Spain Introduces Border Controls on Italy Amid Migration Crisis

What changed

• →Border controls include passport, nationality, and visa inspections for Italian passengers and visitors entering from other countries through Italy
• →Border checks will last until September 7th or longer if security risks persist

Why it matters

• Why it happened

  Irregular migration pressure from Morocco to Spain's Ceuta

• Positions

  Spanish government views Italian border controls as unfair and discriminatory

What we know

• ✓Spain introduces temporary border checks on travelers from Italy
• ✓Italy introduced similar measures after a mass migration into the Spanish exclave of Ceuta

How we got here

1. August 8, 2026 at 12:43 AM
   The Story was first published.

Sources and what they add

• Der SpiegelAfter the migration crisis in Ceuta, Italy began border controls directed against Spain. Madrid initially criticized this sharply and is now also announcing controls for flights and ships from Italy.Open ↗
• France 24Spain announced Friday that it would introduce border controls for travellers arriving from Italy in retaliation for Rome imposing similar measures. The rare spat between the EU nations came after tens of thousands of people crossed from Morocco to Spain's North African territory Ceuta in an unprecedented, deadly rush.Open ↗
• BBCThe Spanish decision came after Madrid called on the Italian government to reverse the measures it had taken against those arriving from Spain, urging it to take “proportionate measures” to protect the interests of its citizens if the Italian position is not modified.Open ↗
• FAZAfter the rush to Ceuta, border controls for air and sea traffic with Spain came into force in Italy on August 1st. Madrid is now responding with countermeasures.Open ↗
• Le MondeCes contrôles, mis en place « face à la persistance de la pressure migratoire irrégulière » à laquelle l’Italie est confrontée, débuteront samedi à 00 h 00, et dureront jusqu’au 7 septembre, selon le gouvernement espagnol.Open ↗
• La VanguardiaThe Ministry of the Interior will establish controls in ports and airports from midnight this Saturday for movements from Italy due to its "persistent migratory pressure"Open ↗
• la RepubblicaNegotiation with Spain rejected: Salvini and Piantedosi against. Fears for the repercussions on the tourism systemOpen ↗
• la RepubblicaThe EU is responsible for the border decision of Roma: in via informale ha fato sapere che è eccessivo rispetto alla crisi di CeutaOpen ↗