Police Expect 3 Million Applicants as Spain’s Extraordinary Regularisation Gains Pace
Operation Paso del Estrecho Moves 646,000 Passengers in First Month of 2026 Season
Irregular Arrivals to Spain Drop 25 % in 2026, But Land Crossings to Ceuta Surge 149 %
Latest News
Madrid Court Returns Passport to Prime Minister’s Spouse, Lifting Travel Ban
On 16 July Madrid’s provincial court lifted a precautionary travel ban on Begoña Gómez, spouse of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, ordering the return of her passport while maintaining plans for a jury trial. The judgment clarifies proportionality standards for passport confiscation and allows Gómez to resume international engagements immediately.
Historic EU-UK treaty removes Gibraltar fence, creating passport-free movement with Spain
A long-negotiated EU-UK treaty entered into force at midnight on 15 July, tearing down Gibraltar’s border fence and making the territory part of the Schengen travel area. Commuters and businesses gain passport-free movement, streamlined customs procedures, and restored market access across the EU, ending six years of post-Brexit limbo. Multinational employers foresee easier staff rotation and new investment opportunities in Spain’s Campo de Gibraltar region.
Spain and UK Scrap Gibraltar Border Fence, Schengen Rules Take Over
Spain, the UK and the EU have signed a treaty that eliminates Gibraltar’s land fence and places the territory inside the Schengen area. From 15 July 2026, passport controls move to Gibraltar’s air and sea ports, border queues disappear for 15,000+ daily commuters and EES biometric checks replace passport stamps. The change simplifies business travel and hiring for companies on both sides but requires new compliance steps on social security and EES rules.
Renfe Strike on 15 July Disrupts High-Speed and Commuter Services Across Spain
A 24-hour strike by the Sindicato Ferroviario on 15 July forced the cancellation of some AVE and regional trains despite 73 % minimum-service rules. The protest over Renfe Mercancías privatisation caused travel-plan changes and higher same-day airfares on key business routes. Employers should anticipate further rail unrest in the autumn.