UK finalises ‘historic’ treaty with EU ahead of new Gibraltar border controls

The UK-EU Treaty on Gibraltar was signed in Brussels on Tuesday (July 14), ahead of new dual border controls coming into force on Wednesday.

From July 15, British citizens flying into Gibraltar from the UK, who are not Gibraltar residents, will face a check from Gibraltarian officials and then a Schengen check, carried out by the Spanish authorities on behalf of the Schengen Area.

This includes registration under the Entry/Exit System (EES) where it applies.

Once visitors have cleared these checks, they can move freely across the land border into Spain and the wider Schengen Area.

The UK government said Gibraltar’s “long-term economic future and interests have been secured” following the signing of the “historic” treaty.

“Gibraltar was left out of the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement following Brexit, creating the prospect of a devastating ‘hard border’ for the 15,000 people – over half of Gibraltar’s workforce – who cross the land border between Spain and Gibraltar every day,” said the government announcement.

“The new treaty delivers practical solutions to avoid the need for onerous checks and long delays at the border, providing certainty for people and businesses in Gibraltar, and opens up new opportunities for flights, and economic growth.”

More: Gibraltar plans awareness campaign ahead of new border rules

Stephen Doughty MP, minister for Europe, North America and Overseas Territories, said: “This historic agreement delivers certainty for the people and businesses of Gibraltar, protects British sovereignty, our military facilities, and has the full backing of the government and parliament of Gibraltar.

“Gibraltar has been at the heart of these negotiations throughout. A cherished part of the British family, its economic future and thousands of jobs depended on finding a practical solution to the challenges created by Brexit.

“Our support for Gibraltar remains as solid as the Rock. This agreement opens a new chapter with the EU and Spain, supporting jobs, growth and prosperity on both sides of the border.”

Fabian Picardo, chief minister of Gibraltar, attended the signing alongside Doughty, EU Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič and Spanish foreign minister Jose Manuel Albares.

The UK Foreign Office has updated its travel advice for Gibraltar to note the new entry process.