MADRID, SPAIN / RankWire.AI / – Spain has initiated provisional border inspections for individuals arriving from Italy by air and sea. These checks commenced at midnight on Aug. 8 and are set to continue until Sept. 7. The measure was introduced by Spain following Italy’s decision to enforce its own temporary controls on arrivals from Spain. This step introduces document verification processes along routes that typically operate under the European Union’s Schengen zone of internal travel.
During the first day of these new restrictions, Spain’s Interior Ministry examined 199 travelers aboard 12 flights originating from Italy. Checks took place at airports in Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, Bilbao, Alicante, and Valencia. The procedures involved inspecting passports, nationality, and visa statuses for Italian passengers along with other travelers arriving from Italy. Despite the temporary controls, air and sea connections between Spain and Italy continue to operate.
Italy’s controls began on Aug. 1 after a significant influx of migrants into Ceuta, Spain’s North African enclave. Italian authorities stated that their measures would stay in effect until at least Aug. 15. The restrictions specifically target non-EU nationals arriving from Spain via air or sea, whereas Italian and other EU citizens are excluded from these restrictions, as outlined by the Italian government.
Ceuta migration surge triggers implementation of new controls
Approximately 72,000 migrants entered Ceuta during the large-scale movement from Morocco that started in late July. By Aug. 4, Spanish Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska announced that roughly 70,000 of those migrants had left the enclave. Ceuta, located on the North African coast and outside the Schengen Area, experienced this migration event shortly before Italy decided to reintroduce border checks for certain travelers arriving from Spain, leading to Spain’s reciprocal controls.
Madrid called on Rome to withdraw its restrictions prior to announcing Spain’s own border checks on Friday. The Spanish government deemed Italy’s measures unjustified and discriminatory against Spain, while Italy maintained that its controls would stay in place. On Sunday, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani expressed hope that Rome could lift the suspension once the perceived risk diminishes. Spain scheduled Sept. 7 as the conclusion date for its temporary checks on arrivals from Italy.
Schengen regulations allow for temporary internal border controls
The Schengen Area generally permits travelers to cross internal borders freely without routine passport checks across 29 European nations. However, EU regulations permit member states to restore internal border controls in cases where a serious threat to public policy or internal security is identified. The European Commission emphasizes that such measures should be a last resort and limited to what is deemed necessary by authorities. Spain and Italy continue to be members of the Schengen Area while these temporary controls are in effect.
For travelers, this means individuals arriving from Italy might undergo identity and immigration document checks at Spanish airports and seaports. The Spanish Interior Ministry conducted the initial checks at six major airports, inspecting nearly 200 passengers on the first day. Italy remains enforcing its separate controls on targeted arrivals from Spain until at least Aug. 15 based on its current schedule. Spain plans to maintain its controls through Sept. 7, with no general suspension of air or sea travel between the two countries.