Spain has opted to extend its temporary border controls for travelers arriving from Italy by air or sea for an additional 15 days. The measure, which was originally scheduled to expire on September 7, will now remain in effect until September 22.
This ongoing diplomatic tension between Madrid and Rome follows a established pattern of reciprocal measures. Spain first implemented these checks on August 8 through Order INT/846/2026, acting in response to Italy’s earlier decision to suspend the free-movement regime for those arriving from Spanish territory. Italy has also extended its own checks until September 15, a decision communicated by Italian Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi to his Spanish counterpart, Grande-Marlaska, during a telephone conversation.
The diplomatic disagreement originated in late July when the government led by Giorgia Meloni announced it was suspending Schengen arrangements with Spain, citing national security concerns following a mass arrival of migrants in Ceuta. Italy has consistently argued that the migration situation remains unresolved, justifying the continued use of these border checks. Spain initially demanded the lifting of these restrictions before deciding to mirror them with equivalent measures for Italian travelers.
Despite these renewals occurring in 15-day increments, the situation does not constitute a formal border closure, and the fundamental right to travel between the two nations remains unaffected. The controls consist of random identity and nationality checks on passports at ports and airports, with additional verification of residence permits for third-country nationals. Flights and sea links continue to operate as normal, though travellers are advised to allow extra time for these checks.
