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.

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).

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.

Entry Requirements

• US citizens must have a passport that is valid upon arrival in Gibraltar. No visa is required.
• British citizens must have a passport that is valid upon arrival in Gibraltar. No visa is required. Passport exemptions apply to holders of ID cards issued by Gibraltar authorities, as well as to holders of ID cards issued to nationals of the United Kingdom.
• Canadian citizens must have a passport that is valid upon arrival in Gibraltar. No visa is required.
• Australian nationals require a valid passport to enter Gibraltar but no visa is necessary.
• South African citizens must have a passport that is valid upon arrival in Gibraltar. A visa is required, except for holders of a multiple-entry UK visa (that is valid for at least one year).
• Irish citizens must have a passport that is valid upon arrival in Gibraltar. No visa is required.
• New Zealand citizens must have a passport that is valid upon arrival in Gibraltar. No visa is required.

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.

Embassy Consulates

• British Embassy, Washington DC, United States (also responsible for Gibraltar): +1 (202) 588 6500.
• British High Commission, Ottawa, Canada (also responsible for Gibraltar): +1 613 237 1530.
• British High Commission, Canberra, Australia (also responsible for Gibraltar): +61 (0)2 6270 6666.
• British High Commission, Pretoria, South Africa (also responsible for Gibraltar): +27 (0)12 421 7500.
• British Embassy, Dublin, Ireland (also responsible for Gibraltar): +353 (0)1 205 3700.
• British High Commission, Wellington, New Zealand (also responsible for Gibraltar): +64 (0)4 924 2888.

Foreign Embassies

• United States Embassy, London, United Kingdom (also responsible for Gibraltar): +44 (0)20 7499 9000.
• Canadian High Commission, London, United Kingdom (also responsible for Gibraltar): +44 (0)207 258 6600.
• Australian High Commission, London, United Kingdom (also responsible for Gibraltar): +44 (0)20 7379 4334.
• South African High Commission, London, United Kingdom (also responsible for Gibraltar): +44 (0)20 7451 7299.
• Irish Embassy, London, United Kingdom (also responsible for Gibraltar): +44 (0)20 7235 2171.
• New Zealand High Commission, London, United Kingdom (also responsible for Gibraltar): +44 (0)20 7930 8422.