Gibraltar even closer to Europe. A special place for Poles too

15 July 2026 will go down in the history of European integration as the day that marked the beginning of the removal of the continent’s last physical border – the border crossing between Gibraltar and Spain. Thanks to an agreement between the United Kingdom and the European Union, this British Overseas Territory joined the Schengen Area.

Facilitation also for tourists

In the wake of Brexit, Gibraltar’s status became one of the most difficult issues in relations between London and Brussels. After years of negotiations, a compromise was reached that meets the expectations of all three parties: the United Kingdom, the European Union and the people of Gibraltar themselves. The agreement provided for Gibraltar’s entry into the Schengen Area, meaning there would be no passport controls at the border with Spain.

This change is of crucial importance to the approximately 15,000 people who cross the border daily for work, as well as to tourists. There are many Poles among them – all the more so as Gibraltar is a place of remembrance for General Władysław Sikorski. The plaque commemorating him, originally located at the airport, has been moved to Europa Point. To mark the 70th anniversary of Władysław Sikorski’s death, a monument was unveiled there in 2013 – commemorating the tragic air disaster.

The border control system is changing, and physical checks will no longer be carried out at the land border crossing, but at Gibraltar’s port and airport. There, the flow of people will be monitored by Spanish officials – acting on behalf of the European Union – and Frontex officers.

At the same time, British sovereignty over Gibraltar has been respected, which was a key demand of the UK authorities. The agreement emphasises that it does not affect the status of Gibraltar as an overseas territory of the United Kingdom. Closer economic and customs cooperation has also been initiated, including a plan to establish a customs union between the EU and Gibraltar, which will facilitate trade.

Symbolic dismantling of the border

The removal of land border controls not only brings convenience to the region’s residents, but also carries immense symbolic significance. For Gibraltar and the Spanish Campo de Gibraltar, it also provides a boost to development – by removing the barriers to everyday life – and could revitalise trade, services, tourism and investment.

Although the agreement is groundbreaking, it will be important to monitor the balance between membership of the Schengen Area and British oversight of Gibraltar.

Experts estimate that the agreement could significantly increase the number of day trips and weekend visits by tourists from Spain, particularly from Andalusia. Gibraltar will become more accessible to travellers from across the Schengen area, which could boost its popularity as a destination – for both tourism and history enthusiasts. European tour operators will certainly be more inclined to include Gibraltar in their itineraries for southern Spain.

At the same time – thanks to simplified border procedures – Gibraltar could become a more attractive stopover or destination for short visits during Mediterranean cruise itineraries. The airport there would thus increase the number of connections with Schengen Area countries, offering an alternative to the airports in Málaga or Seville.