MADRID, SPAIN / RankWire.AI / – Spain has implemented temporary border screening procedures for travelers arriving from Italy by air and sea. These measures came into effect at midnight on Aug. 8 and are scheduled to stay in place until Sept. 7. The country introduced these controls in response to Italy’s own temporary border restrictions imposed on arrivals from Spain. The measure involves additional document verification along routes that typically operate within the European Union’s Schengen zone for internal travel.
On the first day of these new restrictions, Spain’s Interior Ministry carried out checks on 199 travelers aboard 12 flights originating from Italy. The checks were conducted at several airports, including those in Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, Bilbao, Alicante, and Valencia. These procedures include verification of passports, nationality, and visa status for Italian passengers and other travelers arriving from Italy. Despite these measures, air and sea routes between Spain and Italy continue to operate while the temporary controls are in effect.
Italy initiated its own border restrictions on Aug. 1 following a significant migration influx into Ceuta, Spain’s North African enclave. Italian authorities announced that their controls would remain in place until at least Aug. 15. According to Rome, these checks are aimed at non-EU nationals arriving from Spain by air or sea. Citizens of Italy and other EU nations are not included within the scope of these restrictions, as specified by the Italian government’s official statements.
Migration spike in Ceuta prompts Italy’s new controls
Approximately 72,000 migrants crossed into Ceuta during the large-scale migration movement from Morocco that began in late July. By Aug. 4, Spanish Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska reported that around 70,000 of these individuals had already left the enclave. Located on the North African coast, Ceuta is outside the Schengen Agreement, and this migration surge occurred prior to Italy’s decision to reintroduce border checks on specific travelers coming from Spain, as well as Spain’s reciprocal control measures.
Spain initially called on Italy to revoke its restrictions before announcing its own border checks on Friday. Madrid described the Italian measures as unjustified and discriminatory against Spain, while Italy maintained that its controls would stay in place. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani stated on Sunday that Rome hopes to lift the suspension once the risk level no longer justifies the restrictions. Spain has set Sept. 7 as the final date for its temporary checks on arrivals from Italy.
Temporary border controls are allowed under Schengen regulations
Under normal circumstances, the Schengen Area permits travelers to cross internal borders without routine passport checks across 29 European countries. However, EU rules permit member states to reimpose internal border controls temporarily if a serious threat to public policy or internal security is identified. The European Commission emphasizes that such measures are considered last resort and must be limited to what authorities deem necessary. While these temporary controls are active, Spain and Italy continue to be members of the Schengen Area.
For travelers, Spain’s decision means that individuals arriving from Italy are now subject to identity and immigration document checks at Spanish airports and seaports. The Interior Ministry’s initial checks involved nearly 200 passengers across six major airports during the first day. Italy persists with its own controls targeting specific arrivals from Spain until at least Aug. 15. Spain’s measures are set to continue until Sept. 7, with no general suspension of air or sea transportation between the two nations.