govern, national, bilateral, and European negotiations are needed at this stage.
Negotiations to be make the Andorran health pass happen
Both the Prime Minister of Andorra, Xavier Espot, and other officers of the Andorran government are currently negotiating the way of launching a COVID passport that is secure, reliable, and recognized by other European countries.
At a national level, the Andorran Health Ministry is leading the research of technological tools that are suitable to issue this sort of health certificate both in digital format and in paper.
The microstate’s Health Care Service (SAAS) is also collaborating to learn how this local proposal can be coordinated with the soon-to-come EU Digital Green Certificate.
COVID certificate & an Andorran model for safe travel
During a recent Ibero-American Summit held in Andorra, the Minister of Tourism, Verònica Canals Riba, explained how the coronavirus crisis obliged the country to “reinvent itself in the tourism sector.”
The Andorran officer also assured that the local government “bets on the Andorran model,” which conceives the microstate as a safe territory to travel, especially if a health pass is soon deployed.
Some of the most sought-after European markets that are key for Andorran tourism are its neighboring countries (Spain and France), as well as the United Kingdom, Netherlands, Ireland, Italy, and Germany.
The tourism industry represents around 80% of Andorra’s gross domestic product.