Gibraltar border removal with Spain

United Kingdom — Gibraltar, a British Overseas Territory, is set to remove its border controls with Spain on July 15, 2026, following a post-Brexit agreement between the European Union and the United Kingdom. The border fence, erected in 1908, has been a symbol of division, with around 15,000 Spanish workers crossing daily. The agreement aligns United Kingdom — Gibraltar with the EU customs union and Schengen free travel zone, allowing unrestricted movement of people and goods. External travelers from non-Schengen countries, including the UK, will still require passports at United Kingdom — Gibraltar's airport and port. The move is expected to boost the local economy, particularly in Spain — La Línea de la Concepción, a Spanish town with high unemployment. United Kingdom — Gibraltar will adopt EU regulations and introduce a new transaction tax starting at 15%, rising to 17%, along with higher excise taxes. Chief Minister Fabian Picardo hailed the change as a new dawn for human relations and business, while Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares spoke of a new era. The business community, represented by John Isola of Anglo Hispanic Company, expressed relief but also concerns about increased compliance costs.