Traveling to the Canary or Balearic islands in Spain? Here's what to expect
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Loading... - Randy Watson
- 28 Jan 2022
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But as countries worldwide continue to grapple with the surge of Omicron-fueled cases, your trip to Mallorca, Ibiza or Tenerife may be a bit different than years past.
Both the Canary Islands and the Balearic Islands have seen a spike in COVID-19 cases lately and, depending on your destination, you could see reduced hours and capacity at businesses in the area.
Here are some of the things to consider if you’re headed to one of these popular winter-sun 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.
Starting 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.
COVID-19 restrictions to consider
Spain assigns levels of risk to areas of the country based on the spread of COVID-19 with Level-1 indicating low level spread to Level-4 indicating a high level. With each level come different mitigation measures including those addressing capacity and hours of operation.
No matter where you go, expect to need to wear a mask indoors unless you are actively eating or drinking. You may need to show proof of vaccination to enter some establishments.
As far as individual locations, in the Canary Islands, Gran Canaria, La Palma and Tenerife are currently in Level 4 status. This means that restaurants and bars close at midnight and groups are limited to six people per table. Public transportation is limited to 75% of capacity. COVID passports (vaccination, recovery cert or antigen/PCR test taken within 48 hours prior) are required for access to bars, restaurants and nightlife venues in Level 4 islands.
Beaches are limited to 50% capacity and swimming pools 33% capacity. You may need a reservation.
Meanwhile, Fuerteventura, Lanzarote, El Hierro, and La Graciosa are at Level 3 status. Restaurants and bars close at 1 a.m. Beaches are limited to 50% capacity and pools at 33% capacity.
The Balearic Islands, which include Ibiza, Menorca, Mallorca and Formentera, are all currently under Level 3 status.
The restrictions on opening hours and capacity limits in restaurants and bars vary according to the situation in each region but most are operating at normal business hours. Groups are limited to two people per table. Read More…
