New Gibraltar Border Deal: Spanish Checks on UK Travellers Start April 10

Spanish border guards will now check people arriving in Gibraltar, a big change from before. This new deal starts on April 10.
By Newsroom | Travel, Europe |

The recent agreement between the UK, Spain, and the EU concerning Gibraltar's post-Brexit status has introduced new border control measures. These changes mean Spanish authorities will now conduct checks on individuals arriving in Gibraltar, a shift from previous arrangements. This development stems from the end of the Brexit transition period, which necessitated a new framework for the relationship between Gibraltar, Spain, and the European Union. The deal aims to facilitate the free movement of people and goods while establishing a clear border regime.

Spain to check Gibraltar arrivals under post-Brexit deal - 1

New Border Protocol Introduces Spanish Checks

A key element of the newly agreed post-Brexit framework for Gibraltar involves Spanish authorities conducting checks on arrivals. This new protocol will apply to individuals entering Gibraltar, and importantly, Spanish border guards will have the ability to deny entry on security grounds. This is part of a broader treaty aimed at establishing a practical and lasting solution for Gibraltar's relationship with the EU following the UK's departure.

Read More: Heated Rivalry Cottage in Muskoka Now Rentable on Airbnb for $189 Per Night

Spain to check Gibraltar arrivals under post-Brexit deal - 2

  • Passport Checks: British travellers heading to Gibraltar will be required to present their passports to Spanish border guards.

  • Entry Veto: Spain will gain the power to veto the entry of British travellers into Gibraltar, particularly if concerns arise regarding security.

  • Residency Permits: The treaty also outlines provisions where Spain can refuse residency permits for individuals seeking to live in Gibraltar on security grounds.

  • Dual Checks: Arrangements are in place for dual checks at Gibraltar's airport and port, involving both Spanish and British officials. This is seen as a method to remove the need for a hard land border.

  • Security Cooperation: The agreement includes provisions for close cooperation between Spanish and British law enforcement agencies.

Facilitating Movement and Trade

Despite the introduction of new checks, the overarching goal of the agreement is to ensure the continued free movement of people and goods across the Gibraltar-Spain border. Approximately 15,000 people, many of whom are Gibraltar's workforce, cross this border daily. The deal seeks to maintain this flow without routine passport stamps for those commuting daily.

Spain to check Gibraltar arrivals under post-Brexit deal - 3

  • Free Movement of People: The treaty aims to enable free travel across the land border between Spain and Gibraltar for the daily commuters.

  • Goods Movement: Goods destined for Gibraltar will now pass through Spain, with Spanish authorities conducting customs and baggage controls. This is to ensure security and compliance with EU regulations.

  • Alignment on Duties: Gibraltar is set to align its import duty rates with those of the EU. This is intended to allow individuals to cross the border with everyday goods without additional declarations or charges.

  • Environmental Rules: Gibraltar will also adopt EU environmental rules and legislation as part of the agreement.

Timeline and Implementation

The agreement on Gibraltar's post-Brexit status follows years of negotiation. The political deal was reached in June of the previous year, and the details of how the new arrangements will function have been confirmed in a draft treaty. The intention is to provisionally apply the deal, with Gibraltar hoping for its implementation to coincide with the operationalization of the EU's new border system, scheduled for April 10th. The full treaty text, comprising over 1,000 pages, has been published to allow for scrutiny.

Read More: Stone Age Mammoth Tusk Symbols in Germany Show Early Writing Signs

Spain to check Gibraltar arrivals under post-Brexit deal - 4

  • Treaty Publication: A draft treaty, detailed and extensive, has been published, outlining the specifics of the new border arrangements.

  • Provisional Application: Gibraltar is aiming for a provisional application of the deal from April 10th.

  • Ratification Needed: The treaty, in its draft form, still requires signing, ratification, and full implementation by all parties.

  • Negotiation Period: The negotiations for a post-Brexit deal for Gibraltar have been ongoing for over five years.

Reactions and Implications

Official statements from the UK and Gibraltar highlight the "historic" and "practical" nature of the agreement. The UK government asserts that the deal protects British sovereignty and supports Gibraltar's economy. However, there are indications that the new arrangements could allow Spain to have a say in who enters Gibraltar.

  • UK Government Stance: The Foreign Office has stated that the treaty ensures Gibraltar's economy, people, and future are protected as an integral part of the British family.

  • Gibraltar's Hope: Gibraltar's government has expressed optimism about the provisional application of the deal.

  • Schengen Controls: Spain is taking over Schengen controls at Gibraltar Airport and Port, a significant shift in operational responsibility.

  • Concerns about Alignment: Some have raised concerns regarding Gibraltar's "dynamic alignment" with EU regulations, which involves automatically updating domestic laws to match EU standards.

Expert Analysis

The agreement represents a complex balancing act between maintaining Gibraltar's British identity and integrating it into the broader European border framework. By allowing Spain to conduct checks, the EU aims to ensure the integrity of the Schengen area. For Gibraltar, this deal appears to be a pragmatic solution to avoid a hard border and ensure economic stability. The inclusion of provisions for Spanish veto power on entry and residency highlights a nuanced approach to shared sovereignty in border management.

Conclusion

The newly established post-Brexit agreement for Gibraltar introduces a new era of border controls, with Spanish authorities playing a direct role in managing arrivals. This treaty, the culmination of lengthy negotiations, seeks to balance the free movement of people and goods with security requirements. While the deal aims to provide a stable and practical framework, the specifics of Spanish involvement in entry decisions and the ongoing process of ratification will be critical in shaping its long-term impact on Gibraltar and its relationship with Spain and the EU.

Read More: Australia Warns Australians to Rethink Mexico Travel After Cartel Leader's Death

Sources:

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When do the new Spanish checks for travellers entering Gibraltar start?
The new border checks by Spanish authorities for people arriving in Gibraltar are planned to start on April 10. This is part of a new post-Brexit agreement between the UK, Spain, and the EU.
Q: What does the new post-Brexit agreement mean for British travellers going to Gibraltar?
British travellers will need to show their passports to Spanish border guards when entering Gibraltar. Spain can also deny entry to travellers if there are security concerns.
Q: Will daily commuters still be able to cross the border easily between Spain and Gibraltar?
Yes, the agreement aims to allow free travel for daily commuters across the land border without routine passport stamps. This helps around 15,000 people who cross daily for work.
Q: Does Spain have any say in who can live in Gibraltar under the new deal?
Yes, the new treaty gives Spain the power to refuse residency permits for people wanting to live in Gibraltar if they have security concerns. This is part of the new border management system.
Q: How will goods be checked when moving between Spain and Gibraltar?
Goods going to Gibraltar will now go through Spain, and Spanish officials will do customs and baggage checks. Gibraltar will also match EU import duty rates to help with smoother trade.
Q: Is the new agreement fully in place and signed by all countries?
The agreement has been agreed on in principle and a draft treaty has been published. Gibraltar hopes to start using it from April 10, but it still needs to be officially signed and approved by all parties involved.