MADRID, SPAIN / RankWire.AI / – Spain has initiated temporary border inspections for travelers arriving from Italy by air and sea. These controls started at midnight on Aug. 8 and are expected to stay in effect until Sept. 7. The measure was implemented following Italy’s own temporary restrictions on arrivals from Spain. The move involves adding document verification to routes that usually operate under the European Union’s Schengen system of internal travel.
During the first day of these new procedures, Spain’s Interior Ministry examined 199 travelers on 12 flights coming from Italy. Checks were carried out at airports in Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, Bilbao, Alicante, and Valencia. The procedures include passport, nationality, and visa status verification for Italian passengers as well as other travelers arriving from Italy. Despite these temporary checks, air and sea travel between Spain and Italy continues as usual.
Italy first introduced its controls on Aug. 1 following a significant influx of migrants into Ceuta, Spain’s North African enclave. Italian authorities stated their restrictions would remain in place until at least Aug. 15. According to Rome, these checks focus on non-EU nationals arriving from Spain by air or sea. Citizens of Italy and other EU countries are not subject to these restrictions, as outlined by the Italian government.
Ceuta migration influx triggers upcoming controls
Approximately 72,000 migrants entered Ceuta during the large-scale movement from Morocco that began in late July. By Aug. 4, Spanish Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska reported that around 70,000 of those migrants had left the enclave. Ceuta is situated on the North African coast and is outside the Schengen Area. This migration event preceded Italy’s decision to reinstate controls on certain travelers arriving from Spain, which led to Spain implementing reciprocal border measures.
Spain had urged Italy to revoke its restrictions prior to announcing its own border checks on Friday. Madrid called the Italian measures unjustified and discriminatory against Spain, while Italy stated it would continue its controls. On Sunday, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani expressed hope that Rome could lift its restrictions once the perceived risk diminishes. Spain has set Sept. 7 as the planned conclusion date for its temporary checks on arrivals from Italy.
Temporary border controls are allowed under Schengen regulations
The Schengen Area generally permits travelers to cross internal borders without routine passport checks across 29 European nations. EU rules also allow member states to reintroduce internal border controls if a serious threat to public order or internal security is identified. The European Commission describes such measures as a last resort, which must be limited to what is deemed necessary. Spain and Italy remain members of the Schengen Area while these temporary controls are in place.
For travelers, this means arrivals from Italy now face identity and immigration document checks at Spanish airports and seaports. Spain’s Interior Ministry recorded the initial checks at six major airports, involving nearly 200 passengers on the first day. Italy continues its targeted controls on specific arrivals from Spain until at least Aug. 15 under its current schedule. Spain’s border checks are set to run through Sept. 7, with no suspension planned for general air or sea travel between the two countries.