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?
U.S. Consular Services in the Canary Islands
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, polio, rabies, hepatitis B, influenza, COVID-19, 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 travelers. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Due to an increase in cases globally, an additional adult booster is recommended for most travelers to any destination. - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
Vaccine recommended for long-term travelers and those who may come in contact with animals. - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Recommended for travelers 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 travelers. |
| Polio | Food & Water | Due to an increase in cases globally, an additional adult booster is recommended for most travelers to any destination. |
| Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | Vaccine recommended for long-term travelers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Recommended for travelers 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 CDC 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 travelers’ diarrhea, maintain hand hygiene, avoid raw foods, and dine at reliable restaurants.
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
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 70 to 80 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 70 to 80 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 70 to 80 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 70 to 80 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 70 to 80 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 traveling 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 traveler’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 travelers
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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.
Customer Reviews
Passport Health – Travel Vaccines for the Canary Islands
“Provided me with very thorough information and received the immunization I needed for the Canary Islands.”
“The nurse was so helpful in going over everything I needed to know for my trip to the Canary Islands. She was very personable, easy to talk to, and knowledgeable. I will definitely recommend to anyone in the area to come and see her!”
“Very positive experience: informative and efficient. Thanks!”
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