Italy and Spain Reintroduce Temporary Schengen Border Controls

Stockholm residents traveling in Southern Europe face new border checks between Italy and Spain. Italy and Spain temporarily reintroduced internal Schengen border controls on air and sea routes. These checks apply to travel between the two Southern European countries. Travelers carrying Swedish residence permits or visas must present physical passports and documents.

The measure follows migration and security concerns linked to recent border events in Ceuta. The two countries invoked Article 25 of the Schengen Borders Code. The European Commission confirmed receipt of the official notifications from both countries. The Commission is monitoring the temporary checks for compliance with EU regulations.

The Schengen Borders Code allows member states to temporarily reintroduce internal border checks. This measure responds to serious threats to public policy or internal security. Border controls must remain an exceptional measure of last resort. The scope and duration must stay restricted to the minimum strictly needed.

Unforeseeable threats allow immediate controls for one month without prior notification. Member states can prolong these initial checks up to three months total. Foreseeable threats allow controls for up to six months after four weeks notice. Such foreseeable controls can be renewed for up to two total years.