Travellers arriving at Gibraltar International Airport will soon no longer be required to submit a Passenger Locator Form or take a COVID-19 test.
In a press conference called 24 months after his first live appearance from No6 Convent Place (the seat of government) to announce lockdown measures, chief minister Fabian Picardo said he was now able to set out an “exit strategy” plan for a phased reduction of existing restrictions.
“Gibraltar is, indeed, currently in a much better position regarding COVID-19 case incidence,” he said. “The impressive vaccination programme we have rolled out with the help of the United Kingdom government is successfully protecting most people from severe disease and hospitalisation. We must, nonetheless, remind ourselves that, while the incidence and severity of COVID-19 is reduced by vaccination, the possibility of infection is not completely eradicated by it. The exit strategy therefore maintains a cautious approach.”
Key aspects of this strategy, for travellers, include:
- From Friday 18 March, testing will no longer be required for those entering Gibraltar via Gibraltar International Airport or Gibraltar Port.
- From that same date, travellers landing at Gibraltar International Airport will no longer be required to submit a Passenger Locator Form.
- General requirements to wear masks when in Gibraltar are now removed (from 4 March).
- Permits are no longer required for nightclubs, restaurants, cafeterias and bars.
Picardo concluded, “Of course, we all want all our freedoms and normality restored. Indeed, it is my sacred duty as your chief minister and our sacred duty as your government to protect those civil rights and freedoms. But we must act prudently and properly and with the benefit of scientific advice.
“I ask you also to please remain conscious that, whilst there is no longer a legal requirement to wear masks and practise social distancing, some individuals may choose to continue to do so. Please respect the choices of others. Some may be immunocompromised without your knowledge. And everyone is entitled to their own medical privacy.”
The latest rules and protocols for people travelling to Gibraltar are updated regularly on the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office GOV.UK website.
Information is also available on the Gibraltar Public Health website.
Last month, travel restrictions were eased for both children and return flights to the UK.
Pictured (above): Last week, chief minister Fabian Picardo officially commissioned the vessel HMC Sentinel for customs duty in British Gibraltar territorial waters.