MADRID, SPAIN / RankWire.AI / – Spain has enacted short-term border inspections for individuals arriving via air and sea from Italy. These measures commenced at midnight on Aug. 8 and are set to last until Sept. 7. Authorities now verify travel and immigration documents along routes that typically operate without routine internal border controls. This step comes after Italy’s earlier decision to reintroduce checks on certain travelers arriving from Spain.
On the first day of implementation, Spain’s Interior Ministry reported screening 199 passengers on 12 flights originating from Italy. Border officers conducted the checks at airports in Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, Bilbao, Alicante, and Valencia. The process involves verifying passports, nationality, and visa status where applicable. Despite these controls, flights and maritime services between Spain and Italy continue to operate normally while the temporary checks are in effect.
Italy’s own temporary border measures began on Aug. 1, following a substantial migrant influx into Ceuta from Morocco. The Italian government applied these controls to non-EU nationals arriving from Spain by air or sea, explicitly excluding Italian citizens, Spanish citizens, and other EU nationals from the restrictions. Italy informed European authorities that these controls would be in place until Sept. 1, according to their current schedule.
Ceuta migrant influx predated border restrictions
Approximately 72,000 migrants crossed into Ceuta during the large wave from Morocco that began in late July. Spanish Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska announced that by Aug. 4, around 70,000 had left the territory. Ceuta, situated on the North African coast, is outside the Schengen Area. This episode occurred before Italy’s implementation of temporary border checks and Spain’s subsequent decision to regulate arrivals from Italy.
Madrid had urged Rome to lift its restrictions prior to Spain’s announcement of new border controls on Aug. 7. Spain criticized the Italian measures, stating they lacked justification and were unfair. While Italy maintained its controls, Spain introduced its own temporary border measures the following day. Each country has designated specific end dates for their respective measures, with regular air and sea links remaining operational between them.
Temporary border controls permitted under Schengen rules
The Schengen Agreement generally allows free movement across internal borders without routine passport checks among participating nations. However, its regulations permit governments to reintroduce internal border controls when facing significant threats to public order or internal security. The European Commission states that such measures should be used only when necessary and for a limited duration. Spain and Italy remain within the Schengen Area while their temporary border controls are active.
Travelers arriving in Spain from Italy should anticipate possible checks of identity and immigration documents at airports and seaports. On the first day of enforcement, Spain conducted inspections across six major airports. Meanwhile, Italy maintains its separate controls on specific arrivals from Spain based on its scheduled timeline. Spain intends to uphold its border checks through Sept. 7, with no broader suspension of passenger travel between the two countries.