MADRID, SPAIN / RankWire.AI / – In response to evolving security concerns, Spain has implemented temporary border inspections for individuals arriving from Italy via air and sea routes. These controls commenced at midnight on Aug. 8 and are scheduled to continue until Sept. 7. Officials are verifying passports, nationality, and visa status where applicable. The measures are applicable to Italian visitors and other travelers entering Spain from Italy. This action follows Italy’s earlier decision to reintroduce temporary checks on certain arrivals from Spain.
According to Spain’s Interior Ministry, authorities examined 199 passengers on 12 flights originating from Italy during the first day of the new enforcement. The inspections occurred at multiple airports including those in Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, Bilbao, Alicante, and Valencia. Passengers on affected flights may encounter document verification before completing their entry process. It is important to note that these controls do not equate to a border closure; flights and ferry routes between Spain and Italy continue operating while the temporary checks are in place.
Italy reinstated border checks on Aug. 1 following a significant surge of migrants entering Ceuta from Morocco in late July. Italian authorities extended their measures to non-EU nationals arriving from Spain by air and sea, while Spanish, Italian, and other EU citizens were not targeted by these controls. Italy informed European authorities that the restrictions would last through Sept. 1. Spain responded by introducing its own checks after urging Italy to withdraw its restrictions.
Ceuta influx preceded bilateral controls
During the mass migration event that began in late July, approximately 72,000 migrants crossed into Ceuta from Morocco. Spanish Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska stated on Aug. 4 that roughly 70,000 individuals had already left the territory. Ceuta, located along the North African coast, remains outside the Schengen Area. This migration wave occurred prior to Italy’s reapplication of controls on certain travelers from Spain. Subsequently, Spain announced it would conduct checks on passengers arriving from Italy via airports and ports.
Spain disclosed the new measures on Aug. 7 after protesting Italy’s restrictions, claiming they were unjustified and discriminatory. Italy chose to maintain its controls, prompting Spain to initiate its own inspections the following day. The two countries have set different end dates for these temporary measures—Italy’s controls are slated to end on Sept. 1, while Spain’s are scheduled until Sept. 7.
Temporary border controls are permissible under Schengen rules
While the Schengen Area typically allows free movement across internal borders without routine passport checks, it also permits temporary controls when a serious threat to public order or security is identified. The European Commission emphasizes that such measures should be used only when essential and for limited durations. Both Spain and Italy remain members of the Schengen Agreement. Their current temporary controls involve screening procedures that do not suspend regular cross-border travel between the two nations.
Travelers moving from Italy to Spain should anticipate potential identity and immigration checks at Spanish airports and seaports during the enforcement period. On its first day, Spain conducted inspections across six major airports, examining nearly 200 travelers. Italy continues its separate checks on targeted non-EU arrivals from Spain in accordance with its notified schedule. Both countries’ measures are temporary and fall within the allowances provided by the Schengen framework. Spain’s current schedule extends its checks through Sept. 7.