In June 2025, Spain, the UK and Gibraltar reached a historic agreement that fundamentally changes the rules for crossing the border after Brexit. Gibraltar will become part of the Schengen area and land controls with Spain will be abolished. Find out how these changes will affect tourists, workers, businesses and the territory's sovereignty, as well as what challenges remain

In June 2025, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the government of Gibraltar reached a historic political agreement that will change the border crossing regime between Spain and the British territory. This decision marks a new chapter in post-Brexit relations and significantly simplifies travel between Gibraltar and Spain. Read about the main changes in travel rules between Spain and Gibraltar in this article.

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What changes in 2025 at the Spain–Gibraltar border?

- End of land border controls

The agreement provides for the complete removal of border checks at the land crossing between the Spanish town of La Línea de la Concepción and Gibraltar. Schengen citizens, local residents, and tourists will be able to cross this border without queues, passport stamps, or physical inspections, making it virtually “invisible.”

- Gibraltar joins the Schengen Area

Gibraltar will officially become part of the Schengen zone, but in a unique way. Border controls at its seaport and airport will be carried out by Spanish border guards and Frontex officers, rather than UK immigration. This allows EU citizens to enter Gibraltar freely, just like any other Schengen country.

- Dual control for non-EU citizens

For third-country nationals (non-EU), entry through Gibraltar’s port or airport will involve dual checks–first by British immigration, then by Spanish border officials.

Who benefits from the new agreement?

- Cross-border workers

Roughly 15,000 people cross the border daily to work in Gibraltar. The new rules will greatly reduce border wait times and simplify commuting for Spanish-based employees.

- Tourists

Travel between Spain and Gibraltar in 2025 will become easier. Visitors will no longer face strict border checks, making day trips and excursions more convenient.

- Businesses and the economy

The agreement supports the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises, especially in logistics, tourism, and services. It also introduces joint customs oversight, aims to tackle tobacco smuggling, and includes tax coordination measures.

What about Gibraltar’s sovereignty?

The UK has clearly stated that Gibraltar’s sovereignty remains unchanged. Spanish border agents will operate only in designated control zones (airport and port), and only within the framework agreed upon with British authorities. Therefore, the deal does not affect Gibraltar’s political status but creates a “model of coexistence” with free movement of people.

Key points of the 2025 deal

- Gibraltar joins Schengen, with British sovereignty preserved.

- Land border checks with Spain are removed.

- Frontex officers will guard Gibraltar’s port and airport.

- 15,000+ daily border crossings without inspections.

- Customs and tax cooperation to fight smuggling.

- Easier conditions for travel, work, and education.

Do you need a visa to visit Gibraltar in 2025?

For citizens of the EU, Ukraine, the USA, and Canada, no visa is required for short-term visits to Gibraltar, as before. 

However, with Schengen integration, it is expected that by 2025–2026, travelers from third countries will need an ETIAS travel authorization—similar to the U.S. ESTA system.

What questions remain unresolved?

- The agreement still needs ratification by national parliaments

- Technical implementation details are still being finalized

- Issues like data exchange, law enforcement cooperation, and border security require further alignment

- Gibraltar will phase out its VAT-free regime, changing taxation on certain goods

The new Spain–Gibraltar border rules in 2025 represent a successful post-Brexit compromise that maintains the political balance while making crossing the border easier, safer, and more convenient for all.

This agreement could become a new model of European coexistence—without barriers, yet respectful of sovereignty and historical realities.

When planning a trip abroad, be sure to take care of a travel insurance policy that will protect you from unforeseen situations during your trip and compensate for unplanned expenses - for medical treatment, in case of lost luggage, flight cancellation, etc.

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Reminder! In May 2025, important changes to Spain's migration law came into force. Simplification of visas, work, family reunification and a "second life" for migrants. We have already told you what changes expats in Spain should expect.

Photo – https://www.independent.co.uk/

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