*Update: 15th December, we would advise passengers to have the PCR test. The airports are continuing to operate the Spanish law, not the Canarian one.
The government of the Canary Islands has today announced it has approved a decree allowing international arrivals to enter the Islands with the rapid antigen Covid-19 tests. Previously, under the Spanish national law, only the PCR tests were accepted.
Canarian borders are Spain's borders, and therefore the competence of the national government in Madrid. However, the Canarian government claims to be using powers granted to it under the 'state of alarm' pandemic situation.
Can I still use a PCR test for travel?
Yes.
Why is this significant?
The antigen tests are much cheaper than PCR tests, which have to go to a laboratory for examination. A result of an antigen test will probably take less than half an hour, and removes the worry for travellers waiting to for results from a lab.
One problem some scientists have raised with the PCR tests, although they are more accurate, is that they may almost be too sensitive. For example, a person could have had coronavirus and recovered a few weeks ago, yet still a PCR test could detect positivity despite no risk of transmission.
Is it the same timeframe?
Yes. The test must be a maximum of 72 hours before arrival.