Budget airline easyJet has issued a travel update for passengers flying to Gibraltar, as new entry requirements aligned with the Schengen area came into force on 15 July 2026. The popular holiday hotspot attracts approximately 1.3 million British visitors each year.
New Rules for Entry
In a statement, easyJet said: "From 15 July 2026, Gibraltar will align with Schengen entry requirements. If you're travelling to Gibraltar, please check that your travel documents meet the new rules before you fly."
The airline operates four routes from the UK to Gibraltar International Airport: from Birmingham, Bristol, London-Gatwick, and Manchester. British Airways also runs a service from London-Heathrow.
Key Document Changes
EasyJet outlined the main changes: "UK visas and UK residence permits/share codes will no longer be accepted for entry to Gibraltar." It added that passports for travellers from non-Schengen countries (except Ireland and Cyprus) must have been issued within the last 10 years and be valid for at least three months after the planned departure date from Gibraltar.
These requirements mirror those for the other 29 Schengen area countries. Travellers will also need to register under the Entry/Exit System (EES). EasyJet urged passengers: "Before travelling, please make sure you have the correct documents for your journey to avoid any issues at the airport, you can check the government website."
Post-Brexit Deal Removes Border
Gibraltar remains a self-governing British Overseas Territory, but a post-Brexit deal effective from 15 July has removed the border with Spain, eliminating border controls and customs checks for those crossing between Gibraltar and Spain. Previously, the border caused long queues for locals, handling an average of 15,000 people daily for work, education, and social purposes.
The change means Gibraltar is now a de facto part of the Schengen free-movement area, explaining why Brits will notice altered entry procedures. The EES system involves fingerprint and face scans, the same as required by the EU at airports.
Two Sets of Checks at the Airport
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) added: "On arrival at Joshua Hassan Gibraltar International Airport, you should expect two sets of checks which will satisfy entry into Gibraltar and the Schengen Area: Gibraltar entry immigration controls performed by the Gibraltar authorities and Schengen entry immigration controls performed by the Spanish authorities as the authorities of the neighbouring Schengen State."
This includes registration under the Entry/Exit System (EES) where it applies. The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) will also apply once it becomes operational. Once these checks are cleared, travellers can move freely across the land border from Gibraltar into Spain and the wider Schengen Area.
