MADRID, SPAIN / RankWire.AI / – In a move to bolster border security, Spain has introduced temporary checks at its borders for travelers arriving from Italy via air and sea routes. This enforcement began at midnight on Aug. 8 and is scheduled to continue until Sept. 7. Officials are verifying passports, nationality, and visa status where applicable. These measures affect Italian travelers as well as other passengers entering Spain from Italy. This step follows Italy’s earlier decision to reintroduce temporary controls on certain arrivals from Spain.
According to Spain’s Interior Ministry, officers examined 199 passengers on 12 flights from Italy during the first day of these measures. The checks took place at Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, Bilbao, Alicante, and Valencia airports. Travelers on these routes may encounter document verification before completing their entry procedures. It is important to note that these controls do not constitute a border closure. Flights and maritime connections between Spain and Italy continue normally while the temporary restrictions are in effect.
Italy reinstated border checks on Aug. 1 following a significant influx of migrants crossing into Ceuta from Morocco in late July. Italian authorities extended these measures to non-EU nationals arriving from Spain by air and sea. Citizens of Spain, Italy, and other EU countries were not included in the targeted controls. Italy informed European agencies that its restrictions would remain in place through Sept. 1. Spain responded by establishing its own checks after calling for Italy to withdraw its restrictions.
Ceuta migration surge occurred prior to bilateral border controls
During the migration event that began in late July, around 72,000 migrants entered Ceuta from Morocco. Spanish Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska stated on Aug. 4 that approximately 70,000 individuals had already left the territory. Ceuta, located on the North African coast, remains outside the Schengen Area. This migration episode preceded Italy’s decision to restore controls on certain travelers from Spain. Subsequently, Spain announced its own checks for passengers arriving from Italy through airports and seaports.
On Aug. 7, Madrid confirmed the introduction of these measures after protesting Italy’s restrictions, which Spain deemed unjustified and discriminatory. Italy kept its restrictions in place, prompting Spain to begin its own inspections the following day. Both nations set different expiration dates for their controls; Italy’s are valid through Sept. 1, while Spain’s are scheduled to last until Sept. 7.
Temporary border controls permitted under Schengen rules
Under normal circumstances, the Schengen Area allows for the free movement of travelers across internal borders without routine passport checks. However, its regulations authorize member states to reintroduce temporary controls if a significant threat to public policy or internal security arises. The European Commission emphasizes that such internal border checks should be limited to necessary situations and for short periods. Spain and Italy remain part of the Schengen Agreement. The current measures add temporary screening procedures without suspending the usual free movement between the two countries.
Passengers traveling from Italy to Spain should anticipate possible identity and immigration inspections at Spanish airports and seaports during the enforcement period. Spain’s first day of checks involved nearly 200 travelers across six major airports. Italy continues its separate screening on targeted non-EU arrivals from Spain, in line with its notified schedule. Both countries’ controls are temporary measures within the Schengen framework. Spain’s current timetable extends until Sept. 7.