Spain has imposed temporary border controls on travelers arriving from Italy, matching Italian checks introduced after the migrant surge into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta.
DR reports that Spain and Italy now both run border controls aimed at each other. The two EU countries acted after the surge of migrants into Ceuta, Spain’s enclave on the North African coast.
Reuters reported on 7 August 2026 that the Spanish government announced its controls that day. According to the same report, the measures were set to begin at midnight on 8 August and to remain in force until 7 September.
The controls apply to flights and ships arriving from Italy, per Reuters. Italian passengers and other travelers coming from Italy face passport, nationality and visa checks at Spanish entry points.
Spain described its step as a reciprocal response to Italy’s own checks on arrivals from Spain. As reported by Reuters, Madrid linked the dispute to Italy’s reaction to persistent irregular migratory pressure following the events in Ceuta.
Italy moved first at the end of July. Reuters reported on 31 July 2026 that Rome suspended Schengen free-travel arrangements with Spain for one month. The Italian measures covered non-EU nationals arriving from Spain by air or sea, and not EU citizens.
According to the same Reuters report, Italy said the suspension was meant to safeguard national security. Rome also said it wanted to limit disruption to summer tourist traffic. Euronews described the Italian step as a temporary suspension of Schengen free movement with Spain, and part of a wider dispute triggered by the Ceuta surge.
Checks at Barcelona airport
AP reported that Italians arriving at Barcelona airport faced random police checks once the Spanish controls took effect overnight. AP also stated that Spain planned to keep the measures in place for at least a month.
DW described the Spanish move as largely symbolic, noting that Spain and Italy share no land border. As noted by DW, the vast majority of travelers affected were tourists arriving by plane.
Why now
Reuters reported that Spain acted after Italy rejected a Spanish warning to lift its checks by 9 August. Italy said it would keep its restrictions on arrivals from Spain until at least 15 August.
That refusal, according to Reuters, made the Spanish announcement a direct response rather than a standalone policy change. Reuters also reported that Spain tied its decision to the continuing migratory pressure connected to the Ceuta surge.
