Canary Islands : Formalities

Clearance

As part of Spain, the Canaries are members of the EU, with which they have a special relationship. The islands have remained outside the VAT area, although there is a low local tax on sales and services. The usual EU regulations apply, although because of their isolated position, the authorities tend to treat all arriving yachts as if coming from a non-EU country.

All boats should report immediately to the Port Authority or marina on arrival and formalities can now be completed at the major port on any of the seven islands.

The Port Captain or marina office who will advise on the correct procedure and, in the case of the marinas, will contact the relevant authorities. The Canaries are a duty-free area, so yachts are not expected to clear customs.

There are no restrictions on yacht movements in the Canaries, although papers may be checked at subsequent ports.

It is advisable to obtain Clearance when leaving the Canaries as this is often required by officals in other countries. However, in Las Palmas it is almost impossible to obtain such papers.

Last updated June 2008

Immigration

Visa exemptions and requirements are as for Spain; however, this does not appear to be applied strictly to yachts, provided the person also leaves the islands by yacht.

Passports of crew are not normally stamped on arrival, but if crew members wish to leave by air, it is essential to get their passports stamped, as otherwise they might be turned back from the airport.

Visas are not required for nationals of the EU, West European countries, Canada and the United States, as well as Argentina, Australia, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Iceland, Israel, Japan, Kenya, South Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Singapore, Uruguay and Venezuela.

Children under 14 of any nationality do not require visas if they have their own passports.

Most nationalities are given 90 days' stay on entering Spain. Visas are required for all other nationals or for stays longer than 90 days, to be obtained in advance from a Spanish embassy or consulate abroad.

National of the following countries will need to apply for a visa in person:- Afghanistan, Algeria, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belarus, Burundi, China, Colombia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ecuador, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran , Iraq, Jordan, Kazakstan, Kosovo, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Nigeria, N. Korea, Oman, Pakistan, Palestine, Philippines, Qatar, Tunisia, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Surinam, Syria, United Arab Emirates, Vietnam, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

Often the immigration official does not stamp passports of people entering on yachts, but if planning to leave Spain by another means of transport, an entry stamp (entrada) will be needed.

Last updated June 2008

Customs

There are no customs formalities on arrival, nor are there restrictions on firearms.

However, Customs are concerned about drug trafficking, especially from North Africa, and although they appear to be easy-going, they do keep a close eye on yacht movement.

Equipment and spare parts can be imported free of duty provided they are clearly marked as being for a yacht in transit. The use of an agent can speed up the extrication of these goods from the airport.

It is possible to lay up a boat in which case the authorities must be informed and the boat is sealed. Duty is not then liable.

Duty and/or VAT is payable on non-EU boats which remain in use, in the country for more than 18 months.

Last updated June 2008

Fees

There are no overtime fees as clearance is done during office hours.

Local taxes such as the "harbour tax", may be charged at the port where the yacht is staying, either separately or included within the berthing charges as a whole. For stays over 6 months most marinas will offer a discount.

In addition, some marinas may charge a lights and buoys fee calculated per square metre per calendar year. See Taxes Levied by Marina Atlantico, Tenerife for an example.

All Spanish ports are supoosed to collect this fee, although not all do so (or at least, not separately from harbour or marina fees).

Last updated October 2009.

Restrictions

Spear fishing and fishing with sub-aqua equipment in the nature reserves or protected underwater parks is forbidden, as is the taking of coral or other marine life in these areas.

Diving near military establishments, naval or commercial vessels, or inside harbours is also forbidden.

Diving is only permitted with an authorised diving establishment and the participant must have a diving qualification, insurance and a Spanish Diving licence. This latter requires a passport, a medical examination and a dive logbook.

Last updated June 2008

Pets

The Canary Islands come under the Pets Travel Scheme (PETS) and animals are allowed in and out providing they have Pet Passport, microchip, current Health Certificate and current Rabies Vaccination Certificate issued by recognised Veterinarian and have been blood tested prior to travel as detailed under the scheme.