MADRID, SPAIN / RankWire.AI / – Spain has implemented provisional border checks for individuals arriving from Italy by air and sea. These controls started at midnight on Aug. 8 and are set to remain in place until Sept. 7. Authorities are now examining travel and immigration documentation on routes that typically operate without routine internal border surveillance. This step follows Italy’s earlier move to reinstate checks on certain passengers coming from Spain.
On the first day, Spain’s Interior Ministry reported screening 199 passengers traveling on 12 flights originating from Italy. Security personnel conducted inspections at airports located in Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, Bilbao, Alicante, and Valencia. The process involves verifying passports, nationality, and visa status where necessary. Despite the temporary controls, flights and maritime services between Spain and Italy continue to operate normally.
Italy imposed its own temporary border restrictions starting August 1, following a significant influx of migrants into Ceuta from Morocco. The Italian government enforced these checks on non-EU nationals arriving from Spain by air or sea, while excluding Italian citizens, Spanish citizens, and other EU nationals from these restrictions. Italy notified European authorities that its border controls are scheduled to last until Sept. 1 under the current plan.
Ceuta migration surge preceded border enforcement
Approximately 72,000 migrants entered Ceuta during the mass migration from Morocco that began in late July. Spanish Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska stated on Aug. 4 that about 70,000 had left the territory since then. Ceuta is situated on the North African coast and is outside the Schengen Area. This migration event took place prior to Italy’s introduction of temporary border checks and Spain’s subsequent decision to impose controls on arrivals from Italy.
Madrid had urged Rome to lift its restrictions before Spain announced its new border measures on Aug. 7. Spain criticized Italy’s restrictions as lacking justification and unfairly targeting the country. While Italy maintained its controls, Spain introduced its own temporary border checks the following day. Both nations have set distinct expiration dates for their respective measures, and regular air and sea links continue between them.
Temporary border controls are permitted under Schengen regulations
The Schengen Area generally allows free movement across internal borders without routine passport checks among member countries. However, its rules permit governments to reintroduce internal controls when facing significant threats to public order or internal security. The European Commission emphasizes that such measures should be used only when necessary and for a limited duration. Spain and Italy remain within the Schengen Zone while their temporary border controls are active.
Travelers arriving in Spain from Italy should anticipate potential identity and immigration documentation checks at airports and seaports. Spain’s initial inspections took place across six major airports on the first day of the measure. Italy continues its targeted controls on arrivals from Spain under its notified schedule. Spain intends to sustain its border checks through Sept. 7, with no plans to halt passenger movement between the two countries.