MADRID, SPAIN / RankWire.AI / – Starting August 8, Spain has initiated temporary border inspections for individuals arriving from Italy by air and sea. These measures began at midnight and are expected to last until September 7. The move follows Italy’s decision to impose its own temporary controls on arrivals from Spain, adding a layer of document verification to routes that typically operate under the European Union’s Schengen zone of free internal movement.
During the initial day of these new restrictions, Spain’s Interior Ministry screened 199 passengers on 12 flights coming from Italy. Checks took place at airports located in Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, Bilbao, Alicante, and Valencia, involving passport, nationality, and visa status verification for Italian passengers and other travelers arriving from Italy. While these controls are in effect, air and sea routes between Spain and Italy remain operational.
Italy’s controls commenced on Aug. 1 following the significant influx of migrants into Ceuta, Spain’s North African enclave. Italian authorities indicated that their measures would be maintained at least until Aug. 15. The restrictions are aimed at non-EU nationals arriving via air or sea from Spain, while Italian and other EU citizens are excluded from these restrictions, as per the terms outlined by the Italian government.
Migration surge in Ceuta sets the stage for new border policies
Approximately 72,000 migrants crossed into Ceuta during the mass migration event from Morocco that started in late July. By Aug. 4, Spanish Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska reported that roughly 70,000 of those individuals had left the enclave. Situated on the North African coast, Ceuta is outside the Schengen Area. This migration wave preceded Italy’s decision to reintroduce checks on certain travelers from Spain, followed by Spain’s reciprocal controls.
Madrid called on Rome to rescind its restrictions before Spain announced its own border checks last Friday. The Spanish government characterized Italy’s measures as unjustified and discriminatory. Meanwhile, Italy stated it would uphold its controls, with Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani expressing hope that the restrictions could be lifted once the perceived risk diminishes. Spain has set September 7 as the planned end date for its temporary border checks on arrivals from Italy.
Temporary border controls are authorized under Schengen regulations
The Schengen Agreement generally allows free movement across the internal borders of 29 European countries without routine passport checks. However, EU regulations permit member states to temporarily restore internal border controls if a serious threat to public policy or internal security is identified. The European Commission states that such measures are considered last resorts and should be proportionate and limited to what is necessary. Both Spain and Italy remain members of the Schengen Area during these temporary measures.
For travelers, this means individuals arriving in Spain from Italy are now subject to identity and immigration document verification at airports and ports. Spain’s Interior Ministry noted that the first checks took place at six major airports, involving nearly 200 passengers on the first day. Italy continues implementing its controls on targeted arrivals from Spain until at least Aug. 15, according to its schedule. The Spanish controls are set to last until Sept. 7, with no suspension of general air or sea travel between the two nations.