Gibraltar Travel with UK BRP

Complete guide to visiting this British Overseas Territory

British Territory Access

Key Information

Territory Status
British Overseas
Duration
As per BRP
Requirements
UK Rules Apply
Digital Status
Generally Accepted

Gibraltar Entry Policy for UK BRP Holders

British Overseas Territory following UK immigration policies

Gibraltar is a British Overseas Territory, meaning it follows UK immigration policies for entry requirements. British nationals do not need a visa to enter Gibraltar for visits, study or work, and this extends to UK BRP holders who follow the general UK visa regime. Unlike other European destinations, Gibraltar does not operate under a separate visa waiver program - instead, entry follows the same principles as UK domestic immigration law.

As a British territory, Gibraltar's immigration rules mirror those of the UK, making it one of the most straightforward destinations for UK residents of all nationalities. As a general rule, those persons who require a visa for entry into the United Kingdom will also require a separate visa for entry to Gibraltar, which means conversely that those with UK immigration status (BRP holders) can generally enter Gibraltar under the same conditions as their UK permission.

UK Territory Advantage

Gibraltar follows UK immigration law, so if you have valid UK immigration status through your BRP or digital eVisa, you can typically enter Gibraltar under the same conditions as your UK permission allows. This makes Gibraltar one of the most accessible destinations for UK BRP holders.

Spain Border Considerations

To reach Gibraltar by land, you must cross through Spain, which applies Schengen border rules. Spanish border checks can cause delays when crossing between Spain and Gibraltar. Ensure you meet Spain's entry requirements for your passport nationality or hold appropriate Schengen documentation.

Digital eVisa Status

As Gibraltar follows UK policies, digital eVisa status is generally better accepted than in other European countries. However, it's still recommended to carry supporting documentation and allow extra time for border verification, especially when crossing through Spain.

GIP
Currency
GMT+1
Time Zone
112
Emergency
34K
Population

Required Documents

What you need for entry to Gibraltar in 2025

Essential Documents

  • Valid passport with validity for the duration of your stay in Gibraltar
  • UK Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) or valid UK residence permit
  • UK multiple-entry visa (any type, as long as valid)
  • UK ILR documentation (Indefinite Leave to Remain status)
  • Digital eVisa status (with supporting documentation recommended)

Digital eVisa Documentation (Recommended)

  • UKVI account access showing current digital status
  • Share code printout for status verification (valid for 90 days)
  • Printed status confirmation from GOV.UK
  • Supporting UKVI correspondence confirming immigration status
  • Expired BRP card (if available - for additional reference)

For Land Border via Spain

  • Passport valid for Spain (minimum 3 months beyond departure)
  • Schengen visa (if required for your passport nationality)
  • Proof of accommodation in Gibraltar or Spain
  • Return/onward ticket (may be requested by Spanish authorities)
  • Financial proof for Spanish border requirements

Supporting Documents (Recommended)

  • Travel insurance (comprehensive medical coverage)
  • Employment letter (if travelling for business)
  • Bank statements (showing sufficient funds)
  • Hotel bookings or invitation letters
  • Return/onward travel tickets

Spain Transit Requirements

If travelling by land, you must meet Spain's entry requirements for your passport nationality. This may include Schengen visa requirements, passport validity rules, and financial/accommodation proof. Check Spain travel advice before your journey to Gibraltar.

Documents NOT Sufficient Alone

  • Expired BRP cards (without digital status confirmation)
  • UK visitor visas (short-term tourist visas without residence rights)
  • Pending application receipts without confirmed status
  • Travel documents without UK immigration status

Entry Process & Border Control

Step-by-step guide through Gibraltar immigration

Via Gibraltar Airport (Direct)

1

Aircraft Arrival

Land at Gibraltar International Airport. Note that flight schedules may be affected by the unique runway that crosses Winston Churchill Avenue - the main road is closed during aircraft movements.

2

Gibraltar Immigration

Present passport and UK BRP/digital status to Gibraltar Borders and Coastguard Agency officers. As a British territory, the process typically follows UK domestic immigration principles.

3

Document Verification

Officers verify your UK immigration status and passport validity. Digital eVisa holders may need to show additional supporting documentation or provide share codes.

4

Entry Granted

Entry granted based on your UK immigration status. Duration of stay typically aligns with your BRP/visa validity and purpose of visit to Gibraltar.

Via Land Border from Spain

1

Spanish Border Exit

Complete Spanish exit procedures. Present passport and any required Schengen documentation to Spanish Guardia Civil officers.

2

Gibraltar Border Entry

Walk to Gibraltar border control (approximately 50 meters). Present passport and UK immigration documents to Gibraltar Borders and Coastguard Agency.

3

UK Status Verification

Gibraltar officers verify your UK immigration status under British territory entry rules. Process typically straightforward for valid BRP holders.

4

Entry to Gibraltar

Entry granted into Gibraltar. No additional restrictions beyond your UK immigration status validity period.

Border Queue Monitoring

The Borders and Coastguard Agency has a live camera feed of the queue at the Gibraltar Frontier and flight information available online. Check current wait times before travelling, especially during peak periods.

Common Entry Considerations

  • Digital eVisa verification: Allow extra time for status confirmation
  • Spain transit requirements: Ensure compliance with Schengen rules if applicable
  • Purpose of visit: Be prepared to explain tourism, business, or family visit purposes
  • Duration alignment: Stay duration cannot exceed your UK immigration status validity
  • Airport road closures: Plan for potential delays due to aircraft movements

Duration, Activities & Legal Requirements

What you can do during your Gibraltar visit and legal obligations

Stay Duration Rules

  • Duration limit: Generally aligned with your UK immigration status validity
  • BRP validity: Cannot exceed your BRP expiry date
  • Purpose restrictions: Must align with your UK visa category permissions
  • No separate limits: No additional Gibraltar-specific time restrictions for UK status holders
  • Re-entry: Possible as long as UK immigration status remains valid

Legal Obligations

  • Valid documentation: Maintain valid passport and UK immigration status throughout stay
  • Status alignment: Activities must comply with your UK visa category conditions
  • Gibraltar laws: Comply with all local Gibraltar laws and regulations
  • Spain transit: Ensure continued compliance with Spanish requirements for departure

Permitted Activities

Tourism, business meetings, conferences, visiting friends/family, photography, cultural activities. Work activities generally depend on your UK visa category - if you can work in the UK under your BRP, similar principles apply in Gibraltar.

Activity Restrictions

Employment restrictions depend on your UK visa category. Student visa holders, visitor visa holders, and others may have specific limitations. Always ensure Gibraltar activities align with your UK immigration permission conditions.

Unique Gibraltar Considerations

  • Currency usage: Gibraltar Pound (GIP) at 1:1 with British Pound - UK cards widely accepted
  • Small territory: Entire territory walkable within hours - no internal immigration controls
  • UK mobile roaming: Often treated as UK domestic for mobile phone charges
  • NHS treatment: UK nationals can access healthcare on same terms as Gibraltar residents
  • UK banking: Many UK bank services continue to operate normally

Spain Re-entry Requirements

  • Passport validity: Ensure passport remains valid for Spanish requirements
  • Schengen compliance: Monitor any applicable Schengen time limits if relevant
  • Documentation: Maintain all required Spanish entry documentation
  • Border procedures: Complete proper exit from Gibraltar and entry to Spain

Practical Travel Information

Essential tips for your Gibraltar experience

Money & Banking

  • Currency: Gibraltar Pound (GIP) at 1:1 with British Pound Sterling
  • UK currency accepted: UK banknotes and coinage are equally welcome
  • Euro acceptance: Most establishments accept Euros, but you will often get more favourable rates if you change your foreign currency
  • ATMs: Widely available throughout Gibraltar
  • Banking hours: Monday – Friday from 09:00 – 16:00
  • Card acceptance: UK debit/credit cards widely accepted
  • Exchange bureaux: Open from 09:00 – 18:00
  • Dining costs: Similar to UK pricing, slightly more expensive than Spain

Transportation

  • Walking: The whole territory is walkable - entire Gibraltar can be explored on foot
  • Public buses: Local bus service connects main areas
  • Taxis: Available but expensive due to small distances
  • Car rental: Renting a car is not necessary in Gibraltar
  • Driving: Traffic drives on the right despite British territory status
  • Airport access: The main road into the city also serves as Gibraltar's runway
  • Cable car: To Upper Rock and attractions
  • Parking: Limited and expensive - walking preferred

Communication & Internet

  • Official language: English is the official language
  • Spanish usage: Spanish is also widely spoken
  • Mobile coverage: Internet and mobile phone coverage and speed are excellent
  • UK roaming: Often treated as UK domestic by UK mobile providers
  • Broadband: Priced at an average of £39.31 per month for 60Mbps
  • Wi-Fi: Widely available in hotels, cafes, and restaurants
  • Emergency number: 112 for all emergency services

Climate & Best Time to Visit

  • Climate: Mediterranean climate with average of 300 days sunshine a year
  • Summer temperatures: Can rise well above 30°C in summer
  • Winter weather: January daytime temperatures usually around 16ºC to 18ºC
  • Rainfall: Mostly limited to early or late in the year
  • Best months: May, June, July, August and September - very good weather
  • Good months: March, April, October and November
  • Weather challenges: Gibraltar is subject to periodic droughts

Health & Safety

  • Healthcare access: UK Nationals need only show their UK passport for NHS-equivalent treatment
  • Medical scheme: Free treatment under the Group Practice Medical Scheme at Primary Care Centre
  • Prescriptions: Small charge for each item of medicine prescribed
  • Emergency services: 112 for all emergency services
  • Crime rate: Very low - one of the safest destinations in Europe
  • Water quality: UK standard tap water safe to drink
  • Travel insurance: Still recommended for comprehensive coverage

Shopping & Business Hours

  • Shop hours: Normally open between 10:00 – 19:00 on weekdays and 10:00 – 15:00 on Saturdays
  • Sunday trading: Most shops normally closed on Sundays and Public Holidays
  • Food stores: Main large food stores open throughout seven days
  • Duty-free shopping: Available but restrictions apply
  • VAT status: No VAT, capital gains tax or wealth tax
  • Import duty: 10% duty on all imported goods

Cultural Considerations

  • British culture: Strong British cultural identity with Mediterranean influences
  • Pub culture: Traditional British pubs alongside Spanish tapas bars
  • Religion: Roman Catholic 78.1%, Church of England 7%
  • Public holidays: Same as those observed in Great Britain, plus four extra days
  • Business culture: British business practices and etiquette
  • Tipping: British-style tipping customs

Official Sources & Verification

Authoritative information sources for current requirements

Contact Information

  • Gibraltar Borders & Coastguard Agency: csro@gibraltar.gov.gi
  • Gibraltar Visa Enquiries: visas.csro@gibraltar.gov.gi
  • Gibraltar Tourist Board: +44 (0)20 7836 0777
  • UK Foreign Office: +44 (0)20 7008 1500
  • Gibraltar Government Switchboard: +350 20070000

Pre-Travel Verification Recommended

While Gibraltar generally follows UK immigration policies, it's recommended to verify current requirements with Gibraltar Borders & Coastguard Agency, especially for digital eVisa holders or those with complex immigration status situations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common queries about Gibraltar travel with UK BRP

Gibraltar is a British Overseas Territory, so it follows UK immigration policies rather than operating separate visa waiver programs like other European countries. If you have valid UK immigration status, you can typically enter Gibraltar under the same conditions as your UK permission allows, making it one of the most straightforward destinations for UK BRP holders.

Yes, digital eVisa status is generally better accepted in Gibraltar than other European destinations since Gibraltar follows UK policies. However, it's still recommended to carry supporting documentation like share codes, printed status confirmations, and any available expired BRP cards for reference. Allow extra time for border verification.

This depends on your passport nationality and the Spain entry requirements. If your passport nationality requires a Schengen visa for Spain, you'll need one even if just transiting to Gibraltar. Check Spain travel advice for your specific nationality. UK BRP status doesn't automatically grant Spain entry rights.

Gibraltar doesn't impose separate time limits beyond your UK immigration status validity. You can generally stay as long as your BRP remains valid and your activities align with your UK visa category conditions. However, if you're transiting through Spain, you must also comply with any applicable Schengen time limits.

Work rights in Gibraltar generally follow your UK immigration status. If your UK visa permits employment, similar principles typically apply in Gibraltar. However, specific work authorization may still be required from Gibraltar authorities. Contact Gibraltar's employment authorities for detailed work permission requirements.

Gibraltar uses Gibraltar Pounds (GIP) at 1:1 with British Pounds. UK banknotes and coins are widely accepted. Most establishments also accept Euros, though you'll get better rates by exchanging currency at banks or bureaux de change. UK debit/credit cards work normally throughout Gibraltar.

Gibraltar prices are generally similar to UK levels, making it more expensive than neighboring Spain. Accommodation, dining, and shopping reflect British pricing standards. However, there's no VAT, which can make some purchases more competitive. Budget accordingly for UK-level costs rather than Spanish prices.

UK nationals can access Gibraltar's healthcare system on the same terms as residents by showing their UK passport. However, comprehensive travel insurance is still recommended for trip cancellation, baggage protection, and coverage for activities not included in basic healthcare, especially if transiting through Spain.

⚠️ Important Information Disclaimer

Important: This website provides general information only and should not be relied upon as official immigration advice. While Gibraltar is a British Overseas Territory that generally follows UK immigration policies, specific entry requirements, procedures, and interpretations can vary and change without notice.

Official Verification Essential: Always verify current requirements with Gibraltar Borders & Coastguard Agency, UK Foreign Office travel advice, and Gibraltar Government sources before booking travel or making any travel-related decisions. Spain transit requirements must also be separately verified if travelling by land.

Digital eVisa Considerations: While Gibraltar generally accepts UK digital immigration status better than other European destinations, border procedures are still evolving. Carry comprehensive supporting documentation and allow extra time for verification processes.

Spain Transit: Land travel to Gibraltar requires compliance with Spanish entry requirements for your passport nationality. UK BRP status does not automatically grant Spain entry rights - check Spain-specific visa requirements separately.

Legal Responsibility: This site accepts no responsibility for any consequences arising from reliance on the information provided, including denied entry, travel disruptions, or complications related to documentation requirements.

Last Updated: Information on this page was compiled in May 2025. For the most current requirements, visit the official sources listed above.

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