Get Your Canary Islands Visa Online
Fast visa processing for beaches, volcanic adventures, and eternal spring — gateway to the Atlantic paradise
TrustpilotHow to Get Your Canary Islands Visa
Simple 4-step process — most applications approved within 10-15 business days
1
Complete the online application
Fill out our streamlined Schengen visa application form with your personal details, travel itinerary, and accommodation plans. Our intelligent validation system guides you through each section, ensuring your application meets Spanish embassy requirements for Canary Islands entry.
2
Upload your documents
Submit your passport scan (bio page clearly visible), recent passport photographs, travel insurance, flight reservations, and accommodation proof. Our visa specialists review every document against Schengen visa standards before submission, significantly reducing rejection risk.
3
We submit to the Spanish Embassy
Your verified application is prepared for submission to the Spanish Embassy or Consulate handling Canary Islands visa applications. We guide you through the appointment booking process and ensure all documentation is presentation-ready for your visa interview.
4
Receive your visa and travel
Once approved, your Schengen visa is stamped in your passport. This visa allows entry to the Canary Islands as part of Spain and the entire Schengen Area. Bienvenido a las Islas Canarias — welcome to Europe's paradise islands!
Canary Islands Visa Requirements & Entry Information
Schengen Tourist Visa
Up to 90 days
Short-stay visa for tourism, beaches, and volcanic exploration
Schengen Business Visa
Up to 90 days
For commercial activities, conferences, and business meetings
Visa-Free Entry
Up to 90 days
EU, EEA citizens and 60+ visa-exempt nationalities
Airport Transit Visa
Airside only
For connecting flights without leaving airport zone
Essential Requirements
- Passport valid 3+ months beyond stay with 2 blank pages
- Two passport photos 35x45mm, white background
- Travel insurance minimum 30,000 EUR coverage
- Round-trip flight reservations to Canary Islands
- Hotel bookings or accommodation confirmation
- Proof of sufficient funds (100 EUR per day minimum)
Tourist Visas & Visa-Free Entry
The Canary Islands are an autonomous community of Spain and part of the European Union, though they sit outside the EU customs territory. Entry requirements follow Schengen Area rules, making it easy for many travelers to visit these stunning Atlantic islands.
Schengen Tourist Visa (Type C)
Non-EU citizens requiring visas must apply for a Schengen short-stay visa through the Spanish Embassy or Consulate. This visa permits stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period — perfect for exploring Tenerife's volcanic landscapes, Gran Canaria's diverse terrain, Lanzarote's otherworldly lava fields, Fuerteventura's endless beaches, La Palma's stargazing opportunities, La Gomera's ancient forests, and El Hierro's unspoiled nature. The visa allows multiple activities including tourism, visiting family, attending events, and short courses.
Visa-Free Access
Citizens of EU and EEA countries enjoy unlimited freedom of movement and can live and work in the Canary Islands without any visa. Additionally, nationals from over 60 countries including USA, Canada, UK, Australia, Japan, and South Korea can enter visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period for tourism and business purposes. Starting 2024, visa-exempt travelers must register through the ETIAS system (European Travel Information and Authorization System) before arrival.
Business Visas & Special Categories
Schengen Business Visa
Professionals conducting business activities in the Canary Islands require a Schengen business visa. This includes attending trade fairs and conferences, negotiating contracts with Spanish companies, exploring investment opportunities in tourism and renewable energy, conducting market research, and establishing commercial partnerships. Business visas also allow stays up to 90 days within 180 days. Required documentation includes an invitation letter from the Canary Islands company, proof of business activities, and evidence of financial means.
Long-Stay National Visa (Type D)
For stays exceeding 90 days, you'll need a Spanish national long-stay visa. Categories include work visas for employment with Canary Islands companies, student visas for academic programs, family reunification visas, retirement visas for those with sufficient income, and the popular Non-Lucrative Visa for digital nomads and retirees proving passive income of approximately 2,400 EUR monthly. Long-stay visas are processed directly through Spanish Embassies and typically require 1-3 months for approval.
Golden Visa Program
Spain's investor visa program offers residency through significant investments including real estate purchases of 500,000+ EUR, capital investments of 1+ million EUR, or business projects creating jobs. The Canary Islands' favorable tax regime makes them particularly attractive for investors.
Entry Requirements & Documentation
Essential Schengen Visa Requirements
All Canary Islands visa applicants must meet these fundamental requirements:
• Passport validity: Minimum 3 months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen Area, issued within the last 10 years, with at least 2 blank pages
• Application form: Completed Schengen visa application signed and dated
• Photographs: Two recent biometric photos (35x45mm) with white background, face covering 70-80% of frame
• Travel insurance: Mandatory coverage of minimum 30,000 EUR for medical expenses and repatriation, valid throughout Schengen Area
• Flight itinerary: Round-trip reservations showing entry and exit from Schengen Area
• Accommodation proof: Hotel bookings, rental agreements, or invitation letter if staying with residents
• Financial means: Bank statements (last 3-6 months), employment letter, or proof of income showing approximately 100 EUR per day
• Travel purpose: Detailed itinerary explaining your Canary Islands visit
Special Canary Islands Considerations
While part of the EU, the Canary Islands have unique customs status. Duty-free shopping is available due to their position outside EU customs territory. The IGIC tax (7%) replaces VAT. This doesn't affect visa requirements but offers shopping advantages for visitors.
Entry Points & Processing Times
International Airports & Entry Points
The Canary Islands have excellent air connectivity with multiple international airports:
• Tenerife South Airport (TFS): Main tourist gateway handling most charter and low-cost flights from Europe
• Tenerife North Airport (TFN): Primarily domestic and inter-island flights, some European routes
• Gran Canaria Airport (LPA): Second busiest airport, major hub for international and domestic flights
• Lanzarote Airport (ACE): César Manrique Airport serving this volcanic island
• Fuerteventura Airport (FUE): Gateway to the best beaches
• La Palma Airport (SPC): Smaller airport serving the 'Beautiful Island'
All airports have full Schengen immigration facilities. Direct flights operate from major European cities, with connections via mainland Spain from worldwide destinations.
Visa Processing Times
Schengen visa applications for Canary Islands visits typically take 10-15 business days from appointment date. During peak summer season (June-August) and winter holidays (December-January), processing may extend to 30 days. Apply 3-6 months before travel but no earlier than 6 months. Visa appointments at Spanish Embassies may have waiting times — book early. DoVisa helps prepare complete documentation to minimize processing delays and rejection risk.
Why Choose DoVisa?
See the difference between applying yourself vs using our expert service
| Feature | Applying Yourself |  With DoVisa |
|---|---|---|
| Application reviewExpert review before submission | ✗No expert check | ✓100% reviewed by experts |
| Document validationCheck documents meet requirements | ✗Risk of rejection | ✓Pre-checked for errors |
| Customer supportHelp when you have questions | ✗Government offices only | ✓24/7 dedicated support |
| Form guidanceAssistance filling out forms | ✗Complex forms alone | ✓Step-by-step guidance |
| Status trackingKnow where your application is | ✗Manual checking | ✓Real-time updates |
| Refund if deniedProtection if visa is rejected | ✗No refund possible | ✓Money-back guarantee |
1,000+Visas processed
24/7Expert support
4.7Customer rating
97%Approval rate
"DoVisa made our Schengen visa application so straightforward! We spent two amazing weeks exploring Tenerife and Gran Canaria. The document checklist was incredibly helpful."
"Good service overall. The visa took about 12 days to process which was within expectations. Lanzarote's volcanic landscapes were absolutely worth the wait!"
"Third time using DoVisa for Schengen visas. Always reliable! The Canary Islands were perfect for our winter escape. Mount Teide was breathtaking."
"The team helped me prepare all documents for the Spanish consulate. Visa approved first try! Fuerteventura's beaches are paradise."
"Helpful customer service when I had questions about travel insurance requirements. Processing took longer than expected due to embassy backlog, but DoVisa kept me informed throughout."
"Family visa applications for 4 people all handled smoothly. The kids loved the beaches and we enjoyed the year-round sunshine. Highly recommend DoVisa!"
"Perfect assistance with my business visa for a conference in Las Palmas. The invitation letter guidance was exactly what I needed. Professional service."
"Good experience applying for Canary Islands trip. The only minor issue was appointment availability at the embassy, but that's not DoVisa's fault. Islands were stunning!"
Canary Islands Visa FAQs
What type of visa do I need for the Canary Islands?
The Canary Islands are part of Spain and the Schengen Area, so you need a Schengen visa for visits up to 90 days. Citizens of EU/EEA countries need no visa. Nationals from over 60 countries including USA, Canada, UK, Australia, Japan, and South Korea can visit visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Other nationalities require a Schengen short-stay visa (Type C) applied through the Spanish Embassy or Consulate. For stays over 90 days, you'll need a Spanish national long-stay visa (Type D) for work, study, or residence purposes.
Are the Canary Islands part of Spain and the EU?
Yes, the Canary Islands are an autonomous community of Spain and fully part of the European Union, using the Euro as currency. However, they have a special status outside the EU customs territory, which means different tax rules apply — the IGIC tax (7%) replaces standard EU VAT, and duty-free shopping is available. For immigration purposes, the Canary Islands are within the Schengen Area, meaning your Schengen visa allows entry. Despite being geographically closer to Africa, all EU and Spanish laws apply.
How long can I stay in the Canary Islands with a Schengen visa?
A Schengen tourist visa allows stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This is calculated across the entire Schengen Area — days spent in mainland Spain, France, Italy, or any other Schengen country count toward your 90-day limit. You can enter multiple times during your visa validity as long as you don't exceed 90 days total in any rolling 180-day period. The Schengen calculator helps track your remaining days. For longer stays, you must apply for a Spanish national visa (Type D).
What documents are required for a Canary Islands Schengen visa?
Essential documents include: Valid passport (3+ months validity beyond stay, issued within last 10 years, 2 blank pages) • Completed application form signed and dated • Two biometric photos (35x45mm, white background) • Travel insurance with minimum 30,000 EUR coverage valid throughout Schengen Area • Flight reservations showing round-trip itinerary • Accommodation proof (hotel bookings or invitation letter) • Financial evidence (bank statements showing approximately 100 EUR per day) • Employment proof or business ownership documents • Cover letter explaining travel purpose and detailed itinerary.
How long does Canary Islands visa processing take?
Schengen visa processing for Canary Islands visits typically takes 10-15 business days from your embassy appointment date. During peak seasons (summer June-August, winter holidays December-January, Easter), processing may extend to 30 days or occasionally 45 days for complex cases. Embassy appointment availability varies — in busy periods, you may wait 2-4 weeks for an appointment slot. We recommend applying 3-6 months before travel (no earlier than 6 months). DoVisa's thorough document preparation helps minimize delays from incomplete applications.
Can I travel to mainland Spain and other EU countries with my Canary Islands visa?
Yes! Your Schengen visa for the Canary Islands allows travel throughout all 27 Schengen member states including mainland Spain, France, Germany, Italy, Portugal, and others. Many travelers combine Canary Islands beach holidays with visits to Madrid, Barcelona, or other European destinations. Remember that your 90-day limit applies across all Schengen countries combined, not per country. If your visa was issued specifically for Spain/Canary Islands, make that your primary destination, but short side trips are permitted.
What is ETIAS and do I need it for the Canary Islands?
ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) is a new travel authorization requirement for visa-exempt travelers to the Schengen Area, including the Canary Islands. Citizens of countries like USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and Japan who currently enter visa-free will need ETIAS approval before travel. The online application takes minutes, costs approximately 7 EUR, and is valid for 3 years. ETIAS is not yet operational but is expected to launch in 2025. Until then, visa-exempt travelers continue entering with just their passport. DoVisa will update clients when ETIAS becomes mandatory.
Which Canary Island should I visit?
Each of the seven main islands offers unique experiences: Tenerife — largest island, Mount Teide volcano (Spain's highest peak), diverse landscapes from beaches to forests • Gran Canaria — 'miniature continent' with dunes, mountains, charming villages • Lanzarote — volcanic moonscapes, César Manrique architecture, wine country • Fuerteventura — best beaches and dunes, world-class windsurfing • La Palma — lush forests, stargazing (UNESCO Starlight Reserve), hiking • La Gomera — ancient laurel forests (UNESCO), whistled language tradition • El Hierro — smallest, most unspoiled, diving paradise. Beach lovers choose Fuerteventura; hikers prefer La Palma; volcano enthusiasts head to Lanzarote.
Can I extend my Canary Islands visa?
Schengen visa extensions are generally not permitted except in exceptional circumstances such as force majeure, humanitarian reasons, or serious personal emergencies. You cannot extend simply to enjoy more vacation time. If you need more than 90 days, you must apply for a Spanish national long-stay visa (Type D) from your home country before departure. Options include non-lucrative residence visa for retirees or remote workers with passive income, student visa, work visa with employment contract, or family reunification visa. Overstaying your Schengen visa results in fines, deportation, and future visa bans — always respect your permitted stay duration.
What is the best time to visit the Canary Islands?
The Canary Islands enjoy 'eternal spring' with year-round pleasant weather, making them an excellent destination any time. Average temperatures: 18-24°C (64-75°F) throughout the year. Peak season (December-March): Europeans escape winter; busiest and most expensive; book accommodation early. Shoulder season (April-May, October-November): Great weather, fewer crowds, better prices. Summer (June-September): Hottest months (up to 30°C), popular with families during school holidays. Water sports: Windsurfing/kitesurfing best July-September; surfing best October-March. Hiking: Best November-May when temperatures are cooler. Each island has microclimates — southern coasts are drier and sunnier than northern areas.
Can I work in the Canary Islands with a tourist visa?
No, Schengen tourist visas and visa-free entry do not permit employment or paid work in the Canary Islands. For employment, you need a Spanish work visa and residence permit, which requires a job offer from a Spanish employer who must demonstrate the position cannot be filled by EU citizens. Freelancing and remote work: Spain has introduced the Digital Nomad Visa allowing remote workers employed by non-Spanish companies to reside legally while working online — this requires proof of income (minimum 2,400 EUR monthly) and other documentation. Business visas allow commercial activities like meetings and conferences but not paid employment. Violating work restrictions risks deportation and future visa bans.
Do I need travel insurance for the Canary Islands?
Yes, travel insurance is mandatory for Schengen visa applicants and strongly recommended for all visitors. Schengen visa requirements specify: minimum 30,000 EUR coverage for medical expenses and emergency repatriation, valid throughout the entire Schengen Area, covering your complete travel dates plus a buffer. Even visa-free travelers should have insurance — while EU citizens can use the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), medical costs for non-EU visitors can be substantial. The Canary Islands have good hospitals and medical facilities, but mountain rescue, emergency flights, or repatriation can be extremely expensive without insurance. DoVisa offers compliant travel insurance packages meeting all Schengen requirements.
What currency is used in the Canary Islands?
The Euro (EUR) is the official currency in the Canary Islands as part of Spain. ATMs are widely available on all islands, accepting major international cards (Visa, Mastercard). Card payments are accepted almost everywhere — hotels, restaurants, shops, and even beach bars. Cash is useful for small purchases, tips, and markets. Tax advantage: The Canary Islands have lower taxes due to their special EU customs status — IGIC (7%) instead of mainland Spain's VAT (21%), making shopping attractive. Tipping: Not obligatory but appreciated — round up bills or leave 5-10% for good service. Currency exchange offices exist but ATMs typically offer better rates.
What happens if my Canary Islands visa is rejected?
Schengen visa rejections include a written explanation of reasons, which may include: incomplete documentation, insufficient financial means, inadequate travel insurance, unclear travel purpose, previous immigration violations, or concerns about return intentions. Options after rejection: You can appeal the decision within one month to Spanish authorities (success varies); you can reapply immediately with improved documentation addressing stated concerns. There's no waiting period for reapplication. Prevention: Ensure complete documentation, strong ties to home country (employment, property, family), clear travel itinerary, and adequate finances. DoVisa guarantee: If rejection results from our preparation error, we provide full refund of service fees and complimentary reapplication assistance.
How do I travel between Canary Islands?
Inter-island flights: Binter Canarias and Canaryfly operate frequent flights between all islands (20-50 minutes flight time). Book in advance for best prices — flights can be surprisingly affordable. Ferries: Fred Olsen Express and Naviera Armas operate fast ferries between most islands. Popular routes: Tenerife-Gran Canaria (80 minutes by fast ferry), Lanzarote-Fuerteventura (25 minutes), Tenerife-La Gomera (50 minutes). Ferries allow you to bring rental cars between islands. Planning tips: Consider island-hopping itineraries; domestic flights and ferries don't require additional visa documentation; rough seas occasionally affect ferry services in winter. No visa implications: Travel between Canary Islands is domestic travel within Spain — no immigration checks.
Do children need separate visas for the Canary Islands?
Yes, every traveler including infants requires their own passport and visa if applicable — there are no family visas or provisions for children on parents' documents. Requirements for minors: Valid passport in child's own name with required validity; passport-sized photographs meeting Schengen specifications; completed application form signed by parents/guardians; proof of relationship (birth certificate); parental consent if traveling with one parent or guardians (notarized letter from absent parent). Unaccompanied minors: Additional authorization required from both parents. Application process: Submit children's applications together with parents' for synchronized processing. Fees: Children under 6 are usually exempt from Schengen visa fees; ages 6-12 may receive reduced fees depending on nationality agreements.
Still have questions?
Our team is here to help 24/7Ready to Explore the Canary Islands?
Discover volcanic wonders, pristine beaches, and eternal sunshine in Europe's Atlantic paradise
Apply NowOr apply via our mobile app
