Call for an instant quote 0345 90 80 161
Open Mon to Fri 09:00 - 17:30 | Sat 09:00 - 16:00 (GMT)
07 August 2013 09:27
Increased vehicle searches by Spanish border guards have caused delays for tourists visiting Gibraltar (AP)
Spain has been warned that it must follow EU laws when carrying out checks at the Gibraltar border.
Increased vehicle searches by Spanish border guards caused delays of up to seven hours for tourists visiting the territory last month.
Spain says it has a duty to prevent smuggling in the area. The European Commission said that while Spain is obliged to carry out checks, the procedures must "fully respect EU law and remain proportionate".
The commission said it had proposed a meeting with the Spanish authorities "in order to address the issues raised by the border checks, including the alleged excessive waiting times".
Tensions have escalated over Gibraltar in recent days and while visits are still likely to be trouble-free, tourists planning to visit the area should ensure they have comprehensive travel insurance in case of any problems.
Spain has also revealed it is considering imposing a new 50 euro fee on those wishing to cross the border with Gibraltar. Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Garcia-Margallo told the country's ABC newspaper that Spain was considering charging people to enter and exit Gibraltar through its border post.
He also hinted other measures could include the closure of Spanish airspace to flights heading to Gibraltar.
Prime Minister David Cameron said he was "seriously concerned", adding that none of the measures had been raised with the UK government. But Gibraltar's Chief Minister Fabian Picardo has accused Spain of "sabre-rattling" over the issue.
Spain has long disputed UK sovereignty over Gibraltar, but its latest tough stance is thought to be linked to the creation of an artificial reef in waters off the British territory.
Gibraltar has dropped around 70 concrete blocks into the sea to create the reef, which Spanish fisherman say will damage the fishing industry.
Authorities in Spain said the blocks had been laid "without the necessary authorisation". They claimed proceeds from the new border fee could be used to help fishermen affected by the "destruction" of fishing grounds.
13 December 2018
Space tourism could move one giant leap closer this week as Virgin Galactic expects to reach "space altitudes" for the first time.
[more...]
12 December 2018
If you're worried about piling on the pounds this Christmas, regular home weighing could prevent you from excessive festive eating and drinking.
11 December 2018
Airlines that automatically cancel return flights when passengers fail to show for their outbound journeys are being warned they risk breaking consumer law.
08 December 2018
Providing better conditions for disabled passengers is one of the main aims of a proposed new charter for airlines and airports.
07 December 2018
Women who don't attend cervical screenings should be offered testing kits they can use at home, new research suggests.
06 December 2018
Ryanair could be slapped with enforcement action from the airline regulator after it refused compensation for passengers hit by flight disruption caused by staff taking strike action.
05 December 2018
Protein supplements and muscle training could be the most effective ways to delay or reverse the effects of frailty, a new study suggests.
04 December 2018
Mumford and Sons bassist Ted Dwane has helped create a new exhibition to raise awareness of the loneliness felt by people living with multiple sclerosis (MS).
01 December 2018
A leading charity has praised the actions of Lloyd Russell-Moyle, saying the Labour MP had "done everybody a service" by disclosing his HIV status.
30 November 2018
Sweating out the daily stresses in a sauna could be linked to a reduced risk of death from cardiovascular diseases (CVD) in people aged 50 and over, according to a new study.
29 November 2018
Hitting the Copacabana could soon become a more realistic aim for holidaymakers, with Norwegian set to become the first budget airline to operate UK-Brazil flights.
28 November 2018
Holidaymakers on the UK's proposed new high-speed trainline could have their Amazon packages delivered directly to their seat, according to a train manufacturer.