French Tourists Intercepted with Forged Teide Permit
In a significant enforcement action, rural guards in Tenerife intercepted two French tourists this past Wednesday in the La Rambleta area of Teide National Park. The tourists were attempting to access the summit using a falsified permit from the Tenerife ON platform, the official system that centralizes all Cabildo authorizations for reaching the island’s peak. Security personnel filed an official report and prevented the pair from reaching their objective.
First Major Enforcement at New High-Altitude Controls
This incident represents the first relevant enforcement action since controls were installed in this maximum environmental protection zone at the beginning of this month. The interception took place at an altitude of 3,531 meters at the access point to trail number 10, named after Tenerife scientist and conservationist Telesforo Bravo, which leads directly to the peak.
How the Forgery Was Discovered
The events unfolded on Wednesday morning when the French couple presented a document at the control point showing clear signs of manipulation or forgery of the official model. Once guards reviewed the reservation register for that day, they confirmed that no booking existed under these individuals’ names for that time slot. According to officials, both tourists maintained a cooperative attitude throughout the interaction with the officers.
Official Response and Stricter Controls
Authorities have opened a disciplinary proceeding for a potential administrative offense as defined in the national park legislation. Blanca Pérez, the Island Councilor for Natural Environment, commented, “I know that before, people used to climb the peak without authorization, but now they find it much more complicated.” She highlighted that this first significant report following the installation of controls involves the forgery of a public document.
The councilor emphasized that “the important thing is that there is control, and now no more people will climb Teide than those who are supposed to after registering through the application.” Pérez recalled that when controls began on the slopes of Teide last November, “there was some opposition, but we stood firm, and I believe we were right.” She noted, “We now have rural guards at the summit as well, not just information staff during morning hours. We have expanded the operation, and it’s starting to show.”
Essential Teide Summit Regulations
Access to trail number 10, which completes the ascent to the peak, is limited to 300 people daily. The mandatory regulations for anyone setting foot on the summit of Teide include presenting the essential permit, wearing long pants, warm clothing, and appropriate mountain footwear, in addition to carrying sunscreen, energy foods, and water. Visitors must also carry a mobile phone with a charged battery. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in fines of up to 600 euros.
