The Italian authorities said the controls would consist of targeted and selective checks on non-EU nationals travelling from Spain. Border police will verify whether passengers hold the documents required to travel within the European Union.
Spanish nationals and citizens of other EU member states are not expected to be affected by the measure. Travel between Italy and Spain has not been suspended, while flights and ferry services are continuing to operate.
Checks were being conducted at Rome Fiumicino Airport on passengers arriving aboard flights from Madrid, Barcelona and Malaga. The measure may result in additional document inspections for non-EU passengers at Italian airports and ports handling services from Spain.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni described the temporary controls as an extraordinary measure introduced to protect national security and prevent possible consequences for Italy. The government said particular attention would be given to limiting disruption to summer tourism flows.
The decision followed an unprecedented movement of people from Morocco into Ceuta by land and sea. Spanish authorities estimated that approximately 50,000 people crossed into the enclave over a short period, while local estimates placed the number as high as 60,000.
More than 48,000 people returned to Morocco within 48 hours, according to the Spanish government. Spanish authorities also said irregular arrivals in Ceuta were not permitted to continue to mainland Spain or other destinations within the Schengen area.
Ceuta, a Spanish territory on the North African coast, is not covered by the Schengen area’s passport-free travel arrangements in the same way as mainland Spain. Travellers leaving the enclave by air or sea already undergo police identity checks before continuing to the Spanish mainland or other European destinations.
Spain deployed military personnel, National Police officers and members of the Guardia Civil in response to the crossings. Authorities also installed a 500-metre floating barrier off the Tarajal breakwater, one of the main points used to enter Ceuta from Morocco by sea.
The barrier consists of pneumatic sections and anchored naval buoys extending above and below the surface of the water. A channel between the barriers allows Guardia Civil vessels to patrol the coastal area.
At least 67 people died during the crossings, according to Spanish authorities. Some drowned while attempting to reach the enclave by sea, while others died near the breakwater and border infrastructure.
Spain said crossings had fallen to almost zero by 1 August, although reinforced police and military deployments would remain in place while the situation continued to be monitored.
Italian authorities also coordinated with France to reinforce controls along the Franco-Italian border. France separately increased checks along its border with Spain as part of the response to the situation in Ceuta.
The border measures were introduced under provisions allowing Schengen countries to temporarily restore internal controls when authorities identify a serious risk to public order or national security.
The developments are relevant to airlines, airports, ferry operators, tour operators and travel management companies handling itineraries between Spain and Italy. Non-EU passengers may be required to present passports, visas, residence permits or other documentation confirming their right to travel within the Schengen area.
Tags: Spain Italy European Union
