How do I cross the Gibraltar border?

Short answer

Walk, cycle or drive straight across. Since 15 July 2026 there have been no routine passport or customs checks at the land border between Gibraltar and Spain, though you should still carry a valid passport or national ID card.

Detailed answer

At midnight on 15 July 2026, when the UK/EU Treaty began to apply provisionally, routine passport and customs checks at the land border ended and the fence at the frontier was removed. Pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles now cross without stopping for routine checks.

Where checks happen now

Gibraltar has joined the Schengen system for border management and a customs union with the EU. Checks on people arriving from outside the Schengen Area take place at Gibraltar's airport and port, carried out jointly by Gibraltar and Spanish officials. The frontier itself still exists, and the Treaty does not change sovereignty.

What to carry

Carry a valid passport or national ID card when you cross, as you may still be asked to show it. Gibraltar residents should carry both their passport and their Gibraltar identity card or civilian registration card.

Crossing by car

Driving across is considerably simpler than before, although traffic still builds up at commuter peaks and in summer. Parking in Gibraltar is limited and relatively expensive, and many visitors leave their car in La Línea and walk across.

Goods

Goods now move under the customs union, and Gibraltar's import duty has been replaced by a Transaction Tax on goods. Commercial goods remain subject to customs procedures.