Gibraltar to remove border controls with Spain on 15 July

Gibraltar will remove its border controls with Spain on 15 July, ending checks that have operated since 1908. Shilpi Chotrani, who commutes daily by bicycle from the Spanish town of La Línea de la Concepción to a job in Gibraltar, said the fence separating the two places is unnecessary. She said residents on the Spanish side view the removal as a positive step that should have happened earlier.

Economic effects Gibraltar has one of the world's highest per-capita incomes, while unemployment in La Línea de la Concepción is near 30 percent. Juan Franco, mayor of La Línea de la Concepción, said one-third of average local company revenue comes from Gibraltar clients.

He said the removal of the border should produce positive economic effects for the area. John Isola, managing director of Anglo Hispano Company, which operates restaurants and bars in Gibraltar, said the business community feels relief that the Brexit issue is resolved without a hard border.

He said the arrangement is a good compromise that should increase visitors, though he noted new paperwork and EU standards requirements for importers. Goods sold in Gibraltar must now meet EU regulations. A new transaction tax will replace import duty, starting at 15 percent this year and rising to 17 percent.

Higher excise taxes will also apply to certain goods.