The Treaty between the European Union and Great Britain regarding Gibraltar was signed in Brussels and comes into force on Wednesday 15 July. An agreement on the status of Gibraltar after Brexit was reached in mid-June 2025 after years of negotiations. The head of Spanish diplomacy, José Manuel Albarez, called it “historic.”
Historical changes in Gibraltar
As a result of the agreement, Gibraltar will be included in a customs union with the EU and integrated with the Schengen area, and the abolition of border controls between the Scala and Spain will, among other things, make day-to-day functioning easier. OK. 15 thousand border workers and 40 thousand residents of Gibraltar who have been waiting for this for a long time.
“The fact that there is a border between us is absurd,” Shilpi Chotrani, who works for a shipping company in Gibraltar and cycles there every day from La Línea de la Concepción, tells the BBC. – I don’t think a fence should separate people. This is a big step for both the Spaniards and the British. All of us who live here think this is a great idea. This should have been decided a long time ago – adds Shilpi Chotrani.
Tourists will be delighted
The change will also be felt by tourists who, while vacationing in Spain, also like to visit Gibraltar. “Day trips to Gibraltar while staying in the south of Spain are one of those entertainments that are difficult to refuse,” says Majena Buczkowska-Herman, expert at Wakacje.pl, in an interview with WP. Until now, entry into Gibraltar required border control as we were leaving the European Union. Canceling this procedure will make the trip easier, our interlocutor adds.
“Previously, almost no one wanted to come here.” Now tourists are literally storming the region
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Although crossing the border between Gibraltar and Spain was not particularly difficult, it was different from crossing the border between Schengen countries. Due to inspections during the tourist season and during peak hours, queues formed, especially for cars. “On a trip that actually lasts several hours, even a dozen, and sometimes several tens of minutes can make a difference,” notes Majena Buczkowska-Herman. Now tourists can breathe a sigh of relief.
“Thanks to the changes, travelers will have additional time to discover this piece of British soil on the European continent,” adds the Wakacje.pl expert. And this time can come in handy, because Gibraltar is a place with many attractions.
A unique corner of Europe has become even more accessible
“Crossing the runway at the local airport, visiting the lighthouse where Europe ends, meeting monkeys, as well as a walk along a shopping street with typical British shops and the obligatory photo in a red telephone booth and tasting fish & chips (breaded fish and chips) – these are the main points of the program,” says our interlocutor.
The most recognizable landmark is undoubtedly the Rock of Gibraltar. which rises to a height of 426 m above sea level. The monumental limestone massif dominates the entire peninsula and makes a huge impression on travelers. From the top there are stunning views of Gibraltar, the Spanish Costa del Sol, the Strait of Gibraltar, and in good weather also the mountains of northern Morocco in Africa. You can get to the top by cable car, tourist minibus, or on foot along one of the many trails leading through the reserve.
A good point for admiring the panorama is also the modern Skywalk – a glass observation deck suspended high above the slope of the Rock of Gibraltar. The design allows you to admire a 360-degree panorama.
Tourists travel to Gibraltar for views like this © Getty Images | Marcin Krzyzak
The main attraction for tourists are the Barbary macaques – the only wild monkeys in Europe. The animals are accustomed to the presence of people and often come very close to tourists. Sometimes they even take hats or snacks that they keep in bags and backpacks. Taking a photo with them is what many people go to Gibraltar for. However, you must remember that these are wild animals. They must not be fed or provoked.
It is worth remembering that there will be dual EU and UK controls at the port and airport of Gibraltar.
History of the border fence
As PAP reminds, The border fence, called the top in Spanish, was erected by the British authorities in the early 20th century. After the 1967 referendum, the regime of General Francisco Franco closed the crossing completely. During the vote, the people of Gibraltar voted overwhelmingly to remain under British rule. The crossing was only reopened in the 1980s.
Following the agreement on the future of the border, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez stressed that the new arrangements would benefit both the people of the region and Spanish-British relations. At the same time, he emphasized that Spain does not renounce its claims to Gibraltar, which has remained under British administration since 1713 in accordance with the provisions of the Treaty of Utrecht.
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