Travel Vaccines and Advice for the Canary Islands
The Canary Islands is an autonomous community of Spain, located in the Atlantic Ocean. The most visited island by tourists is Tenerife.
The official language of the Canary Islands is Spanish.
There are two capital cities in the Canary Islands: Santa Cruz de Tenerife, and Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.
On This Page:
What Vaccines Do I Need for the Canary Islands?
Do I Need a Passport or Visa for the Canary Islands?
What Is the Climate Like in the Canary Islands?
How Safe Are the Canary Islands?
Mountain Villages in the Canary Islands
What Should I Take to the Canary Islands?
Canadian Embassy in the Canary Islands
Do I Need Vaccines for the Canary Islands?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for the Canary Islands. The PHAC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for the Canary Islands: COVID-19, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza.
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- COVID-19 –
Airborne –
Recommended for all travellers - Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travellers - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Accelerated schedule available - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - Chickenpox –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. - Shingles –
Direct Contact –
Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually. - Meningitis –
Airborne & Direct Contact –
Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended.
See the tables below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for the Canary Islands |
||
VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
---|---|---|
COVID-19 | Airborne | Recommended for all travellers |
Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travellers |
Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Accelerated schedule available |
Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
Routine Vaccinations for the Canary Islands |
||
VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
---|---|---|
Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
Chickenpox | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. |
Shingles | Direct Contact | Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. |
Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
Meningitis | Airborne & Direct Contact | Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. |
Polio | Food & Water | Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. |
Visit our vaccinations page to learn more. Travel safely with Passport Health and schedule your appointment today by calling or book online now.
Do I Need a Passport or Visa for the Canary Islands
The Canary Islands are part of the EU’s Schengen area. As such, no visa is required for stays up to 90 days within the Canary Islands or any other part of the EU.
Canary Islands Entry Requirements |
||
Do I Need A… | For My Trip to the Canary Islands? | |
---|---|---|
Passport | ||
Tourist Visa | ||
Business Visa | ||
Vaccinations |
Sources: Government of the Canary Islands and Government of Canada
What Is the Climate Like in the Canary Islands?
The Canary Islands have a mild climate, with consistent temperatures year-round. The Canary Islands are subject to trade winds, which mildly affect the temperature and precipitation. At the coldest in the winter, the temperature doesn’t fall below 10. In the summer, it doesn’t average higher than 35.
July and August have the hottest temperatures. It can be uncomfortable at times. The windy and rainy seasons run from the end of August through early Winter.
How Safe Are the Canary Islands?
Although crime is low, street crime such as pick-pocketing and theft (such as valuables and car theft) can happen. Always keep your belongings with you. Also be aware of financial schemes and never send money to someone you have not met in person.
Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime.
Mountain Villages in the Canary Islands
Beaches may be one of the first things you think of when you hear the word, islands. But, the Canary Islands are full of lush mountains with picturesque villages.
One village that is perfect for tourists to visit is Tejeda on the island of Gran Carina. The village is located in the center of the island and is seated at the edge of a volcanic crater.
Tejeda is charming with its beautiful churches and balconied homes built on mountainsides. Art and culture can also be found in Tejeda at a variety of different museums. The mountainside is lush with almond trees and it is especially pretty during February when these trees are blooming.
You can get to Tejeda by car or by taking a bus from Las Palmas.
What Should I Take to the Canary Islands?
Here are some essential items to consider for your trip to the Canary Islands:
- Hats and sunscreen to protect against the consistent sun.
- If you’re travelling during the winter months, bring a raincoat.
- Shoes for hiking, if you plan to hike.
- Health insurance documents in case of medical care needs.
Canadian Embassy in the Canary Islands
If travellers face issues or have concerns while travelling throughout the country, contact or visit the Canadian Embassy.
There is no Canadian embassy in the Canary Islands, but it is served by the embassy in Spain.
Canadian Embassy in Madrid
Torre Emperador Castellana,
Paseo de la Castellana 259D
28046 Madrid, Spain
Telephone: (34) 91 382 8400
Email: espana.consulaire/consular@international.gc.ca
If you have any questions about travelling to the Canary Islands or are wondering what shots you may need for your trip, schedule an appointment with your local Passport Health travel medicine clinic. Call us at or book online now and protect yourself today.
Customer Reviews
Passport Health – Travel Vaccines for the Canary Islands
“I had a great time at Passport Health. I was overwhelmed trying to find a clinic that could help me with my trip to the Canary Islands! The Nurse was very nice and explained everything well. She even gave good recommendations on things to take to prepare! Loved it!”
“Prompt, cordial, knowledgeable staff. Definitely recommend for anyone going to the Canary Islands.”
“The nurse was friendly and informative. We got the immunizations we need for our trip to the Canary Islands and were not pressured to get more than needed.”