Spain reinstates temporary border checks for travellers from Italy

Spain has temporarily reintroduced internal border checks for travellers arriving from Italy following a diplomatic dispute between the two countries over migration and the application of the Schengen agreement.

The measures came into force at midnight, (12am Saturday) and will remain in place until the 7th September, unless circumstances change.

According to the Spanish Government, random checks will be carried out at ports and airports and will include verification of travellers’ identity and nationality. Third-country nationals may also be asked to present a valid visa or residence permit.

The move comes after Italy introduced similar temporary border checks on travellers arriving from Spain following the recent migrant crisis in Ceuta. Spain says its decision is a response to those measures, which it considers unjustified.

Italy has said it will maintain its own controls for the time being, prolonging the diplomatic dispute between the two countries.