When your best friend found a job in the Canary Islands, you were happy because it meant you could visit. But you probably didn’t think that one day you would need to send back that book they lent you. No problem! Sending a parcel to the Canary Islands with GLS is very simple.
Although the Canary Islands are part of Spain, they have a special tax regime. That’s why sending a parcel from mainland Spain does not work exactly the same as a standard domestic shipment.
In this guide, we explain what options you have, what you need to consider, and everything related to prices, delivery times and shipment tracking.
Is it a domestic shipment? what you need to know before sending to the Canary Islands
Yes, the Canary Islands are Spanish territory. However, fiscally they are not part of mainland Spain’s VAT territory.
Instead of VAT, the islands apply IGIC (Canary Islands General Indirect Tax). This means that:
- The shipment may go through customs control.
- It may require administrative processing.
- The recipient may have to pay taxes before receiving the parcel.
- That is why it is important to correctly declare the contents and the real value of the parcel.
Do you have to pay taxes when sending a parcel to the Canary Islands?
This is the most common question.
Even if it is a gift between private individuals, the shipment may generate:
- IGIC at destination.
- Customs clearance handling fees.
- Processing of the DUA (Single Administrative Document).
The DUA is the document that allows goods to pass customs control between mainland Spain and the Canary Islands.
Depending on the declared value and the type of product, the recipient may have to pay tax before delivery.
To avoid problems:
- Always declare the real value.
- Clearly describe the contents.
- Do not mark a commercial sale as a gift.
- Transparency is the best way to avoid delays or returns.
What documentation do you need as a private sender
If you send a parcel to the Canary Islands as a private individual, you will usually need to:
- Declare the contents.
- Indicate the value of the shipment.
- Provide full recipient details (full name, ID number if requested, address and phone number).
- Include your details as the sender.
Even if you do not run an ecommerce business, declaring the value is mandatory in most cases.
Correct documentation helps speed up customs clearance and prevents issues.
Options and methods to send a parcel to the Canary Islands from mainland Spain
There are different ways to send a parcel to the Canary Islands from mainland Spain. Your budget, urgency, type of parcel and personal preferences are key factors when making a decision. The most common options are:
- Private courier services if you are looking for speed, detailed tracking and a variety of delivery options.
- Postal services if you prefer a standard service with competitive rates.
How much does it cost to send a parcel to the Canary Islands?
The price of sending a parcel to the Canary Islands may vary depending on several factors, such as weight and dimensions, the type of service chosen, or additional services you may wish to add (insurance, proof of delivery, etc.).
As a general reference:
- A small parcel of up to 2 kg may cost around €15–20.
- A bulky or urgent parcel may exceed €40.
Taxes at destination may be added to these amounts if applicable.
The most advisable option is to use the operator’s online price calculator before booking the service.
How long does it take for a parcel to arrive from mainland Spain to the Canary Islands?
Delivery times may vary depending on the island and shipment volume.
The standard delivery time for shipments from mainland Spain to the Canary Islands is between 24 and 72 working hours. Delivery times are quite fast with GLS because we have our own customs clearance service, which significantly speeds up procedures and transit times.
Tips for sending a parcel to the Canary Islands without paying more than necessary
Sending to the Canary Islands does not have to increase your budget. These tips can help:
- Adjust your packaging to reduce volumetric weight.
- Avoid using boxes that are too large.
- Plan ahead to avoid urgent services.
- Declare the contents correctly to prevent additional costs due to incidents.
- Reuse materials in good condition whenever possible.
Small details can make a big difference in the final price.
How to track your shipment to the Canary Islands
With GLS, you will receive a tracking number when you send your parcel to the Canary Islands. You simply need to enter this code on our website to follow your shipment in real time.
You will be able to see the current status of your parcel , check the estimated delivery date, and receive alerts in case of any incident.
Why choose GLS to send a parcel to the Canary Islands?
Sending a parcel to the Canary Islands with GLS is a guarantee of quality, convenience and reliability.
We offer fast delivery, an extensive network of parcel shops, detailed shipment tracking, sustainable delivery options, an easy returns service, insurance options for your shipments and other services tailored to your needs.