Madrid/London, February 26, 2026 – The Europe Today: Spain will carry out passport checks on British travellers flying to Gibraltar under a new post-Brexit draft treaty, marking a significant breakthrough in negotiations that have continued since the United Kingdom left the European Union in 2020.
Under the proposed agreement between the UK and the EU, Gibraltar will retain its British sovereignty while introducing a “fluid border” arrangement for the movement of people and goods. Gibraltar was ceded to Britain by Spain under the Treaty of Utrecht in 1713 and has remained a sensitive diplomatic issue between the two countries.
The deal, announced jointly by the UK and Gibraltar governments, will remove routine passport checks at the land border between Spain and Gibraltar. The move is expected to benefit around 15,000 people who cross the frontier daily for work and other purposes.
However, the agreement introduces dual border control checks at Gibraltar airport for passengers arriving from the UK. These checks will be conducted by both Gibraltar and Spanish officials, a measure that has drawn attention due to its political sensitivity.
The draft treaty also outlines a tailored customs framework aimed at reducing or eliminating burdensome goods inspections, facilitating smoother trade flows across the border.
UK authorities emphasized that the agreement does not alter Gibraltar’s sovereignty and safeguards British control over key military facilities. Gibraltar’s airport is operated by the UK Ministry of Defence and hosts a Royal Air Force (RAF) base, while the territory also maintains an important naval facility.
Further details of the draft treaty are expected to be finalized as negotiations between the UK and EU continue.
