UPDATE 21/12/20

The Spanish Government has overruled the Canary Islands and tourists are now required to provide a negative PCR test result taken within 72 hours of arrival...

UPDATE 18/12/20

The Spanish Government are reportedly going to overrule the Canary Islands and enforce PCR or TMA testing for all arrivals from high risk countries such as the UK.  However, the Canary Islands authorities have vowed to challenge this - creating a state of confusion.

The FCDO in the UK has removed advice about antigen testing from their guidelines for the Canary Islands.  So currently tourists are advised to take a PCR test within 72 hours of their arrival.

UPDATE 10/12/20

Tourists visiting Lanzarote now only need to provide negative test results from a rapid antigen test to gain admission to the island and their accommodation.

Previosuly, a negative test result from a full PCR test was required, taken within 72 hours of travel.  But that requirement has now been replaced by the more affordable rapid antigen test.

Air travel corridors to the islands are open and The Canaries remain the only part of Spain which British tourists can visit without having to quarantine on their return to the UK.

UPDATE 20/11/20

From November 23rd, tourists travelling from high risk countries, which currently includes the UK and virtually all of mainland Europe, are required to take a PCR test in their country of origin 72 hours or less prior to their arrival on Lanzarote.  Proof of testing will be added to the existing FCS form which all visitors are obliged to complete prior to arrival. 

Proof of testing may also be required in order to board your flight and on arrival at the airport in Lanzarote - however this details remains unconfirmed.  Other less expensive and more rapid tests, such as antigen, may also be added at a future date.

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From November 14th, visitors staying in officially licensed tourist accommodation on Lanzarote will be required to present negative Covid 19 test results…

The Canary Islands government has introduced a new protocol that requires all holidaymakers to provide proof of a negative Covid 19 test when checking in to officially licensed tourist accommodation on Lanzarote (and the rest of the Canary Islands).

The statutory requirement applies to all tourists aged six years plus staying in licensed tourist accommodation. Tests must be taken within a period of 72 hours or less prior to arrival. Test results are not checked on arrival at Cesar Manrique Airport but on check in at your hotel, apartment or villa.

However, it is not obligatory to take a test prior to travel. And the requirement does not apply to visitors staying in their own holiday home or with friends and family. By implication, this also means that tourists staying in one of the thousands of unlicensed holiday rentals on Lanzarote will also be exempt. Creating loopholes that potentially compromise the overall efficacy of this new drive to make Lanzarote a 100% safe bubble for visitors.

Tourists who are unable to provide a negative test result when checking in to their accommodation have the option to take a test locally. But their accommodation provider is required to refuse them admission until negative test proof is provided. Although a further caveat does allow tourists one night’s stay at the accommodation provider’s discretion, providing they isolate within their villa, apartment or hotel room before taking a test locally the next day.

Tourists who test positive will be directed towards officially designated accommodation where they will be required to isolate. And all costs pertaining will be covered by the Canary Islands travel insurance scheme, which automatically covers all visitors staying in licensed accommodation.

What Type Of Test Is Required?

The Canary Islands government has confirmed that they will accept rapid antigen tests as part of the tourist screening process. These tests are available at numerous points across Lanzarote, such as in-resort health clinics - and cost in the region of €40 to €45 per person. Test results are delivered in around 15 minutes. Tourists are required to present a paper or digital certificate as proof of a diagnostic test and this must include key data such as the date and time of test.