Tourists heading to Spain this summer will benefit from a landmark agreement that has dismantled the 118-year-old border between Spain and Gibraltar, eliminating lengthy visa and document checks. The change, which took immediate effect, is expected to significantly ease travel for the 9 million people who visit Gibraltar each year.
Historic Border Removal
The physical fence separating Spain and the British overseas territory was torn down yesterday, marking the end of a border that had been a major point of contention since Brexit. Over 96% of Gibraltar's population voted to remain in the EU, and the removal was celebrated by locals dancing in the streets.
The new treaty, signed by UK MP Stephen Doughty, aims to support jobs, growth, and prosperity on both sides of the border. Doughty stated: "This agreement opens a new chapter with the EU and Spain, supporting jobs, growth and prosperity on both sides of the border." He added that it "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."
Impact on Tourism and Daily Life
Around 15,000 people—half of Gibraltar's workforce—cross between Spain and Gibraltar each day, including tourists. Holiday provider Thomas Cook has reported a triple-digit increase in visits to Gibraltar over the past year. Nicholas Smith, dynamic packages director at Thomas Cook, commented: "Anything that makes travelling easier is good news for holidaymakers. Gibraltar is already a great base for exploring Southern Spain, and removing border checks should make it much simpler for visitors to combine the two destinations in one trip."
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, speaking from Gibraltar, said the agreement would "usher in a new era of coexistence and shared prosperity." The removal of border checks is expected to boost tourism and economic activity in the region, allowing visitors to spend more time enjoying their holidays without bureaucratic delays.
