Police detain British tourist for trying to leave Tenerife without a Covid test

The National Police have confirmed that they arrested a 22-year-old British man as he was trying to board a plane to leave Tenerife from the south Reina Sofía airport, without having had a Covid test, which is a requirement by the UK pre-departure.

According to their official press release, the incident occurred on Sunday (August 1^st) as the man was in the departure lounge of the south airport, and was requested to show his documents before boarding the plane, a standard requirement under Covid regulations.

However, according to the staff of the airline with whom he was going to fly and who was accompanying him, he had not performed the mandatory Covid infection detection test, which was why they would not let him get on the plane.

Because of this, the man started to get aggressive towards the airline staff and they asked the National Police at border control to get involved and check his documents complied with the exit requirements for the United Kingdom. Even though officers requested his documents, the man refused and tried to stop other passengers boarding the flight, which led to them arresting him for resistance, disobedience and failing to comply with Covid measures.

Every passenger aged 10 and over heading to the UK whether vaccinated or not, must present a negative test to board their flight to leave any territory in Spain, including the Canary Islands. This test can be antigen or PCR and you can pre-book and have one at the airport before you depart. Here is the link to do so: https://eurofins-megalab.com/en/eurofins-megalab-is-carrying-out-testing-for-covid-in-12-spanish-airports/

The detainee, once the corresponding report had been made, was placed at the disposal of the competent judicial authority and will receive a fine for his actions. He was also taken for a Covid test, of which the result will determine how long he remains in Tenerife for.