Brits currently in the Canaries could face Christmas in isolation after the islands were removed from the travel corridor list, meaning those returning to the UK will be subject to 14 days quarantine.
Thousands of holidaymakers have until 4am on 12 December to get home after the new measures were announced on Thursday evening following a surge in infections.
Transport secretary Grant Shapps reported a ‘sharp increase’ in the number of positive coronavirus tests on the Canary Islands.
Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote and Fuerteventura – popular for winter sun – saw a spike in bookings after the islands were added to the safe travel list in October. Tui said 5,000 of its customers are currently there.
Their Christmas plans could be in jeopardy if they fail to return before the deadline and are forced to self-isolate for 14 days. Travellers to mainland Spain already have to isolate.
The Foreign Office has yet to change its travel advice for the islands, meaning that those due to depart for the Canaries could struggle to seek refunds or claim on their travel insurance.
Once the advice changes, Brits will be forced to abandon their travel plans or they risk invalidating their travel insurance.
Canary Island holidays in 2021: Do I need a test?
Once holidays to the Canary Islands are back on the safe travel list, you will need to be aware of the entry requirements. You must provide contact information and any history of exposure to coronavirus, 48 hours before you fly. You can do this on the Spain Travel Health website. On completion of this form, you will be issued a QR code that you will need to show on arrival.
You will also undergo a visual health and temperature check when you land, plus there is a nationwide requirement across Spain to present a negative PCR (swab) test taken within no more than 72 hours prior to arrival, in order to enter the country.
Once at your (regulated) accommodation, you will also now be required to show proof of a negative Covid-19 test, also taken no later than 72 hours earlier. This should not be an NHS test, you should seek a test privately. You must also download and activate the Radar Covid notification app for the duration of your stay on the islands and for 15 days after you return home.
Because the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has said the Canaries is now exempt from its all but essential travel advice, any existing insurance will once again be valid.
But with further disruption to holidays likely still even after 2 December, from local lockdowns to the Canary Islands being removed from the travel corridor list again, it’s essential you book with a tour operator or travel agent you can trust to refund you.
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Is an antigen coronavirus test acceptable in the Canary Islands?
Not just yet. The Canary Islands is said to be finalising an agreement to accept antigen Covid-19 tests as well as the usual PCR tests – in time for when England’s lockdown ends.
Antigen test results can be returned in under 15 minutes, meaning those wanting to travel won’t have to wait days for results to be returned like with PCR tests.
We will update this story when this has been confirmed. Until then, only PCR test results will be accepted.
Q&A: Where can I get a private Covid-19 PCR or antigen test to go on holiday?
Best Canary Island holiday deals for 2021 – Jet 2 Holidays
Rated best for package holidays by customers in our holiday companies survey was Jet2 Holidays. Last month it was advertising last minute deals leaving in early November from £352pp, or £704 in total for seven days. However, it has currently stopped holidays from England again due to the national lockdown.
If you do decide to book a holiday to the Canary Islands for the future, it’s important to note customers of Jet2 Holidays rated it four stars for value for money, and it had one of the cheapest average holiday prices of the companies in our survey. Crucially, you can trust it to look after you if disruption does strike – it was one of the only large operators to refund customers quickly when holidays were cancelled over the summer. In short, Jet2 promises good prices, great holidays and brilliant customer service.
See all Jet2 Holidays Canary Island holiday deals
Canary Island holiday deals with Tui
The UK’s biggest tour operator launched deals to the Canary Islands almost immediately after the travel corridor was introduced, with holidays departing from October 24th. Canary Island holiday deals start at £323pp for seven nights, or £646 in total. Tui has since stopped holidays from England for the duration of the lockdown period.
Rated average overall by its customers in our survey, Tui picked up good ratings for value for money and the organisation of the holiday. Unfortunately, it did a poor job of refunding of customers whose holidays were cancelled earlier this year – not picking up the phone, forcing credit notes on to customers and taking months over refunds. It has subsequently apologised and promised any further refunds will be processed in 14 days or less.
See all Tui Canary Island holiday deals
Cheapest Canary Island holiday deals – EasyJet Holidays
Love Holidays and On the Beach had a lower average price for their holidays according to customers in our survey – but you shouldn’t book with either. They won’t offer you a full refund if the travel corridor and FCDO advice changes and holidaymakers are advised to not travel to the Canary Islands. EasyJet Holidays will.
While Easyjet Holidays customer service and holiday rep ratings can’t match rival Jet 2 Holidays it does have good deals for the Canary Islands, with prices starting from £218pp, or £435 in total for seven days.
See all Canary Island holiday deals
*Prices listed were captured on 22/10/20 and were the cheapest price displayed for seven nights, departing from any UK airport to any of the Canary Islands.
Hoping to choose a less crowded Canary Islands destination? Our survey highlighted the best and the quietest islands to visit for some winter sun, as rated by Which? readers.
Can I go on holiday to the Canary Islands?
Rules on travel for holidays differ depending on which country of the UK you are in. England is currently in a lockdown and the English government advises against non-essential travel until 2 December. Once back in the tiered system, those in tier 3 are advised not to travel outside of their area.
Welsh residents cannot travel abroad except for essential reasons.
source https://www.which.co.uk/news/2020/12/travel-tenerife-lanzarote-gran-canaria-canary-islands-entry-requirements/