HELLO!
In Canary Islands we work hard every day so you can visit us in optimal conditions of safety, hygiene and quality. Ours is one of the lowest epidemiological indices in Europe and the lowest in Spain.
Most hotels have now opened their doors or will do so very soon, along with the main tourist attractions, shops and restaurants.
If you are travelling to our islands soon, the information here will be of interest to you.
1Who can visit Canary Islands?
You can visit the Canary Islands provided you travel from the European Union, from a country in the Schengen area or from a third country with which Spain has reciprocal agreements regarding the acceptance of travellers. These are Australia, Canada, China, South Korea, Georgia, Japan, New Zealand, Rwanda, Thailand, Tunisia and Uruguay.
When planning your return, we always recommend that you check the requirements and recommendations of your country of origin.
2Are there any special procedures to complete before travelling to Canaries?
Yes. There are two procedures:
FROM NOVEMBER 14 and no more than 72 hours before you travel (only if you will be staying in tourist accommodation): Test to diagnose active COVID-19 infection with negative result. This must be submitted when you check into your chosen tourist accommodation. IN FORCE AS OF 14 NOVEMBER 2020.
No more than 48 hours before you travel (only if you are travelling from outside Spain): Health control form (FCS form) which you must complete and sign telematically before you travel to Canary Islands. Get your form and sign it on the Spanish Spain Travel Health site or the Android or iOs apps. When you have signed it, you will get a QR code which you must present when you reach Canaries (both the digital and printed forms are valid). Remember you must complete a separate form for each journey and person.
In any case, it is extremely important you check your operator or airline’s conditions before travelling to Canary Islands.
3I am not sure about the tests:
Must I have a test before I travel to the islands?
No, the test is only mandatory to stay at tourist acommodation in the islands and you must have the test no more than 72 hours before travelling.
However, to safeguard the health of tourists and residents, and given that in Canary Islands we have succeeded in significantly lowering the rate of infection, we recommend and would appreciate you having at least an antigen test before you travel. It is the only way that we can all keep travelling.
Do I need a certificate? What kind of proof do I need?
You need a paper or digital certificate to prove that you have had a diagnostic test. This must include the date and time that the test was administered, the person’s identifying data, the authorised verification centre and the negative test result. The certificate should preferably be in English or Spanish.
How about children?
There is no requirement for children under 6 years to present a negative diagnostic test.
I have had the coronavirus and I am immune. Do I need to have a test, too?
Yes. People who have had the coronavirus must also submit the negative result of a diagnostic test administered no more than 72 hours in advance.
I am travelling from another Spanish region. Do I need to have a diagnostic test to be able to stay in tourist accommodation in Canaries?
Yes. You must provide the negative results of a test administered no more than 72 hours ago.
I’m travelling to the islands but I’m staying in my own holiday home or in a friend or relative’s home.
In this case there is no need, but we recommend you at least have an antigen test before you travel in the interests of everyone’s health.
I am resident in Canaries. Do I need to submit a negative test certificate to stay in tourist accommodation in Canaries?
No, you only need to prove you are a resident of Canaries and make a responsible declaration that you have not left Canary Islands during the 15 days before you arrive at the accommodation and have not experienced symptoms suggestive of COVID-19 during that period.
I am going to be in the islands for a long time. Must I have a test every time I change accommodation?
No, you only need to provide that you arrived in Canary Islands more than 15 days ago by showing your travel documents and that you have not experienced symptoms suggestive of COVID-19 during that period.
Must I have a test before I leave Canary Islands?
No, but you may be asked for one when you reach your destination. We recommend you always check the requirements and recommendations in your country of origin.
Will I be able to have a test in the islands before I leave?
Of course. There are top-level health facilities in Canary Islands. Your accommodation will tell you the nearest place where you can get a certified diagnostic test.
4What measures will I find at the airport and/or on board the aircraft?
All international passengers receive a health check at Canary Islands’ airports. This check may involve having your temperature taken, a document check and a visual examination of the passenger’s health. All passengers must provide the Health Control Form (FCS).
Remember that you must wear a mask and comply with all the safety measures imposed by the airline and the airport authorities while you are at the airport and throughout the flight.
Whenever possible, we recommend that you check in online to avoid unnecessary formalities at the airport. Remember that many airlines do not allow cabin bags other than a bag for personal use that fits underneath your seat.
5What airlines fly to Canary Islands?
These are the airlines that fly direct to the archipelago.
6Can I move freely between the islands?
Of course. One of the great advantages of visiting Canary Islands is that you can discover several islands on the same trip. The islands are all very different from each other, which makes the trip all the more interesting and enriching.
Movement between the islands is fully reinstated at the moment, with daily connections that allow you to easily get from one island to any other, either by plane or by boat. You can travel between the islands with airlines Binter and Canaryfly
7What do I need to know before my arrival in Canary Islands? Safety measures.
In Canary Islands, we have worked tirelessly for the past few months so that you can visit us and enjoy your holiday to the utmost in the maximum safety.
We therefore recommend that you download the RadarCOVID contagion alert app to your mobile. It is available for both iPhone and Android and will notify you of the risk of exposure to COVID-19 depending on your location.
You should also be familiar with the main measures being applied to ensure your well-being.
General measures:
- Masks must be worn by adults and children over the age of six when outdoors or in enclosed public spaces, except when eating or drinking, doing physical exercise and/or if you are disabled or have a respiratory condition.
- Interpersonal distance (set at 1.5 metres).
- The use of products for individual hygiene (hydroalcoholic gels and soap) is encouraged.
- Appropriate cleaning and disinfection of all establishments and all materials for activities (especially toilets and similar common areas).
Specific measures:
- Outdoors and in enclosed public spaces, masks must be worn regardless of whether you are at the interpersonal safety distance of 1.5 metres. You may not smoke or use tobacco inhalation devices when it is not possible to guarantee a 2-metre separation. Smoking is not permitted on public highways.
- Public and/or group transport. Masks must be worn by adults and children over the age of six, except if you are disabled or have a respiratory condition. Seats will be assigned on tour buses.
- Tourist accommodation. Capacity is restricted in common areas, at social activities and in group classes, as per the required social distancing. You will also come across served buffets, where food is plated individually, or self-service buffets, where there are separator screens in the food areas.
- Beaches, pools and other nature areas. Masks must be worn on entry to the beach or pool area, when moving around or when taking a walk. The only time they are not compulsory is when you are swimming, or when you are sitting or lying in a certain place, without moving from it and at the recommended safety distance from other people.There are restrictions on capacity (4 m2 per person), duration of visit and access to some of the most popular beaches to ensure that the interpersonal distance can be respected. For natural pools, the surface area of the pool is taken into account when calculating capacity. There must be a separation of two metres between groups of loungers and sunshades and these must be disinfected between customers. There is enhanced cleaning of toilets, showers and foot showers.
Regarding the use of swimming pools, capacity is restricted according to the number of loungers. These are laid out respecting the interpersonal separation by family unit and are disinfected daily.
In nature areas outside towns and villages, masks do not need to be worn if the interpersonal safety distance is respected.
- Restaurants.Catering businesses, restaurants and outdoor cafés, beach bars and restaurants must close by twelve midnight and new customers will not be allowed in after 11 pm. The minimum distance between tables, groups or the bar is 1.5 metres, with a maximum of ten people per table or group. Items for general use and/or self-service items have been removed, including napkin dispensers, sugar bowls and menus, which have been replaced by QR codes, signs or other similar measures. Before customers are seated, tables are cleaned and disinfected.
- Tourist attractions and guided tours. Prior booking is required (mostly online) as there are restrictions on capacity. At attractions, tours are one-way to avoid people passing by and crowding. The use of individual headphones is being encouraged for audio guides and they are disinfected after every use.
- Shopping. Garments are cleaned after they are tried on by a customer, and the changing rooms are also disinfected frequently. The ventilation systems in place guarantee sufficient renewal of air. We recommend paying by card.
- Cultural activities and events. For now, there are limited events on offer, but the archipelago’s usual agenda will gradually return. At cinemas, theatres and such like, seats are being assigned and distributed by family unit or groups of people who live together. The security staff are also monitoring the entrances and surrounding areas at all times to ensure the interpersonal distance is respected.
- Spas and wellness centres. These establishments follow very strict hygiene protocols, and these have been further reinforced as a result of the pandemic. Service is by prior appointment only, as there are restrictions on capacity. You must wear a towel or bathrobe within the facilities.
- Gyms and sports activities. Group activities in enclosed spaces are permitted for a maximum of 25 people, and in the open air, for a maximum of 30, in order to ensure the interpersonal distance can be respected. Materials are provided for clients to disinfect the equipment and other resources used at the facilities. Towels must be used. The ventilation systems in place ensure that the air is frequently renewed.
- Golf courses. Games can be played between four people, as long as the interpersonal distance is respected. The player’s ball cannot be touched by the caddie or other players. The use of buggies is restricted to two people at a time and they are disinfected before use.
- Nightlife. Only premises with an outdoor space can open, and their capacity is restricted to 75%. You can only drink at tables (not at the bar), and dance floors are not yet allowed to open. These businesses must close by twelve midnight and new customers will not be allowed in after 11 pm.
- Active tourism. Open-air active tourism activities entail little risk and are usually run for small groups. Nonetheless, individual sports materials cannot be shared and specific cleaning and disinfection protocols are in place.
8What personal protection measures must I take to prevent spreading the virus?
The Government of Canary Islands recommends that all citizens follow these personal protection measures:
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or clean them with hydroalcoholic gel.
- When you cough or sneeze, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue and then put the tissue in a bin.
- Stay at a distance of at least 1.5 metres from anybody who doesn’t live with you (whether they have symptoms or not).
- Wear your mask when you are outdoors or in an enclosed public space.
Any reunion or meeting in private spaces of people who do not live together should be restricted to a maximum of ten people, even if the safety distance can be guaranteed.
9What should I do if I get symptoms during my stay on Canary Islands? Covid medical insurance.
If you experience symptoms such as a cough, a temperature, shortness of breath or feeling generally unwell, self-isolate at your accommodation and call 112 for instructions and to be put in touch with the appropriate medical centre.
Remember that you must wear a mask if you go to any medical centre in the islands and avoid touching anything with your hands.
As what is most important is your health and well-being, if you do not have medical insurance, we will provide you with an AXA policy free of charge in Canary Islands to cover all expenses relating to COVID-19. See everything that it covers here.
