Canary Islands - Bio Security

COVID-19:

Resources:

• Ministry of Health Website
• https://www.spth.gob.es/
• https://www.hellocanaryislands.com/coronavirus/

Related Reports:

• Canary Islands: A Low Season Refuge
• Pandemic Pursuits: Planning for a Circumnavigation
• Retreat from Paradise
• Jumping the Hurdles

History:

• Mid-March 2020 Spain declared a "state of emergency". Recreational sailing was restricted and it is was recommended to not cross/enter any border. Marinas operated with maximum precautions and yacht crew were not allowed ashore without passing a health test.
• On 16 March, 2020, Spain closed all its borders and ports. Citizens were banned from leaving home except to go to work, get medical care or buy food. Foreign yacht arrivals were not be permitted to enter and had to stay at anchor for 14 days self-quarantine.
• On 18 March, 2020, a Govt. Ministerial Order was passed prohibiting entry in Canarian ports to all recreational boat traffic except in an emergency.
• On 1 May a Ministry of Transport Document was published with key steps in the return to normality specifically for the recreational nautical sector. Phase 1 began on 11 May when recreational cruising was permitted once more as a cultural and leisure activity. Ports however remained closed until the state of emergency ended.
• The state of emergency and lockdown continued to be extended and ended on 21 June.
• The Canary Islands opened to tourists and visiting yachts on 1 July. For flight arrivals only temperature screening on arrival was mandatory and completion of a health control form. Yacht arrivals had no restrictions.
• You could travel to Spain if coming from the European Union, from a country in the Schengen area, or from another country which had a reciprocal agreement with Spain for accepting travelers.

Our thanks to Las Palmas Port Authority for their assistance with confirmation of the rules for foreign yacht arrivals.