Updated 6th July 2023
The Spanish Government has declared the end of the COVID-19 health crisis. All restrictions related to COVID-19 and all requirements to wear face masks have been lifted. There are also no restrictions on travelling to and entering Tenerife due to COVID-19.
From 21st October 2022, all COVID-19 travel restrictions for travellers to Tenerife are lifted. Previously applied rules to travellers arriving in Tenerife no longer apply
- You are no longer required to show proof of being fully vaccinated.
- You are no longer needed to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test.
- You are no longer required to show proof of having recovered from COVID-19 in the last six months.
- You are no longer required to complete a health control form before travel.
- You are no longer required to wear masks on public transport.
Read more information on the covid situation in Tenerife on this link Updates On The COVID-19 Outbreak On Tenerife.
Useful covid-19 links.
- Canary Island tourist board website Covid statement
- Spanish Health Ministry COVID-19 info
- UK Government Foreign travel advice for Spain
More about Updates On The COVID-19 Outbreak On Tenerife.
If you plan to travel to Spain, you should check the latest entry requirements before travel.
IMPORTANT: New rules apply to enter Spain for UK citizens.
Since Brexit, the UK is considered a non-EU country.We have information specifically about entry requirements into Tenerife after Brexit in another post.
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************ Historic Covid Updates Below For Interest Only And Are Not Current***************
Are there any exceptions for non-EU citizens?
Yes, the Orden specifies exemptions allowing entrance into Spain for non-EU citizens (including British citizens) in the following cases:
- residents of the EU, Schengen states, Andorra, the Vatican and San Marino who are travelling to their place of residence
- long term Spanish visa holders
- health care professionals and carers who travel for work
- transport workers
- diplomats, military and members of international organisations
- students with permission or Spanish visas and medical insurance
- ighly qualified professionals in some justified cases
- people who are travelling for essential and justified family matters
- force majeure cases, necessary situations or humanitarian reasons
- residents of countries not affected by the restrictions, in some cases
If you are due to travel to Tenerife, please contact your travel operator before departure.
Changes to pre-departure testing from 4 am, Tuesday 7 December 2021. Before you travel to the UK, you must book and pay for a COVID-19 PCR test to be taken within 2 days of arrival in the UK and complete a passenger locator form to be completed in the 48 hours before you arrive. From 4 am, Tuesday 7 December, all people aged 12 years and over must take a PCR or LFD COVID-19 test before travelling to the UK from Tenerife. You must take the test during the two days before your flight departs. This applies whether you qualify as fully vaccinated or not. Children aged 11 and under, are exempt from taking the test. UK Government Foreign travel advice for Spain
Tenerife Travel Restrictions
When returning to the UK from the Canary Islands you must self-isolate on your return unless you have had two COVID jabs.
Based on current COVID-19 risks, The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advises against all but essential travel to Spain but excluding the Canary Islands.
Read Our Updates On The COVID-19 Outbreak On Tenerife.
Covid Test To Enter Tenerife
New specific measures on the island of Tenerife will come into effect from midnight on Friday, December 18, and will last for 14 days. Limited entry and exit from the island of Tenerife is now in force.
Entering and leaving Tenerife is restricted starting from midnight on December 18 (Friday) to January 1, 2021. The restriction applies to everyone except for those can justify trips stated in article 6 of Royal Decree-Law 926/2020, of October 25 displayed below.
Foreign tourists coming to Tenerife are also exempt from the restriction of entry only if they are staying at registered tourist accommodation. On arrival, a negative covid test must be presented. It is implied that foreign tourists using private accommodation or their own properties are not permitted to enter Tenerife.
- Assistance to health centres, services and establishments.
- Compliance with labour, professional, business, institutional or legal obligations.
- Attendance at university, teaching and educational centres, including nursery schools.
- Return to the place of permanent residence.
- Assistance and care for the elderly, minors, dependents, people with disabilities or especially vulnerable people.
- Travel to financial and insurance entities, or to refuelling stations in neighbouring areas.
- Necessary or urgent actions before the public, judicial or notarial bodies.
- Renewals of permits and official documentation, as well as other administrative procedures that cannot be postponed.
- Taking official exams or tests that cannot be delayed.
- Due to force majeure or situation of need.
- Any other activity of a similar nature, duly accredited.
It is mandatory to fill in the Spanish Governments Health Control Form and have proof of a negative Covid-19 PCR, TMA or LAMP test. An antigen test is not acceptable.
All you need to know about Covid-19 testing requirements to enter Tenerife is detailed below.
Covid 19 Testing And Screening On Arrival In Tenerife
On arrival, travellers entering Tenerife from the UK will not be required to self-isolate.
The Spanish Government has announced that from 10th December travellers from high-risk countries will be able to enter Spain with a TMA (Transcription-Mediated Amplification) or a LAMP (loop-mediated isothermal amplification) test as an alternative to a PCR test. Children under six years of age no longer need to be tested.
Spanish authorities require all passengers arriving from 'risk' countries (as determined by the European Centre for Disease Prevention & Control) at Spanish airports and seaports to present a negative PCR, TMA or a LAMP test taken within no more than 72 hours before arrival. The UK is currently on the 'risk' countries list, and passengers arriving from the UK are therefore subject to this requirement.
This requirement applies to all passengers arriving in Spain by air or sea, regardless of your residency status in Spain and the length of time you intend on staying. This requirement does not currently apply to those travelling overland or those transiting Spain.
If you are travelling to Tenerife by air or sea, you must declare on the mandatory 'Health Control Form' that you have undertaken a Covid-19 test within the 72 hours before arrival. The test result must be negative for COVID-19, and you must show on request evidence certifying your results. The document you provide must be the original, be written in Spanish or English, may be submitted in paper or electronic format and must contain the following information:
- name of passenger
- test date
- name and contact details of the testing centre
- the testing method applied (i.e. PCR)
- test results
- What happens if, having declared that I have it, I do not present the PDIA / PCR document with a negative result upon my arrival in Spain? A test will be performed. Also, you will be failing to comply with a health requirement for entry to Spain, and will have made a documentary falsity in a legal document.
- What are the penalties for having declared in the Health Control Form that I have a negative certificate of a PCR test for COVID-19, and I do not present the supporting document upon my arrival in Spain? Minor offenses will lead to the imposition of penalties of up to 3,000 euros. In the case of serious violations, a fine of 3,001 to 60,000 euros will apply.
Read Our Updates On The COVID-19 Outbreak On Tenerife.
The Canary Islands Government has tried to assist UK travellers who require Covid PCR test before arrival on Tenerife by compiling a list of some Covid testing centres in the UK, this list is not exclusive; you are free to find your own Covid test centre. Also, there are new Covid test centers at Gatwick Airport and Edinburgh Airport where test results will be given in 24 hours..
You will also be subject to the following additional requirements at the point of entry:
Mandatory FCS form
It is mandatory to fill out and sign the FCS form 48 hours before you enter Tenerife. You must obtain your QR Code and show it at the airport upon arrival in Tenerife. This form is available on the following link.
FCS health control formYou can do this on the Spain Travel Health website or downloadable app. On completion, you will be issued a personal and non-transferable QR code which you must show (electronically or hardcopy) at airport health controls on arrival. Anyone who has not completed this form electronically via the Spain Travel Health website or app may submit it in paper format prior to boarding.
Anyone who presents symptoms or fails to meet one of the above requirements will be required to undergo a test on arrival and will be obliged to observe the COVID-19 protocols in place as determined by the local authorities of your destination in Spain.
On arrival at Tenerife airport you will be required to provide the following
- Provide contact information and any history of exposure to COVID-19
- Temperature check
- Undergo a visual health assessment
- Confirmation you are able to provide evidence certifying you have undertaken a PCR (swab) test within 72 hours or arrival, and have tested negative for COVID-19.
- Fines may be issued to anyone who arrives in Spanish airports and ports from ‘risk’ countries without adequate evidence of a negative PCR (swab) test.
- Passengers may also be contacted and required to undertake a PCR (swab) test at any point up to 48 hours after their arrival in Spain.
- You should not use the NHS testing service to get a test to facilitate your travel to another country. You should arrange to take a private test.
For further information on the above requirements, see the Spain Travel Health website prior to travel.
Read Our Updates On The COVID-19 Outbreak On Tenerife.
Entering Tenerife
To enter Tenerife or anywhere else in Spain, you must now fill out a form ether online on the website, or using the official app to obtain a QR code which must be shown at the arrival airport before you will be allowed to enter Spain. This is scanned on arrival at passport control before you can pass through.
The form is so the Spanish authorities are aware of your recent travel history and any Covid-19 related symptoms. It is a legal declaration. To complete the form, you need your address in Spain (hotel or apartment complex), your contact details so you can be contacted if needed, passport number, and you must also give details of any recent international travel.
The form can be completed on the website then print off the QR code, or you can download the app on your mobile phone where the QR code will be stored ready to be scanned on arrival.
Spain Travel Health Form
To download the app on to your mobile phone, enter ‘Spain Travel Health’ in to your app store and download the Spain Travel Health -STH app. Fill in the details as required.
Download Spain Travel Health form here
- You must wear a facemask everywhere on the airport premises.
- Respect the markings and footprint signs throughout the airport to ensure a distance of 1.5m.
- Keep a safe distance, wear your facemask and follow the recommended hygiene measures (cough into the crook of your elbow, wash your hands, etc.).
- Hand sanitiser dispensers are available throughout the airport.
- Only use a bottle or container at the airport’s water fountains.
Read our extensive Tenerife Cornavirus COVID-19 Outbreak Updates
For more information see Aena website