What documents should Gibraltar residents carry when travelling?

Short answer

Residents should carry a valid passport together with a valid Gibraltar identity card, civilian registration card or residence permit, and present both at Schengen external borders. The residence document proves Gibraltar residence and the EES exemption, which a Gibraltar-issued British passport does not do on its own.

Detailed answer

A resident who cannot produce a valid identity card or residence permit may be treated as an ordinary British passport holder for Schengen purposes, which brings in EES registration and the 90/180-day limit. The Government of Gibraltar advises carrying both documents even for a day trip into Spain.

The Government's Technical Notice of Tuesday 13 October 2026 asks residents to present both documents to border authorities to establish their exemption. If an official still seeks to register you in the EES, politely explain that you are a Gibraltar resident and exempt under the treaty arrangements. If you are registered anyway, report it to [email protected] so it can be recorded and raised through the appropriate channels.

There is no need to apply for a new card because of the Treaty unless your current card is due for renewal.