Home » EUROPE » Will the Post-Brexit Deal Force British Travellers to Endure New Passport Checks by Spanish and EU Border Guards in Gibraltar?

Thursday, June 12, 2025

In a significant development following Brexit, British travelers arriving in Gibraltar may soon be required to show their passports to Spanish or EU border guards upon arrival at the airport, contingent on the finalization of an agreement between the UK, Gibraltar, and the EU. This arrangement comes as part of a broader post-Brexit deal that has been negotiated to grant European control over Gibraltar’s borders. British officials have been in discussions regarding the parameters of this agreement, which, if finalized, will see Gibraltar join the EU’s Schengen free movement zone.

The deal, which has been discussed intensively between British Foreign Secretary David Lammy and Fabian Picardo, Gibraltar’s Chief Minister, aims to streamline travel to and from Gibraltar. Should the agreement be ratified, the system will resemble the border controls seen at St Pancras station in London, where passengers traveling on the Eurostar pass through British Border Force agents before their passports are checked by French border guards on British soil, ensuring a smooth exit at their destination.

The New Border Arrangement and Its Effect on Travel

The implications of this deal will be significant for the movement of travelers between the UK, Gibraltar, and Spain. Under this arrangement, it is expected that Gibraltar will become an associate member of the Schengen zone, allowing free movement between Gibraltar and Spain, as well as other countries in the zone. The Schengen zone encompasses 29 European countries and facilitates passport-free travel within these borders. As a result, British tourists and business travelers arriving in Gibraltar will need to undergo border checks by Spanish or EU border guards, even though they will first pass through Gibraltar’s own border control.

For British travelers, this new requirement means that their entry into Gibraltar, previously a straightforward process, will now involve showing their passports to Spanish or EU authorities. This change could bring about delays or extra steps when entering the territory, particularly at the airport, and will require travelers to adjust to the new border processes.

One of the potential impacts of this arrangement is the creation of an additional layer of border control, which could cause logistical complications at the border. While the intention is to streamline movement, there may be instances of travelers needing more time to clear customs due to the extra checks at Spanish or EU-controlled borders.

The Role of Spanish and EU Border Guards

In practice, this arrangement could give Spanish or EU border guards the final authority over who is allowed to enter Gibraltar, even if the individuals have already passed through Gibraltar’s border guards. The Spanish and EU officials would ensure that all arriving passengers comply with the necessary entry requirements, effectively giving them control over who enters the territory, much like how French authorities manage the border checks for travelers passing through St Pancras station in London.

While this arrangement is designed to make the passage between Gibraltar and Spain smoother for travelers, it does raise some concerns. The extra layer of oversight by Spanish or EU border guards may lead to longer processing times for travelers, particularly during peak periods. There is also the possibility that some travelers could face delays or complications if there are disagreements between the Gibraltar authorities and the Spanish or EU guards on the ground.

Negotiations and Potential Challenges to the Agreement

Following the initial agreement with Fabian Picardo, David Lammy traveled to Brussels on Wednesday, to finalize the deal with Maros Sefcovic, the EU’s Brexit negotiator, and Jose Manuel Albares, Spain’s Foreign Minister. Their objective was to get the deal over the line and ensure that Gibraltar’s borders remain open to Spain, thereby preserving the ease of access for travelers between the two regions. The deal would see Gibraltar integrated into the Schengen zone, offering greater mobility for residents and visitors alike.

However, while the deal appears to be moving forward, there are concerns that the negotiations could still break down in the final stages. There are reports that Conservative opposition in both the UK and Spain could derail the agreement, particularly around contentious issues related to the political and logistical implications of integrating Gibraltar into the Schengen zone. Any delay or collapse of the deal would have significant implications for tourism and border processes, especially for travelers arriving in Gibraltar.

One of the key sticking points in these final negotiations is the potential for disagreements between the UK government and Spanish authorities over border security and control. Despite ongoing talks, the deal’s success may still be hindered by political resistance or differences in how the integration process is managed on both sides of the border.

How the Agreement Will Affect British Tourists

The anticipated deal, if finalized, will introduce several changes for British tourists visiting Gibraltar. One of the primary impacts will be the requirement for UK nationals to show their passports to Spanish or EU border guards upon arrival at Gibraltar’s airport. This change is a direct result of Gibraltar’s desire to integrate more closely with the Schengen zone, thus adhering to the European Union’s standards on border checks and entry requirements.

For UK travelers, this could mean added time and potential complications at the border, especially if the process is not efficiently managed. Currently, British visitors enjoy relatively seamless access to Gibraltar, but the new arrangement could require more time to clear customs and immigration. The need to pass through Spanish or EU border control may also introduce uncertainty in the travel experience, particularly if travelers are unfamiliar with the new procedures.

On the positive side, however, the agreement could help maintain the free flow of people between Gibraltar and Spain, which has been a point of contention for many years. By joining the Schengen zone, Gibraltar would ensure that its borders with Spain remain open, facilitating smoother travel for both residents and visitors in the region.

The Wider Impact on European and Global Travel

If the deal goes through as expected, it will have broader implications for European tourism and travel in general. Gibraltar’s integration into the Schengen zone is likely to encourage more European travelers to visit the territory, knowing that they will not face additional visa requirements or border controls when traveling between Spain and Gibraltar. This could boost tourism from countries within the Schengen zone, especially for those looking to explore Gibraltar’s unique cultural and historical attractions.

In addition, the move may have implications for global tourism as well. As more regions and territories in the UK’s former EU territories adapt to new post-Brexit realities, tourists from around the world could find themselves dealing with new entry requirements when visiting these areas. The situation in Gibraltar could serve as a model for other regions that are navigating the complexities of post-Brexit arrangements, potentially leading to more changes in border procedures and entry requirements for UK nationals traveling within Europe.

Concerns and Potential Obstacles for Travelers

While the deal promises benefits in terms of free movement and seamless travel, there are significant concerns among travelers about the potential disruptions. One of the main worries is that the introduction of Spanish or EU border controls could result in longer waiting times at the airport and border posts. The additional passport checks could cause frustration for travelers, especially if there are delays or issues with the process.

There is also the risk of confusion for first-time visitors to Gibraltar, who may not be familiar with the new border procedures. The requirement to show a passport, even when traveling between Gibraltar and Spain, could lead to delays if travelers do not comply with the new regulations. Moreover, if the deal is not finalized or encounters setbacks, it could lead to uncertainty about travel regulations, creating confusion for both tourists and residents alike.

In conclusion, the post-Brexit agreement between the UK, Gibraltar, and the EU is set to bring significant changes to how travelers move between Gibraltar and Spain. If the deal is finalized, British tourists will need to adjust to new passport control procedures, which may cause some delays or disruptions at the border. However, the deal could ultimately benefit travelers by ensuring the continued open border between Gibraltar and Spain, fostering greater mobility and easier access to both destinations. The successful implementation of this agreement will be crucial in shaping the future of tourism in the region and could serve as a precedent for future post-Brexit arrangements for other territories.