Gibraltar identity card

Gibraltar identity card
The front side of the previous laminated version of the Gibraltar identity card before the introduction of the electronic version in 2015
The reverse of the previous laminated version of the Gibraltar identity card before the introduction of the electronic version in 2015
TypeOptional identity card
Issued by Gibraltar
PurposeProof of identity
Valid in United Kingdom
 Ireland
 Montserrat
 European Union/Schengen Area (subject to conditions)
EligibilityBritish Citizens or British Overseas Territories Citizens
Expiration10 years/5 years for children under 16
CostNew applications £25
Renewals £10

The Gibraltar identity card is an official identity document issued by Civil Status and Registration Office of the Government of Gibraltar to all British citizens living in Gibraltar. Validity of the document is 10 years (5 years for children under 16).

The identity card serve as a valid travel document in to the United Kingdom, Ireland and Montserrat[1] for holders who are British Citizens or British Overseas Territories Citizens connected to Gibraltar.[2][3]

It also served as a valid travel document within the Schengen Area until the transition period ended after the United Kingdom withdrew from the EU. With the end of the transition period after Brexit 31 December 2020, the card is only accepted for entry to Schengen states if the holder resided, by 31 December 2020, in the particular state they seek to enter. In addition, Austria, Estonia, Hungary, Ireland, Lithuania, Norway, Portugal, Sweden and Switzerland accept the card if the holder resided in any Schengen country by 31 December 2020.[4] The UK and Spain have reached an agreement in principle over Gibraltar's future relationship with the EU intending for Gibraltar to be included become part of the Schengen Area.[5] Spain has asked the EU to accept Gibraltar ID card during the period ahead of a treaty.[4]

In June 2015, the Government of Gibraltar started issuing electronic identity cards.[6] These are produced by Mühlbauer Holding AG in Germany.[7]

Besides the normal Gibraltar identity card which is red and issued to established citizens of Gibraltar, there are Gibraltar civilian registration cards of different colours. The blue card is issued to resident EU citizens, and UK citizens who were resident in Gibraltar as of December 31, 2020 (before Brexit). The magenta card is issued to UK citizens who became resident in Gibraltar after 2020. The green card is for non-EU citizens.[8][9]

  1. ^ "Immigration Act of Montserrat Chapter 13.01, section 17, point 2(1)(d) at page 69" (PDF). Gov.ms.
  2. ^ International Air Transport Association (IATA), Travel Information Manual
  3. ^ "Gibraltarian ID card for flights to UK - FAQ". easyJet. 23 March 2014. Archived from the original on 23 March 2014.
  4. ^ a b "Chief Minister reacts as passports are required to cross in and out of Spain". www.gbc.gi. Retrieved 2 January 2021.
  5. ^ Govt outlines ‘no deal’ changes to passport and travel documents
  6. ^ "New ID Cards ready by late June". Gibraltar Broadcasting Corporation. 12 May 2015.
  7. ^ New Gibraltar eID cards to be supplied by Mühlbauer this summer, Silicon Trust, May 15, 2015
  8. ^ "UK move on EU ID cards triggered passport stamps for Gib 'blue card' holders, Govt says". Gibraltar chronicle. 7 October 2021. Retrieved 14 April 2024.
  9. ^ "Civil Status and Registration Office". Independent Monitoring Authority for Citizens’ Rights Agreements. Retrieved 14 April 2024.