Brits have just a few weeks to visit Tenerife & Lanzarote without a negative Covid test as new rules to be enforced
BRITS heading for a holiday in the Canary Islands will have another fortnight to visit without the need for a negative coronavirus test - but new rules could enforce this in the next few weeks.
The Canary government yesterday approved full details of the new decree and the proposed law now needs to be confirmed by the Canary parliament.
After that, it has to be formally publicised in the Official Gazette and from the following day, it would take ten "business" days to come into force.
This could mean the new restrictions are introduced next month, when Brits are heading abroad for some winter sun, with the Canaries being the only part of Spain families can visit quarantine-free.
Minister of Tourism, Yaiza Castilla said she didn't know when this would happen and would not speculate on a date but hoped it would be "as soon as possible".
Until then, any Brits visiting the Canaries don't have to prove they are coronavirus free.
Before departure, however, you still need to fill in health questionnaires and obtain a QR tracking code.
On arrival at the airport, there are temperature checks and medical check-ups.
Once the coronavirus certificate law is approved, full details will be given to tour operators and flight companies so there will be extensive publicity.
The Canaries will become the first place in Spain to implement the system.
The negative tests can be shown on paper or on mobile phones but must contain your identity and date on which the test was taken - it has to be done within a maximum period of 72 hours prior to your arrival.
The decree-law does not define what type of test should be taken. Details, said Yaiza Castilla, would follow.
If the tourist who arrives does not have a negative diagnosis, the tourist establishment "must inform them about the places in the Canary Islands where they can take the test" and the holidaymaker will bear the cost.
The tourism minister confirmed that the Canary government has signed an insurance agreement with the firm Axa which would cover the tourist's costs of confinement IF they meet all the criteria.
At the moment, the islands are the only place where the UK government has lifted its 14-day quarantine rule for Brits on their return and it is the only location in Spain not on curfew due to its low incidence of coronavirus.
Coronavirus restrictions in place include the mandatory wearing of masks.
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The Canaries are , according to PC Agency's Paul Charles, due to their strict new testing and coronavirus infrastructure.
However, Brits have been slow to return, leading to tour operators slashing their prices for holidays to the island.
Here are some of the best deals you can currently book for some winter sun on the Spanish islands.