Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions About Gibraltar
Planning a visit to the Rock? Moving here for work? Just curious? Here are honest answers to the questions people ask most about Gibraltar, written by locals who actually live here.
Is Gibraltar part of the UK or Spain?
Gibraltar is a British Overseas Territory. It has been under British sovereignty since the Treaty of Utrecht in 1713. Spain has never recognised the cession of the territory and still claims sovereignty, but Gibraltarians have voted overwhelmingly to remain British in two referendums (1967 and 2002). Gibraltar has its own parliament, laws, and government, but the UK handles defence and foreign affairs.
Do I need a passport to visit Gibraltar?
If you are a UK or EU citizen, you will need a valid passport or national ID card to cross the land border from Spain. There is no visa requirement for most nationalities for short visits. Entry to Gibraltar is completely free, so ignore anyone near the border trying to sell you an "entry ticket" as that is a well-known scam.
What currency does Gibraltar use?
Gibraltar uses the Gibraltar pound (GIP), which is pegged 1:1 to the British pound sterling. You can use UK banknotes and coins freely everywhere in Gibraltar. However, Gibraltar banknotes are not always accepted in the UK, so spend them before you leave or exchange them. Most places also accept euros, though you will usually get a less favourable exchange rate.
What language do they speak in Gibraltar?
English is the official language and is used in government, education, and business. Most Gibraltarians are bilingual in English and Spanish. Many locals also speak Llanito, a unique creole that blends Andalusian Spanish, English, Genoese Italian, Maltese, Portuguese, and Hebrew. You will hear all three on the streets, but English will get you everywhere you need to go.
How do I get to Gibraltar?
You can fly directly from five UK airports (Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester, Bristol, Birmingham) with British Airways and easyJet. Alternatively, fly to Malaga and drive south on the AP-7 or A-7 motorway for about 90 minutes. Most visitors park in La Linea de la Concepcion on the Spanish side and walk across the border, as parking in Gibraltar is expensive and limited.
Is Gibraltar in the EU?
No. Gibraltar left the European Union alongside the UK on 31 January 2020 as part of Brexit. A treaty between the UK, Spain, and the EU covering Gibraltar was unanimously approved by all 27 EU member states on 1 April 2026 and entered provisional application on Wednesday 15 July 2026 (European Parliament ratification is expected in autumn 2026). Gibraltar does not join the Schengen area. Instead, the fence and physical checks at the La Linea land border were removed, and Schengen entry checks now operate at Gibraltar's own airport and port, run jointly with Spanish officers. (Updated 17 July 2026.)
Does time in Gibraltar count towards my Schengen 90/180 days?
For visitors, yes. Now that Schengen checks apply at Gibraltar's airport and port (since 15 July 2026), you are crossing an external Schengen border, so your days in Gibraltar count towards the same 90 days in any 180-day period you would use anywhere else in the Schengen area (House of Commons Library briefing CBP-10572, updated 8 July 2026). Gibraltar residents are a different case: the 90/180 limit technically remains on the books for their travel into the wider Schengen area, but they are exempt from passport stamps, EES, and ETIAS, and no official guidance yet exists on how, or whether, it is tracked for them. ETIAS itself, the online travel authorisation most visa-free visitors will eventually need, is not live yet and is expected some time in late 2026. (Updated 17 July 2026.) Read the full breakdown here
What is the population of Gibraltar?
Gibraltar has a population of 37,936 people (2022 census) living in just 6.8 square kilometres, making it one of the most densely populated territories on Earth. Approximately 15,000 workers also commute daily from Spain, mainly from La Linea de la Concepcion. The population is a genuine melting pot of British, Spanish, Genoese, Maltese, Portuguese, and Moroccan heritage.
Is Gibraltar safe to visit?
Extremely safe. Gibraltar has very low crime rates, and violent crime is essentially unheard of. It is a small, tight-knit community where people leave their doors unlocked. The main things to watch out for are the Barbary macaques on the Upper Rock, who will snatch food and bags if you are not careful, and the strong sun in summer.
What is the weather like in Gibraltar?
Gibraltar enjoys a Mediterranean climate with over 300 days of sunshine per year. Summers are hot and dry (averaging 28-30°C from June to September) and winters are mild and wet (12-16°C from December to February). The infamous Levante cloud sometimes sits on the top of the Rock even on clear days, creating a dramatic mist effect. The best time to visit is April to June or September to October.
Can I see Africa from Gibraltar?
Yes, absolutely. On a clear day, you can see the Rif Mountains of Morocco just 14 kilometres across the Strait of Gibraltar. The views from the Top of the Rock, Europa Point, and the Mediterranean Steps are stunning. You can even take a ferry from Gibraltar to Tangier, Morocco, with crossings taking about 90 minutes.
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