Entering Gibraltar will involve new border crossing procedures under a new agreement between authorities in the United Kingdom and Spain, triggered by the UK’s exit from the European Union.
The deal comes after nine years of wrangling over what the Brits’ 2016 Leave vote would mean for Gibraltar residents. Successive Conservative Party governments and the architects of Brexit, such as Boris Johnson, failed to resolve the issue, which has now been put to bed by Labour’s Foreign Secretary, David Lammy.
Gibraltar’s economy and way of life was under threat.
— David Lammy (@DavidLammy) June 11, 2025
We have secured a practical solution which safeguards sovereignty, jobs and growth.
Working in lockstep with @FabianPicardo we have ensured Gibraltar’s interests – as part of the UK family – are at the heart of this… https://t.co/efngUyhQ2X
The British Overseas Territory is a headland on Spain’s south coast, dominated by the Rock of Gibraltar, and reachable only by sea, air, or overland via Spain. As a result of the UK’s decision to no longer be a member of the European Union, the UK is considered a third country by bloc nations, most of whom share border arrangements under the Schengen Agreement.
This third-country status meant Brits passing into or from Gibraltar could have had to deal with “hard border” regulations. The new rules are being presented as a more favourable “fluid” border, with no passport checks for those entering or leaving by land, meaning the estimated 15,000 workers who go back and forth every day will benefit from more frictionless journeys. Goods coming in by land will also be treated under a bespoke Customs model.
Working in partnership with the UK, #Gibraltar's prosperous, British future is assured. Today is a demonstration of that. 🇬🇮🇬🇧@FCDOGovUK @DavidLammy @SDoughtyMP @GibraltarGov pic.twitter.com/OLJW3fReLh
— Fabian Picardo (@FabianPicardo) June 11, 2025
However, the airport is another matter. Visitors arriving by plane now face dual customs arrangements like those at Eurostar stations and ports. There will be two passport checks on arrival, one performed by Gibraltar’s Borders & Coastguard Agency and another by Spanish border officers, who, officials point out, will have the final say on allowing any UK arrivals access to Gibraltar and beyond. Those whose documents do not satisfy Spanish Schengen passport or visa requirements will be sent back to where they came from.
British news platforms are reporting with some irony on the fact that Spain has essentially been able to “take back control” – a populist phrase that was frequently used by UK pro-Leave campaigners to appeal to those who thought Britain should have more say over its borders even though it was never part of the Schengen Area.
I have always said nothing about Gibraltar, without Gibraltar. pic.twitter.com/SF96y31Ref
— David Lammy (@DavidLammy) June 11, 2025
Commenting on the compromise, Foreign Secretary David Lammy said: “This government inherited a situation from the last government which put Gibraltar’s economy and way of life under threat. Today’s breakthrough delivers a practical solution after years of uncertainty. Alongside the Government of Gibraltar, we have reached an agreement which protects British sovereignty, supports Gibraltar’s economy and allows businesses to plan for the long-term once again.”
Lammy also thanked Gibraltar’s Chief Minister and government for their “tireless dedication throughout the negotiations. The UK’s commitment to Gibraltar remains as solid as the Rock itself.”
