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Breaking: Last-minute changes that could affect your trip and border checks in Italy due to the Ceuta crisis. Here’s what you need to know before entering the country.
Italy now has temporary border controls in place for flights and ferries from Spain. Learn how this affects non-EU travelers and EU citizens.
Italy has temporarily suspended its Schengen free-travel agreement with Spain for one month starting 1 August 2026. Non-EU travellers arriving by air and sea will be subject to targeted border checks.
This was considered necessary due to the recent crisis in the Spanish enclave of Ceuta. This legal enforcement is allowed under Schengen Area regulations when necessary to safeguard national security.
EU citizens will retain their rights to free movement throughout, but what does this mean for non-EU travellers? Here’s everything you need to know so far about the developing situation.
What the new controls mean for travellers
The temporary border controls strictly apply to passengers arriving in Italy from Spain by air or ferry, since the two countries do not share a land border.
Italian border authorities have been instructed to inspect the documents of arriving travellers. Checks will mainly focus on third-country nationals, but officers may conduct randomised identity checks on any passenger to verify their citizenship.
This will definitely change the typical experience of arriving in Italy.
- Tourists on Euro trips can be pulled over for extra checks to verify a valid visa and other travel documents, and might face long lines at airports and ports.
- If you’re a non-EU citizen, you may encounter longer wait times at airports and port arrivals. You must also present a valid passport and a Schengen visa/Spanish residence permit. Digital copies and driver’s licenses are not accepted as valid travel documentation.
- If you’re an EU, EEA, or Swiss citizen, your right to free movement is still fully intact. However, you must still carry all necessary travel documents, such as a national identity card or original passport, to confirm your status during checks.
A response to the Ceuta crisis
These temporary border controls and restrictions are a security response to the crisis in Ceuta, Spain’s North African enclave. Thousands (estimated at 50,000 to 60,000) crossed into Spanish territory from Morocco, raising security and humanitarian concerns.
What we know so far:
- The majority of individuals who arrived in Ceuta have now returned to Morocco, escorted by Spanish soldiers and police.
- For now, Spain is guarding Ceuta against any further incidents.
- Operational details are still in the works as Italian authorities deploy officers and inspectors.
- While the rule is set for one month, it’s uncertain whether individual Italian airports/ports will mandate checks for specific Spanish cities or rely on randomised checks.
If you’re planning to travel to Italy soon, it’s best to stay updated through live airline notifications and official news alerts from Italy and Spain.
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Born and raised in Queens, New York, I'm a Psychology graduate with a passion for writing that I've been nurturing since 2019. Over the years, I've enjoyed creating meaningful content across various niches, including sports, hospitality, and career development. At Holafly, I focus on crafting useful and inspiring pieces to make your adventures more effortless. One of the best perks of this role? Creating travel content always seems to inspire my next vacation destination!
