Decided! You are going to spend your next vacation in Lanzarote. But, what are the entry requirements for the island if you are coming from another country? Find out more below and travel with complete peace of mind
What are the entry requirements?
The entry requirements for a specific place consist of a series of conditions established by the country in question for a foreign individual to cross its borders.
Often, these requirements change depending on the reasons for entering a particular country. Generally, the conditions are much more lenient for tourists, as you will see in the case of Lanzarote.
First of all, you should be aware that Lanzarote is an island that belongs to Spain, a country that is also a member of the European Union (EU) and the Schengen area, territories that have their particularities regarding the movement of citizens of member states.
What Are the General Entry Requirements for Lanzarote?
In general terms, the requirements for traveling to Lanzarote include the obligation to present a valid passport or travel document that verifies the person’s identity and is considered valid for this purpose according to the international agreements signed by Spain.
The documentation required to enter Lanzarote varies depending on your country of origin. We will explain it in detail throughout the post
Schengen Area
The Schengen Area is a free movement zone comprising 29 European countries that have abolished border controls at their common borders. This territory includes the 27 EU member states and neighboring countries: Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein.
Consequently, if you are a citizen of any of these countries, you can enter Lanzarote simply by presenting your national identity document. However, if you are not a Schengen Area citizen, you must have a valid passport or visa, depending on your nationality.
Additionally, please note that if you come from a non-Schengen Area country, you cannot stay in Lanzarote for more than 180 days as a tourist.
Passport validity
In many countries, a specific period of validity is required for passports. Some countries demand that passports remain valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of entry, while others require 3 months for this period.
These measures are in place to ensure that individuals entering the country do not stay beyond their permitted time. If a passport expires while in the destination country, there’s a risk that the individual may need to remain until necessary paperwork is completed to renew the passport.
In Spain, the regulations of the Schengen Area are followed to prevent foreigners from overstaying their tourist visa. To enter any Schengen Area country, including Spain, passports must be valid for at least 3 months beyond the intended departure date from the Schengen territory and must have been issued within the past 10 years from the date of entry.
Visa requirements
A visa is required for entry into Lanzarote for certain nationalities, as specified in Annex I of Regulation (EU) 2018/1806. However, this document is not necessary if the individual holds a valid residence permit or a valid long-stay visa issued by a Schengen State.
What are the specific requirements according to the country of origin?
With the information provided up to this point, it’s easy to recognize the entry requirements for Lanzarote, regardless of your country of origin. However, below we discuss specific conditions for the two countries that generate the most questions.
Entry requirements for UK citizens
After Brexit, citizens of the United Kingdom are no longer part of the EU or the Schengen Area. Therefore, they must comply with the conditions imposed by this territory to enter Lanzarote.
The good news is that a valid passport is sufficient if you are a UK citizen. Keep in mind that your passport must be valid for at least 3 more months after leaving the Schengen area.
If you are coming from the UK, we recommend checking the expiration date of your passport, especially if you have a red passport, as it could have a close expiration date although it remains valid.
Entry requirements for U.S. citizens.
Despite the distance, U.S. citizens have the same requirements as British citizens to enter Lanzarote. The United States is included in the list of countries that do not require a visa to cross the borders of any Schengen Area country, including Spain.
In conclusion, if you are coming from the US, you will only need your valid passport to enter Lanzarote, ensuring that this document is valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen Area.
What are the customs regulations in Lanzarote?
Upon arrival in Lanzarote, you must follow typical customs procedures aimed at preventing illicit trafficking of people and goods. Additionally, appropriate security measures are applied both at the airport and at various ports on the island.
Furthermore, due to the special characteristics of the Canary Islands, the entire territory has its own phytosanitary regulations aimed at protecting agricultural productions and preserving biodiversity. Consequently, Order of March 12, 1987 was instituted, which includes regulations regarding the import, export, and transit of plants and plant products.
This regulation specifies which plants and plant products are prohibited from being introduced and those that must be mandatory inspected upon entry into the Canary Islands territory.
What items can be transported?
Fresh tea, cereals, edible fruits, and flowers for decorations or bouquets are some examples of plant products you can bring to Lanzarote, keeping in mind that they may be subject to phytosanitary inspection at the point of entry.
What Items Are Prohibited?
Among the prohibited items are various harmful pests to the vegetation of Lanzarote. If inadvertently brought in with any type of plant or vegetable, you would not be allowed to bring such items into Lanzarote. Examples include the carnation tortrix moth (Cacoecimorpha pronubana) and the mango leaf gall midge (Cisaberoptus kenyae Keifer).
So… Do you need a visa to enter Lanzarote?
Recuerda que solo necesitarás un visado para entrar en Lanzarote si así se determina en el Anexo I del Reglamento (UE) 2018/1806. Además, si perteneces a un país exterior al territorio Schengen, podrías necesitar el permiso oportuno para permanecer más de 180 días en la isla.
Tips for Traveling to Lanzarote From Another Country
Finally, follow these tips before coming to Lanzarote:
- Plan ahead to ensure a smooth trip.
- Check the validity of your passport and visa requirements based on your nationality.
- Familiarize yourself with customs regulations and the items you can or cannot bring.
- Always have travel insurance and stay informed about health and safety advisories.