Until recently, getting to the famous British Rock, home to the macaques, to look across the strait at Africa required a separate UK visa. As of 15 July 2026, that’s history — here’s what changed and how to plan your trip now.
What happened
The land border between Spain and Gibraltar has officially opened. The fence that stood there for over a century has been dismantled, and routine checks on entry from the Spanish side have been scrapped. Gibraltar has, in effect, started operating under Schengen rules.
What this means for travelers
Easy entry. Traveling overland from Spain (by car or on foot) — you simply drive into Gibraltar, with no stop at the former checkpoint.
Only Schengen is needed. A UK visa is no longer required for a short trip. A valid Schengen visa or a biometric passport for visa-free travel is enough.
By plane or sea — checks remain. If you arrive by air or by sea, checks still happen at the airport or seaport, as for anyone arriving from outside Schengen.
The territory’s status hasn’t changed. Gibraltar remains under British administration, just as before — what’s changed is only how easily you can get there from Europe. Facial recognition and license-plate recognition systems have been installed at the border, so crossing is now fast and automated.
Quick facts
Gibraltar is a British Overseas Territory at the southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula, a 20-minute drive from Malaga or an hour from Seville. Its main draw is the Rock, 426 m high, from which the coast of Morocco is visible on a clear day.
Where to stay
The choice of hotels within Gibraltar itself is small, so it’s worth booking options well in advance.
Sunborn Gibraltar — a unique 5-star yacht hotel near Marina Bay, with an infinity pool, spa, and casino. The best choice if you want a water view and a bit of extravagance.
If you can’t find a hotel in Gibraltar for your dates, or your budget is limited, it makes sense to stay on the Spanish side of the border, in La Línea de la Concepción, a 10–15 minute walk from Gibraltar.
What to see
The Rock of Gibraltar and the Upper Rock Nature Reserve — the main reason to come to Gibraltar. From the top you get views over Spain, the Strait of Gibraltar, and the coast of Africa all at once. This is also home to the Barbary macaques, Gibraltar’s most famous residents.
Great Siege Tunnels — a system of tunnels cut into the Rock during the Great Siege of Gibraltar in the 18th century. Inside, military fortifications and an exhibition on the history of the siege have been preserved.
Cable Car — the easiest way to reach the top of the Rock without a long climb on foot. Along the way you get panoramic views of Gibraltar, Spain, and the strait.
Europa Point — the southernmost point of Gibraltar, home to the famous Trinity Lighthouse. From here you get a view over the Strait of Gibraltar, and on a clear day you can see the coast of Morocco on the horizon.
Moorish Castle — the remains of a Moorish fortress on the slope of the Rock. The oldest structures on the site date back to medieval times, and the most prominent part of the complex is the Tower of Homage.
Ocean Village and Main Street — two different ways to spend time in town: Ocean Village is a modern waterfront with restaurants, bars, and yachts, while Main Street is Gibraltar’s main shopping street. Thanks to the territory’s special tax status, shopping here — especially perfume, alcohol, and electronics — is popular.
Where to eat
Gibraltar is a mix of British and Mediterranean cuisine, so fish and chips sits comfortably alongside tapas here.
The Star Bar — one of Gibraltar’s oldest pubs, with a classic British atmosphere. A good spot for a pint and a taste of the local vibe.
The Lord Nelson — a popular pub in the Casemates Square area, near the start of Main Street. A convenient stop for lunch, dinner, or just a pint after a walk on the Rock.
Roy’s Fish & Chips — a simple spot for classic British fish and chips. No frills — a good option for a quick bite.
Tours
Tour of the Rock of Gibraltar — a trip to the Upper Rock Nature Reserve, visiting St Michael’s Cave, meeting the macaques, and seeing the main sights.
Gibraltar tour — a convenient way to see the Rock, the nature reserve, the macaques, and the panoramic viewpoints without a long climb on foot.
Gibraltar + Europa Point — a route combining the Rock with the territory’s southernmost point and the lighthouse, from where you can see the Strait of Gibraltar and Africa.
Gibraltar from Malaga, day trip — an organized trip from the Costa del Sol coast with free time or a guided tour of the Rock.
Gibraltar from Seville, day trip — a longer day tour from Andalusia that lets you see Gibraltar without organizing your own transfer.
Car rental
If you’re planning to combine Gibraltar with a trip around Andalusia, it’s convenient to rent a car in Malaga or Seville. A car gives you more freedom to travel between cities and lets you skip depending on bus schedules.
Compare prices and rent a car — you can compare available cars, prices, and rental terms in advance and pick the most convenient option for your route.
You can drive into Gibraltar itself in a rental car, but because parking is limited and expensive, it’s more practical to leave the car on the Spanish side, cross the border on foot, and get around Gibraltar without a car from there.
Bottom line
Opening the border makes Gibraltar a much easier stop for a short visit — a separate UK visa is no longer needed, and crossing now takes minutes instead of an hour in line. It makes sense to combine it with a trip along the Costa del Sol or Andalusia: a day on the Rock with the macaques and a view of Africa, and an evening already in Malaga or Seville.
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