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Introduction To Gibraltar
 Welcome
to Gibraltar British Gibraltar occupies all of 2.7 inhabited square
miles on "The Rock," one of the last bastions of Britain's colonial
empire. And a crowded one it is!
The 1,400-foot Rock of Gibraltar sits at the southernmost
tip of Europe with a land frontier to Spain on its northern front.
It rests at the crossroads of the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean
Sea. Down through history the Strait of Gibraltar has played a key
role in battles fought and won to control the western Mediterranean
seaways. Intrinsically linked with the sea, Gibraltar is one of
the busiest ports of call in the Mediterranean, and it's not uncommon
to see dozens of ships anchored in the bay taking on duty free fuel
from small coastal tankers.
In the ancient times, right through the age of empires
and in the global conflicts of our own century, Gibraltar has stood
guard over the entrance to the Mediterranean, its unique position
making it the focus of a continuous struggle for power.
The area is steeped in history dating back to the
glacial period, and a rock tour makes a terrific introduction to
Gibraltar’s past. Highlights include: St Michael’s Cave, the Barbary
apes' den, the Moorish Castle and the City Under Siege exhibition.
Fronting on the Bay of Gibraltar and facing the Spanish
city of Algeceras, Gibraltar is almost totally surrounded by sea
and has five beaches. Water sports play a large part in Gibraltarian
life and center around its three marinas, Marina Bay, Sheppard’s
Marina, and Queensway Quay Marina. Diving, sailing and dolphin watching
are widely enjoyed, and Gibraltar is a must-do stop for virtually
every yacht entering and leaving the Mediterranean.
Gibraltar is a British Dependent Territory, self-governing
in all matters except foreign policy, and in 2004 it celebrates
its 300th year under British rule. The English seized the rock from
Spain in 1704, and it was ceded to Britain in 1713, and Gibraltar
remains a source of gritty friction between Spain and Britain. In
1967 and 2002 referendums, Gibraltarians ignored Spanish pressure
and voted overwhelmingly to remain a British dependency. Abutting
Spain, Gibraltar retains an uneasy peace with Spain--the Spanish
can freely visit Gibraltar and Gibraltar residents are free to come
and go across the "frontier." Spain controls the air space tightly,
meaning the only flights allowed into Gibraltar are the daily flights
to and from London.
Tourism is king in Gibraltar, and more than 7.8 million
people, mostly day-tripping tourists, visited Gibraltar last year.
Tourists arrive mostly by bus around 10 in each morning and remain
until about 6 pm, when the are reclaimed by Gibraltarians and everyone
can breathe easier. Evening in Gibrltar is a relaxed affair, with
residents and and the relatively few overnight visitors alike strolling
the reclaimed land along the waterfront, sampling some of the many
restaurants, and enjoying the evening air.
Christians, Jews, Muslims and others co-exist peacefully
and in mutual tolerance in Gibraltar. There's a feeling of safety
and security in the territory, and there's no question that it's
the Brits who are in charge. Gibraltar is VERY crowded, but one
can walk most anywhere in town in 15-20 minutes; plenty of taxis
and far too many cars and two-wheeled vehicles to make driving comfortable
and easy. No rental cars are permitted.
Gibraltar is a VAT-exempt jurisdiction, which means
some of Europe's lowest prices on tobacco, cosmetics, perfumes,
spirits, jewelry and electric appliances.
The subtropical climate is warm and welcoming throughout
the year. The local people smile their welcome with friendly charm
borne from a blend of many cultures united in a unique community.
Marina Bay
 Marina
Bay is considered the premier marina in Gibraltar and affords excellent
protection except in west winds, which are very rare in summer.
Offering a draft of 15 feet, the marina can accommodate almost any
size vessel at one of the 209 berths, all equipped with electricity,
water, and soon--we are promised--dockside Internet service at every
slip. Gibraltar has a tidal range of about one meter.
Marina Bay stands by on VHF channel 16 and uses channel 71 as a
working frequency.
As arranged with customs, rally yachts will go directly to their
slips at Marina Bay for clearance into Gibraltar.
Marina Bay will accommodate most rally yachts with Mediterranean
mooring. Before approaching the dock, fenders should be rigged port
and starboard as other vessels will probably be in adjacent slips.
Rigging fenders on the transom is also a good idea. The only lines
necessary are sternlines.
The marina has one-inch diameter lines running from heavy moorings
(off the bow) back to the pier. As the vessel approaches the slip,
a dock attendant on the pier assists by passing over the line running
to the mooring, then a deckhand on the yacht takes that line to
a cleat on the bow to hold the bow in place, while the helmsman
backs in to the pier. Tide is about one meter. Crossed stern lines
work best, and these are passed to someone on the pier to secure
either on cleats or on rings on the dock facing the yacht. When
the yacht is within passarelle range of the dock, the forward deckhand
is told to secure the mooring line. Final adjustments are then made,
and the passerelle is put over.
Metered electricity (220 volt, 50 hz.) and metered water are at
every slip, and all electric and water charges are included in your
rally fee. Water is scarce in Gibraltar, with virtually all water
being made from reverse osmosis. It appears that U.S. standard hose
fittings will fit the water outlets. As a footnote, let us add that
like many yachts Gibraltar has two water systems--one for fresh
water and a separate salt water system for flushing water. We ask
that captains be considerate in their use of fresh water, since
water is billed by the gallon used and water is a scarce commodity
in Gibraltar.
Marina Bay is adjacent to Gibraltar's international airport, but
in a typical day there are only three or four flights in or out,
so noise from the airport is not a major concern. Within easy walking
distance from the town center, the marina has bars, restaurants,
a chandlery, a shop selling nautical books and charts, a supermarket
(though there is a larger one in town), health and dental clinics,
and a laundry.
Piermaster at Marina Bay is Adrian Gilson, a Gibraltar native who
is a wonderful source of information on all things nautical in Gibraltar
and the Mediterranean.
Although Marina Bay has many liveaboards, Gibraltar has no pumpout
facilities. There is good water flow in the marina and the water
is mostly clear. The piermaster recommends that Rally yachts use
holding tanks, but there is no requirement that they do so and few
yachts at the marina use holding tanks.
Fuel drums are located on the pier behind the marina office for
disposal of used oil. Trash may be disposed of in bins on the pier.
Marina Bay accepts Master Card and Visa, and all bills are to be
paid prior to departure.
Hotels
Gibraltar has only nine hotels, and most of them tend to be expensive.
Eliott Hotel, Governors Parade, Tel. 70500, eliott@gibnet.gi, www.gibraltar.gi/eliotthotel
114 newly renovated air conditioned rooms each with in-house safe,
coffee and tea making facilities in each room, satellite channels,
gym, sauna and pool. A genteel hotel in the British tradition, with
breakfast included in the price. Nice views of the harbor or "the
Rock". Right in the middle of town--a 15-minute walk from Marina
Bay. Rating: four stars.
The Rock Hotel, 3 Europa Road, Tel. 73000, rockhotel@gibnynex.gi,
www.rockhotelgibraltar.com 104 rooms and suites in a British colonial
style, all with a sea view. Well up on the rock which makes it a
tough hike from the marina, but you can catch a cab or the cable
car up. Rating: four stars.
Bristol Hotel, 10 Cathedral Square, Tel. 96800, bristhtl@gibnet.gi,
www.gibraltar.gi/bristolhotel 60 bargain-priced rooms right in the
heart of town. Air conditioned, mini-fridge, satellite TV, hair
dryer, telephone. Rating: three stars.
Continental Hotel, 1 Engineer Lane, Tel. 76900
Cannon Hotel, 9 Cannon Lane, Tel. 51711, www.gibraltar.gi/bristolhotel
Queen's Hotel, Tel. 350-40030, www.queenshotel.gi
Currency
The Gibraltar pound sterling is the local currency, but British
pound sterling can be used interchangably. Euros are also accepted
in most shops.
Visa and MasterCard widely accepted; American Express and other
credit cards less so.
ATMs are easily accessible. Barclay's Bank on Main Street has two.
Transportation
With only 2.7 square miles, thousands of tourists and locals, narrow
and congested roads, and driving on the left side of the road, Gibraltar
is not a place Americans want to drive. Good thing, too, because
no rental cars or motorbikes are available. One can walk most anywhere
in lower Gibraltar in 15 minutes or less; taxis, mini-vans, and
the cable car up the Rock work well for anything else.
Provisioning
Provisioning in Gibraltar is very good. Most supplies are imported
from Britain and prices are fair. Don't expect to look on the package
for nutritional data such as grams of fat, carbohydrates, or other
such information--it is not required in Gibraltar or, for that matter,
the rest of Europe either.
The local market (just outside Casemates Square on the Marina Bay
side) offers a good selection of fresh fruit, vegetables, meats,
poultry and seafood. This was the only place in Gibraltar where
we saw fresh fish for sale, and the single stall with seafood had
a good selection: bay scallops in the shell, mussels, shrimp (heads-on),
calamari, sea bass, sardines and several other varieties of fin
fish. The sea bass was delicious!
There are several supermarkets, including Safeway with a large
store in Westside. Judy's reconnaissance shows that Safeway is by
far the best alternative for good, smooth provisioning. Produce
is fresh, clean and looks good, and the meats look very good. Judy
did comparison shopping and concluded that prices are roughly 150%
what she normally pays in Fort Lauderdale. (The following prices
have been converted from pounds sterling to dollars at an exchange
rate of £1.60 to $1.00.) Some items like Irish butter are very inexpensive
(at $1.63/lb.) and some like small rolls of Bounty paper towels
are VERY expensive ($5.26 for 4 rolls).
A few representative prices (May 2003) converted to US$ are:
- tomato soup (standard U.S. can) $1.04
- Special K cereal (13.2 oz.) $3.76
- no name corn flakes (17.6 oz.) $2.06
- Hellmans Mayonaise (14.1 oz.) $2.38
- Quaker Oats (35.3 oz.) $2.70
- no-name teabags (80 bags) $2.06
- fresh milk whole or skim 2.3 qts. $1.75
- eggs 6 medium $.78
- eggs 15 medium $1.84
- bread (large fresh loaf, white or wheat) $2.00
- Coca Cola (50.7 oz.) $1.04
- pasta (2.2 lbs.) $1.49
- canned tomatos (14 oz.) $.62
- generic toilet paper (9 rolls) $5.44
- Charmin toilet paper (9 rolls) $6.54
- ribeye steak (1 lb.) $7.04
- pork tenderloin (1 lb.) $4.36
- hamburger ("chopped steak", 1 lb.) $4.79
Safeway also has much prepared food, a good selection of (duty-paid)
wine, beer and liquor, frozen foods (mostly British brands), and
cheeses and other dairy products. Fresh fish are hard to find in
Gibraltar--the only ones we saw were being hawked from the back
of a van on Governors Lane--and they looked terrific.
Safeway Supermarket, Westside Store, Westside Road, Tel :41114
Checkout Supermarket, Marina Bay, Tel: 48598, Fax: 44650, Opening
seven days a week Peralta Supermarket, Devil's Tower Road, Tel:
75547, Fax: 77281, Delivery to marinas. Saccone & Speed, 35 Devil's
Tower, Tel: 76400, An old established firm with a wide selection
of wines, beers, spirits, fruit juices, soft drinks and also canned
food.
Nice small shops along Governors Street north of the Elliott Hotel
include:
#46 Produce Shop with nice fresh produce
#74 Butcher Shop with a limited selection of fresh meats
#83 Patisserie, with a mouth-watering selection of fresh baked goods.
Duty-free stores are widely available and the price of spirits
purchased through duty free agents is reported to be the lowest
in the Mediterranean.
Restaurants
Restaurants and bars abound in Gibraltar. You can find restaurant
meals at every price level in Gibraltar, starting with "pub grub"
for less than £5.00 ($8.50)/person. The level of food is good and
the service about equal to Stateside standards.
Among the highly recommended restaurants are Klaus at Queensway
Quay for a special night out, Bianca's for pizzas at Marina Bay,
Charlie's Tavern for steaks at Marina Bay, and da Paolo at Marina
Bay. Casemates Square offers several enticing restaurants and taverns.
Hungry for fast food? You'll also find American franchises around:
Burger King, McDonald’s, and Pizza Hut.
Laundry
Laundromats, as we know them, do not exist in Gibraltar due to the
high cost of both water and electricity. Marina Bay has a "launderette,"
which provides wash, dry and fold service at £8.00 for 5 kilos or
roughly $1.00/pound with two-hour turn-around. Gibraltar Laundry
Service, tel. 705098, also provides laundry service with free pickup
and delivery at Marina Bay.
Internet and Telex
Marina Bay Marina expects to have ADSL lines installed in June 2003
for direct Internet connection right from the slip. Pricing has
not yet been determined, but the piermaster will advise and prices
will be posted here.
Marina Communications is located on the 2nd floor Neptune House,
Marina Bay. Both their telex and fax may be used by marina clients.
Internet service is available through the following providers:
Cafe Cyber world
Ocean Heights Gallery,
Queensway
Tel:+350-51416
www.gibnet.gi/~cybercaf, cybercaf@gibnet.gi
Opening Hours: open 1200-2400 daily
Internet Business Centre
36 Governors Street
Tel: +350-44227,
Fax:79992
www.gibc.gi, gibc@gibnet.gi
Opening Hours: 1000 - 2200 daily Internet access, email, fax & telephone,
photocopying.
Travel
If one does not want to fly through London or arrive by sea, Gibraltar
is a hard place to get to.
Because of the friction between Gibraltar and Spain, the only flights
allowed into Gibraltar are daily flights to and from London. There
are no exceptions.
The only alternatives are trains, busses and automobiles between
the Spanish city of Algeciras (a € 20.00 cabride from the border)
and other large Spanish cities such as Barcelona and Madrid where
air travel is easier. Milt and Judy took a pleasant six-hour train
ride from Madrid to Algeciras in May 2003, and the cost of $105
per person one way.
Travel agents are plentiful in Gibraltar.
Consular Information Sheet
U.S. Department of StateBureau of Consular AffairsWashington, DC
20520 United Kingdom and Gibraltar February 13, 2003
COUNTRY DESCRIPTION: The United
Kingdom is a highly developed constitutional monarchy comprising
England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland; Gibraltar is a British
Overseas Territory. Tourist facilities are widely available.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: A passport
is required. Tourists are not obliged to obtain a visa for stays
of up to six months in the United Kingdom or to enter Gibraltar.
Those wishing to remain longer than one month in Gibraltar should
regularize their stay with Gibraltar immigration authorities.
In an effort to prevent international child abduction, many governments
have initiated procedures at entry/exit points. These often include
requiring documentary evidence of relationship and permission for
the child’s travel from the parent(s) or legal guardian if
not present. Having such documentation on hand, even if not required,
may facilitate entry/departure.
Further information on entry requirements may be obtained from
the British Embassy at 3100 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington,
DC 20008; tel: (202) 588-7800. Inquiries may also be directed to
British consulates in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles,
New York, and San Francisco. The website of the British Embassy
in the United States is http://www.britainusa.com/embassy.
DUAL NATIONALITY: U.S. citizens
who are also citizens of the United Kingdom or any other nation
are reminded that U.S. law requires they enter and depart the United
States documented as U.S. citizens. They are not entitled to U.S.
visas or to travel to the U.S. on the visa waiver program. U.S.
citizens who attempt to travel to the U.S. from the United Kingdom
on foreign passports risk being denied boarding pending acquisition
of a valid U.S. passport. For additional information, see the Consular
Affairs home page on the Internet at http://travel.state.gov for
our dual nationality flyer.
SAFETY AND SECURITY: The United
Kingdom is stable and modern but shares with the rest of the world
an increased threat of terrorist incidents of international origin,
as well as violence related to the political situation in Northern
Ireland (a part of the United Kingdom.) Americans are reminded to
remain vigilant with regard to their personal security and to exercise
caution. In recent months, several arrests have been made in Great
Britain in connection with various possible terrorist plots. The
British Home Secretary has urged its citizens to be alert and vigilant
by, for example, keeping an eye out for suspect packages or people
acting suspiciously at subway and train stations and airports and
reporting anything suspicious to the appropriate authorities by
contacting the free confidential anti-terrorist telephone hotline
on 0800 789 321. Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor
the Department’s Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov
where any current Worldwide Cautions or Public Announcements can
be found.
From time to time during periods of heightened threat of terrorism,
the U.K. government deems it necessary to raise levels of security
activity. Heightened activity may include the use of military personnel
in support of the police and law enforcement officers. The use of
troops, who remain at all times under the control of the police,
is part of long-standing contingency plans. Military personnel and
equipment may be deployed at airports and other transportation links,
or other public locations. For more information about U.K. public
safety initiatives, consult the U.K. Civil Contingencies Secretariat
website at http://www.ukresilience.gov.uk
Political demonstrations are well policed and, except at times
in Northern Ireland, generally orderly. Although the political situation
in Northern Ireland has dramatically improved since the signing
of the Good Friday Agreement in 1998, incidents of terrorist violence
have, nevertheless, occurred in the past few years. Early in 2001,
two explosive devices were detonated in London suburbs, injuring
eight people and damaging buildings. Within Northern Ireland, flash-points
for sectarian confrontations still exist, but they are generally
removed from areas where tourists congregate. Sporadic incidents
of street violence often erupt during the summer marching season
(April to August), with tensions heightened during the month of
July, especially around the July 12th public holiday. As a result,
American citizens traveling in Northern Ireland have experienced
delays and disruption.
CRIME: The United Kingdom and
Gibraltar benefit from generally low crime rates; however crime,
including violent crime, has increased over the last few years.
Incidents of pickpocketing, mugging, “snatch and grab”
theft of mobile phones, watches and jewelry and theft of unattended
bags, especially at airports and from cars parked at restaurants,
hotels and resorts.
Pickpockets target tourists, especially at historic sites, restaurants,
on buses, trains and the London Underground (subway). Thieves often
target unattended cars parked at tourist sites and roadside restaurants,
looking for laptop computers and hand-held electronic equipment.
In London, travelers should use only licensed “black taxi
cabs” or car services recommended by their hotel or tour operator.
Unlicensed taxis or private cars posing as taxis that may offer
low fares, but are often uninsured and may have unlicensed drivers.
In some instances, travelers have been robbed while using these
cars.
Due to the circumstances described above, visitors should take
steps to ensure the safety of their U.S. passports. Visitors in
the England, Scotland, Wales and Gibraltar are not expected to produce
identity documents for police authorities and thus may secure their
passports in hotel safes or residences. In Northern Ireland, however,
passports or other photographic I.D. should be carried at all times.
The need to carry a passport to cash travelers’ checks is
also minimized by an abundance of ATM’s able to access systems
widely used in the U.S. and offering more favorable rates of exchange.
Note: Common sense personal security measures utilized in the U.S
when using ATMs should also be followed in the U.K.
The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported
immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. Embassy or
Consulate. If you are the victim of a crime while overseas, in addition
to reporting to local police, contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or
Consulate for assistance. The Embassy/Consulate staff can, for example,
assist you to find appropriate medical care, to contact family members
or friends and explain how funds could be transferred. Although
the investigation and prosecution of the crime is solely the responsibility
of local authorities, consular officers can help you to understand
the local criminal justice process and to find an attorney if needed.
U.S. citizens can refer to the Department of State’s pamphlet,
A Safe Trip Abroad, for ways to promote a more trouble-free journey.
The pamphlet is available by mail from the Superintendent of Documents,
U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402, via the
Internet at http://www.access.gpo.gov/su_docs, or via the Bureau
of Consular Affairs home page at http://travel.state.gov.
MEDICAL FACILITIES: While medical
services are widely available, free care under the National Health
System is allowed only to U.K. residents and certain EU nationals.
Tourists and short-term visitors can expect charges roughly comparable
to those assessed in the United States.
MEDICAL INSURANCE: The Department
of State strongly urges Americans to consult with their medical
insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their
policy applies overseas and if it will cover emergency expenses
such as a medical evacuation. U.S. medical insurance plans seldom
cover health costs incurred outside the United States unless supplemental
coverage is purchased. Further, U.S. Medicare and Medicaid programs
do not provide payment for medical services outside the United States.
However, many travel agents and private companies offer insurance
plans that will cover health care expenses incurred overseas including
emergency services such as medical evacuations.
When making a decision regarding health insurance, Americans should
consider that many foreign doctors and hospitals require payment
in cash prior to providing service and that a medical evacuation
to the U.S. may cost well in excess of $50,000. Uninsured travelers
who require medical care overseas often face extreme difficulties.
When consulting with your insurer prior to your trip, ascertain
whether payment will be made to the overseas healthcare provider
or if you will be reimbursed later for expenses you incur. Some
insurance policies also include coverage for psychiatric treatment
and for disposition of remains in the event of death.
Useful information on medical emergencies abroad, including overseas
insurance programs, is provided in the Department of State’s
Bureau of Consular Affairs brochure, Medical Information for Americans
Traveling Abroad, available via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home
page or autofax: (202) 647-3000.
OTHER HEALTH INFORMATION: Information
on vaccinations and other health precautions, such as safe food
and water precautions and insect bite protection, may be obtained
from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s hotline
for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747);
fax 1-888-CDC-FAXX (1-888-232-3299), or via the CDC’s Internet
site at http://www.cdc.gov/travel. For information about outbreaks
of infectious diseases abroad consult the World Health Organization’s
website at http://www.who.int/en. Further health information for
travelers is available at http://www.who.int/ith.
TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS:
While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions
that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information
below concerning the United Kingdom is provided for general reference
only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or
circumstance.
Safety of Public Transportation: Excellent
Urban Road Condition/Maintenance: Excellent
Rural Road Condition/Maintenance: Excellent
Availability of Roadside Assistance: Excellent
U.K. penalties for drunk driving are stiff and often result in
prison sentences. In contrast to the United States and continental
Europe where traffic moves on the right hand side of the road, traffic
moves on the left in the U.K. Visitors uncomfortable with or intimidated
by the prospect of driving on the left-hand side of the road may
wish to avail themselves of extensive bus, rail and air transport
networks that are comparatively inexpensive and very extensive.
Roads in the United Kingdom are generally good, but are narrow and
often congested in urban areas. If you plan to drive while in the
U.K., you may wish to obtain a copy of the Highway Code, available
in the United Kingdom. The Automobile Association (AA) of the U.K.
provides information and updates on travel and traffic-related issues
on its website at http://www.the-stationary-office.co.uk. If you
intend to rent a car in the U.K., check that you are adequately
insured. U.S. auto insurance is not always valid outside the U.S.
and you may wish to purchase supplemental insurance, which is generally
available from most major rental agents.
Public transport in the United Kingdom is excellent and extensive.
However, poor track conditions may have contributed to train derailments
resulting in some fatalities. Repairs are underway and the overall
safety record is excellent.
Many U.S. citizens are injured every year in pedestrian accidents
in the United Kingdom, forgetting that traffic moves in the opposite
direction than in the United States. Care should be taken when crossing
streets.
Driving in Gibraltar is on the right-hand side of the road, as
in the U.S. and Continental Europe. Persons traveling overland between
Gibraltar and Spain may experience long delays in clearing Spanish
border controls.
For additional general information about road safety, including
links to foreign government sites, see the Department of State,
Bureau of Consular Affairs home page at http://travel.state.gov/road_safety.html.
For specific information concerning United Kingdom driving permits,
vehicle inspection, road tax and mandatory insurance, refer to the
United Kingdom’s Department of Environment and Transport web
site at http://www.detr.gov.uk; the Driving Standards Agency web
site at http://www.dsa.gov.uk, or consult the U.S. Embassy in London’s
web site at http://www.usembassy.org.uk.
The phone number for police/fire/ambulance emergency services -
the equivalent of "911" in the U.S. - is 999 in the United
Kingdom and 12 in Gibraltar.
AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: The
U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the Government
of the United Kingdom’s Civil Aviation Authority as Category
1 –- in compliance with international aviation safety standards
for oversight of the United Kingdom’s air carrier operations.
For further information, travelers may contact the Department of
Transportation within the U.S. at 1-800-322-7873, or visit the FAA’s
Internet website at http://www.faa.gov/avr/iasa/.
The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) separately assesses some foreign
air carriers for suitability as official providers of air services.
For information regarding the DOD policy on specific carriers, travelers
may contact DOD at (618) 229-4801.
CUSTOMS REGULATIONS: British customs
authorities may strictly enforce regulations regarding the import
or export of certain items, including material deemed likely to
incite racial hatred, firearms and personal defense items such as
mace or knives. It is advisable to contact the British Embassy in
Washington or one of the United Kingdom's consulates in the U.S.
for specific information regarding customs requirements. Customs
authorities encourage the use of an ATA (Admission Temporaire/Temporary
Admission) Carnet for the temporary admission of professional equipment,
commercial samples, and/or goods for exhibitions and fair purposes.
ATA Carnet Headquarters, located at the U.S. Council for International
Business, 1212 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10036, issues
and guarantees the ATA Carnet in the United States. For additional
information call 212-354-4480, send an e-mail to atacarnet@uscib.org,
or visit http://www.uscib.org for details.
CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While in a
foreign country, a U.S. citizen is subject to that country's laws
and regulations, which sometimes differ significantly from those
in the United States and may not afford the protections available
to the individual under U.S. law. Penalties for breaking the law
can be more severe than in the United States for similar offenses.
Persons violating British law, even unknowingly, may be expelled,
arrested or imprisoned. Penalties for possession, use or trafficking
in illegal drugs in the United Kingdom are strict, and convicted
offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines. Many pocketknives
and other blades, and mace or pepper spray canisters, although legal
in the U.S., are illegal in the U.K. and may be confiscated.
Air travelers to and from the United Kingdom should be aware that
penalties against alcohol-related and other in-flight crimes (“air
rage”) are stiff and are being enforced with prison sentences.
REGISTRATION/EMBASSY AND CONSULATE LOCATIONS:
Americans living in or visiting the United Kingdom are encouraged
to register at the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in London
or at the U.S. Consulates General in Edinburgh or Belfast and obtain
updated information on travel and security within the U.K.
The U.S. Embassy is located at 24 Grosvenor Square, London W1A
1AE; Telephone: in country
020-7499-9000, from the U.S. 011-44-20-7499-9000 (24 hours); Consular
Section fax: in country 020-7495-5012; from the U.S. 011-44-20-7495-5012.
The embassy web site is http://www.usembassy.org.uk.
There is no U.S. consular representation in Gibraltar. Citizen
services questions should be directed to the U.S. Embassy in London.
Passport questions can be directed to the U.S. Embassy in Madrid,
located at Serrano 75/Madrid, Spain; telephone (34)(91) 587-2200,
and fax (34)(91) 587-2303. The web site address is http://www.embusa.es.
Links
www,gibraltar.gi
www.noonsite.com/Countries/Gibraltar/Gibraltar
www.marinabay.gi/
www.gibraltar.gov.uk/maritime1.asp
www.yachtscene.gi
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