Gibraltar Joins Schengen, Fence Removed Under EU-UK Treaty

Spain and the British territory of Gibraltar lifted the long‑standing border fence on 15 July 2026, a move that followed the signing of a landmark EU‑UK treaty. The removal ended a physical barrier that had separated the two jurisdictions for decades and marked a new chapter in cross‑border cooperation between the European Union and the United Kingdom.

Residents on both sides celebrated the change, noting that passport checks would now be conducted at Gibraltar’s airport and port facilities rather than at the former fence. The shift is expected to streamline travel and trade, reduce congestion at the crossing point, and reinforce the commitment of both parties to maintain open, secure borders while respecting the regulatory frameworks established by the treaty.