Archive · 8 Aug 2026
Italy refuses to ease Schengen border restrictions with Spain
Italy and Spain are countries in Europe that share a special agreement letting travelers cross their borders freely.
Recently, Italy decided to pause that rule for a short time, but only for people coming from Spain who are not citizens of European Union countries.
Italy did this because it is worried about safety and about people moving in large numbers without permission.
Italy says the pause will stay in place until at least August 15.
Italy also says it will not change its mind just because other countries are unhappy with the decision.
Italy says the pause is not meant to be mean to Spain, which it calls a friendly country.
People from the European Union who arrive by plane or boat are not affected by the new rule.
Spain thinks the decision is unfair and too strong.
Italy says it is ready to talk with Spain once the safety worries go away.
Italy will keep temporary restrictions on third-country nationals entering from Spain until at least August 15.
Italy says it 'does not accept ultimatums or external pressure' on national security and border management.
The measures respond to concerns over irregular migration and potential terrorism or security risks.
Italian authorities are monitoring possible new migrant arrivals in the Spanish enclave of Ceuta around August 15.
Spain objects to the measure, calling it disproportionate and inconsistent with Schengen's free movement principle.
- Who
- The Italian government, the Spanish government, and third-country nationals traveling from Spain.
- What
- Italy will keep its temporary suspension of Schengen border rules for third-country nationals arriving from Spain until at least August 15.
- When
- Reaffirmed on Friday; the measure lasts until at least August 15.
- Where
- Italy's borders, specifically land entry from Spain; Spain's enclave of Ceuta is also mentioned as a risk point.
- Why
- Due to concerns over national security, terrorism risks, irregular migration, and possible new waves of migrants toward Europe.
Spain's position
Italy's position
Justification of border controls
Spain's position
The temporary border controls are disproportionate and inconsistent with the Schengen area's principle of free movement.
Italy's position
The controls are justified by national security, terrorism risk, and irregular migration concerns, and similar measures have been used by Italy and other European countries before.
Response to criticism
Spain's position
Spain objected that the measure is unfair and does not fit the Schengen free movement rules.
Italy's position
Italy says it does not accept ultimatums or external pressure and stresses the measure is not directed against Spain, a friendly country, but will stay in place until security risks are ruled out.
- Countries involved
- Italy and Spain
- Measure
- Temporary suspension of the Schengen Agreement for third-country nationals arriving from Spain
- Affected travelers
- Third-country nationals entering from Spain by land
- Exempt travelers
- Spanish and other European Union citizens traveling by air or sea
- Duration
- At least until August 15, when the situation will be reassessed
- Reason
- National security, terrorism risks, and irregular migration concerns
- Spain's response
- Called the measure disproportionate and inconsistent with Schengen's free movement principle