MADRID, SPAIN / RankWire.AI / – The Spanish government has implemented short-term border inspections for individuals arriving from Italy via air and sea routes. These measures commenced at midnight on Aug. 8 and are scheduled to last until Sept. 7. Spain’s decision to introduce these checks followed Italy’s own temporary border controls on arrivals from Spain. The new procedures involve additional document verification along routes that typically operate under the European Union’s Schengen system of internal travel.
During the first day of these controls, Spain’s Interior Ministry examined 199 passengers on 12 flights originating from Italy. Border officers performed checks at airports in Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, Bilbao, Alicante, and Valencia. The procedures include verifying passports, nationality, and visa status for Italian passengers and other travelers arriving from Italy. While these temporary checks are in place, flights and sea voyages between the two nations continue normally.
Italy began its own border restrictions on Aug. 1, following the significant migration flow into Ceuta, Spain’s North African enclave. Italian officials indicated that their controls would remain in effect until at least Aug. 15. Rome clarified that the measures mainly target non-EU nationals arriving from Spain by air or sea, excluding Italian and other EU citizens from these restrictions, as announced by the Italian government.
Ceuta migration influx triggers Italy’s new border checks
Approximately 72,000 migrants entered Ceuta amid the large-scale movement from Morocco that started in late July. By Aug. 4, Spanish Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska reported that roughly 70,000 of these migrants had left the enclave. Situated on the North African coast and outside the Schengen Zone, Ceuta’s migration crisis led Italy to reintroduce border controls on certain travelers coming from Spain, which in turn prompted Spain to implement reciprocal measures.
Spain urged Italy to rescind its restrictions before unveiling its own border checks last Friday. Madrid characterized Italy’s actions as unjustified and discriminatory against Spain. Italy, however, confirmed that it would maintain its controls. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani expressed hope on Sunday that Rome could lift the restrictions once the perceived risk diminishes. Spain has set Sept. 7 as the conclusion date for its temporary border checks on arrivals from Italy.
Temporary border controls align with Schengen provisions
The Schengen Area generally permits free movement across internal borders among 29 European nations without routine passport checks. Nonetheless, EU regulations still allow member states to re-establish internal border controls if a significant threat to public policy or national security arises. The European Commission describes such measures as last-resort options that must be proportionate and limited to what is essential. Both Spain and Italy remain members of the Schengen Zone while their temporary border controls are active.
For travelers, this means that individuals arriving from Italy at Spanish airports and ports may now undergo identity and immigration document checks. Spain’s Interior Ministry recorded nearly 200 passengers being inspected on the first day across six major airports. Italy continues its targeted border controls on specific arrivals from Spain until at least Aug. 15, as scheduled. Spain’s border checks are expected to remain in effect through Sept. 7, with no broad suspension of air or sea travel between the two countries.