Gibraltar travel guide
About Gibraltar
Gibraltar is full of surprises: from its lively population of Barbary macaques (monkeys) to its sub-tropical climate, this little British enclave on the Mediterranean is awash with wonders.
The Rock, as Gibraltar is known, is a monolithic peninsula riddled with curious caves and tunnels. Atop its limestone base thrives unique vegetation and many species of migrating birds, which combined with glorious views and stimulating walks make Gibraltar a popular destination for nature enthusiasts.
The town itself is densely concentrated on the western side of the rock; those with an interest in history should visit the Gibraltar Museum for an insight into Gibraltar's heritage of Moorish, Spanish and British rulers, while foodies will enjoy sampling fresh seafood and colourful Spanish dishes.
Key facts
6.8 sq km (2.6 sq miles).
32,373 (UN estimate 2016).
4,179.7 per sq km.
Gibraltar.
Self-governing British Overseas Territory.
HM King Charles III since 2022, represented locally by Governor Sir David Steel since 2020.
Chief Minister Fabian Picardo since 2011.
Travel Advice
Gibraltar is a British overseas territory, so there is no British consulate. The local authorities deal with all requests for assistance, including emergency assistance.
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help British nationals make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.
Before you travel
No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide and any specific travel advice that applies to you:
Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. You can also sign up to get email notifications when this advice is updated.
Travel insurance
If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.
This advice reflects the UK Government’s understanding of current rules for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK, for the most common types of travel.
The authorities in Gibraltar set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Gibraltar Borders and Coastguard Agency.
COVID-19 rules
There are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for travellers entering Gibraltar.
COVID-19 rules in Gibraltar
You must not attend any Gibraltar Health Authority (GHA) site or visit any elderly residential services or care agency premises until 5 days after an initial positive test and only once you have produced a negative test.
Read this Government of Gibraltar press release for the current COVID-19 rules.
Passport validity requirements
Your passport must be valid for the period of your stay in Gibraltar.
Visa requirements
Gibraltar is not part of the Schengen area. British nationals do not need a visa to enter Gibraltar for visits, study or work.
For information on visas and entry, see Gibraltar’s Borders and Coastguard Agency website.
Travel between Gibraltar and Spain
The Gibraltar-Spain border is a busy external Schengen border and Gibraltar is outside the Customs Union.
Spanish border checks can cause delays when crossing between Spain and Gibraltar. The Borders and Coastguard Agency has a live camera feed of the queue at the Gibraltar Frontier and up-to-date information on flights arriving and departing at Gibraltar International Airport.
If you are crossing the land border from Gibraltar into Spain read Spain travel advice for the latest entry requirements, especially that entitled “Additional documents required by tourists”. Some travellers have not been able to provide the full documentation asked of them,and have had their travel plans disrupted.
For all visitors to Spain there are rules on passport validity and special restrictions on what you can and cannot take into Spain, notably meat and milk products.
There is no charge to enter or leave Gibraltar. Do not hand over money to anybody claiming there is a charge.
Travelling with children
If you’re travelling with children under the age of 18 who are not your own, you may have to show signed letters of parental consent when crossing from Gibraltar into Spain. This also applies to children travelling alone, or children travelling with adults other than their legal guardian (for example, teachers and students on school trips).
Vaccination requirements
At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the vaccinations and certificates you need in TravelHealthPro’s Gibraltar guide.
Customs rules
There are strict rules about goods that can be brought into and taken out of Gibraltar. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.
If you return to Gibraltar within one calendar month, you may only use your duty-free allowance on your first visit that month.
See more information on personal allowances for visitors to Gibraltar on HM Government of Gibraltar’s website.
Gibraltar is not part of the EU Customs Union. If you travel from Gibraltar to Spain, declare any duty-free goods to Spanish customs officers.
If you are returning directly to the UK from Gibraltar, see information on bringing goods into the UK.
Terrorism
There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.
UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.
Terrorism in Gibraltar
Although there’s no recent history of terrorism in Gibraltar, attacks cannot be ruled out.
Crime
Violence and street crime are rare, but you should take sensible precautions to protect your belongings.
Laws and cultural differences
Alcohol and drug laws
The laws of Gibraltar are similar to UK laws for alcohol, drugs and anti-social behaviour.
LGBT+ travellers
Same-sex relationships are legal. There is an active LGBT+ community, but due to the small size of Gibraltar, there are few places which are exclusively LGBT+ orientated.
Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.
Money
Pounds sterling is the currency in Gibraltar. Bank of England-issued notes and UK coins are accepted and are mixed with locally-issued notes and coins of the same value in pounds and pence.
Notes issued in Scotland or Northern Ireland are not usually accepted in Gibraltar, and Gibraltar-issued notes and coins are not usually accepted in the UK.
Some businesses accept euros, but check the exchange rate offered.
Transport risks
Road travel
You can drive in Gibraltar with a UK driving licence.
If you are planning to drive, see information on driving abroad and check the regulations and laws that apply to Gibraltar’s roads and road users.
Before you travel check that:
- your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
- you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation
This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.
Emergency medical number
Dial 190 and ask for an ambulance.
Contact your insurance or medical assistance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.
Vaccinations and health risks
At least 8 weeks before your trip check:
- the latest information on vaccinations and health risks in TravelHealthPro’s Gibraltar guide
- where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page
Medication
The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.
Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.
The NHS has information on whether you can take your medicine abroad.
For information on the legal status of a specific medicine, contact HM Customs Gibraltar.
Healthcare facilities in Gibraltar
Most medical problems can be dealt with locally. The only hospital is St Bernard’s at Europort.
British nationals who live in the UK can get emergency treatment in Gibraltar by presenting a British passport. However, for some emergency treatment you may be transferred to Spain.
For this reason, you should apply for a free UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) before leaving the UK. If you already have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), it will still be valid as long as it remains in date.
The GHIC or EHIC entitles you to state-provided medical treatment necessary during your trip. Any treatment provided is on the same terms as international travellers. If you do not have your card with you or you’ve lost it, contact the NHS Overseas Healthcare Team.
It’s important to take out appropriate travel insurance for your needs. A GHIC or EHIC is not an alternative to travel insurance. You should have a GHIC or EHIC and travel insurance before you travel. A GHIC or EHIC does not cover all health-related costs, for example, medical repatriation, ongoing medical treatment and non-urgent treatment. Read more about what your travel insurance should cover.
GHIC and EHIC cover state healthcare only, not private treatment. You will be responsible for the cost of any treatment provided by a private doctor or private clinic.
Travel and mental health
Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.
Gibraltar is a British overseas territory, so there is no British consulate. The local authorities deal with all requests for assistance, including emergency assistance.
Emergency services in Gibraltar
Telephone: 999 (ambulance, fire, police)
Contact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.
Contact your travel provider and insurer
Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.
Refunds and changes to travel
For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.
Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:
- where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider
- how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim
