If you plan to visit Tenerife, any of the Canary Islands or any part of Spain, you have to follow the regulations that have been introduced to combat the coronavirus pandemic, with the most controversial subject being the regulations on using face masks.
If you come from the UK or one of the many other countries where the use of a face mask is not as strict then these rules may surprise you, but if you are in Spain you are subject to the Spanish regulations and authorities, therefore, it is best you know the rules before travelling.
I am going to start first with the fines, but remember it is obligatory to wear a face mask by anyone older than 6 years old or has a certifiable health condition. The initial fine for non-compliance is €1000 and then goes up to €3000 for repeat offenders and if you continue to disrespect the regulations you can face imprisonment, and this is Spain, stop and search is a real power the police have here.
The Spanish government recently updated the regulation on face masks which has caused controversy because now it is implicated that whilst sunbathing a face mask is obligatory.
It is mandatory to use a face mask at all times:
Link to the decree (PDF) is here:
- In the street, open or closed public spaces, e.g, plazas, squares, on the pavement, everywhere.
- Public Transport, from busses to aeroplanes and even your own car when travelling with someone who is not living with you.
Therefore whilst in Spain anytime you leave your hotel room or private accommodation be it your own house, you need to wear a mask.
Examples:
• Bars and Restaurants: you must wear your mask until seated and are at the point of consumption. If moving around the bar to go to the toilet or something else, you must wear a mask.
• In a Hotel: in any public space, be it the lobby, pool, bar… wear your mask.
• Shops: you must wear your mask inside a shop and sanitise your hands with the gel provided.
• Beaches and Pools: you must wear a mask when finding your place to sit and when sunbathing, so at all times, except swimming.
• Hospitals, Doctors and Health Centers: you must wear a surgical mask bought at a pharmacy to enter these spaces.
• Dog Walking: you must wear a face mask.
• Going to the playground with your children: you must wear your face mask and so should your children if 6 years old or older.
• Guests in your house: you should wear a mask in your own house when you have guests who do not live in the residence, e.g. a technician or friends.
When is it okay not to wear a face mask?
Well the decree states that if you have a certifiable health condition under Spanish law which prevents you from being able to breath correctly or you are unable to apply the mask yourself due to disability be it physical or mental, you are exempt.
During exercise or work where the face mask would prevent you from carrying out these types of tasks, it's okay not to use the mask, but, you must have one on your person to wear immediately after the activity stops.
In the car when you are alone or with someone you live with.
Finally in your own home or private accommodation, where it is only you and/or the people you live with.
For now there is no end to these regulations as the government has left it pretty much open ended until the pandemic comes to an end.
If you have questions, please feel free to ask.
Update: due to they way Spanish communities have a level of autonomy in regards to law making it appears that although the Spanish BOE does indicate masks should be worn when sun bathing, in the Canary Islands specifically, the local government are reportedly saying you will be allowed to bathe without a mask.