Fence Gone! Gibraltar’s Border Freedom Celebrated

Sun Sep 06 2026 15:51:04 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

The old 118‑year fence separating Gibraltar and Spain has been pulled down, sparking a midnight celebration as the territory joins the EU Schengen Area.

At midnight on July 15, the 118‑year‑old border fence between Gibraltar and Spain was removed in a short ceremonial cut, marking the end of stringent border checks under a new EU‑Spain treaty. The treaty, negotiated after Brexit, incorporates Gibraltar into the Schengen Area, allowing free movement for goods and people. Chief Minister Fabian Picardo pulled the rope, and a crowd cheered as the barrier fell. The change symbolizes a new era of openness and cooperation across European borders.

At midnight on July 15, the 118‑year‑old fence that had separated Gibraltar from Spain was ripped down in a ceremonial ceremony.

A new treaty finally made Gibraltar part of the EU’s Schengen Area, ending strict border checks and easing travel for goods and people.

Chief Minister Fabian Picardo pulled the rope, signalling freedom for the small overseas territory. Hundreds of residents then celebrated the moment at the frontier, a heart‑warming scene of freedom and teamwork.

Want to dive deeper? Read more about Gibraltar’s new era with the removal of 118‑year‑old border controls with Spain.