Thousands of Spaniards crossed into Gibraltar shortly after midnight as a new post-Brexit arrangement between the United Kingdom and the European Union came into effect, easing long-standing border restrictions between Spain and the British Overseas Territory. The milestone was marked by celebrations on the Spanish side, where the removal of border barriers was hailed as the elimination of “the last wall of continental Europe.”
The agreement, years in negotiation, addresses the unique challenge Brexit posed to Gibraltar, where over 15,000 Spanish workers commute daily. Under the new terms, Gibraltar is incorporated into the EU’s Schengen Area for border controls, meaning checks at the frontier with Spain have been eliminated. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez praised the development as a closure of a historical dispute, while Gibraltar’s First Minister, Fabian Picardo, recalled the closure of the border during Franco’s regime and welcomed the lifting of the obstacles.
Despite the official removal of fences and passport booths at the land border, new challenges emerged at Gibraltar’s airport. The first flight from London Heathrow landed beneath cranes still dismantling the former barriers, but passengers faced significant delays before entry could be completed. Due to technical issues with the European Entry System (EES), which is used to scan passports and collect biometric data, the border control process was disrupted. The system’s failure created long lines, and manual checks by Gibraltarian and Spanish officials became necessary.
Travelers reported waiting nearly two hours to clear immigration formalities, a delay exacerbated by the initial technical problems and the backlog from an earlier flight. Airport staff acknowledged the difficulties were expected on the first day of the system’s implementation and assured that issues were being addressed.
Gibraltar’s new status within the Schengen framework allows for freedom of movement across Europe but imposes limits consistent with Brexit’s visa regulations, including the 90-day stay restriction within a 180-day period for both EU and British citizens. This arrangement is significant for those living and working on both sides of the border, as many Gibraltarians maintain family ties and properties in Spain, while the workforce from La Línea remains essential to the territory’s economy.
Critics have expressed concern that the deal reduces British sovereignty over Gibraltar, but local customs remain intact, and the territory continues to maintain its British identity, exemplified by the persistent presence of the Union flag and cultural traditions.
As travelers adjust to the new procedures, officials have advised arriving early to allow additional time for border processing. The initial turmoil underscores the complexities involved in implementing new controls in a historically sensitive region, even as it marks a significant step toward resolving decades-old border disputes.