Spain - Canary Islands

Recommended Vaccinations For Spain - Canary Islands

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis A Vaccine

Although there is a low risk of exposure to hepatitis A for this country, the vaccination is recommended.

Hepatitis B Vaccine

Although there is a low risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country, the vaccination is recommended.

For Some Travellers

Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccine

A dose of Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is recommended for infants aged 6 to 11 months.

Rabies Vaccine

**Vaccination against rabies is recommended for travellers whose activities or employment may bring them into direct contact with bats (i.e. adventure travellers, veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers, etc.).**

Recommended Medications For Spain - Canary Islands

There are no recommendations for Spain - Canary Islands at this time.

Diseases To Be Aware of for Spain - Canary Islands

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis A

There is a low risk for hepatitis A virus exposure in Canary Islands through contaminated food or water.

Hepatitis B

There is a low risk for acquiring hepatitis B in Canary Islands.

For Some Travellers

Measles

A dose of Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is recommended for infants aged 6 to 11 months.

Tuberculosis

Travellers to this country are at risk for tuberculosis if visiting sick friends or family, working in the healthcare field, or having close prolonged contact with an infected person.

Hanta Virus

There is a risk of acquiring Hantavirus in this country through the consumption of food and water contaminated by an infected rodent or through rodent bites.

Rabies

**Rabies has not been reported in Canary Islands and is considered a low risk for travellers, However, it may occur in bats.**

Safety & Security in Spain - Canary Islands

Personal Safety

Petty crime remains the primary concern for visitors. Pickpocketing and purse snatching occur frequently in larger cities and tourist areas, especially during holidays, festivals and weekends. Thieves often work in groups using distraction techniques such as asking for directions or pointing out stains on clothing. Criminals sometimes pose as plainclothes police officers requesting identification. Always ask to see official identification badges before complying. Violent crime is rare but does occur. Homicides increased dramatically in the first quarter of 2025, rising 400 percent compared to the same period in 2024, from two cases to ten. Sexual assaults involving penetration rose 11 percent during that period. Overall crime increased by 6 percent in 2023 compared to 2022, with cybercrime surging nearly 30 percent. Home burglaries affect coastal areas and rental properties, particularly those found through online accommodation platforms. Road-related scams occur where thieves simulate flat tires or car trouble, then steal from motorists who stop to assist. Theft from rental and parked vehicles is common, especially in service areas on coastal highways. Exercise caution when accepting help from anyone other than uniformed officers from the National Police Corps or Civil Guard. Individuals posing as stranded motorists may also steal from drivers in genuine distress.

Extreme Violence

Violent crime was historically rare but has increased significantly. Between January and March 2025, the islands witnessed ten homicides compared to two during the same period in 2024. Attempted homicides rose 87.5 percent to 15 cases. Assaults and brawls increased 14.1 percent, rising from 312 to 356 incidents. Robberies involving violence and intimidation increased 7.6 percent to 495 cases. Drug trafficking rose 21.4 percent. One domestic violence homicide occurred in early 2025, the first such crime in two years across the archipelago. While violent crimes remain less common than petty theft, the sharp rise in serious offenses marks a concerning trend. The terrorism threat remains moderate. No terrorist incidents have occurred on the islands, although they are a popular tourist destination. Historical context includes the Movement for the Self-Determination and Independence of the Canary Archipelago which conducted terrorist activities during the 1970s, including a 1977 bombing at Gran Canaria Airport. The group renounced armed struggle after the creation of the Autonomous Community in 1982.

Political Unrest

Anti-tourism protests occur regularly and have intensified since April 2024. Tens of thousands of residents demonstrate against overtourism, demanding limits on visitor numbers and protection of natural resources. The largest protest on April 20, 2024 attracted between 20,000 and 57,000 participants across all islands. Demonstrations continued in May 2025 with approximately 30,000 protesters demanding urgent action to protect the region from mass tourism impacts. Protesters focus on housing affordability, environmental degradation, water resource depletion, and quality of life for residents. Key demands include halting destructive development projects, implementing genuine hotel and holiday rental moratoriums, and establishing food and energy sovereignty. Some activists conducted a 19-day hunger strike in 2024 to protest luxury hotel developments. Protests occur simultaneously across all seven main islands and in solidarity demonstrations in mainland Spanish cities including Madrid, Barcelona and Valencia. While demonstrations are generally peaceful and well-organized, visitors should avoid large gatherings as any demonstration can potentially turn violent. Tourism accounts for 36 percent of the islands’ GDP, creating tension between economic dependence and local quality of life concerns.

Areas To Avoid

Santa Catalina Park in Las Palmas should be avoided at night. Isleta and Jinamar are not welcoming to tourists with no compelling reason to visit. Dark alleys in Las Palmas and Tenerife should be avoided as criminals may wait for wrong turns. Maspalomas and Playa del Ingles experience heavy foot traffic and are common locations for pickpockets. Nightlife areas are more active with thieves after dark. Street robberies and muggings occur most commonly after dark in larger towns such as Fuerteventura. Unlit side streets should be avoided at night. Rural and less populated towns and villages are generally the safest areas across the islands. While the islands are generally safe, visitors should avoid isolated areas, especially when alone at night. Remote hiking trails require extra caution and should never be tackled alone. The islands are located in a seismically and volcanically active area. The most recent volcanic eruption occurred in 2021 when the La Palma volcano erupted for several months, destroying thousands of buildings. Although no deaths or injuries occurred during that eruption, volcanic activity remains a potential hazard.