Spain to Impose Border Checks on Italian Flights and Ships Amid Migration Dispute

Spain's government said it will introduce border controls for flights and ships arriving from Italy beginning at midnight on Saturday and lasting until September 7. The measures will involve passport, nationality and visa checks for Italian passengers and other travelers transiting through Italy, citing continued irregular migration pressure.

The decision follows Italy's implementation of its own controls on arrivals from Spain, which it says will remain in place at least until August 15. Italy introduced its restrictions after a large influx of migrants entered the Spanish enclave of Ceuta on July 30.

Spanish officials warned they would apply reciprocal measures unless Rome lifted its controls by Sunday. In response, an Italian spokesperson said the restrictions would only be reconsidered once security, terrorism and migration risks were fully assessed.

Both governments indicated the actions are temporary and linked to the recent surge of migrants crossing from Morocco into Ceuta.