# Updated Travel Advisory: What Ottawa Travellers Need to Know About the Canary Islands in 2026
Planning a sunny escape to the Canary Islands this year? If you’re among the many Ottawa travellers eyeing Tenerife, Lanzarote, or Gran Canaria for your next vacation, there’s important information you should know before you pack your bags.
Canada’s government recently updated its travel advisory for the Canary Islands on March 13, 2026. The good news? The destination maintains its **Level 1 risk rating — Take Normal Security Precautions** — meaning it remains a relatively safe choice for Canadian vacationers. The latest update includes new information about driving regulations, reflecting the government’s ongoing effort to keep travellers informed about changing conditions abroad.
## Understanding the Security Landscape
While the Canary Islands are generally safe, petty crime remains the primary concern for visitors. Pickpocketing and bag snatching are particularly common in tourist hotspots, airports, beaches, and outdoor dining areas. Thieves often work in teams using distraction techniques — one might spill something on you while another lifts your wallet, or someone may pose as a plainclothes police officer requesting identification.
More concerning are orchestrated scams targeting drivers. Criminals have been known to stage fake accidents or create situations like simulated flat tires to get tourists to stop their vehicles, making them vulnerable to theft.
Violent crime is uncommon, though burglaries do occur in coastal vacation rentals, including properties booked through popular accommodation apps. This reality check shouldn’t discourage your travel plans, but it should inform how you prepare.
## Smart Preparation Goes Beyond Booking Flights
Ottawa travellers heading to the Canary Islands should take a comprehensive approach to trip preparation. Beyond researching hotels and attractions, protecting your health is equally crucial. While the Canary Islands are part of Spain and maintain European health standards, travel always carries medical considerations.
Before departure, ensure your routine vaccinations are current. Depending on your specific itinerary and activities, your travel health provider may recommend additional immunizations such as Hepatitis A or Hepatitis B. A pre-travel health consultation can identify risks you might not consider — from sun exposure management to safe food and water practices, medication interactions at different altitudes, or preparing a travel medical kit suited to your destination.
Smart security practices complement good health preparation. Keep digital copies of important documents separate from originals, use hotel safes, stay vigilant in crowded spaces, and verify credentials if anyone claiming to be police approaches you.
Don’t let preventable issues derail your island getaway. Taking time now to address both security awareness and health preparation means you can focus on what matters — enjoying volcanic landscapes, pristine beaches, and year-round sunshine.
Travelling to Canary Islands? Before you go, speak with one of our ISTM-certified travel health physicians – virtually, 7 days a week. A pre-travel consultation covers vaccines, medications, and destination-specific health risks. Book your virtual consultation at Orleans Travel Clinic Pharmacy.