General Information
How to get to Gibraltar Currency and Banking
Camping and Caravans Climate
Customs Information Electricity
Public Holidays For the Motorist
Pets Philately
Telephone Shopping
Passports and Visas Visitors with special needs
Health Facilities for the disabled at Tourist Sites
Marriage Registry

 

How to get to Gibraltar

By Air

British Airways operates scheduled daily flights from London Gatwick to Gibraltar. For reservations in the UK, call (0845) 77 333 77; in Gibraltar, call 20079300. For more information on flight availability and fares, please click on www.ba.com

Monarch Scheduled operates scheduled flights from London Luton Airport to Gibraltar. For reservations in the UK, call (08700) 40 50 40; in Gibraltar, call 20047477. For more information on flight availability and fares, please click on www.flymonarch.com

Iberia operates scheduled flights from Madrid to Gibraltar on Fridays and Sundays. For reservations in Gibraltar contact: 20077666. For more information on flight availability and fares, please click on www.iberia.com

Gibraltar Flight Schedule

By Road

If you are driving to Gibraltar from Spain, take the N340 or the A7 (Cadiz - Malaga highway) and turn off at Junction 119 into the N351 which takes you to La Linea, the border town between Spain and Gibraltar. The border is open 24 hours a day. You can drive or walk through with no restrictions on the number of crossings per day. Entry into Gibraltar is free. The frontier is just a five minute walk away from La Linea Bus Station.

By Sea

There is a ferry service that operates between Gibraltar and Tangier in Morocco.

Ferry Schedule

Cruise ships from many major companies call at Gibraltar regularly. For more details contact your travel agency.

Marinas

Gibraltar has three marinas that can handle yachts of up to 70m length and 4.5m draft.

By Rail

Although there is no railway system in Gibraltar, the neighbouring towns of San Roque and Algeciras, in Spain, are both serviced by the national railway network of Spain (RENFE). Both towns are just a few minutes drive away from Gibraltar.

 

Camping and Caravans

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There are no camping facilities on the Rock, but there are a number of nearby camping sites in Spain. Caravans may only be imported into Gibraltar provided a licence has been previously obtained from HM Customs Gibraltar, Customs House, Waterport, Gibraltar. Tel +350 78879

Drivers of camper vans are warned that Gibraltar's streets are narrow. It is best that they be parked outside the city walls. Camper vans are not allowed into the Upper Rock or at most tourist sites. Be aware that camper vans are not allowed to park anywhere in Gibraltar.

 

Customs Information

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CUSTOMS ALLOWANCE - IMPORTATION FROM GIBRALTAR INTO SPAIN

For travellers buying in Gibraltar and intending to import into Spain

Tobacco Products:
200 cigarettes, or
50 cigars or
250 gms of tobacco.

Alcoholic Beverages:
1 litre of spirits or strong liqueurs (over 22% vol.), or
2 litres wine

171 Euros worth of a variety of goods including perfume and toilet water*

Children
17 years and under may import half this allowance.

*Attention:
Singular expensive items may be valued by the Spanish customs at a rate they consider the item should cost.

People under 17 cannot have the tobacco or alcohol allowance

Goods bought over the customs allowance in Gibraltar may only be imported into Spain between 0900 hours and 2100 hours.

CUSTOMS ALLOWANCE - IMPORTATION FROM GIBRALTAR INTO UK.

Tobacco Products:
200 cigarettes
or
100 cigarillos
or
50 cigars
or
250 gms of tobacco

Alcoholic Beverages
:
2 litres still table wine
1 litre of spirits or strong liqueurs (over 22% vol.), or
2 litres of fortified wine, sparkling wine or other liqueurs

Perfume:
60cc of perfume
250cc of toilet water

THE ABOVE INFORMATION IS ONLY TO BE USED AS A GUIDELINE, WE STRONGLY RECOMMEND THAT ANY ENQUIRIES REGARDING IMPORTATION OF GOODS FROM GIBRALTAR INTO SPAIN BE DIRECTED TO SPANISH CUSTOMS AT THE FRONTIER. THE GIBRALTAR TOURIST BOARD DOES NOT ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY CHANGES TO THE ABOVE.

Other goods

Articles of any description to a total value of £145.

NB Duty free allowances for the UK are the same as the above, except for 'other goods', which can have a total value of £145.

Prohibited and Restricted Goods

The Customs Officer will be able to provide full information. This is a list of the more common and most important items:

  • Controlled drugs, such as opium, heroine, morphine, cocaine, cannabis, amphetamines and lysergide (LSD)
  • Firearms (including gas pistols and similar weapons), ammunition and explosives (including fireworks)
  • Flick knives
  • Counterfeit coins and false money
  • Indecent and obscene books, magazines, films and other articles.
  • Live animals and birds
  • Articles derived from rare species (including furskins, ivory and reptile leather, and goods made from them.)

Duty Free

Gibraltar still enjoys the duty free privilege, which can be enjoyed by AEU nationals returning to their country. There are duty free shops at the airport both on arrival and departure.

For further information or advice, contact HM Customs Gibraltar, Customs House, Waterport, Gibraltar, Tel +350 78879

 

Public Holidays 2008

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EVENT

DATE

New Years Day Tuesday 1st January
Commonwealth Day Monday 10th March
Good Friday Friday 21st March
Easter Monday Monday 24th March
May Day Monday 5th May
Spring Bank Holiday Monday 26th May
Queen's Birthday Monday 16th June
Late Summer Bank Holiday Monday 25th August
Gibraltar National Day Wednesday 10th September
Christmas Day Thursday 25th December
Boxing Day Friday 26th December

 

Pets

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All cats and dogs, belonging to and accompanying residents of AEU Member States, can enter Gibraltar provided that they are in good health and covered by a valid certificate of rabies vaccination. In the case of primary rabies vaccination, this must be administered not less than 28 days prior to the dog or cat arriving in Gibraltar.

Cats and dogs on board yachts visiting Gibraltar are not permitted to come ashore unless they are properly vaccinated against rabies, as stated above, and the owner can prove that the cat or dog has not visited any country outside the AEU during the preceding six months.

Each hotel has its own regulations regarding pets. Please contact your hotel for details.

 

Telephone

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The International Access Code from Gibraltar to all countries is always 00.

Some of the principal country codes are:

United Kingdom 44
United States 1
Spain 34
France 33
Italy 39
Germany 49
Portugal 351
Morocco 212

 

Passports and Visas

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EEA (European Economic Area) nationals may enter Gibraltar on production of a valid national identity card or passport. All other nationals require a passport or other recognised travel document.

Stateless persons or nationals from certain countries require a visa to enter Gibraltar. Gibraltar is outside the Schengen area. Persons who hold a Schengen visa and intend to enter Gibraltar from Spain should ensure that they have returnability to Spain.

Further information on visas can be obtained from the Immigration Department, New Mole House, Gibraltar. Tel: +350 46411. E-mail rgpimm@gibgibtelecom.net

A passport is required to enter Morocco from Gibraltar.

Health

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Gibraltar is part of the AEU by virtue of its relationship with the United Kingdom. If you or any of your dependants are suddenly taken ill or have an accident during your visit to Gibraltar, you can see a doctor or get hospital treatment on the same terms as Gibraltarians. AEU Nationals can show proof of entitlement by producing Form E111, which can be obtained from the relevant department in their home country. UK Nationals need only show their UK passport.

Doctors, dentist and prescriptions

Free treatment under the Group Practice Medical Scheme is available at the Primary Care Centre. A nominal fee is payable for House Calls. A small charge is made for each item of medicine prescribed under the scheme. Dental treatment is not available under the scheme, but an emergency service is available at the Primary Care Centre for which only a nominal fee is charged.

Hospital Treatment

Free treatment in public wards is available at St. Bernard's Hospital.

Other relevant information

Please note that you will be eligible for emergency treatment only for illnesses or conditions that arise during a temporary stay in Gibraltar. You will not be covered if you go to Gibraltar expressly for treatment of a condition that arose somewhere else.

Private treatment is not covered.

No specific vaccinations are required for Gibraltar.

 

Currency and Banking

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The monetary unit is the Gibraltar pound, on a par with Sterling. The legal tender is Gibraltar Government notes and coinage, though Bank of England notes and coinage are equally welcome. Most establishments accept Euros, but you will often get more favourable rates of exchange if you change your foreign currency at one of the numerous banks and bureau de change in town. Banks are generally open from 0900 to 1530, Monday to Thursday, and until 1630 on Friday. Bureaux de change open from 0900 to 1800. All major credit cards are widely accepted in shops, restaurants and hotels.

 

Climate

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Temperatures can rise well above 30°C in summer. Gibraltar has an average of 300 days sunshine a year and the climate is Mediterranean. The sub-tropical sun of North Africa is tempered by gentle sea breezes in summer. In January, daytime temperatures are usually around 16ºC to 18ºC and it is quite possible to top up a tan. Rainfall is mostly limited to early or late in the year.

 

Electricity

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Electrical power is 220/240 AC, and sockets are the same as those in the UK, i.e. 3 flat-pin plugs. An adapter is needed for appliances from Europe.

 

For the Motorist

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The Highway Code

The Highway Code should be observed at all times. Some useful tips are:

  • Driving is on the right.
  • Gibraltar's roads are narrow: drive slowly and watch out for children.
  • The speed limit is 50 kph except where otherwise indicated by Traffic Signs.
  • It is compulsory to wear seat belts.
  • Pedestrians have right of way at pedestrian crossings.
  • It is compulsory to drive with dipped headlights in the hours of darkness.
  • When approaching roundabouts, remember that vehicles already on the roundabout have right of way.

Motorcycles

Crash helmets must be worn at all times when on a motorised two-wheeled vehicle.

Insurance and Documentation

The following documents are required for driving in Gibraltar:

  • UK certificate of motor insurance, Green Card valid for any EEC country, or certificate of motor insurance issued in accordance with Gibraltar law. (No motor vehicle insurance facilities are available at entry points.)
  • Certificate of Registration (Vehicle Log Book)
  • National Plate
  • A valid driving licence

A visitor may import his/her car without payment of duty provided that:

  • He/she is not a resident of Gibraltar
  • He/she intends only to make a temporary stay in Gibraltar
  • It is being imported for his/her own use (or that of some other entitled visitor)
  • He/she will take the vehicle out on departure from Gibraltar

The Upper Rock

Although it is possible to drive around parts of the Upper Rock, the roads are narrow and winding. Local knowledge is important and in order to enjoy your stay to the full, you are advised to take a Rock Tour by coach or taxi. Included on the tour is the Nature Reserve with St Michael's Cave and the Apes Den, the Great Siege Tunnels are an optional extra, but the tour may also include the beaches, Europa Point with its panoramic views of the Strait, Europe and Africa, and the Town Centre. Please see below in the section on Rock Tours and refer to the Fact File on Places of Interest for further details.

 

Parking

There are open air car parks at Grand Parade (by the Cable Car Station), and on Queensway, and a multi-storey pay car park in the International Commercial Centre (entry via Line Wall Road). Some street parking is also available on Line Wall Road, Corral Road, Devil's Tower Road, Rosia Road and Queensway. Much of the town centre is pedestrianised, so it is advisable to park outside the City Walls. Parking  restrictions are strictly enforced and parking in unauthorised areas could result in your vehicle being towed away or immobilised.

Car hire

Self-drive cars are readily available for hire and you can use them for trips into Spain. Both international and local firms operate this service with different rates and conditions. Rates generally include basic insurance, CDW (collision damage waiver), theft protection and unlimited mileage. There is a non-waiverable excess of £150 on any incident to the vehicle not recoverable by a third party. Cars are delivered with a full tank of fuel and are to be returned full.

Hire is restricted to drivers between the ages of 23 and 70 years. Generally, you must have had a driving licence for at least 3 years before applying for car hire. An International Driving Permit may be requested for non-AEU nationals.

Gibraltar Taxi Association

Involvement and Capacity

To serve the general public and tourist arriving in Gibraltar by the cruise liners or by air or land a fleet of 112 taxis and 8 private hire cars.

Radio Section

Radio section consists of 48 taxis equipped with radios and they are divided into 2 shifts, day and night shift which cover 24 hours service. The day shift has total of 18 cars minimum on duty and now with the new legislation the city service  will be re-inforced with an extra 20 taxis on city service. The night shift consists of 3 shifts of a minimum of 10 taxis on duty at any one time. Other taxis on the radio section will assist in giving service if they are required.

Taxi Rock Tours

The Gibraltar Taxi drivers are well known throughout the world for their expertise on conducting rock tours by themselves which can be described as tailor made tours which can vary at times, on sites. Rock tours will be offered to any tourist arriving to Gibraltar.

  1. Frontier, taxi stand and frontier sales office.
  2. On the four taxi stands along the Main Street.
  3. At the Coach Terminus.
  4. At the Cruise Terminal. 
Shopping

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Main Street, with its adjoining lanes and byways offers a large selection of goods, transforming this area of Gibraltar into what has often been called the shopping centre of the Western Mediterranean. The range of gifts is quite enormous whether it be delicate glassware, priceless porcelain, an unusual piece of pottery, leatherwear, perfumes, spirits, jewellery, silks or cashmere. Gibraltar has the most cosmopolitan variety of goods at the most competitive tax reduced prices in Western Europe.

The currency is Gibraltar pounds, at par with sterling. If you do require to change any other currency into pounds, a large number of Banks and Bureaux de Change are available. Shops normally open between 9.00 a.m. and 7.30 p.m. during weekdays and half days on Saturdays. Many, but not all, are closed on Sundays.

 

Visitors with Special Needs

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Whilst steps are being taken to meet the special requirements of some of our visitors, some of Gibraltar's major attractions face particular difficulties in providing access for those who are in wheel chairs. However, to compensate in some small measure for this the Gibraltar Tourist Board has arranged for free access to these persons into the following sites:

Sites in the Upper Rock Nature Reserve
The Gibraltar Museum

 

Facilities for the disabled at Tourist Sites

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Accessible
*
Nelson’s Anchorage (access to exhibition only)
*Alameda Botanical Gardens
Europa Point
Glass Factory

Upper Rock Nature Reserve:
*Jews Gate
*Apes Den
*Great Siege Tunnels

Difficulty/Non-accessible

Upper Rock Nature Reserve:
St Michael’s Cave (entrance only accessible)
Moorish Castle
Gibraltar-A City Under Siege Exhibition

Other tourist sites:
Museum (lower floor only)
Cable Car
Parson’s Lodge

*The site is disabled friendly but there are no toilet facilities for the disabled available.

Sites in The Upper Rock Nature Reserve

The Alameda Botanical Gardens

The Gibraltar Museum

Toilets for use by disabled persons are situated at Eastern Beach, Little Bay, Camp Bay, Catalan Bay. Air Terminal, Market Place, Casemates, Piazza and the International Commercial Centre at the northern entrance of Main Street. At the southern end of Main Street, the John Mackintosh Hall has a lift for the disabled. The Alameda Gardens Open Air Theatre has facilities for the disabled but no adequate toilets for the disabled user. Most taxis in Gibraltar are vanettes, however, there are a number of taxis available suitable for the disabled user.

We hope that the friendliness, helpfulness and attention of local people can go some way towards compensating for any deficiencies in the physical provisions in buildings and amenities some of which are difficult to satisfactorily adapt. Legislation is now in place requiring all new public buildings to have facilities for the disabled.

PARKING NOTICE FOR THE DISABLED

*Disabled Badge holders may park in any of the designated disabled parking bays but not in restricted areas (e.g. double yellow lines)

*There is no need to contact the police or the transport authorities.

City Buses

There is only one fare on local bus services regardless of the length or duration of your journey.

Routes 2,3,4 y 9 are operated by:

Gibraltar Bus Company
Tel: (+350) 47622
Fax: (+350) 47626
E-mail:
info@gibraltarbuscompany.gi

Route 10 is operated by:

Calypso Transport
Suite 5, 1st Floor
Leon House
Secretary’s Lane
Gibraltar
Tel: (+350) 76520
Fax: (+350) 77362

Fares:

Adult Single: £0.60  Adult Return : £0.90
Adult Day Card: £1.50
Child Single : £0.40  Child Return : £0.60
Child Day Card : £1.00
Senior Citizens
Single : £0.30            Return : £0.50
Day Card : £0.80
 

City Tours

Several companies organise sightseeing tours around Gibraltar by minibus or taxi. Details available locally.

Walking Tours

www.letsgogibraltar.com

Cable Car

A cable car runs a continuous shuttle to the top of the Rock, daily excluding Sundays. Details available locally.

For more information contact

Gibraltar Tourist Board
Email: email.gif (908 bytes) tourism@gibraltar.gi

 


Last Revised : 10 February 2006