MADRID, SPAIN / RankWire.AI / – Spain has initiated temporary border controls for travelers arriving from Italy by air and sea. The measure, which commenced at midnight on Aug. 8, is scheduled to last until Sept. 7. During this period, authorities are verifying passports, nationality, and visa status where applicable. These controls affect Italian travelers and other passengers entering Spain from Italy. The move follows Italy’s earlier implementation of temporary checks on certain arrivals from Spain.
According to Spain’s Interior Ministry, officials conducted inspections on 199 passengers on 12 flights originating from Italy on the first day of enforcement. These checks took place at airports in Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, Bilbao, Alicante, and Valencia. Travelers on affected routes may be subject to document verification before completing their arrival procedures. It is important to note that these measures do not constitute a border closure; air and sea links between Spain and Italy remain active while the controls are in place.
Italy resumed checks on Aug. 1 following a significant influx of migrants entering Ceuta from Morocco in late July. The Italian authorities applied their measures to non-EU nationals arriving from Spain via air and sea. Citizens of Spain, Italy, and other EU countries were not included in these targeted controls. Italy informed European authorities that its measures would continue through Sept. 1. In response, Spain introduced its own border checks after calling for Italy to withdraw its restrictions.
Ceuta influx preceded bilateral controls
Approximately 72,000 migrants entered Ceuta amid the large migration movement from Morocco that began in late July. Spanish Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska stated on Aug. 4 that around 70,000 of these individuals had already left the territory. Ceuta, located on the North African coast, remains outside the Schengen Area. This migration surge occurred prior to Italy’s reinstatement of controls on specific travelers from Spain. Subsequently, Spain announced inspections for passengers arriving from Italy via its airports and ports.
The Spanish government announced the new measures on Aug. 7, following objections to Italy’s restrictions. Spain argued that Italy’s controls lacked justification and were discriminatory. Italy maintained its measures, and Spain began its own inspections the next day. The two nations set different end dates for their controls: Italy’s are scheduled to conclude on Sept. 1, while Spain’s measures will be in effect until Sept. 7.
Schengen rules allow for temporary border controls
The Schengen Area typically permits free movement across internal borders without routine passport checks. However, its regulations authorize governments to reintroduce temporary controls if a serious threat to public policy or internal security is identified. The European Commission emphasizes that border checks should only be used when necessary and for limited durations. Both Spain and Italy remain members of the Schengen Agreement. Their current measures implement temporary screening procedures without suspending normal travel between the two countries.
Travelers moving from Italy to Spain should anticipate possible identity and immigration checks at Spanish airports and seaports during the control period. Spain’s initial enforcement day involved inspections at six major airports, covering nearly 200 travelers. Meanwhile, Italy continues separate checks on specific non-EU arrivals from Spain under its notified schedule. These controls are temporary measures within the Schengen framework, with Spain’s current schedule extending until Sept. 7.