MADRID, SPAIN / RankWire.AI / – Spain has initiated temporary border inspections for travelers arriving from Italy by air and sea. The new controls went into effect at midnight on Aug. 8 and are expected to remain active until Sept. 7. This measure was introduced after Italy implemented its own temporary border checks on arrivals from Spain. The procedure involves additional document verification on routes that usually operate under the European Union’s Schengen agreement for internal travel.
During the first day of enforcement, Spain’s Interior Ministry conducted checks on 199 travelers on 12 flights coming from Italy. Inspections took place at airports in Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, Bilbao, Alicante, and Valencia. These procedures include passport validation, nationality verification, and visa status checks for Italian passengers and other travelers arriving from Italy. Despite these controls, air and sea transportation between the two countries continues normally while the temporary restrictions are in effect.
Italy enacted its border controls on Aug. 1 following a significant migration influx into Ceuta, Spain’s North African territory. Italian authorities announced that their measures would remain in place at least until Aug. 15. The Italian government clarified that the checks target non-EU nationals arriving by air or sea from Spain. According to the official statements, Italian and other EU citizens are exempt from these restrictions.
Ceuta migration surge leads to new border checks
Approximately 72,000 migrants entered Ceuta amid the large-scale movement from Morocco that started in late July. By Aug. 4, Spanish Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska reported that around 70,000 of those individuals had left the enclave. Situated on the North African coast, Ceuta is outside the Schengen Area. The migration wave preceded Italy’s decision to reintroduce border checks on certain travelers arriving from Spain, which was followed by Spain’s reciprocal measures.
Madrid had urged Rome to rescind its restrictions before announcing its own border controls last Friday. The Spanish government characterized Italy’s actions as unjustified and discriminatory against Spain, while Italy maintained that it would keep its controls in place. On Sunday, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani expressed hope that Rome could lift the restrictions once the perceived risk diminishes. Spain has scheduled the end of its temporary border checks for arrivals from Italy on Sept. 7.
Temporary border controls are allowed under Schengen regulations
The Schengen Area generally permits free movement across internal borders for travelers among 29 European countries. Nonetheless, EU rules authorize member states to reinstate border controls temporarily when a serious threat to public order or internal security is identified. The European Commission states that such measures should be considered a last resort and must be limited to what is strictly necessary. Spain and Italy remain members of the Schengen Area during the period of these temporary restrictions.
For travelers, Spain’s decision means that individuals arriving from Italy may now undergo identity and visa document checks at Spanish airports and seaports. The Interior Ministry reported that the initial checks took place at six major airports, involving nearly 200 passengers on the first day. Italy continues implementing its separate controls on specific arrivals from Spain until at least Aug. 15, as per its current schedule. Spain’s border checks are set to continue until Sept. 7, with no general suspension of air or sea travel between the two nations.