Differences between different Alert Levels in the Canary Islands. What does level 4 mean for tourists?
There is a weekly review on Thursdays for the Alert Levels in the Canary Islands, which are established based on the number of new cases, hospital pressure and other factors. A higher level usually means more restrictions in place (level 4 is the maximum level and level 1 is the minimum level).
This article is for everyone worried about their upcoming holiday to one of these Canary Islands, who would like to know exactly what levels 3 or 4 mean and how it could affect their time on the island that they're visiting.
First of all... level 4 alert does NOT mean lockdown
The differences that you may note as a tourist between level 1, level 2, level 3 and level 4 restrictions are reduced opening hours for bars and restaurants (establishments must close one hour earlier than on islands placed one level below them) and reduced capacity in bars, cafes, and restaurants, both indoors and outdoors.
You can see below the main differences and you can also consult the full official document in Spanish (link below).
Level 4 rules measures - currently valid for Tenerife
- Closing time for bars, restaurants, shops and other establishments is at 0:00 (midnight)]
- Capacity in bars and restaurants: 75% outdoors on terraces and 33% indoors
- Capacity for common spaces in tourist establishments like hotels: 50% outdoors and 33% indoors
- Groups of a maximum of 6 people at a table
- Capacity in public transport reduced to 75%
- Capacity in food shops set at 75% ( in the case of shops that are not considered large commercial establishments)
- Mandatory Covid certificate in order to enter bars, restaurants, gyms etc
Level 3 rules measures - currently valid for Fuerteventura, Lanzarote, La Graciosa, La Palma and Gran Canaria
- 75% capacity on terraces and 40% in indoor spaces like restaurants, bars, clubs. Maximum 6 people at a table.
- Groups of a maximum of 6 people are allowed, except in the case of cohabitants.
- Closing hours: 1:00 am for hospitality venues like restaurants, bars, cafes.
- 100% capacity in public transport
- Public events are prohibited indoors, outdoors they are permitted at 50% capacity if the public is seated and 33% of capacity if food is consumed.
- Mandatory Covid certificate in order to enter bars, restaurants, gyms etc
Level 2 rules measures - currently valid for El Hierro, La Gomera
- 75% capacity on terraces and 50% in indoor spaces like restaurants, bars, clubs. Maximum 8 people at a table.
- Groups of a maximum of 8 people are allowed, except in the case of cohabitants.
- Closing hours: 2:00 am for hospitality venues like restaurants, bars, cafes.
- 100% capacity in public transport
Level 1 rules and measures - currently there's no Canary Island at level 1
- 100% capacity on terraces and 75% in indoor spaces like restaurants, bars, clubs. Maximum 12 people at a table.
- Groups of a maximum of 12 people are allowed, except in the case of cohabitants.
- Closing hours: 3:00 am for hospitality venues like restaurants, bars, cafes.
- 100% capacity in public transport
These are some of the measures in place that might impact you as a visitor to the Canary Islands. Although level 4 alert comes with tougher restrictions in regards to group sizes, venue capacity and closing times, it does NOT mean the island will go on lockdown, so you will still be able to enjoy your time in the sun.
Mask rules
The use of masks is mandatory for adults and children over 6 years of age in closed spaces for public use (except for food intake) and in outdoor spaces where it is not possible to maintain an interpersonal safety distance of 1.5m. People with disabilities or respiratory disease are exempt.
This means that you need to wear a mask when going into shops, supermarkets, etc.
The mask rules are the same everywhere in the Canary Islands, as they are not related to the alert levels on each island.
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