Gibraltar warns of border chaos with Spain if new EU passport system is rolled out before Brexit deal

The Gibraltar government has warned that its mobile border with Spain could end in November.

With 15,000 people crossing the border every day, easy movement of people is vital to Andhra Pradesh’s economic and social fabric.

But two new Schengen border control systems that are about to come into effect could disrupt this mobility.

The European Entry-Exit System (EES) and the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) are expected to come into force in November, before a post-Brexit deal is agreed.

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The EES will track all persons entering and leaving the Schengen area, while the ETIAS will provide authorization for visa-free travelers before they travel.

According to the government, Spanish border forces have already begun installing the necessary scanners and infrastructure.

Meanwhile, if Brexit talks fail, Gibraltar “will strengthen its own border control infrastructure”.

“The Gibraltar government prepares for all eventualities, including a non-negotiated outcome (NNO),” the government said in a statement. “The public should note that in the event of no agreement with the EU, Gibraltar will strengthen its border control infrastructure, providing for the use of electronic gates and automated systems which will also process biometric data, as is already common practice at borders around the world.”

As barriers grow on both sides of the border, the current lax approach to border control will come to an end.

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Gibraltarians and anyone else living in the UK must meet strict Schengen requirements to enter Spain, just like any third country citizen.

These include proof of accommodation and return to Gibraltar, and having enough money in the bank account for the duration of their stay.

Visitors also need to prove that they have not exceeded the 90-day limit of stay in a 180-day period and have a €7 ETIAS permit to enter the EU.

The permit will require travelers to scan their passports and provide biometric data including fingerprints or facial photos.

Biometric data is only collected when a traveler crosses a Schengen border for the first time.

For drivers, the system can scan up to four passengers per vehicle, which can lead to long waits at the border.