Driving in Spain with a rental vehicle registered in Gibraltar is a common situation for tourists and visitors arriving in the area, given the geographical proximity between Gibraltar and Spanish territory. It is important to be aware of the legal requirements for crossing the border and driving in Spain, as well as the procedures for dealing with traffic fines or breakdowns. It is advisable to check the regulations in force with the official authorities.
Requirements for entering Spanish territory
To enter Spain with a vehicle registered in Gibraltar, drivers must comply with the rules for entering the Schengen Area, as Spain is part of it. Gibraltar does not belong to the Schengen Area, so border controls apply. In 2025, with the full implementation of the Entry/Exit System (EES) and the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), the requirements have been tightened for third-country nationals, including British nationals and residents of Gibraltar.
Required personal documents
- Valid passport: Must be valid for at least three months after the planned date of departure from the Schengen Area and have been issued within the last ten years.
- ETIAS authorisation: Mandatory for British citizens and Gibraltar residents who do not require a visa. It must be applied for online in advance, costs €7 (exempt for those under 18 and over 70) and is valid for three years or until the passport expires.
- Justification for travel: Proof of the purpose of the stay, sufficient financial means and not exceeding 90 days in any 180-day period in the Schengen Area.
- Travel insurance: Recommended and, in some cases, required for non-EU visitors, including medical and repatriation coverage.
Vehicle documents
- Original vehicle registration certificate: The logbook or vehicle registration document.
- Driving licence: Valid and, for non-EU licences, possibly an International Driving Permit (IDP) together with the national licence.
- Vehicle insurance: Proof of valid insurance coverage in Spain. A Green Card is not required for vehicles registered in Gibraltar or the UK when entering Spain.
- Other: In the case of rental vehicles, the rental agreement must be in the driver’s name and authorise border crossing.
Border procedures
When crossing from Gibraltar to Spain (via La Línea de la Concepción), systematic checks are carried out. With the EES, travellers scan their passport and provide biometric data (fingerprints and facial image) at automatic checkpoints, both on entry and exit. This applies to up to four passengers per vehicle. Delays may occur, especially at times of heavy traffic.
Non-residents of Spain are allowed to drive a Gibraltarian vehicle for up to six months in a calendar year. Residents of Spain may not permanently own or drive vehicles registered in Gibraltar and must register the vehicle in Spain within 30 days if they import it. Failure to meet the deadline may result in administrative penalties, including seizure of the vehicle.
Traffic fine management
Traffic fines in Spain apply to foreign vehicles, including those registered in Gibraltar. The radar and camera system is extensive, and penalties can be sent by post or notified on the spot. There are different ways to pay a fine in Spain:
- Immediate payment: If a Civil Guard officer notifies you of the fine on the spot, you can pay on the spot by credit or debit card.
- Later payment: If you receive the fine by post, you have 20 days to pay it with a 50% discount. The options include:
- By telephone: Call 060 (from Spain) or +34 902 887 060 (from abroad) and pay by card.
- Online: Through the website of the Directorate General of Traffic (DGT): https://multas.dgt.es.
- If you don’t pay within an additional 45 days, the fine is transferred to the Tax Agency with a 20% surcharge.
For rental vehicles, the rental company usually receives the notification and charges it to the driver, possibly adding an administrative fee. Non-resident foreign drivers must provide an address in Spain or a deposit to avoid immediate payment.
What to do if I break down in Spain
In the event of a breakdown in Spain with a rental vehicle from Gibraltar, safety is the priority. Many rental contracts include roadside assistance that covers Spain, given the frequency of this type of travel.
- Immediate safety: Stop the vehicle in a safe place, activate the hazard lights and wear a reflective vest (mandatory in Spain). If necessary, call the emergency number 112 for medical or police assistance.
- Contact the rental provider: Immediately inform the rental company in Gibraltar. They provide 24/7 roadside assistance, including towing and, in some cases, a taxi or replacement vehicle.
- Documentation: Take photos of the breakdown and the surrounding area for insurance claims. If there is damage caused by third parties, report it to the local police within 24 hours.
- Additional coverage: Consider purchasing European roadside assistance insurance if not included, such as that offered by RAC or similar providers, which offer 24/7 assistance in English.
In Spain, repairs are not permitted without prior authorisation from the rental provider. For simple punctures, use the spare wheel if available.
Driving in Spain with a Gibraltarian rental vehicle is feasible as long as the legal requirements for entry into the country are met. Advance preparation, such as obtaining ETIAS and verifying insurance, minimises problems. In the event of fines or breakdowns, acting quickly in accordance with established procedures avoids further complications.