| Risk | Where | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Pickpocketing | Busy places, beaches | Thieves often work in teams and use distraction; keep valuables apart, bag closed in front |
| Car crime | Remote parking, viewpoints | Leave nothing in the car; the UK page warns that hire cars are targeted |
| Nights out | Playa de las Américas | Use a licensed taxi to get back |
| Hiking | Teide, Masca | Proper shoes, water; the Masca gorge has had more rescues than any other trail in the Canary Islands |
| Sea | Beaches, boats | Respect flags and crew instructions |
What the two governments say
- United States: Level 2 for Spain, terrorism, 1 August 2026.
- United Kingdom: no advice against travel; terrorism threat described as high, street crime, protests with little warning, summer wildfires. Page updated 28 October 2026 for a rail collision in Toledo province, not for Tenerife.
- Emergencies: 112 for all services. The UK page also lists 062 for the Civil Guard and mountain rescue.
Mountains and excursions
On Teide, the cold, the altitude and the wind matter more than crime: the cable car refuses children under 3, pregnant women and people with heart problems. For the gorge access rules see Masca, and for the cable car and the summit permit Teide tours. To choose a quieter base, see where to stay in Tenerife.
Typical mistakes
- Leaving bags in a parked hire car at a viewpoint.
- Taking on the Masca gorge or the Teide summit without the required booking and equipment.
- Assuming that a mild coast means mild weather at 3,500 m.
FAQ
Is Tenerife safe for tourists?
Yes, generally: theft is the main risk, and the government warnings for Spain concern terrorism and street crime, not Tenerife in particular.
What level is Spain on the US advisory?
Level 2, "exercise increased caution", for terrorism, dated 1 August 2026 and read 6 November 2026.
Which number do I call in an emergency?
112.
The Tenerife Authority editorial team, 6 November 2026.
