Monkey business over after new Gibraltar rules

By the Editorial Team · Sunday, August 9, 2026

EasyJet has informed British travelers that from July 15, 2026, Gibraltar requires passports meeting Schengen Area standards for entry, no longer accepting UK visas or residence permits. This change follows Gibraltar's removal of border controls with Spain, introducing Schengen biometric checks and dual immigration screenings at the airport, significantly altering travel procedures for UK visitors.

EasyJet has alerted British travelers to new entry requirements for Gibraltar, which took effect on July 15, 2026, following recent changes in border arrangements and immigration controls. The popular destination, which attracts approximately 1.3 million visitors from the UK annually, has aligned its entry rules with those of the Schengen Area.

Under the updated regulations, UK visas and residence permits, along with associated share codes, are no longer accepted for entry into Gibraltar. Travelers from non-Schengen countries—including the UK, except for Ireland and Cyprus—must present passports issued within the last 10 years. Additionally, these passports must be valid for at least three months beyond the date of departure from Gibraltar.

The new requirements correspond with the standards applied across the 29 Schengen member countries. This includes the implementation of the Entry/Exit System (EES), which involves biometric verification such as fingerprinting and facial recognition upon arrival and departure.

Although Gibraltar remains a self-governing British Overseas Territory, a post-Brexit agreement enacted on July 15 removed the border controls and customs checks that historically separated Gibraltar from Spain. This change allows for the free movement of people and goods between Gibraltar and the neighbouring Spanish Schengen territory.

The UK Foreign Office has advised travelers that upon arrival at Joshua Hassan Gibraltar International Airport, they should anticipate two separate sets of immigration checks. Entry into Gibraltar will be processed by Gibraltar’s authorities, while Spanish officials will carry out Schengen entry controls, consistent with Gibraltar’s geographic and border arrangements.

These adjustments mark a significant shift for British tourists accustomed to more straightforward travel to Gibraltar, now necessitating compliance with broader European immigration protocols. Authorities and travel companies recommend that visitors review and update their travel documents well in advance to ensure a smooth entry process under the new rules.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.