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:
Do I Need Vaccines for the Canary Islands?
Other Ways to Stay Healthy in 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: hepatitis A, polio, rabies, hepatitis B, influenza, pneumonia, meningitis, chickenpox, shingles, Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) and measles, mumps and rubella (MMR).
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travellers. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Due to an increase in cases globally, an additional adult booster is recommended for most travellers to any destination. - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Recommended for travellers to most regions. - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually. - COVID-19 –
Airborne –
Recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Meningitis –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. - 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. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended.
See the table below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for the Canary Islands |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travellers. |
| Polio | Food & Water | Due to an increase in cases globally, an additional adult booster is recommended for most travellers to any destination. |
| Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Recommended for travellers to most regions. |
Routine Vaccinations for the Canary Islands |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
| COVID-19 | Airborne | Recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. |
| Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
| Meningitis | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. |
| 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. |
| TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
| Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
Specific Vaccine Information
- Hepatitis A – Hepatitis A is a contagious liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus, typically spread through ingestion of contaminated food or water, or close contact with an infected person. Symptoms include fatigue, stomach pain, and jaundice. The hepatitis A vaccine provides effective prevention against the virus. It is administered in a series of shots, usually starting in childhood, and is recommended for travel to areas with high infection rates.
- Rabies – Rabies is a lethal disease transmitted through the saliva of infected animals, and vaccination is the key to prevention. Pre-exposure vaccination is advised for individuals at risk, and immediate post-exposure vaccination is crucial if one encounters a potentially rabid animal.
- Hepatitis B – The hepatitis B virus leads to liver infection through contact with infected fluids. The most effective safeguard is the hepatitis B vaccine, administered in a series of shots that stimulate the body to produce antibodies, providing long-term immunity. It is crucial for infants and those at an increased risk of exposure.
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) – Measles, mumps, and rubella are infectious diseases that can lead to severe health issues. They are transmitted through respiratory droplets and close contact. The MMR vaccine, a safe and effective immunization, is recommended by the PHAC as the best way to prevent these diseases.
Visit our vaccinations page to learn more. Travel safely with Passport Health and schedule your appointment today by calling or book online now.
Other Ways to Stay Healthy in the Canary Islands
Prevent Bug Bites in the Canary Islands
Shield yourself from bug bites with proper attire and EPA-approved repellents such as DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Safeguard your sleep area with bed nets and screens. In case of bug bites, clean the area, resist scratching, and utilize over-the-counter solutions while seeking professional assistance for severe reactions.
Food and Water Safety in the Canary Islands
Abroad, food safety entails avoiding street vendors, thorough hand-washing, and opting for well-cooked dishes. Choose sealed bottled or canned beverages. To prevent travellers’ diarrhea, maintain hand hygiene, avoid raw foods, and dine at reliable restaurants.
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 and pleasant climate all year round, influenced by the surrounding ocean and trade winds. The islands are warm, with temperatures ranging from 20 to 25 degrees. Evenings can be cooler, especially during the winter months.
Tenerife is the largest island and the most visited. It has a warm and sunny climate throughout the year, with temperatures ranging from 20 to 25 degrees. The summer months are dry and sunny, and the winter months are a bit cooler and more humid.
Gran Canaria is also popular and has a subtropical climate with warm temperatures ranging from 20 to 25 throughout the year. The island has around 320 days of sunshine annually.
Lanzarote is known for its volcanic landscapes and warm, dry climate. Temperatures range from 20 to 25 throughout the year. Summer months are hot and dry, and the winter months are mild and occasionally rainy.
Fuerteventura is another popular island, known for its sandy beaches and clear waters. The island has a subtropical climate with warm temperatures ranging from 20 to 25 throughout the year. It enjoys around 3,000 hours of sunshine per year.
It is essential to keep in mind that weather conditions can vary each year. Some areas of the islands may experience different weather conditions based on location and elevation. It’s always a good idea to check the weather forecast before travelling to ensure that you pack appropriately.
How Safe Are the Canary Islands?
The Canary Islands are a pretty safe place to visit, but it’s still important to be careful. Here are some tips to stay safe:
- Pay attention to what’s going on around you, especially in crowded places.
- Don’t carry too much cash around. It’s better to use a credit card or traveller’s checks.
- Stay in well-lit areas with lots of people. Don’t walk alone in deserted areas, especially at night.
- Only use official taxis or public transportation. Don’t get into any unmarked or unlicensed vehicles.
- Keep your passport and other important papers in a safe place like a hotel safe.
- Watch the news and weather reports so you know if anything is going on that could be unsafe.
- Be careful when swimming. Only swim where it’s allowed and pay attention to warning signs.
- Protect your skin from the sun with sunscreen and a hat.
By following these tips, you can have a fun and safe trip to the Canary Islands.
Mountain Villages in the Canary Islands
Avoid an Embarrassing Stop
Over 70% of travellers
will have diarrhea.
Get protected with Passport Health’s
travellers’ diarrhea kit!
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.”
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