Gibraltar

Gibraltar is a British Overseas Territory on the southernmost tip of the Iberian Peninsula, west of the Mediterranean coast of Spain.

Gibraltar borders the Strait of Gibraltar to the south, with North Africa roughly 14 km (approx. 9 miles) across the Strait. The North Atlantic Ocean lies to the west of Gibraltar, and the Mediterranean Sea to the east. Gibraltar is joined to mainland Spain by a narrow isthmus – which is the main reason for the problematic traffic queues and delays entering and leaving Gibraltar – especially during peak times.

TRAVEL INSURANCE FOR GIBRALTAR
Select European Travel Insurance

The ‘Rock’ itself is not very large, measuring less than 2.5 square miles. Gibraltar is a self-governing British colony and member of the European Union (through the membership of the UK). It is also the southernmost tip of Europe, at Europa Point in Gibraltar – famous for its lighthouse.

English is widely spoken, as well as Spanish, Portuguese and Italian.  The currency is Sterling. 

Getting married on ‘the Rock’ is very popular. Many celebrities have tied the knot there, including John Lennon and Yoko Ono in 1969, and Sir Sean Connery.  There are no residential requirements involved so getting married is easy, although it is wise to make arrangements in advance.

A cable car to the top of the Rock is a must for visitors, and the views are spectacular over Gibraltar, along the coast, and across to Africa.  The cable car stop-off points are a good place for your introduction to the Barbary apes (just hang on to your ice creams, cameras, belongings – and dignity!)

The Alameda Botanical Gardens is a popular place for visitors to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature.  An outdoor theatre provides a variety of concerts and entertainment, and it is also popular as a wedding venue.

Gibraltar is a popular holiday destination, as well as for day trips and shopping forays from neighbouring Spain. 

Many outdoor activities are available, including sailing, fishing, scuba diving, and rock climbing. Gibraltar is also very popular with birdwatchers as it is on the bird migration route between Europe and Africa.

A variety of beaches, and several marinas provide plenty of opportunities for beach lovers to enjoy, as well as water sports.

Gibraltar is a popular tax-free destination for shoppers (especially considering that value-added tax ‘VAT’ is currently 20%).  The famous Main Street is where many bargain-hungry shoppers head to first. Casemates Square is a popular meeting place with cafes, bars, restaurants and nightlife (it was once the site of public executions).

Being mainly soft limestone, the Rock has many tunnels running through it, some of which are manmade with an interesting history. Several of the tunnels are open for tours, and others are under control of the government. The history of the tunnels tells of times of strife and sieges. St. Michael’s Cave is a popular attraction with its amazing stalactites and stalagmites.

Boat tours in the bay are available for sightseeing and dolphin and whale watching trips.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Useful travel advice from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office for travel to Gibraltar. Click Here

Before travelling to Gibraltar we recommend a visit to the website of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) for the latest travel advice for Gibraltar as part of their ‘Know Before You Go’ campaign. 

FCO advice includes the following topics:

-Passport and visa information
-Safety and security issues (especially walking between Spain and Gibraltar at night)
-Driving in Gibraltar
-Traffic delays between Gibraltar and Spain when entering/leaving
-Import and export of goods
-Duty-free allowances
-Marriage bookings and requirements
-Carrying money and exchange

Most visits to Gibraltar are problem-free.  Visitors eligible for the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) should carry the card, as it is valid for Spain and Gibraltar.  However, it is also important to take out comprehensive travel insurance. (The EHIC provides for emergency medical care on the same terms as residents, but it does not cover non-urgent care, ongoing treatment or medical repatriation, as well as lost or stolen luggage, and many other travel-related problems)

British nationals can obtain emergency medical care in Gibraltar by presenting their UK passport as proof of residency.  However, it is also wise to carry the EHIC as well as travel insurance in case transfer to a hospital in Spain or the UK becomes necessary – which would not be covered by the EHIC.

Useful website: http://www.gibraltar.gov.uk/holiday.php

Disclaimer: While we have tried to ensure the information in this Travel Guide is correct we do not accept responsibility for any inaccuracy, or the content of external links.

Inclusion in this Travel Guide does not guarantee travel insurance is available in any country at any given time. Travel Insurance is not available in countries where the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) have issued an advisory against travel.

You are strongly advised to visit the FCO website for updated travel information and general travel advice before you travel.