Just a few days ago, Italy temporarily reinstated border controls for people travelling from Spain, a decision adopted by the Italian Government in the context of the migration situation in Ceuta. At ARC Legal, we recently published an article explaining the scope of the measure and its implications for travellers.
Now, Spain has decided to temporarily reinstate border controls for travelers arriving from Italy, in a decision that comes only a few days after the measure adopted by the Italian authorities and which should be understood within the current migration and border context between the two countries.
The Spanish measure was adopted through Order INT/846/2026, of 7 August, published in the Spanish Official State Gazette (BOE), and specifically applies to Spain’s internal air and maritime borders in relation to passenger flights and maritime connections arriving from Italy.
The controls will remain in force for 30 days, from 8 August to 7 September 2026.
⏺️ What does the reinstatement of border controls mean?
The measure means that passengers arriving in Spain from Italy by air or sea will once again be subject to border controls upon arrival.
These controls will apply to all persons, regardless of nationality, although the checks must take into account the legal regime applicable to each traveller and, in particular, whether they are beneficiaries of the right to free movement under European Union law.
Specifically, the measure applies to:
- Passenger flights whose last airport of departure before arriving in Spain is located in Italy.
- Ships, ferries and other maritime passenger services whose last port of departure before arriving in Spain is located in Italy.
By contrast, flights and maritime connections arriving from other EU Member States are excluded, as are, as a general rule, aircraft and vessels that do not carry passengers.
⏺️ Does this mean that free movement between Italy and Spain has been suspended?
No. The temporary reinstatement of border controls does not amount to a general prohibition on entering Spain or a suspension of the right to free movement.
EU citizens and their family members retain the rights granted to them under European Union law. The Order itself establishes that the controls must respect, among other safeguards, the rights of EU citizens and their family members, family unity and the other guarantees recognised under European Union and Spanish law.
In practice, the main consequence for those travelling from Italy is that they may be required to undergo an additional document check upon arrival at a Spanish airport or port.
For this reason, travellers are advised to carry the documentation necessary to prove their identity and, where applicable, their immigration status or right to free movement.
⏺️ Why has Spain adopted this measure?
The Order primarily justifies the temporary reinstatement of border controls on the basis of migration pressure along the Central Mediterranean route and the risk of unauthorised secondary movements from Italy towards other countries within the Schengen Area, including Spain.
The Spanish Government also refers to difficulties concerning Italy’s application of European rules determining which Member State is responsible for examining certain applications for international protection.
In addition, the Order refers to the risks associated with criminal organisations that use migration routes and international transport connections to facilitate irregular movements, human trafficking and the use of fraudulent documentation.
According to the Order, the concentration of these movements on certain flights and maritime connections from Italy, particularly during the summer period, supports the existence of a serious, genuine and current threat to public policy and internal security.
⏺️ Do the controls affect all travellers arriving from Italy?
Yes. The controls may be carried out on all persons entering Spain through the affected air or maritime connections, regardless of their nationality.
However, this does not mean that all travellers are subject to the same entry requirements.
The Spanish authorities must apply the appropriate rules to each person according to their nationality, legal status and, in particular, whether or not they benefit from the right to free movement within the European Union.
Therefore, the existence of border controls does not in itself change the legal entry requirements applicable to Spanish citizens, nationals of other EU Member States, family members of EU citizens or third-country nationals.
⏺️ How long will the controls remain in force?
The border controls will remain in place for 30 calendar days, specifically from 00:00 on 8 August until 24:00 on 7 September 2026.
The measure will be subject to ongoing assessment and may be lifted earlier if the circumstances that justified its adoption cease to exist.
The Order also expressly establishes that the controls cannot be automatically extended. Any extension beyond 7 September would require a new reasoned decision and an updated assessment of its necessity and proportionality.
⏺️ Recommendations for travelling from Italy to Spain
While the measure remains in force, we recommend that anyone planning to travel from Italy to Spain:
- Always carry a valid passport or national identity document.
- If you are a third-country national residing in Spain or another EU Member State, also carry your residence card or residence permit.
- If you are travelling as a family member of an EU citizen, carry documentation proving that status where necessary.
- Allow sufficient time for the possibility of additional checks and potential delays at airports and ports.
In short, the temporary reinstatement of border controls does not prevent travel between Italy and Spain and does not suspend free movement within the Schengen Area, but it does mean that document checks have been temporarily reinstated for travelers arriving in Spain from Italy by air or sea.
At ARC Legal, we continue to monitor regulatory and administrative developments that may affect foreign nationals, residents and travelers entering or leaving Spain.
Related articles
- Italy temporarily reintroduces border controls with Spain: what does it mean for travelers?
- Entry/Exit System (EES) officially starts today across EU borders
- The European Parliament strengthens the EU visa suspension mechanism
¿Prefieres leer este artículo en español 🇪🇸? Puedes encontrarlo aquí: España restablece temporalmente los controles fronterizos para viajeros procedentes de Italia
The content of this article is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration regulations are subject to ongoing interpretative and administrative changes. At ARC Legal, we make every effort to keep the information up to date and verified against official sources; however, we always recommend consulting a specialised professional before starting any procedure or making legal decisions. If you require personalised advice regarding your situation, you can contact our firm.