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Britons visiting Gibraltar could lose some of their 90-day allowance to travel in Europe under new plans proposed by the UK’s minister for Europe.
Travellers would have to ensure their travel documents comply with post-Brexit rules if Schengen Area checks are introduced at the narrow peninsula.
European Minister Leo Docherty, who is leading post-Brexit negotiations with the European Commission, outlined the consequences that could ensue an abolition of the current Girbaltar-Spain border if Schengen Area rules are applied.
Under the new propositions, tourists could be subjected to new immigration requirements in line with post-Brexit negotiations.
Britons visiting Gibraltar could be subjected to stricter rules under new proposals
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At present, British nationals do not require a visa to enter Gibraltar to visit, study or work. Travellers can also access Gibraltar up to and including the expiry date of their passports.
Under the proposed changes, travel documents would need to be less than 10 years old on the day of arrival and a minimum of three months remaining on the day of departure.
What’s more, any time spent in Gibraltar would count towards the maximum of a Britons ’90 days’ stay in 180 days, potentially disrupting the travel plans of tourists.
These rules, which were negotiated as part of Brexit agreements, have greatly limited the movement of many Britons with properties abroad.
Mr Docherty defended the latest proposals to MPs on the committee by saying they would ensure a “level playing field” for cross-border trade.
“This arrangement would remove checks from the Gribaltar-Spain border,” Mr Docherty wrote. “Instead, those arriving in Gibraltar would pass through Gibraltar immigration, followed by Schengen immigration.
“Ensuring fluid movement of people across the border with Spain has been the key area of discussion. This could further the economic opportunities of the regions.
“The UK will only agree to terms that the Government of Gibraltar are content with and will not agree to anything that compromises sovereignty.”
Mr Docherty also proposed that Gibraltar’s airport would come under joint management by the UK and Spain to help “facilitate flights” between the BOT and the rest of the EU.
“While an airport agreement was not part of the Political Framework agreed with Spain in December 2020, we have been flexible in exploring practical and technical options to facilitate flights between Gibraltar and the EU,” he wrote.
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Britons would have to ensure travel documents comply with post-Brexit requirements
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Sir William Cash, chair of the European Scrutiny Committee, described the proposals as “ alarming”.
In a letter to Mr Docherty, he said: “What you describe, in effect, as having been agreed in principle between the Government and the European Commission is deeply troubling.
“The Government has been clear on its red lines regarding Gibraltar negotiations, including issues pertaining to sovereignty, jurisdiction and control.
“Talk of Schengen border checks in Gibraltar, the notions of a ‘level playing field’ for cross-border trade and ‘flexibility’ regarding joint UK/Spain management of Gibraltar airport is alarming and does not accord with what you have previously described to us concerning the Government’s approach to – and progress of – Gibraltar’s negotiations.”
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