MADRID, SPAIN / RankWire.AI / – Spain has initiated short-term border checks on individuals arriving from Italy by air and sea. These measures came into effect at midnight on Aug. 8 and are set to continue until Sept. 7. The move was taken by Spain in response to Italy’s own temporary controls on arrivals from Spain. The new procedures involve additional document verification along routes that typically function under the European Union’s Schengen area of free internal movement.
On the first day of these controls, Spain’s Interior Ministry conducted passport and visa checks on 199 travelers from Italy across 12 flights. Inspections took place at airports in Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, Bilbao, Alicante, and Valencia. These procedures include verification of passports, nationality, and visa status for Italian passengers and other travelers arriving from Italy. Air and sea travel between Spain and Italy continues normally while the temporary checks are active.
Italy introduced its border controls on Aug. 1 following a significant migration influx into Ceuta, Spain’s North African enclave. Italian officials stated that these measures would remain in effect until at least Aug. 15. According to Rome, the checks target non-EU nationals arriving from Spain by air or sea. Italian and other EU citizens are excluded from these restrictions, as specified by the Italian government’s announcement.
Migration surge in Ceuta prompts Italy’s new border measures
Approximately 72,000 migrants entered Ceuta during the mass movement from Morocco that began in late July. By Aug. 4, Spanish Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska reported that about 70,000 of these individuals had already left the enclave. Ceuta, situated on the North African coast, is outside the Schengen Area. This migration incident preceded Italy’s decision to reintroduce checks on certain travelers arriving from Spain, leading to Spain’s reciprocal border controls.
Spain called on Italy to withdraw its restrictions before announcing its own border checks on Friday. Madrid described Italy’s measures as unjustified and discriminatory against Spain. Italy, however, confirmed it would uphold its controls. On Sunday, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani expressed hope that Rome could lift the restrictions once the perceived risk diminished. Spain has scheduled Sept. 7 as the conclusion date for its temporary border checks on arrivals from Italy.
Temporary border controls are permitted under Schengen rules
Typically, the Schengen Area allows travelers to cross internal borders within 29 European countries without routine passport checks. However, EU regulations still authorize member states to reintroduce internal border controls if a serious threat to public order or internal security arises. The European Commission considers such measures as last resort, requiring them to be limited to what authorities deem necessary. Spain and Italy continue to be members of the Schengen Area while these temporary controls are enforced.
For travelers, Spain’s decision means that individuals arriving from Italy may now undergo identity and immigration document checks at Spanish airports and seaports. The Interior Ministry conducted initial checks at six major airports, inspecting nearly 200 passengers on the first day. Italy maintains its separate controls on specific arrivals from Spain until at least Aug. 15, according to its schedule. Spain’s border measures are planned to run until Sept. 7, with no overall suspension of air or sea travel between the two countries.