- Destinations
- Europe
- Gibraltar
Gibraltar
The impervious Rock of Gibraltar is situated at the southern tip
of Spain, standing guard over the strait of Gibraltar which divides
Europe and Africa. This strategic position has made Gibraltar the
site of many battles over the centuries, yet despite this it has
stood firm over the centuries resulting in the well-known English
idiom 'as solid as the Rock of Gibraltar'.
Gibraltar has its legendary beginnings in Greek mythology as one
of the Pillars of Hercules, pushed away from Mount Acho in Morocco
by the fabled strength of Hercules to mark the end of the
Mediterranean and the comforting limits of the world as they knew
it. The Rock was ceded to England in 1713 at the conclusion of the
Wars of the Spanish Succession (along with Minorca and much of what
is now Canada) and has remained a British Crown Colony since
despite many Spanish attempts to regain it, most famously during
the Great Siege (1779-83). Gibraltar has been an irritant in
Anglo-Spanish relations ever since.
Situated on a narrow promontory linked to the end of the Iberian
Peninsula by a slender sandy neck, the British colony of Gibraltar
is dominated by the impressive limestone monolith, and covers an
area of roughly two square miles (6 sq km). The town and its
harbour take up the thin coastal strip to the west overlooking the
Strait of Gibraltar and the Atlantic Ocean, while the steeper
eastern side is made up of sheer cliffs dropping to little beaches
on the Mediterranean Sea. The limestone cliffs are peppered with
natural caves, such as the dramatic St Michael's grotto, as well as
a maze of tunnels which were excavated as a defence system in the
18th century and are now open to tourists.
The upper parts of the sloping 1,400-foot (426m) rock have been
made into a nature reserve to protect the Rock's natural
environment and Gibraltar's most famous residents, the Barbary
Apes. These sociable characters are the only wild primates in
Europe and have lived on The Rock for hundreds of years, charming
tourists with their delightful antics and curious natures. Legend
has it that when the apes leave, Gibraltar will cease to be
British.
Today Gibraltar remains a popular holiday and business travel
destination, and gateway to southern Spain. The Colony has an
intriguing culture and fascinating history along with the bonus of
a tax-free environment. Gibraltar is full of surprises, from its
unusual sand and limestone landscape, to its resident Bay dolphins
and a botanical garden to equal the finest in the world.
Information & Facts
Business
Gibraltar is a British overseas territory and business is
conducted in a similar fashion to Britain. Depending on individual
sectors, a formal dress code is advisable by default, as the island
has a strong military culture. A firm handshake is the norm for
both men and women and although business cards are exchanged there
is no ritual surrounding it. Punctuality is expected. General
business hours are 8.30am to 5.30pm Monday to Friday.
Climate
The climate is typically Mediterranean with mild winters and
warm dry summers, although May to September can get very hot and
humid. There is no rainy season, but most rain falls in the winter
months when the average temperature is 59°F (15°C). In summer the
temperature hovers around 86°F (30°C).
Communications
The international dialling code for Gibraltar is +350. The 9567
access code used when calling Gibraltar from Spain was discontinued
in 2007. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country
code (e.g. 0044 for the UK). City codes are not required. The local
mobile phone operator uses the GSM 900 network and has roaming
agreements with all major international operators. Internet access
is available.
Customs
Public drunkenness is severely frowned upon.
Duty Free
Travellers to Gibraltar over 17 years do not have to pay duty on
200 cigarettes, 100 cigarillos, 50 cigars or 200g smoking tobacco;
1 litre spirits or liquers, or 2 litres of wine and 2 litres of
sparkling or fortified wine; 50g perfume.
Electricity
Electrical current is 240 volts AC, 50 Hz. Plugs in
use are the round two-pin type or the rectangular three-pin
plug.
Health
No vaccinations are required for travel to Gibraltar. Tap water
is chlorinated, but it is advisable to start with bottled water.
British nationals are entitled to free emergency treatment on proof
of residency in the UK. EU citizens can receive treatment on
presentation of a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Health
insurance should cover the cost of a transfer to the UK if
required.
Language
English is used for official purposes and in schools, but
Spanish is also widely spoken.
Money
The official currency is the Gibraltar Pound (GIP), which is
divided into 100 new pence. UK notes and coins are also accepted
and have the same value, but Gibraltar Pounds are not accepted in
the UK and any unspent Gibraltar Pounds should be changed before
leaving. Euros are also widely accepted, and foreign currency can
be exchanged at any one of the numerous banks or exchange bureaux
in town. ATMs dispense both GIP and euros. All major credit cards
and travellers cheques are widely accepted, and travellers cheques
are best carried in Pound Sterling.
Passport Visa
Visitors requiring a visa to enter Spain should be aware that by
crossing into Gibraltar they have officially left Spain, and will
require a new visa to cross back over the border. Visitors with a
multiple entry visa for the UK, and those with indefinite leave to
stay in the UK, do not require a separate visa for Gibraltar.
Visa-exempt visitors will be issued an entry permit to cover the
period of stay, for short stays. NOTE: It is highly recommended
that your passport has at least six months validity remaining after
your intended date of departure from your travel destination.
Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated
by travel agents and official sources.
Safety
There is a risk of international terrorism and visitors should
be vigilant to ensure safety in public places and tourist sites.
There are very few incidences of street crime or violence.
Authorities on both sides of the Spanish/Gibraltar border often
delay vehicles and it is usually better to leave one's car in Spain
and walk to and from Gibraltar to avoid lengthy queues. There is no
'ticket' necessary to enter Gibraltar from Spain and visitors
should be aware of tricksters trying to sell any such thing at the
border.
Tipping
A service charge is generally included in restaurant bills, but
it is usual to leave an extra 10% tip.