Destination:
Gibraltar

Overview

The impervious Rock of Gibraltar is situated at the southern tip of Spain, standing guard over the strait of Gibraltar which divides Europe and Africa. This strategic position has made Gibraltar the site of many battles over the centuries, yet despite this it has stood firm over the centuries resulting in the well-known English idiom 'as solid as the Rock of Gibraltar'.

Gibraltar has its legendary beginnings in Greek mythology as one of the Pillars of Hercules, pushed away from Mount Acho in Morocco by the fabled strength of Hercules to mark the end of the Mediterranean and the comforting limits of the world as they knew it. The Rock was ceded to England in 1713 at the conclusion of the Wars of the Spanish Succession (along with Minorca and much of what is now Canada) and has remained a British Crown Colony since despite many Spanish attempts to regain it, most famously during the Great Siege (1779-83). Gibraltar has been an irritant in Anglo-Spanish relations ever since.

Situated on a narrow promontory linked to the end of the Iberian Peninsula by a slender sandy neck, the British colony of Gibraltar is dominated by the impressive limestone monolith, and covers an area of roughly two square miles (6 sq km). The town and its harbour take up the thin coastal strip to the west overlooking the Strait of Gibraltar and the Atlantic Ocean, while the steeper eastern side is made up of sheer cliffs dropping to little beaches on the Mediterranean Sea. The limestone cliffs are peppered with natural caves, such as the dramatic St Michael's grotto, as well as a maze of tunnels which were excavated as a defence system in the 18th century and are now open to tourists.

The upper parts of the sloping 1,400-foot (426m) rock have been made into a nature reserve to protect the Rock's natural environment and Gibraltar's most famous residents, the Barbary Apes. These sociable characters are the only wild primates in Europe and have lived on The Rock for hundreds of years, charming tourists with their delightful antics and curious natures. Legend has it that when the apes leave, Gibraltar will cease to be British.

Today Gibraltar remains a popular holiday and business travel destination, and gateway to southern Spain. The Colony has an intriguing culture and fascinating history along with the bonus of a tax-free environment. Gibraltar is full of surprises, from its unusual sand and limestone landscape, to its resident Bay dolphins and a botanical garden to equal the finest in the world.

Basics

Electricity
Electrical current is 240 volts AC, 50 Hz. Plugs in use are the round two-pin type or the rectangular three-pin plug.

Language
English is used for official purposes and in schools, but Spanish is also widely spoken.

Health
No vaccinations are required for travel to Gibraltar. Tap water is chlorinated, but it is advisable to start with bottled water. British nationals are entitled to free emergency treatment on proof of residency in the UK. EU citizens can receive treatment on presentation of a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Health insurance should cover the cost of a transfer to the UK if required.

Tipping
A service charge is generally included in restaurant bills, but it is usual to leave an extra 10% tip.

Safety
There is a risk of international terrorism and visitors should be vigilant to ensure safety in public places and tourist sites. There are very few incidences of street crime or violence. Authorities on both sides of the Spanish/Gibraltar border often delay vehicles and it is usually better to leave one's car in Spain and walk to and from Gibraltar to avoid lengthy queues. There is no 'ticket' necessary to enter Gibraltar from Spain and visitors should be aware of tricksters trying to sell any such thing at the border.

Customs
Public drunkenness is severely frowned upon.

Business
Gibraltar is a British overseas territory and business is conducted in a similar fashion to Britain. Depending on individual sectors, a formal dress code is advisable by default, as the island has a strong military culture. A firm handshake is the norm for both men and women and although business cards are exchanged there is no ritual surrounding it. Punctuality is expected. General business hours are 8.30am to 5.30pm Monday to Friday.

Communications
The international dialling code for Gibraltar is +350. The 9567 access code used when calling Gibraltar from Spain was discontinued in 2007. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the UK). City codes are not required. The local mobile phone operator uses the GSM 900 network and has roaming agreements with all major international operators. Internet access is available.

Duty Free
Travellers to Gibraltar over 17 years do not have to pay duty on 200 cigarettes, 100 cigarillos, 50 cigars or 200g smoking tobacco; 1 litre spirits or liquers, or 2 litres of wine and 2 litres of sparkling or fortified wine; 50g perfume.

Currency

The official currency is the Gibraltar Pound (GIP), which is divided into 100 new pence. UK notes and coins are also accepted and have the same value, but Gibraltar Pounds are not accepted in the UK and any unspent Gibraltar Pounds should be changed before leaving. Euros are also widely accepted, and foreign currency can be exchanged at any one of the numerous banks or exchange bureaux in town. ATMs dispense both GIP and euros. All major credit cards and travellers cheques are widely accepted, and travellers cheques are best carried in Pound Sterling.

GIP 1 =

US$ 1.53

£ 1.00

C$ 1.56

A$ 1.49

R 12.95

EUR 1.21

NZ$ 1.93

Note: These currency exchange rates are not updated daily and should be used as a guideline only.

Health

Health Overview
No vaccinations are required for travel to Gibraltar. Tap water is chlorinated, but it is advisable to start with bottled water. British nationals are entitled to free emergency treatment on proof of residency in the UK. EU citizens can receive treatment on presentation of a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Health insurance should cover the cost of a transfer to the UK if required.

Visa

Americans


UK nationals


Canadians


Australians


South Africans


Irish nationals


New Zealanders

Passport/Visa Note
Visitors requiring a visa to enter Spain should be aware that by crossing into Gibraltar they have officially left Spain, and will require a new visa to cross back over the border. Visitors with a multiple entry visa for the UK, and those with indefinite leave to stay in the UK, do not require a separate visa for Gibraltar. Visa-exempt visitors will be issued an entry permit to cover the period of stay, for short stays. NOTE: It is highly recommended that your passport has at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Note: Passport and visa requirements are liable to change at short notice. Travellers are advised to check their entry requirements with their embassy or consulate.

Contacts

Gibraltar Tourism
Gibraltar Tourist Board, Gibraltar: +350 74950 or www.gibraltar.gi

Foreign Embassies in Gibraltar

Gibraltar Embassies

Regions and Cities