Gradual rollout of Schengen entry/exit system at Gibraltar border

by Else BeekmanElse Beekman
Gibraltar border

The European Commission (EC) has unveiled a new regulation to implement the long-delayed Schengen Entry/Exit System (SES), now set to begin gradually at the Gibraltar border. However, Spain will retain the authority to suspend the system, either partially or fully, in the event of severe delays or technical failures.

The SES, which was postponed last November, is an automated system designed to register biometric and personal data of non-EU nationals crossing external Schengen borders. This includes Gibraltarians and British citizens crossing at La Verja – the border between Gibraltar and La Línea de la Concepción.

Why is the SES being introduced?

The system aims to enhance border security across the Schengen Area by preventing identity fraud and monitoring short-term stays. For the first time, biometric data such as facial images and fingerprints will be collected from third-country nationals. This will provide real-time information on travellers’ movements to Schengen states.

According to the European Commission, the SES will “modernise border management by improving the efficiency and quality of processes while reducing opportunities for fraud.”

Spain will have six months to implement the SES at Gibraltar’s border once the new regulation is adopted. If no agreement is reached regarding Gibraltar’s post-Brexit relationship with the EU, the system will be fully operational at La Verja after this period.

New requirements for Gibraltarians crossing into Spain

Under the new rules, Gibraltarians will face the same entry requirements as other non-EU nationals. Travellers must:

  • Present a passport valid for at least three months beyond the date of departure from the Schengen Area.
  • Justify the purpose of their visit and conditions of their stay (e.g., a hotel reservation).
  • Prove they have sufficient financial means for the duration of their stay and return to Gibraltar.
  • Ensure they have not exceeded the 90-day limit in any 180-day period.

In the future, travellers will also require an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) pre-authorisation.

Risk of delays and Spain’s suspension power

To prevent border chaos, Spain can temporarily suspend the SES in cases of system failures or excessive waiting times. The gradual rollout will start with a minimum registration of 10% of border crossings, eventually increasing to full coverage.

This phased approach is designed to give authorities and travellers time to adapt to the new procedures. The European Commission stressed the importance of “transparency” in communication about the changes, ensuring that travellers and transport operators are adequately informed.

A wait-and-see approach for Schengen entry/exit system

The Gibraltar-Spain border has long been a point of friction, heightened further by post-Brexit realities. Around 15,000 people cross La Verja daily, including Spanish workers and Gibraltarians travelling for shopping or leisure. While negotiations continue to maintain a fluid crossing, new EU systems like the Schengen Entry/Exit System (SES) and the upcoming ETIAS have introduced added complexities.

Recent events, such as surprise passport checks by Spain in October 2024 – briefly reciprocated by Gibraltar – caused major delays but were swiftly halted. Ongoing discussions aim to establish a Common Travel Area to ensure smoother, frictionless crossings in the future. Currently, Gibraltarians enjoy relatively frictionless entry into Spain. The introduction of SES, however, will impose additional checks. Therefore, adding another layer of post-Brexit complexity to the daily lives of those who cross La Verja.

While Spain and the EU prepare for the new system, negotiations for a broader Gibraltar treaty remain ongoing. Whether such an agreement will avert the full implementation of SES at Gibraltar’s border remains to be seen.

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