Spain Begins Border Checks on Travellers From Italy

Spain has begun border checks on travellers arriving from Italy, escalating a dispute with Rome over migration and the temporary suspension of Schengen rules.

The checks, which started Saturday, follow Italy’s decision to introduce similar controls on travellers from Spain after a large influx of migrants into the Spanish North African enclave of Ceuta.

Madrid announced the measures on Friday, citing continued pressure from irregular migration in Italy. The move deepened tensions between the two European Union and North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) partners.

At Least 72 Die in Spain’s Ceuta Migrant Rush — Migrants remain outside the CETI short-stay migrant center in the Spanish North African enclave of Ceuta, on August 1, 2026. Credit: AFP.

Spain’s left-wing government accused Italy’s right-wing administration of unfairly imposing month-long border checks on travellers from Spain on July 31 following the Ceuta influx.

More than 70,000 migrants crossed from Morocco into Ceuta on July 30 and 31, although nearly all returned to Morocco within 48 hours.

The influx raised concerns across Europe, particularly among governments calling for tougher measures against irregular migration.

However, migrants arriving in Ceuta cannot travel directly to mainland Europe and must pass through additional border controls before leaving the enclave.

Spain’s Interior Ministry said the checks on travellers arriving from Italy would remain in place until September 7.