MADRID, SPAIN / RankWire.AI / – Beginning at midnight on Aug. 8 and expected to last until Sept. 7, Spain has implemented temporary border checks on passengers arriving from Italy via air and sea routes. Authorities are verifying passports, nationality, and visa status where necessary. These measures affect Italian travelers and other passengers entering Spain from Italy. The step comes after Italy’s earlier enforcement of temporary checks on certain arrivals from Spain.
During the initial day of enforcement, Spain’s Interior Ministry reported that officers inspected 199 passengers on 12 flights originating from Italy. Checks took place at Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, Bilbao, Alicante, and Valencia airports. Passengers on the affected routes may be subject to document verification before completing their arrival procedures. Importantly, these controls do not constitute a border closure. Air and sea links connecting Spain and Italy remain operational while these temporary measures are in place.
Italy reinstated border checks on Aug. 1 following a significant influx of migrants entering Ceuta from Morocco in late July. The Italian authorities applied their controls to non-EU nationals arriving from Spain by air and sea, excluding Spanish, Italian, and other EU citizens from these restrictions. Italy informed European authorities that the measure would continue until Sept. 1. Subsequently, Spain introduced its own border checks after urging Italy to withdraw its restrictions.
Ceuta migration event prompted bilateral border controls
Approximately 72,000 migrants entered Ceuta during the large migration movement from Morocco that started in late July. Spanish Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska stated on Aug. 4 that around 70,000 migrants had already left the territory. Located on the North African coast, Ceuta remains outside the Schengen Area. This migration surge occurred before Italy reinstated controls on certain travelers from Spain. Spain subsequently announced its own checks for passengers arriving from Italy through its airports and ports.
On Aug. 7, Madrid announced its decision to implement border controls after criticizing Italy’s restrictions, claiming they lacked justification and discriminated against Spain. Italy maintained its measures, and Spain began its own inspections the following day. The two nations have set different end dates for their controls: Italy’s measures are scheduled to end on Sept. 1, while Spain’s are planned to remain until Sept. 7.
Temporary border checks allowed within Schengen rules
The Schengen Area generally permits free internal border crossing without routine passport controls among member countries. However, the rules allow governments to restore temporary controls if a significant threat to public order or internal security is identified. The European Commission emphasizes that border checks should only be used when necessary and for limited periods. Both Spain and Italy are members of the Schengen Zone. Their current measures involve temporary screening without suspending regular travel between the two countries.
Travelers moving from Italy to Spain should anticipate potential identity and immigration checks at Spanish airports and seaports during the enforcement period. Spain’s first day of inspections involved nearly 200 travelers across six major airports. Meanwhile, Italy continues its separate checks on targeted non-EU arrivals from Spain, adhering to its notified schedule. Both measures are temporary within the Schengen framework, with Spain’s controls scheduled through Sept. 7.