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Simon Meechan

Spain Covid rules for Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura & rest of Canary Islands

The Canary Islands are a popular choice with holidaymakers from the North East of England, due to direct flights from Newcastle and the chance of winter sun.

With half-term approaching, many will be planning trips to the islands of Gran Canaria, Tenerife, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, El Hierro and La Gomera. The Canary Islands are owned by Spain but can have different Covid-19 rules to the mainland.

Spain has removed the requirement to wear masks outdoors, although they are still required in indoor public spaces and on public transport across the entire country and its islands.

Read more: Vaccinated holidaymakers no-longer need tests to return to UK

Even within the Canary Islands, there are different rules. Tenerife and Gran Canaria are on the highest tier of restrictions, which cuts nights out shorter and places limits on the number of people.

On February 10, the Canary Island Government voted to keep each island on its current level of restrictions, but downgraded the restrictions in each category, effectively relaxing Covid-19 laws slightly ahead of half-term

The UK no longer requires fully vaccinated passengers to take Covid-19 tests when they enter the UK or return to the country from Spain. Masks must be worn on planes if you are over six years old.

Visitors to Spain should download the Radar Covid App.

Spain Covid-19 entry requirements and vaccine rules for UK tourists

The entry rules for Brits heading to Spain are the same. Anyone over 12 will need to be fully vaccinated, Spain will not accept proof of recovery from Covid-19, unlike some other EU countries.

British tourists can use their NHS Pass as a Covid-19 pass in the Canary Islands and the rest of Spain.

Fully vaccinated arrivals into Spain do not have to take a covid test or quarantine, but they may be asked to take a test. Children under 12 are exempt from vaccination requirements.

In a rule change, unvaccinated children aged between 12 and 17 will be allowed into Spain if they produce a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of arrival, Spain's Secretary of State for tourism Fernando Valdés told the BBC on Friday February 11.

"If you’re fully vaccinated and travelling from the UK, you can enter Spain without needing to test or quarantine regardless of your reason for travel," says the FCO.

Covid rules and restrictions in Spain - including the Canary Islands

Social distancing measures are still in place across Spain, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office says, requiring people to keep a space of at least 1.5m between them and others.

Face masks must be worn in enclosed public spaces like bars and restaurants - other than when eating and drinking - and at some larger outdoor events. Spain required face masks outdoors too until February 10, now wearing one outside is optional unless you are at an event that requires them to be worn.

The FCO says: "The use of face coverings is mandatory for anyone over the age of 6 years old on all forms of public transport in Spain and in many other indoor public spaces. Face masks are also mandatory at large, open air, standing events and seated events where social distancing of 1.5m cannot be observed. There are no other requirements to wear face masks outdoors."

Further restrictions apply depending on where in Spain - and where within the Canary Islands - you are.

Covid rules and restrictions in the Canary Islands

Rules on Covid Passports, closing time curfews, group number caps, and capacity restrictions all vary within Spain, and even differ across the Canary Islands.

The Canary Islands has an "alert system" of Covid-19 measures. Islands under Level 4 rules have the most restrictive measures, those in Level 1 have the least.

These rules must be followed in addition to the general rules for Spain.

What are the Covid rules for Gran Canaria and Tenerife, in Level 4

In Level 4 areas, which include Gran Canaria and Tenerife, venues must close by 2am, according to rule changes agreed on February 10.

There are limits of six people per table in hospitality settings, and venues can only operate at 40% capacity indoors, 75% outdoors.

There are exceptions to the rule of six for people who live together.

What are the Covid rules for Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, El Hierro and La Gomere, in Level 3?

In Level 3 areas, which include the Canary Islands of Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, El Hierro and La Gomera, venues must close by 3am.

An eight-person per table limit is in place. There are exceptions to the eight-person table limit in cases where people live together. Venues can operate at 75% outdoors and 50% indoors.

Go here for the latest coronavirus updates and breaking Covid-19 news

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