Generic and local information for the UK Military Community, including Serving Personnel, their Families, Veterans, and MOD Civilians, when considering an overseas post or already based overseas
Wednesday, July 29, 2026
DIO: Families First Issue 40 Published
To read this issue online, and any back issues, please go to: Families First newsletter – Defence Homes
Don’t forget that you can also sign up to receive Families First and other email updates from DIO Defence Homes, direct to your own inbox – please go to this link to subscribe: https://defencehomes.mod.gov.uk/newsletter-landing-page/
Gibraltar Government Statement on Entry Requirements & Travel
His Majesty’s Government of Gibraltar is aware of commentary circulating on social media suggesting that persons who have been refused a UK visa, or who do not otherwise have the necessary documentation to enter the Schengen Area, can fly into Gibraltar and then enter Spain without immigration controls or the necessary documentation.
This is incorrect.
The arrangements governing movement across Sir Joshua Hassan Gibraltar Airport do not provide a means of circumventing visa or immigration requirements applicable to travel to the United Kingdom, Gibraltar or the Schengen Area.
The arrangements agreed in connection with the UK-EU Treaty concerning Gibraltar are designed to facilitate the movement of people across Gibraltar-Spain while maintaining the necessary immigration and security controls. They do not create a general right for individuals who do not otherwise meet the relevant entry requirements to enter Spain or the Schengen Area.
In particular, any person who is a visa-required national must obtain the necessary visa to enter Gibraltar before travelling. A person who requires a visa but does not hold the required visa upon arrival will not be permitted to enter Gibraltar.
Additionally, the refusal of a UK visa does not create a right to enter Gibraltar or the Schengen Area via Gibraltar, nor does travelling by air to Gibraltar provide a means of circumventing the applicable visa or immigration requirements. Any person seeking to travel in this way will remain subject to the relevant entry requirements and immigration checks and where they do not meet those requirements, will again not be permitted to enter.
The Government therefore strongly advises members of the public to rely on official information concerning visa and immigration requirements and not on unverified information circulating on social media.
Anyone who is unsure about the documentation or visa requirements applicable to their particular circumstances should seek advice from the relevant immigration authorities before travelling.
Gibraltar: International Art Competition 26
National Art Competition
Gibraltar Cultural Services (GCS), on behalf of the Ministry of Culture, is inviting entries for the 53rd Gibraltar International Art Competition. Entries will be exhibited at the Gustavo Bacarisas Gallery from 21st October to 31st October 2026.
The competition is open to anyone aged 16 and over as on 20th October 2026. A maximum of two paintings and two sculptures may be submitted by each artist with a £10 entry fee applicable per work. Works must be original and not previously entered in any GCS competition.
Prizes are:
- 1st Prize The Gustavo Bacarisas Prize £5,000
- 2nd Prize The Jacobo Azagury Prize £2,000
- 3rd Prize The Leni Mifsud Prize £1,500
- Best Gibraltar The Rudesindo Mannia Prize £1,000
Theme
Best Young The Mario Finlayson Prize £1,000
Artist (16-24 yrs)
All the above listed winning artworks will become the property of the Ministry of Culture.
Entry forms and rules are available from:
culture.gi/forms
The John Mackintosh Hall, 308 Main Street
The Fine Arts Gallery, Casemates Square
GEMA Gallery, Montagu Bastion, Line Wall Road
Entries must be handed in at the Gustavo Bacarisas Galleries from Wednesday 7th to Friday 9th October 2026 between 3pm and 7pm.
For any queries, please contact GCS’ Events Department via email info@culture.gi or on Tel. 20067236.
BRUNEI: AWS CS - *CANCELLED* Movie Session Friday, 30th July 2026, 1230 hrs @ Chit Chat Community Centre
The Movie Day on 30 July 2026 at Chit Chat Community Centre has been cancelled.
We apologise for any inconvenience caused.
New date will be announced soon. Thank you for your understanding.
Tuesday, July 28, 2026
Support resources, including during Block Leave: Stay Connected
Make time for people – Stay connected with family, friends and colleagues. Checking in on a friend, spending quality time with loved ones or reaching out to someone you have not spoken to for a while can make a real difference.Look out for yourself and others – Resilience is strengthened through connection, belonging and support. Encourage people to reach out when they need help and take the time to check in on those who may be spending leave alone.Alongside the resources on the poster, for additional sources of support please also see the HIVE Health & Wellbeing information sheet, which can be downloaded HERE from a personal device.
Please contact HIVE if further information may assist.
Brunei: Dental Centre Update for Routine Clinics
Information provided by Brunei HIVE.
Monday, July 27, 2026
BELGIUM: Free Museums Sunday this Sunday
This Sunday is the first Sunday of the Month which can only mean one thing....
Some popular museums still require you to book online to guarantee entry but entry will be free on the first Sunday of every month.
Check out the participating museums HERE. And do check their website for any reservation requirements.
Happy Exploring!
Brunei: Unannounced Entry to SFA Premises
Unannounced Entry to SFA premises
It has been reported that a civilian wearing overalls had entered SFA premises without prior notification or permission to collect fruits from trees. Unannounced entry to back garden or SFA premises is prohibited as it creates both privacy and security concerns for the occupants and their families.
DIO Brunei has directed all DIO contractors and personnel to arrange an appointment with occupants prior to attending for any official business. No contractor or representative should enter an SFA property without prior notification and agreement. Should occupants observe or experience any unauthorised or unannounced entry onto their property, they are advised to:
- Remain vigilant and challenge the purpose of the visit where appropriate.
- Contact the Duty Officer, Duty SNCO or DIO immediately.
- Report any concerns regarding suspicious activity or breaches of privacy and security.
Information provided by Brunei HIVE.
BRUNEI: DIO Helpdesk - Operating Hours and Information
- Occupants and building custodians are encouraged to email to bruneigar-dio-helpdesk@mod.gov.uk for all non-urgent faults. Please continue to report all emergency faults to your respective Duty Officers during out of hours and closure of Helpdesk.
- All fault reports are to be directed to either Ext. 3375 or 3224130.
- All fault report emails are to be directed to BRUNEIGAR-DIO-HelpDesk@mod.gov.uk or DIORDOSTrg-BruHelpdesk@mod.uk.
- All out of hours emergencies are to be directed to the Duty Officers as shown below.
b. Garrison Duty Officer +673 833 0230
c. Duty Military Engineer +673 820 0853
For any urgent matter regarding Planned Preventative Maintenance or compliance, please contact
DIO Garrison Engineer
DIO Compliance Manager
For routine fault, please contact
DIO Helpdesk contact:
Phone number - 3224130/ or Ext.3375
Email - BRUNEIGAR-DIO-HelpDesk@mod.gov.uk
DIORDOSTrg-BruHelpdesk@mod.uk
Or Duty Engineer (Out of hours only) can be contacted via the Duty Officer.
RGR Duty Officer - 833 0220
Garrison Duty Officer - 833 0230
Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE.




