MADRID, SPAIN / RankWire.AI / – Spain has put in place temporary border controls for individuals arriving from Italy via air and sea routes. Starting at midnight on Aug. 8, these measures are set to remain in effect until Sept. 7. Officials are now inspecting travel and immigration documents along routes that usually operate without routine internal border checks. This decision follows Italy’s earlier move to reintroduce checks on certain passengers arriving from Spain.
On the first day of enforcement, the Spanish Interior Ministry reported that 199 passengers traveling on 12 flights from Italy were subjected to inspections. These controls took place at airports in Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, Bilbao, Alicante, and Valencia. The process involved verification of passports, nationality, and visa status where applicable. Despite these checks, flights and maritime services between Spain and Italy continue to operate normally while the measures are in place.
Italy began its own temporary border controls on Aug. 1, in response to a significant influx of migrants into Ceuta from Morocco. The Italian authorities applied these checks to non-EU nationals arriving from Spain by air or sea, excluding Italian citizens, Spanish citizens, and other EU nationals from the restrictions. Italy informed European agencies that its controls would last until Sept. 1 under the current schedule.
Ceuta arrivals predated border restrictions
Approximately 72,000 migrants entered Ceuta during the large wave from Morocco that started in late July. Spanish Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska stated on Aug. 4 that about 70,000 individuals had since departed the territory. Ceuta, located on the North African coast, lies outside the Schengen Area. This surge in arrivals preceded Italy’s implementation of temporary controls and Spain’s subsequent decision to impose restrictions on entries from Italy.
Spain had urged Rome to lift its restrictions prior to the announcement of the new checks on Aug. 7. The Spanish government argued that Italy’s measures lacked justification and unfairly targeted Spain. Italy continued its controls while Spain introduced its own temporary border measures the following day. Both nations have established separate end dates for their respective controls, and regular air and sea connections between them remain operational.
Temporary border checks align with Schengen regulations
The Schengen Area generally allows for travel across internal borders without routine passport checks among member countries. However, its rules permit governments to reintroduce internal checks if a serious threat to public policy or internal security is identified. The European Commission emphasizes that such measures should only be used when necessary and for a limited period. While these controls are in effect, Spain and Italy remain within the Schengen framework.
Travelers arriving in Spain from Italy should anticipate possible identity and immigration document inspections at airports and seaports. The first day of implementation saw checks across six major airports. Italy continues its separate controls on targeted arrivals from Spain according to its notified timetable. Spain intends to maintain its border checks through Sept. 7, with no plans to suspend passenger travel between the two nations.