Britons traveling to Gibraltar now encounter updated regulations, including enhanced security checks and passport inspections upon arrival at the British Overseas Territory. Notably, travel expert Simon Calder, writing for The Telegraph, highlighted that these new measures went into effect on July 15 as a result of a post-Brexit agreement.
The recent UK-EU pact to establish an open border between Gibraltar and Spain was signed in Brussels and put into operation on Wednesday. This move effectively integrates Gibraltar into the Schengen Zone, eliminating border checks and barriers.
Despite the removal of physical borders, stricter border controls have been implemented at Gibraltar’s airport. Travelers arriving at Joshua Hassan Gibraltar International Airport can expect two additional screening processes to gain entry into both Gibraltar and the Schengen Area, such as registration under the Entry/Exit System (EES). Detailed entry requirements for tourists are available on the GOV.UK website.
For UK nationals visiting Gibraltar, the rules have changed significantly. Previously, stays in Gibraltar did not count towards the Schengen Area’s 90-day limit, and a single immigration check was conducted by Gibraltarian authorities upon arrival. With the UK-EU Gibraltar Agreement now in effect, Gibraltar adheres to the Schengen regulations.
British-Irish dual nationals using their Irish passport are treated as EU citizens upon entering Gibraltar and the Schengen Area, exempt from certain restrictions. However, those traveling on their British passport must adhere to the outlined conditions.
Formerly, UK citizens could stay in Gibraltar visa-free for up to 90 days, with their passports only needing to be valid for the intended duration of their visit. Now, tourists visiting this region bordering Spain will face revised entry protocols.
According to Simon, accessing Gibraltar has become more complex for British passport holders. While not officially part of the Schengen area, UK travelers must meet similar requirements. Spanish passport officials will assess passports upon arrival, ensuring compliance with expiration and issuance dates, as well as monitoring Schengen area stays.
Despite the additional checks, Simon notes a positive aspect: visitors passing through the airport seamlessly enter the ‘frontier free zone,’ allowing direct travel into Spain without further interruptions.
