Spain has extended temporary border checks on travellers arriving from Italy for another 15 days. The checks will now remain in place until September 22, instead of ending on September 7.
The decision continues a growing dispute between Madrid and Rome over migration and security measures linked to the Schengen free-movement area.
Spain extends checks on Italian arrivals
Spain first introduced the checks on August 8 under Order INT/846/2026. The move came after Italy suspended the free-movement arrangements for people travelling from Spanish territory.
Spain initially planned to keep its measures in place until September 7. However, the Interior Ministry has now extended them for another 15 days.
The decision follows Italy’s own extension of similar checks. Rome has extended its measures until September 15, also for another 15 days.
Italian Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi informed his Spanish counterpart, Fernando Grande-Marlaska, about the latest extension during a telephone conversation.
Both governments have continued to renew their measures in similar 15-day periods.
Ceuta migration crisis triggered dispute
The disagreement began in late July after the Italian government introduced restrictions involving Spain on national security grounds.
The move came amid a major migration crisis involving the Spanish territory of Ceuta. Italy has argued that the migration situation remains unresolved and continues to justify temporary checks.
Spain initially called on Italy to remove its restrictions. When those efforts failed, Madrid introduced similar checks on travellers arriving from Italy.
Since then, the two countries have continued to extend their respective measures without reaching a clear resolution.
The repeated extensions have kept the issue alive despite both countries remaining part of the Schengen area.
What travellers need to know
The latest Spanish extension does not mean that Spain has closed its border with Italy.
Air and sea connections between the two countries will continue to operate normally. Travellers can still move between Spain and Italy, although they may face identity and nationality checks.
Officials can carry out random passport checks at airports and ports. For travellers from outside the European Union, authorities may also check residence permits.
Travellers should therefore carry the required travel and identification documents and allow some extra time when passing through airports or ports.
For now, Spain’s temporary checks will remain in force until September 22. Further extensions could keep the issue in place if Madrid and Rome fail to settle their wider disagreement.
