MADRID, SPAIN / RankWire.AI / – As a result of new security measures, Spain has initiated temporary border inspections on individuals arriving from Italy by air and sea. These controls went into effect at midnight on Aug. 8 and are expected to stay in place until Sept. 7. The move follows Italy’s decision to impose its own temporary restrictions on arrivals from Spain. This policy introduces document verification procedures on routes that typically operate within the European Union’s Schengen zone of internal travel.
During the first day of enforcement, Spain’s Interior Ministry examined 199 travelers on 12 flights originating from Italy. Checks took place at airports in Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, Bilbao, Alicante, and Valencia. The procedures involved verifying passports, nationality, and visa status for Italian passengers and other travelers arriving from Italy. Travel by air and sea between the two nations continues unchanged while these temporary controls are active.
Italy implemented its border measures on Aug. 1 following a significant migration influx into Ceuta, Spain’s North African enclave. Italian authorities stated their restrictions would remain in effect until at least Aug. 15. Rome clarified that the checks target non-EU nationals arriving from Spain via air or sea. According to the Italian government, Italian and other EU citizens are exempt from these restrictions.
Ceuta migration influx prompts new border controls
Approximately 72,000 migrants entered Ceuta during the large-scale migration from Morocco that began in late July. By Aug. 4, Spanish Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska reported that around 70,000 of these migrants had left the enclave. Ceuta, located on the North African coast, lies outside the Schengen Agreement. This migration surge preceded Italy’s decision to reintroduce checks on certain travelers arriving from Spain, which in turn led to Spain’s reciprocal border measures.
Spain initially urged Italy to withdraw its restrictions before announcing its own border controls on Friday. Madrid criticized Italy’s measures as unjustified and discriminatory against Spain, while Italy affirmed its intention to maintain the controls. On Sunday, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani stated that Rome hoped to lift the restrictions once the perceived risk diminishes. Spain has set Sept. 7 as the planned conclusion date for its temporary border checks on arrivals from Italy.
Temporary border controls align with Schengen regulations
The Schengen Area generally allows citizens to travel across internal borders without routine passport checks among 29 European countries. However, EU rules permit member states to re-establish internal border controls when facing serious threats to public order or internal security. The European Commission describes such measures as a last resort that should be limited to what authorities deem necessary. While these temporary measures are in effect, Spain and Italy remain members of the Schengen Agreement.
For travelers, Spain’s actions mean that arrivals from Italy may now encounter identity and immigration document checks at Spanish airports and seaports. Spain’s Interior Ministry initiated 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 current schedule. Spain’s border measures are set to last until Sept. 7, with no overall suspension of air or sea travel between the two countries.