Spain has once again extended temporary border checks for travellers from Italy The Ministry of the Interior is continuing the checks under Orden INT/1033/2026 at the internal air and sea borders from 8 October 2026 through and including 22 October 2026 The order was published in the Boletín Oficial del Estado and follows without interruption the arrangement in force until 7 October.
The government cites a serious threat to public order and internal security as the reason. The legal basis is the Schengen Borders Code, which allows the temporary reintroduction of checks at internal borders in exceptional situations. Formally, the order covers air and ferry traffic between Spain and Italy. In practice, the competent authorities carry out identity and travel document checks at designated processing points in ports and airports. The order is a temporary measure and, according to its reasoning, is subject to ongoing assessment.
The latest extension is part of a series of ministerial orders: the initial reintroduction was made under Order INT/846/2026 of 7 August (in force from 8 August to 7 September). This was followed by Order INT/932/2026 of 4 September (8 to 22 September), and then by Order INT/977/2026 of 16 September (23 September to 7 October). The latest order, Order INT/1033/2026, is dated 1 October and sets the new period in force as 8 October 2026 to 22 October 2026.
The extension does not change the substantive entry requirements for the Schengen Area: EU citizens must still present a valid passport or identity card; visa requirements remain unaffected. Official notices specifically address transport operators so that they can adjust their procedures and ensure passengers are informed. Longer processing times should be expected while the measure is in force, particularly at busy airports and ferry terminals.
The background is a series of reciprocal steps by Spain and Italy to temporarily monitor travel, which both governments justify on security grounds. Official notices from Rome suggest that Italy is also maintaining checks on travellers from Spain. Order INT/1033/2026 says nothing about possible further extensions; instead, the government refers to the ongoing assessment of the situation and the time limits set by the Schengen Borders Code.
Editor: Mira Cadena (Article created with AI assistance).