Unexpected e-gate problem disrupts Gibraltar’s new airport border system

The airport’s automated gates can currently only process some British visitors but not the people who live on the Rock. Until a software fix arrives, affected passengers must complete their Gibraltar and Spanish checks face to face. 

Why a software fault is sending residents through manual checks 

Gibraltar’s Chief Minister, Fabian Picardo, said on August 6 that a software problem was preventing the airport’s electronic gates from processing Gibraltar residents and EU citizens. The fault means Gibraltar residents arriving home must currently interact with both Gibraltar and Spanish border authorities instead of completing part of the process through the automated system. Picardo told GBC that he hoped the problem would be resolved during the same week or the following one.

No maximum waiting time or specific flight disruption was announced, and the airport remains active. The manual procedure currently acts as the fallback while the automated system is unavailable to the affected groups.

Why some British visitors can still use the e-gates

The unusual part of the fault is that it’s not appearing to affect every type of passenger equally. Picardo said non-resident “third-country nationals”, which includes visitors from the UK, can use the e-gates as long as they have registered in the new European Union’s Entry/Exit System (EES).

A British holidaymaker who has not yet completed EES registration should assume that the automated route will not be immediately available. Initial enrolment may still require additional processing at the border.

The Gibraltar software problem is therefore affecting people who are exempt from EES or travel using EU documents, rather than registered short-stay visitors whose information is already held in the system.

British residents in Spain should still keep their TIE ready

For British residents travelling from Spain, holders of a valid Spanish residence permit, including the physical Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero (TIE), are exempt from EES. Therefore Picardo’s reference to British passengers using the gates does not include them.

Official EU guidance says non-EU residents should present their passport along with their residence permit during border checks. At Gibraltar Airport, passengers should keep both documents readily available and follow directions from border staff.

Which documents arrivals need while the gates are being repaired

The airport checks form part of the new Gibraltar travel arrangements introduced on July 15. Routine immigration controls disappeared at the land frontier with Spain, while Gibraltar Airport became an entry point involving both Gibraltar and Schengen immigration controls. Gibraltar identity card and civilian registration card holders should use the corridors reserved for residents and EU citizens. The Gibraltar Government says they remain exempt from EES whether their Schengen identity check is completed by a gate or by an officer.

For other passengers arriving or leaving, the current standard travel rules still apply: British visitors who do not live in Gibraltar need a passport issued less than ten years before arrival and valid for at least three months beyond their intended departure from Gibraltar or the Schengen area. They may also be asked for a return ticket, accommodation details, travel insurance or evidence of sufficient funds.

Manual checks were anticipated in the official arrangements for technical faults and for passengers travelling with children under 12. Only time will tell whether the software is repaired within the expected timeframe and restores the faster automated route for residents and EU citizens, without causing unnecessary queues or wait times.