Easter Vacation: Canary Islands & Balearic Islands Roll Back Some Restrictions

Ahead of welcoming international travelers for the Easter Holidays, the Canary Islands and Balearic Islands of Spain are making changes. In order to make it easier for visitors, some restrictions are being rolled back in both destinations. Read on to find out what you can expect if heading to the islands for the holidays.

Canary Islands suspend some COVID-19 restrictions

The weather in the Canary Islands might feel like spring all year round, but Easter is a popular time for vacationers to plan an island break. Because of this, changes to be made in restrictions ahead of the holiday.

Among the changes, restaurants, bars, clubs and other businesses in Gran Canaria, La Palma and Tenerife are returning to normal operating hours. These venues will also be able to operate at full capacity.

Speaking of the rollback, President Ángel Victor Torres Pérez of the Canary Islands said they have tools to control the pandemic. However, he added that they will remain vigilant and if circumstances should worsen, the restrictions will be reactivated. “It’s not the end yet,” he said.

Meanwhile, an impressive 78.8 percent of residents in the Canary Islands have been fully vaccinated. Moreover, the move to roll back restrictions comes as the Balearic Islands also ease back on their COVID-19 regulations.

Visiting the Canary Islands or the Balearic Islands for Easter?

For those making plans to head to Spain’s islands for Easter here are the current travel requirements. First things first, you will need to complete the digital Health Control Form.

Travelers from outside Europe will also be required to present a certificate giving proof of vaccination. Meanwhile, unvaccinated visitors from outside the EU and Schengen Zone are currently not allowed to travel to Spain for non-essential reasons. This ruling applies to travelers from both the US and UK.
Any travelers coming from a “high risk” country will be required to undergo a COVID-19 test prior to arrival. In the case of PCR tests, they must be taken no more than 72 hours prior to travel. Meanwhile, antigen tests must be done 48 hours before arrival in Spain.

Vaccination requirements

Spain made another ruling that from February 1, the last dose of travelers’ primary vaccination must be taken within the past 270 days. Should the visitor fall outside that timeframe, proof will be required of a booster jab taken no less than 14 days before travel.

Do the Canary Islands and the Balearic Islands require masks?

While restaurants, bars and other indoor spaces are returning to normal capacities and opening hours, some restrictions do remain. Masks are still required in many indoor environments throughout Spain and on the islands.

Due to other recent changes, it is not necessary to wear a mask outdoors. However, it is always a good idea to have one in your pocket as you will need one for entering indoor spaces.

Meanwhile, it might still be necessary to show proof of vaccination to enter some venues, so always keep that handy too, just in case.

Readers can find out more information about visiting the Canary Islands and the Balearic Islands on the official tourism websites.