MADRID – Spain has temporarily restored border checks for travelers arriving from Italy by air and sea. The measure started on August 8, 2026, and is currently scheduled to remain active until September 7.

However, Spanish authorities could change or end the measure earlier. The decision will depend on developments surrounding the circumstances that prompted the temporary controls.

Spain Introduces Temporary Checks From Italy

Spain announced the measure amid concerns about irregular migration within the Schengen area.

Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska informed European Union authorities about the decision. The controls apply to airports and ports with direct connections between Spain and Italy.

According to the Spanish government, authorities are closely monitoring migration pressure along the Central Mediterranean route. In addition, officials are assessing the activities of cross-border criminal networks linked to irregular migration.

Therefore, Spain decided to temporarily restore checks at selected internal borders.

The measure operates under provisions of the Schengen Borders Code. EU rules generally remove checks at internal borders. However, they also provide mechanisms for temporary controls under specific circumstances.

Flights and Sea Connections Are Affected

The Spain border checks on travelers from Italy cover both air and maritime connections.

As a result, passengers arriving on direct flights from Italy may face document checks after landing.

Spanish authorities said checks at airports can take place near the aircraft door. Officers may verify passengers before they continue through the airport.

If authorities identify an issue that requires additional verification, the passenger can be taken to a border checkpoint. Officials can then conduct more detailed checks.

Meanwhile, passengers arriving by sea can also face controls at Spanish ports.

The temporary measure therefore affects direct travel between the two countries rather than closing transport connections.

Controls Expanded Across Spanish Airports

Spain has also extended the operation to several major airports.

Reports indicate that controls cover connections through airports including Málaga, Seville, Bilbao, Alicante and Valencia. The measure forms part of the broader temporary border-control system for travelers arriving from Italy.

However, the introduction of checks does not mean Spain has suspended the Schengen system.

Instead, authorities are using a temporary mechanism available under European border rules.

Therefore, flights and ferries between Italy and Spain can continue operating.

Measure Currently Runs Until September 7

The temporary controls began at midnight on August 8.

Under the current schedule, they will remain in place until midnight on September 7, 2026.

Nevertheless, September 7 is not necessarily a fixed final date.

Spanish authorities said the period could change depending on how the situation develops. Moreover, officials will conduct another assessment when the current period expires.

That review will determine whether Spain should maintain, modify or remove the controls.

Therefore, travelers planning trips between Italy and Spain should be prepared for additional document checks while the measure remains active.

Migration Pressure Behind the Decision

The Spanish government cited developments involving irregular migration as an important factor behind the decision.

In particular, Madrid highlighted pressure along the Central Mediterranean route affecting Italy. Spanish authorities are also monitoring potential consequences for other EU countries.

Security is another consideration.

According to Spain’s Interior Ministry, cross-border criminal networks connected to irregular migration could have consequences for public order and internal security.

As a result, the government considers temporary checks necessary under the current circumstances.

Italy Criticizes Spain’s Move

The decision has also created political tension between Madrid and Rome.

Italian officials criticized Spain’s introduction of controls. Italy described the Spanish response as disproportionate, while Spanish officials defended the measure and maintained that the Schengen framework remains intact.

The dispute comes after Italy had previously introduced measures affecting travelers from Spain.

Consequently, border policy has become another point of disagreement between the two governments.

Still, both countries remain members of the Schengen area.

Travelers Should Expect Additional Checks

For passengers, the most visible effect will be the possibility of additional document verification.

Travelers arriving from Italy should therefore keep their identification and travel documents easily accessible.

Moreover, passengers may want to allow additional time after arrival because checks could affect normal airport or port procedures.

The situation remains temporary.

For now, Spain’s border checks on travelers from Italy are scheduled to continue until September 7. However, Spanish authorities could lift or modify the measure earlier if circumstances change.