Spain is maintaining the reintroduction of checks at internal sea and air borders for travellers from Italy for a further 15 days. An order published in the Boletín Oficial del Estado by the Ministerio del Interior sets out that the checks will apply from 8 September 2026 allocated for 2026 may not reach farmers in time by 22 September 2026 . The step is justified by a continuing serious threat to public order and internal security. The order cites Articles 25 and 26 of the Schengen Borders Code.
The trigger for Spain’s decision is Italy’s earlier measure. Rome decided at the end of July to temporarily suspend the Schengen arrangements vis-à-vis Spain and subsequently extended this by a further 15 days. Madrid initially responded by reintroducing checks on arrivals from Italy until 7 September. With the extension now published, Spain is continuing its countermeasure.
Specifically, the order provides for identity and travel document checks at ports and airports on arriving flights and ferry services from Italy. According to the Ministerio del Interior, the checks are to be designed to minimise disruption to freedom of movement within the Schengen Area; random checks are the preferred approach.
In its justification, the government cites increased pressure along the central Mediterranean route and risks from cross-border organised crime. It also highlights possible secondary movements of third-country nationals registered in Italy who could travel on to Spain. These assessments are political judgements; the order summarises their underlying factual basis in terms of security and public order.
The European Commission assesses temporary border checks within the Schengen Area on a case-by-case basis. According to Brussels, the relevant assessments are discussed on an ongoing basis between the member states concerned. Spain’s order makes no statement about further extensions; it defines only the current legal basis and the period for which the measure applies.
Politically, the measure deepens the disagreement between Madrid and Rome. Both governments cite security concerns while also emphasising that they want to minimise the negative impact on travellers. In practice, this remains a balancing act between protecting public order and security on the one hand and maintaining freedom of movement within the Schengen Area on the other.
Editor: Mira Cadena (Article created with AI assistance).