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.
Do I Need Vaccines for the Canary Islands?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for the Canary Islands. The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for the Canary Islands: 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:
- Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travelers - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Accelerated schedule available - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
Vaccine recommended for long-term travelers 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 seperately. 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travelers |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Accelerated schedule available |
| Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | Vaccine recommended for long-term travelers 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 seperately. 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
All passports must be valid for at least three more months upon entry into Spain and the Canary Islands, though six is recommended.
No tourist visa is needed if the stay is less than 90 days.
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 U.S. State Department
For more information contact a Passport Health Passport and Visa specialist by calling 1-844-366-8472 or by filling out our online form.
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 50. In the summer, it doesn’t average higher than 93.
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 pickpocketing 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 traveling during the winter months, bring a raincoat.
- Shoes for hiking, if you plan to hike.
- Health insurance documents in case of medical care needs.
U.S. Consular Services in the Canary Islands
All Americans visiting the Canary Islands should register online with the U.S. Department of State before departure. This will inform the office of your travel plans within the country and will allow them to reach out in the case of an emergency or evacuation.
There is no U.S. embassy in the Canary Islands, but it is served by a consulate.
U.S. Consulate Las Palmas
Edificio ARCA
C/ Los Martínez Escobar, 3, Oficina 7
35007 Las Palmas
laspalmascons@state.gov
Tel.: 928 27-1259
Fax: 928 22-5863
If you have any questions about traveling 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.
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?
U.S. Consular Services in the Canary Islands
