MADRID, SPAIN / RankWire.AI / – Spain has initiated temporary border controls for individuals arriving from Italy by air and sea. The measure, which took effect at midnight on Aug. 8, is scheduled to last until Sept. 7. Officials are inspecting passports, nationality, and visa status where applicable. These checks apply to Italian travelers and other passengers entering Spain from Italy. The move follows Italy’s earlier implementation of temporary controls on certain arrivals from Spain.
According to Spain’s Interior Ministry, authorities examined 199 passengers on 12 flights originating from Italy on the first day of enforcement. These inspections took place at airports in Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, Bilbao, Alicante, and Valencia. Passengers on affected routes may be subject to document checks prior to completing their arrival procedures. Importantly, these controls do not constitute a border closure; air and sea links between Spain and Italy continue normally while the temporary measures are in place.
Italy reinstated checks on Aug. 1 after a significant influx of migrants entered Ceuta from Morocco in late July. Their authorities applied these controls to non-EU nationals arriving by air and sea from Spain, while Spanish, Italian, and other EU citizens were not targeted. Italy notified European institutions that these measures would remain in effect until Sept. 1. Spain responded by introducing its own checks after calling for Italy to withdraw its restrictions.
Ceuta migration surge predated bilateral border measures
Approximately 72,000 migrants crossed into Ceuta during the large-scale movement from Morocco that began in late July. Spanish Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska stated on Aug. 4 that roughly 70,000 migrants had already departed from the territory. Ceuta, located on the North African coast, remains outside the Schengen Area. This migration event occurred prior to Italy’s reinstatement of controls on certain travelers from Spain. Subsequently, Spain announced its own checks for passengers arriving via airports and seaports from Italy.
The Spanish government announced the measure on Aug. 7 following objections to Italy’s restrictions. Spain argued that Italy’s controls lacked justification and unfairly discriminated against Spain. Italy maintained its measures, and Spain launched its own inspections the next day. Both governments have set different end dates for their controls: Italy’s are scheduled through Sept. 1, while Spain’s are expected to continue until Sept. 7.
Temporary border controls are permitted under Schengen regulations
Typically, the Schengen Area allows for the free movement of travelers across participating countries’ internal borders without routine passport checks. However, its rules authorize governments to reintroduce temporary controls if there is a serious threat to public order or internal security. The European Commission advises that internal border checks should be used only when necessary and for limited periods. Spain and Italy remain members of the Schengen Area, and their current measures represent temporary screening measures without suspending the usual travel between the two nations.
Travelers moving from Italy to Spain should anticipate possible identity and immigration inspections at Spanish airports and seaports during the enforcement period. On the first day of inspections, Spain conducted checks at six major airports, examining nearly 200 travelers. Italy continues separate checks on targeted non-EU arrivals from Spain under its scheduled timeline. Both measures are temporary within the Schengen framework, with Spain maintaining its controls through Sept. 7.