Gibraltar's border fence to be removed on July 15 as new access system readied

The physical fence (the Verja) separating Gibraltar from Spain will be dismantled on 15 July as part of a provisional EU‑UK agreement that redesigns border controls. Spanish mayor Juan Franco confirmed that works to adapt the road network, remove Spanish border installations and create a new crossing circuit are progressing, with traffic diversions carried out mainly at night to minimise disruption.

Under the deal, passport checks will move from the fence to Gibraltar’s airport, where Spanish National Police officers will conduct Schengen‑type inspections. The agreement, negotiated by Spain, the United Kingdom, Gibraltar and the European Commission, still requires formal signing and ratification by the EU Council, European Parliament, UK Parliament and Gibraltar’s legislature before becoming permanent.