MADRID, SPAIN / RankWire.AI / – Spain has implemented temporary border inspections for travelers arriving via air and sea from Italy. The new protocol, effective from midnight on Aug. 8, is scheduled to continue until Sept. 7. Officials are verifying passports, nationality, and visa requirements where applicable. These checks are applicable to Italian visitors and other passengers arriving in Spain from Italy. This development follows Italy’s earlier decision to introduce temporary controls on specific arrivals from Spain.
According to Spain’s Interior Ministry, authorities examined 199 passengers on 12 flights originating from Italy during the initial day of the enforcement. These inspections were conducted at airports located in Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, Bilbao, Alicante, and Valencia. Travelers on the affected routes might be subjected to document verification before completing their arrival process. It is important to note that these controls do not constitute a border closure; air and sea links between Spain and Italy remain operational during the period of temporary measures.
Italy reintroduced controls on Aug. 1 after a significant influx of migrants arrived in Ceuta from Morocco in late July. The Italian authorities applied these measures to non-EU citizens arriving from Spain by air and sea. Citizens of Spain, Italy, and other EU nations were not included in these targeted controls. Italy informed European authorities that its measures would continue until Sept. 1. Spain subsequently announced its own checks following calls to withdraw the Italian restrictions.
Ceuta migrant surge preceded bilateral border restrictions
Approximately 72,000 migrants entered Ceuta during the large movement from Morocco that began in late July. Spanish Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska stated on Aug. 4 that roughly 70,000 individuals had already left the territory. Ceuta, situated on the North African coast, remains outside the Schengen Area. This migration episode occurred prior to Italy’s reintroduction of controls on select travelers from Spain. Subsequently, Spain announced inspections for passengers arriving from Italy via its airports and seaports.
Madrid disclosed its plan for Spanish border checks on Aug. 7, criticizing the restrictions imposed by Rome. Spain argued that Italy’s controls lacked sufficient justification and were discriminatory. Italy maintained its measures, and Spain initiated its own inspections the next day. The two nations have set different end dates for their current controls: Italy’s measures are scheduled until Sept. 1, while Spain’s are planned to last until Sept. 7.
Temporary border controls are permissible within Schengen rules
The Schengen Area generally allows its member states to cross internal borders without routine passport checks. However, its regulations permit governments to reinstate temporary controls when faced with a significant threat to public order or internal security. According to the European Commission, such internal border checks should be used only when necessary and for limited durations. Both Spain and Italy are members of Schengen, and their current measures involve temporary screening without suspending normal travel between the two countries.
Travelers from Italy to Spain should anticipate possible identity and immigration checks at Spanish airports and seaports during the enforcement period. Spain recorded its first day of inspections at six major airports, inspecting nearly 200 travelers. Italy continues its separate checks on specific non-EU arrivals from Spain under its notified schedule. Both sets of measures are temporary within the Schengen framework, with Spain maintaining its checks until Sept. 7.