Travellers from the UK and Gibraltar have been reminded of the importance of checking their passport’s validity when flying to countries in the Schengen area.
In an official statement the Gibraltar government noted that, according to the Schengen Border Code, third-country passports (such as those for UK and Gibraltarian citizens) must:
- Have been issued within the last 10 years on the date of arrival in a Schengen country,
and…
- Have at least six months’ validity remaining on the date of intended departure from the last country visited in the Schengen area.
Passport-holders were also reminded to check entry requirements for other countries that are outside the Schengen area.
Driving Licences in Spain
UK and Gibraltar authorities have issued updated information about the use of driving licences in Spain.
The Gibraltar government said it welcomed a decision by the Spanish Government “to authorise the formal, legally binding agreement providing for the reciprocal recognition and exchange of UK and Gibraltar driving licences in Spain”.
As a result, said the government, and regardless of the outcome of ongoing negotiations concerning Gibraltar’s relationship with the EU:
- Gibraltar driving licences of visitors to Spain will continue to be recognised in Spain, without the need for Gibraltar driving licences to be accompanied by International Driving Permits.
- For those holders of Gibraltar driving licences resident in Spain, Gibraltar driving licences may be exchanged without the need to take a practical or theory test in Spain.
- Gibraltar licence-holders resident in Spain will have their licence recognised in Spain for six months, either from the date this agreement begins to apply (16 March) if they are already resident in Spain or, if they move to Spain after this date, from the date they obtain residence.
“Reciprocal treatment will be provided with respect to Spanish driving licence-holders visiting Gibraltar and residing in Gibraltar, as has been the case to date.”
Also welcoming the decision, Britain’s ambassador to Spain, Hugh Elliott, said, “I am delighted that these negotiations have come to an end and UK licence-holders will now be able to exchange their UK licence for a Spanish one without having to take a driving test.
“From today (16 March), UK licence-holders can drive for six months on their UK licence, during which time the embassy is urging them to exchange it for a Spanish one as soon as possible. Remember that it is possible to exchange a licence anywhere in Spain, not only where you live.
“I know this process has taken a lot longer than we all would have liked and has been very difficult for those affected. I am grateful to them for their patience and forbearance.
“You can find information on the process from the DGT (Spanish Dirección General de Tráfico) and we will be posting answers to some of your most frequently asked questions on our Facebook page.”