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Traveling to the Canary or Balearic islands in Spain? Here’s what to expect

Mar 24, 2022 • 2 min read

Here's what to expect if you're headed to the Canary or Balearic Islands for a holiday © Getty Images/iStockphoto

Just ahead of welcoming visitors flocking to its islands for the Easter break, the Canaries in Spain  are suspending some COVID-19 safety measures.

The rollback means that restaurants, clubs and other businesses in  Gran Canaria , La Palma and Tenerife  can return to normal operating hours and full capacity. 

"We have tools to control the pandemic. But we remain vigilant. If circumstances worsen, we will reactivate them. It's not the end yet," said President Ángel Victor Torres Pérez of the Canaries  in announcing the rollback of requirements. 

Currently, 78.8% of residents of the Canary Islands are vaccinated against coronavirus. 

The move follows Spain's other popular island destination — the Balearics — also rolling back their COVID-19 requirements.

Here are some of the things to consider if you’re headed to one of these popular Easter-break destinations. 

Travel requirements to enter Spain

To enter Spain, you’ll need to fill out the digital Health Control Form . You’ll also need to present a certificate proving full vaccination if traveling from a non-European Union country. Unvaccinated travelers from outside the European Union and Schengen Zone are not allowed to travel to Spain for non-essential reasons. This includes Americans and British tourists.

In addition, if you’re arriving from a country of high risk , you have to have a COVID-19 test before arriving. Antigen tests must be done 48 hours prior to arrival and PCR tests no more than 72 hours prior to arrival. 

Since February 1, Spain also requires your last dose of your primary regime of the vaccine be within the past 270 days. If it is outside that window, you’ll need to present proof of a booster shot taken no less than 14-days prior. 

Read more: Which of the Canary Islands is best for you? 

Masks still required in many indoor places

Though COVID-19 capacity restrictions have rolled back and masks are no longer required outdoors, tuck one in your pocket because masks are still required in indoor public places.

You may also need to show proof of vaccination to enter some establishments. 

La Palma recovering from the volcano

Along with the COVID-19 pandemic, the island of La Palma is recovering from a natural disaster. The volcanic eruption that started September 19 ended on December 25. The tourism website estimates 10% of the island was impacted by the volcano and is currently trying to reconstruct. 

While the island is open and welcoming visitors, it asks that you respect safety instructions as it rebuilds from the damage done by the volcano. 

For more information on COVID-19 and travel, check out  Lonely Planet's Health Hub .

You might also like: The best time to go to Spain The 10 best beaches in Spain 8 incredible national parks in Spain  

This article was first published Jan 26, 2022 and updated Mar 24, 2022.

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Canary Islands update restrictions for all islands on levels 1, 2 and 3

The Government of the Canary Islands has updated the Alert Levels today, March 3, and it was announced that Gran Canaria will move to Alert Level 3, while the rest of the islands will remain at their current level.

This means that Gran Canaria, Tenerife, La Palma, Fuerteventura, El Hierro, La Gomera are at level 3 and Lanzarote (including also La Graciosa) are at Level 2.

The Government has also decided that all the islands that are not placed at level 4 (and currently there is no island at level 4) will follow level 1 restrictions. So this means that from now on all the Canary Islands will follow the same rules (unless one of them goes back to level 4).

The new rules will go into effect from midnight on March 7th and will be in place until April 30.

What are the new rules and restrictions in the Canary Islands?

The capacity will be 100% on all islands, the closing time will be set at 4 am, the maximum group allowed to sit together can have 12 people and dancing is still not allowed, although nightlife establishments are permitted to open.

The main new temporary measures that will be in force in the Canary Islands that are at alert levels 1, 2 and 3, starting from Monday, March 7, are:

• General capacity: 100%, both in outdoor spaces and indoors.
• Cultural activity: the maximum capacity, regardless of whether or not it is considered a massive event, will be 100% in both open and closed spaces.
• Public shows: cultural, recreational, leisure and entertainment activities, including sports, that take place sporadically and in places other than the establishments intended for the regular exercise of said activity, will have a maximum capacity of 100% both outdoors and in spaces closed, and regardless of whether the public remains standing or sitting, as well as the consumption of food.
• Federated and non-federated, professional and non-professional sports practice : it is allowed outdoors or in closed spaces, maintaining the interpersonal distance of 2 meters whenever possible. The number of participants will be limited by the specific regulations of each sport.
• Training, competitions and sporting events: the capacity of the public will be 100% both in open spaces and in closed spaces and the measures provided for in the Agreement of the Interterritorial Council of the National Health System of February 16, 2022 will be applied for mass sporting events, including those of the Professional Football League and the ACB League.
• Children's and youth camps: The capacity will be 100% for both outdoor activities and indoor activities.
• Coronavirus in the Canary Islands - Daily reports

Coronavirus in the Canary Islands - 29 March 2022 (Biweekly reports)

Woman dies in helicopter rescue after being attacked by shark 514 km off the Canary Islands

Three people seriously injured in a traffic accident in Lanzarote

Man dies during robbery at restaurant in Tenerife

Two 18-year-olds injured after falling off a motorcycle in Los Cristianos, Tenerife

Man seriously injured in Fuerteventura after palm tree falls on him

COVID measures

Valid from 26.03.2022

From 26.3.2022 00:00 all measures related to COVID-19 introduced by the Canary Government were temporarily canceled until 30.4.2022 23:59.

The only measure that remains in force is the use of masks. This measure is a matter for the Spanish Government.

All persons six years of age and older are obliged to use a mask:

• In any closed space for public use.
• In any outdoor space where it is not possible to maintain a minimum distance of 1.5 meters between people, except for groups of cohabitants.
• In means of air, sea, bus or tram transport, including platforms and passenger stations, or cable car, as well as in other public and private transport, in the latter if the occupants of the vehicles do not live in the same address. In the case of passengers on ships and boats, it will not be necessary to use masks when they are inside their cabin, or in exterior spaces of the ship when the safety distance of 1.5 meters can be maintained.
• In large outdoor events, when attendees are standing or if they are seated when 1.5 meters of distance between people cannot be maintained, except for groups of cohabitants.
• In the closed spaces of non-university and university educational centers, as well as in outdoor spaces where it is not possible to maintain a minimum distance of 1.5 meters between people, except for groups of cohabitants.
• In closed sports facilities and centers.

Original text of measures not currently in force.

Epidemiological measures related to covid-19.

The following anti-epidemiological measures have been taken in the Canary Islands in relation to the occurrence of COVID-19:

Current wording of the law in Consejería de Sanidad site The full text of the measures can be downloaded in PDF format from the Gobierno de Canarias http://sede.gobcan.es/boc/boc-a-2021-183-4015.pdf

🚦Islands according to the epidemiological situation on the date of update:

🟢 🟡 Lanzarote, La Graciosa 🔴 Tenerife, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, La Palma, La Gomera, El Hierro 🟤

Measures under health situation

Maximum capacity among non-cohabitants in spaces for public and private use.

🟢 12 people, except cohabitants 🟡 12 people, except cohabitants 🔴 12 people, except cohabitants 🟤 8 people, except cohabitants

Limitation of movement at night, except for properly justified trips

🟢 without restriction 🟡 without restriction 🔴 without restriction 🟤 without restriction

Opening hours

In those establishments and activities that, prior to the pandemic, did not have a closing time set, or had a higher one, the maximum authorized closing time will be:

🟢 04:00 🟡 04:00 🔴 04:00 🟤 03:00

The sale or consumption of alcoholic beverages, individually or in groups, on public roads, parks or outdoor recreation areas is not allowed.

Maximum permitted capacity out of the maximum permitted capacity for the establishment (hospitality activities)

🟢 outdoor / indoor spaces 100% 🟡 outdoor / indoor spaces 100% 🔴 outdoor / indoor spaces 100% 🟤 outdoor spaces 75%, indoor spaces 50%

Hostelería, restoration and terraces, bars and cafes

• In the establishments and activities of hotels, restaurants and terraces, as well as in beach bars and restaurants, the distance of at least 2 meters between the chairs of different tables or groups of tables, and between groups of clients in the bar.
• Each table or group of tables must be according to the number of maximum capacity between non-cohabitants in spaces for public and private use. The bar space assigned to each client or group of clients must be physically marked.
• The prohibition of the use of the interior areas and the full closing hours of the premises do not affect tourist accommodation establishments for the exclusive use of guests on an accommodation basis who may remain open at their usual hours with a capacity of 33%.
• Smoking will not be allowed on the terraces or other outdoor spaces depending on the premises or establishment
• The customer cannot occupy a table without being accommodated by the establishment’s staff. Customers must remain seated at the table or occupying the space assigned in the bar at all times, limiting movements within the establishment to what is strictly necessary and maintaining interpersonal safety distance.
• The home delivery service at all alert levels will be carried out until midnight.
• The mandatory use of the masks must be made permanently, both indoors and outdoors, except when eating food or beverages.
• The activity of nightlife establishments, discos, cocktail bars and karaoke bars is allowed, only for those hospitality activities, such as restaurants or bars, that are authorized by their municipal license, under the same conditions as establishments that have it as an activity. specific.
• Dancing is not allowed.

Closure of beaches and parks

🟢 without restriction 🟡 without restriction 🔴 22:00 – 06:00 🟤 22:00 – 06:00

Maximum groups of people in tour guide and active tourism activities

🟢 50 🟡 30 🔴 20 🟤 20

Urban and metropolitan public transport

🟢 no limitis; 🟡 limited to 50% of its capacity 🔴 limited to 33% of its capacity 🟤 limited to 33% of its capacity

Gambling casinos, bingo halls, arcades and games rooms, external betting venues and other premises and facilities similar to those for recreational gaming and betting activities

🟢 no limitis 🟡 no limitis 🔴 forbidden consumption of drinks or food. The people responsible for nightlife establishments and activities will collect information from employees, users or participants for the traceability of infections and contacts, in accordance with the provisions of article 5.2 of the law. The information collected will include name and surname, ID, telephone number and date and time of the service. This record will be kept at the disposal of the health authorities for a month after the event. The information processing will be carried out in accordance with the provisions of the personal data protection regulations, with the sole purpose of monitoring, surveillance and epidemiological control of COVID-19. 🟤 forbidden consumption of drinks or food. The people responsible for nightlife establishments and activities will collect information from employees, users or participants for the traceability of infections and contacts, in accordance with the provisions of article 5.2 of the law. The information collected will include name and surname, ID, telephone number and date and time of the service. This record will be kept at the disposal of the health authorities for a month after the event. The information processing will be carried out in accordance with the provisions of the personal data protection regulations, with the sole purpose of monitoring, surveillance and epidemiological control of COVID-19.

The entry and exit of people from the islands

🟢 without restriction 🟡 without restriction 🔴 without restriction 🟤 restrictions when traveling from the islands

Travelers aged twelve or more years from islands that are at alert level 4 who travel to other islands must prove that they have carried out, within 48 hours prior to arrival, a diagnostic test for active infection with negative result, self-diagnostic tests will not be admissible, except in the cases provided by law, in particular:

• Passengers in transit with final destination to another country or another place of the national territory.
• Travel for medical reasons to hospitals and similar facilities.
• Travel for reasons of labor, professional, business, institutional or legal obligations.
• Travelers who prove they have received the complete vaccination schedule against COVID-19 of a vaccine authorized by the European Medicines Agency with more than 14 days in advance within the 12 months prior to the trip, or have passed the disease in the 180 days prior to the date of posting.

Measures that apply generally

Mandatory use of masks.

The obligation to use a mask will not be enforceable in the following cases:

• People who have some type of illness or respiratory difficulty that may be aggravated by the use of the mask.
• When, due to the very nature of the activities, the use of the mask is incompatible, in accordance with the indications of the health authorities.
• In hotel and catering establishments and services, including bars and cafeterias, only at the time of food or beverage intake.
• While eating or drinking in the open air and without moving on public roads, exclusively during consumption and provided that the distance of two meters with other people can be guaranteed. Likewise, while smoking in the cases established in section 7 of article 10 of this Decree-Law.

Interpersonal safety distance

• In general, the measure of maintaining the interpersonal safety distance of at least 1.5 meters on public roads, in outdoor spaces and in any closed space for public use, or that is open to the public, must be complied with. public. Failing that, alternative measures of physical protection, adequate hygiene and respiratory etiquette are mandatory, without prejudice to the mandatory use of a mask in the cases contemplated in this Decree-Law.
• The permanence of people in the establishments, premises or spaces will be restricted to a maximum number of people that allows compliance with the interpersonal safety distance indicated above. If it is not possible to maintain the distance, the stay will be restricted to a single person.
• The obligation to maintain interpersonal safety distance will not apply between cohabitants. For the purposes of this law, cohabitants are understood to be those people who reside under the same roof.
• It is recommended to avoid staying in crowded closed places and in the vicinity of other people.
• It is not allowed to smoke, use tobacco inhalation devices, water pipes or similar devices on public roads and in outdoor spaces, when traveling on public roads, when it is not possible to guarantee the maintenance of an interpersonal safety distance of 2 meters. As well as in a perimeter of at least 5 meters, with respect to the accesses to non-university educational centers, health centers, premises and establishments in which smoking is prohibited and also with respect to the physical limits of the playgrounds.
• Eating and drinking is not allowed on public roads and in outdoor spaces when it is not possible to guarantee the maintenance of an interpersonal safety distance of 2 meters, except in coexistence groups.

Disclaimer The Gran Canaria Travel website is not the official website of any government institution or other institution providing interpretation of the law. For the full text of the laws, it is necessary to visit the websites of the relevant institutions. The information on the Gran Canaria Travel website is for informational purposes only and is therefore provided ‘as is’. All information provided on the website has been carefully checked and was correct at the time of publication. Gran Canaria Travel makes every effort to keep the information on the pages of this website up to date, but does not guarantee that the information on the pages of this website is accurate or complete. Information is subject to change without notice from Gran Canaria Travel. Gran Canaria Travel cannot guarantee that all information on the website will be available, suitable for use in all places. Gran Canaria Travel does not provide any guarantee for the results obtained using the information provided.

The most popular excursions. For complete offer see excursions.

Combo buggy & jet ski

Experience two interesting adrenaline activities in one day. Off road in the mountains of Gran Canaria and a fast drive along the coast of the island.

Buggy tour adventure

After pick from hotel and safety briefing then it´s time to 2 hours climb into our 4x4 automatic easy to drive 4 wd buggies and get dusty & dirty

Dolphin search (2 hrs)

2 hours spent on the ocean associated with watching dolphins and whales on a modern ship with a glass bottom.

Catamaran trip – dolphin and coast

You have a 80% chance these are wild animals and live in the open ocean. You will have a fantastic and unforgettable day.

Trips by car with an English speaking driver (prices are per car – max 4 people). For complete offer see excursions.

Salt, rum and coffee

PRICE PER GROUP

pick-up points: south of the island

Discover our artisanal saltwork, rum factory and coffee plantation. Three gourmet attractions of Gran Canaria in one day.

Must see on Gran Canaria

pick-up points: south of the island, Las Palmas

The most beautiful and interesting from the island of Gran Canaria in one day in the comfort of a car with a English-speaking driver.

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No one wants to miss the ocean view

What is the first thing you see this morning when you jump out of bed? The ocean? Is it the blue sea laid out on the floor like wall-to-wall carpeting? Is it an extension of waves reaching the harbour amidst motorboats, blue marlin fishing boats, and dolphin-watching vessels?

If your answer is Yes, the chances are you are staying in Puerto Rico, in the south of Gran Canaria, one of Europe’s spots that attracts the largest number of obstinate people? Did we say obstinate?

We sure did. We mean those who are determined to watch the sea entering through the window as they make coffee every morning; determined to sunbathe even in the middle of December; determined to see the first light of day with the sea at the foot of the bed. No one in Puerto Rico wants to miss the ocean view.

There are also those determined to spend the whole day in Puerto Rico in  swimming attire round the clock, going to bed at whatever time, pushing  absolutely everything to do with their office, workmates, neighbours,  or even their car, to the back of their minds.

You can blame all this on the superb weather enjoyed in Puerto Rico practically all year, with a gentle sun that seems never to leave this small valley in the south of Gran Canaria, its beach, or the apartments and hotels spread around the cliffs. 

This mild sun that shines overhead for twelve months of the year (winter, summer, holidays, you name it!). This same mild sun that has turned the small beach of Puerto Rico and its neighbouring beach of Amadores into one of the spots with the finest weather in the whole of Spain.

Practical Information

Are you travelling with children? Don’t miss the Angry Birds Activity Park , in Puerto Rico. It is your golden opportunity to beat the family smiling world record. Angry Birds Activity Park Gran Canaria Address: Avenida de la Cornisa 1 Urbanización de Puerto Rico Tel.: (+34) 928 153 976 E-mail: [email protected] 

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Gran Canaria Airport

Las palmas airport (lpa).

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• Entry Requirements for Gran Canaria
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• What You Need to Know – Covid-19
• Covid-testing at Gran Canaria Airport
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• What Covid-19 documentation is required?
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Gran Canaria Airport – Covid-19 Information

• Covid-19 – LPA Airport
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• How Safe is Air Travel during Covid-19

Gran Canaria to England – Covid-19 Rules

• Covid-testing at the Airport

Since the Covid-19 pandemic travelling abroad and returning home has become rather complicated. Due to government health restrictions constantly changing, it has been quite a challenge to understand fully what is required when travelling abroad. Flying to and from Gran Canaria from the UK and Europe is no exception!

On the links above and below we try to offer a little guidance on what to expect when flying into the airport and departing from Gran Canaria Airport. As the situation changes constantly we encourage you also to check your country’s main travel guidance and the Spanish government’s travel information for the latest advice. Also, the Spain Travel Health website is a good resource, along with Ministerio de Sanidad website.

What You Need To Know – Covid-19

Airport Health Advice for Travelling Through Gran Canaria Airport

What Covid-19 Documentation is Required

How Safe is Air Travel During Covid-19

Covid-testing at Gran Canaria airport

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