No new border checks for Andorra travellers after prefect's visit

The prefect of the French department of Pyrénées-Orientales, Pierre Regnault de La Mothe, visited Porta, a French municipality on the border with Andorra, to discuss cross-border security with customs officers and members of the Gendarmerie. The talks focused on tobacco and alcohol smuggling and on efforts to tackle irregular immigration.

Key facts

• Who: Pierre Regnault de La Mothe, prefect of Pyrénées-Orientales
• Where: Porta, a French municipality bordering Andorra
• Topics: tobacco smuggling, alcohol smuggling and irregular immigration
• People involved: customs officers and members of the Gendarmerie
• Announced measures: none specified in the visit

What is behind the visit?

The visit comes amid concerns over increased smuggling across this border, particularly tobacco trafficking. Alcohol smuggling and efforts to tackle irregular immigration were also among the issues discussed.

What did the prefect discuss with border staff?

The meeting highlighted the work of customs officers and gendarmes, who deal directly with the evolving methods used by smugglers along this stretch of the border. The prefect's visit places efforts to combat illicit trafficking around Porta among the cross-border security issues being addressed by the French authorities.

What this means for travellers

The source does not announce any new checks, rules or limits for travellers crossing between France and Andorra. It describes a visit by the prefect of Pyrénées-Orientales to Porta and discussions about cross-border security with customs officers and gendarmes.

No start date, new procedure or change to duty-free allowances has been announced in connection with the visit.