Spain to maintain border checks on arrivals from Italy until 22 September

Spain has decided to extend border controls on inbound travelers from Italy by air and sea for an additional 15 days, thereby postponing the end of the measures until 22 September.

This policy mirrors the long‑standing standoff between Madrid and Rome since the summer. The measures were first implemented on 8 August via Order INT/846/2026, directly responding to Italy’s decision in the summer to suspend the EU free‑movement arrangement for persons entering the Iberian Peninsula from Spanish territory.

Italy, meanwhile, had already prolonged its own restrictions to 15 September—fifteen additional days beyond the previous deadline imposed by the Meloni administration. Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi informed Spain during a phone conversation with his Spanish counterpart, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s partner Grande‑Marlaka.

Ceuta’s migration crisis at the root of the dispute

The diplomatic conflict began in late July, when Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s cabinet announced the suspension of Schengen arrangements with Spain on national security grounds amid a surge of migrants in Ceuta. Italy maintains that the migration situation remains unresolved and continues to justify the bilateral restrictions.

Spain initially responded by unsuccessfully requesting the lifts, then adopted equivalent measures targeted at Italian travelers. Both countries have since renewed identical checks in staggered 15‑day intervals, leaving the underlying dispute unresolved.

What it means for travelers between the two nations

The extension does not constitute a blanket border closure nor affects passenger rights. The inspections involve random passport checks at ports and airports for national and immigration identities, including verification of resident status for third citizens. Flights and maritime links run normally, although visitors are advised to allow extra time for these controls.

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