Europe

Gibraltar (British Overseas Territory)

Still current at: 30 August 2008

Updated: 02 May 2008

Terrorism
 
There is an underlying threat from terrorism in Gibraltar. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.
 

For more general information see Terrorism Abroad.

Crime
 
Violence or street crime is rare.

 

For more general information see Victims of Crime Abroad.
 
Political Situation

 

Gibraltar Country Profile

Local Travel

 
Road Travel

 

Border Queues
 
Vehicles may occasionally experience delays when entering Gibraltar from Spain and vice versa.  These delays normally last for no more than thirty minutes, but can be longer.  It is advisable to take water with you during the hot summer months.
 
However this rarely affects those entering/leaving Gibraltar on foot.
 
Those travelling by car can find out the latest information on the queue by calling (tel:  +350 42777).

 

For more general information see Driving Abroad. 

You should be aware that there is a low tolerance of any alcohol or drugs-related crime e.g. being drunk in a public place.  Driving with a blood/ alcohol level greater than 0.5 ml is illegal.

For more general information for different types of travellers see Travel Advice Relevant to You.

A full valid British passport is required for all British nationals visiting Gibraltar.  As Gibraltar is a British Overseas Territory, no prior entry visa is required for British nationals.

For further information on entry requirements, you are advised to check with either:

The Gibraltar Government Office, Arundel Great Court, 178-179 Strand, London WC2R 1EL; Tel:  020 7836 0777; email info@gibraltar.gov.uk; Website:  http://www.gibraltar.gov.uk

The Principal Immigration Officer, Police Headquarters, Gibraltar; e-mail: rgpimm@gibtelecom.net or pacompol@gibtelecom.net ; tel:  +(350) 725;00 fax:  + (350) 45489 or +(350) 74198.  (Note – during summer months, this office is open until 13:00 GMT).

Most medical problems can be dealt with locally.  The main hospital is St Bernard’s at Europort (tel:  +350 79700).

If you are a British national resident in the UK you can obtain emergency treatment in Gibraltar by presenting your UK passport as proof of residence.  However, as some emergency treatment may require transfer to Spain or the UK, you should obtain a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), which has replaced Form E111, before leaving the UK.  The EHIC is not a substitute for medical and travel insurance, but entitles you to emergency medical treatment on the same terms as Spanish nationals.  It also does not cover you for medical repatriation, on-going medical treatment or treatment of a non-urgent nature.  For more general information see EHIC.

You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. For more general information on how to do this see HIV and AIDS.

You should seek medical advice before travelling to Gibraltar and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up-to-date.  For further information on vaccination requirements, health outbreaks and general disease protection and prevention you should visit the websites of the  NaTHNaC and NHS Scotland's Fit For Travel or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.

For more general health information see Travel Health.

Insurance

 

We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling.  You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake. 

 

For more general information see Travel Insurance.

If things do go wrong when you are oversees then this is How We Can Help.

Registration

Register with our LOCATE service to tell us when and where you are travelling abroad or where you live abroad so our consular and crisis staff can provide better assistance to you in an emergency.  More information about registering with LOCATE can be found here.
 
Import and Export of Goods
 
Gibraltar is not part of the EU Common Customs Territory.
 
The amount of goods (e.g.  tobacco and alcohol) that you can take into and out of Gibraltar is therefore more limited than for visits between the UK and other EU countries, for example when bought tax-paid.
 
Importing to Gibraltar
 
Information on Duty Free Allowances when arriving in Gibraltar can be found at: Gibraltar Customs (importing to Gibraltar).
 
If you regularly enter or return to Gibraltar (ie more than once in a calendar month), you are not entitled to Duty Free Imports.
 
Exporting to Spain
 
You should declare any duty free goods to Spanish customs officers on leaving Gibraltar.
 
Exporting to the UK
 
If you are returning directly to the UK from Gibraltar, information on the Duty Free allowances is available at: http://www.gibraltar.gov.gi/gov_depts/customs/customs_index.htm.
 
Consular Assistance
 
Gibraltar is a British Overseas Territory and as such there is no formal British Consular Representation.  All consular protection services needed by British nationals are delivered by the Government of Gibraltar Civil Status and Registration Office as follows.

(Birth and Death registration enquiries:

 

Tel: + (350) 78303

Fax: + (350) 42706

 

Marriage bookings and information on marriage requirements in Gibraltar:

 

Tel: + (350) 72289

Fax: + (350) 42706

Email: marriages@gibtelecom.net

 

Visa information:

 

Tel: + (350) 51726

Fax: + (350) 42706

Email: csro@gibtelecom.net

 

Passport Information:

 

Tel: + (350) 51725, 51727 or 51728

Fax: + (350) 42706

Email: csro@gibtelecom.net

 

Immigration information:

 

Tel: + (350) 51725 or 59832

Fax: + (350) 43053

Email: immigration@gibtelecom.net

Money

 

Sterling is the currency in Gibraltar, and British notes and coins circulate alongside Gibraltar pounds and pence.  (NB Gibraltar notes and coins are not accepted in UK and Scottish & Northern Irish notes are not accepted by most businesses in Gibraltar.)  Euros are accepted but with an exchange rate (not necessarily favourable) and change normally given in Sterling.
 
UK debit cards and all major credit cards are readily accepted in Gibraltar.