Just ahead of welcoming visitors flocking to its islands for the Easter break, the Canary Islands 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. However, we remain vigilant. If circumstances worsen, we will reactivate them. It’s not the end yet,” said President Ángel Victor Torres Pérez of the Canary Islands in announcing the rollback of requirements.
Currently, 78.8% of residents of the Canary Islands are vaccinated against coronavirus.
This 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, travelers need to fill out the digital Health Control Form. Moreover, presenting a certificate proving full vaccination is required if traveling from a non-European Union country. Unvaccinated travelers from outside the European Union and Schengen Zone are not permitted to visit Spain for non-essential reasons, affecting visitors from countries like the United States and the United Kingdom.
In addition, if you are arriving from a country of high risk, you must obtain a COVID-19 test before your arrival. Antigen tests must be conducted 48 hours prior to entering the country, and PCR tests should be no more than 72 hours before arrival.
Since February 1, Spain has also mandated that your last dose of the primary vaccination regime must be within the past 270 days. If this period has passed, proof of a booster shot taken no less than 14 days prior must be provided.
Masks Still Required in Many Indoor Places
Although COVID-19 capacity restrictions have been rolled back and masks are no longer required outdoors, it is advisable to carry a mask as they are still needed in indoor public places. Moreover, you may need to show proof of vaccination to enter certain establishments.
La Palma Recovering from the Volcano
In addition to the COVID-19 pandemic, the island of La Palma is on the road to recovery from a natural disaster. The volcanic eruption that began on September 19 ended on December 25. The tourism website estimates that around 10% of the island was impacted by the volcano, and efforts are ongoing to reconstruct affected areas.
While the island is open to visitors, it is essential to respect safety instructions as the community rebuilds from the damage caused by the volcano.
This article was first published on January 26, 2022, and was updated on March 24, 2022.
