Italy has temporarily reintroduced border controls for travelers arriving from Spain, citing security concerns following the recent migrant surge into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta.
The temporary measure, announced by the Italian government, will take effect under provisions of the Schengen Borders Code, allowing member states to restore internal border checks when faced with serious threats to public security or internal security.
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani described the move as necessary to protect national security and strengthen Europe’s external borders, saying the migration situation in Ceuta highlighted the need for closer cooperation on border management.
The temporary controls will mainly affect non-EU nationals traveling from Spain to Italy by air or sea, who may be subject to passport checks. The measure does not suspend Spain’s participation in the Schengen Area or prevent EU citizens from traveling between the two countries.
The decision follows a large-scale migrant influx into Ceuta, which has intensified political debate across Europe over migration, asylum policies, and border security. Several European leaders have called for stronger external border controls, while others have urged greater EU solidarity in addressing the crisis.
The issue has also drawn reactions in the United States, where President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and several European political figures referenced the events in Ceuta while arguing for stricter immigration policies.
