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.
23 June 2017
The fall in the value of the pound could pose a shock to British holidaymakers this summer, a currency expert has warned.
[more...]
22 June 2017
Britons have been warned that they could be banned from all-inclusive holidays unless they stop making bogus food poisoning claims.
21 June 2017
Holidaymakers could save themselves money by opting for self-catering breaks this summer, a report has shown.
20 June 2017
From trips abroad to days out closer to home, the school holidays can be a costly time for families.
17 June 2017
Debit and credit card charges are causing holidaymakers to "waste" more than £100 million each year, a new report has warned.
16 June 2017
Aggressive and potentially lethal prostate cancer could be detected more quickly thanks to a simple blood test, scientists have revealed.
15 June 2017
Many holidaymakers are over-estimating the benefits offered by European Health Insurance Cards (EHICs), a new study warns.
14 June 2017
British holidaymakers will benefit from the end of mobile roaming charges this week.
13 June 2017
UK holidaymakers could face higher costs in the months ahead following the collapse in the pound, the owner of a major travel firm has warned.
10 June 2017
Holidaymakers planning trips abroad in the coming days will be monitoring the progress of the pound closely following the surprise general election result.
09 June 2017
Family holidays to traditional hotspots like Menorca and Ibiza could end up costing more than far-flung destinations such as Orlando, Thailand and Bali, surprising new research suggests.
08 June 2017
Two of Europe's major budget airlines enjoyed strong passenger growth last month, as the summer holiday season got under way.