MADRID, SPAIN / RankWire.AI / – Spain has initiated temporary border inspections for travelers arriving from Italy by air and sea. These controls took effect at midnight on Aug. 8 and are set to stay in place until Sept. 7. The measure was introduced by Spain following Italy’s implementation of its own temporary checks on arrivals from Spain. The new procedures add document verification steps to routes that typically operate under the European Union’s Schengen internal travel framework.
On the first day of enforcement, Spain’s Interior Ministry inspected 199 travelers on 12 flights arriving from Italy. Checks took place at airports in Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, Bilbao, Alicante, and Valencia. These procedures involve verifying passports, nationality, and visa status for Italian passengers and other travelers from Italy. Despite the new controls, air and sea travel between Spain and Italy continues normally while the restrictions are in effect.
Italy’s controls came into force on Aug. 1 following a significant migration surge into Ceuta, Spain’s North African enclave. Italian authorities stated their measures would remain in force at least until Aug. 15. They clarified that their checks target non-EU nationals arriving from Spain by air or sea, while Italian and other EU citizens are exempt from these restrictions, as per the Italian government’s announcements.
Ceuta migration wave prompts new border restrictions
Approximately 72,000 migrants crossed into Ceuta during the large-scale migration that originated in Morocco in late July. By Aug. 4, Spanish Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska reported that around 70,000 of these arrivals had already left the enclave. Ceuta, situated on the North African coast outside the Schengen Zone, was the site of this migration event, which preceded Italy’s decision to reintroduce checks on certain travelers from Spain and Spain’s reciprocal border controls.
Spain had urged Italy to withdraw its restrictions before announcing its own border checks on Friday. Madrid condemned Italy’s measures as unjustified and discriminatory against Spain, while Rome declared it would uphold its controls. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani expressed on Sunday that Rome hopes to lift the suspension once the perceived risk diminishes. Meanwhile, 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 regulations
The Schengen Area generally allows free movement across internal borders for travelers among 29 European countries. However, EU rules also authorize member states to re-establish internal border controls if a serious threat to public policy or internal security is identified. The European Commission emphasizes that such measures should be a last resort and kept as limited as necessary. Spain and Italy remain part of the Schengen Zone while these temporary measures are active.
For travelers, Spain’s decision means that arrivals from Italy may now face identity and immigration document checks at Spanish airports and seaports. On the first day, Spain’s Interior Ministry conducted checks at six major airports, inspecting nearly 200 passengers. Italy continues its separate targeted controls on certain arrivals from Spain until at least Aug. 15, according to its current schedule. Spain’s border checks are expected to last until Sept. 7, with no suspension of general air or sea travel between the two nations during this period.