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Suspension of Schengen movement agreement between the EU and the Schengen area member states will be implemented by Italy, after which the agreement will be resumed along with border controls at airports and seaports starting August 1, 2026. This suspension is a temporary 30-day emergency suspension of the Schengen agreement introduced by the Italian government to address security issues concerning the recent arrival of migrants in Ceuta, an enclave of North Africa in Spain. According to the Prime Minister of Italy, Giorgia Meloni, this decision is essential for ensuring the safety of the nation and reducing its influence on the country’s tourism.
Quick facts: Suspension of Schengen Agreement by Italy and Spain
- Who: Italy and Spain. Suspension of trade and transport of Italy with Spain takes place within the framework of the Schengen agreement that provides free movement between many EU members.
- Where: Online (Eastern Time)
- When: All year round, including holidays.
- How: At Italian ports and airports, where air and sea routes with Spain operate throughout the year, even during holidays.
- The reasons for: Migrant flow to Ceuta, Spain from Morocco
- Who checks the documents: Italian border police, who are more inclined to be interested in non-EU nationals.
- Tourism impact: Government says checks will be “targeted” to minimise delays.
Why Did Italy Suspend Schengen With Spain?
The Italian Schengen suspension comes on the heels of a surge of migrants arriving in the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, on the border with Morocco. Under the normal rules of the Schengen Area, which recommends open borders, Italian officials feared that nationals entering the Schengen Area from Spain might then go on to travel to Italy without being stopped. Rome invoked its rights under EU treaties to temporarily reimplement Italian-Spanish border controls to reduce the gap. Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said the move was part of a “European responsibility” to control irregular migration and so as to “avoid security threats.”
What the Border Checks REALLY look like!
Italy’s Schengen suspension will see that border police carry out ‘selective controls’ on passengers from Spain when they arrive by air or ferry. The emphasis is on third-country nationals (non-EU citizens) to ensure they have valid travel documents to go in and out of the Schengen Area. EU and Spanish citizens may have to undergo more screening at the Italian border with August 1st and later, but will have less risk of long delays.
Before and After: Italy-Spain Travel Restrictions
| Travel Class | Prior to Restriction | Schengen-Beschränkung |
| Passport/identification controls | Rare, open borders | Ports/Airports: select checks to be done |
| Time to wait | Normal | For non-EU travellers it takes a little longer |
| EU nationals | Mobility freedom | Migration is free but there might be checks done from time to time. |
| Visitors from outside the EU | Light screening | Document verification needed |
| Time | N/A | 1 month, starting Aug. 1, 2026 |
How Long Will the Schengen Suspension Last?
The measure will be in effect for one month, although Italian authorities state “only as long as needed. Depending on the situation, if there is less pressure on migration at Ceuta, checks could be relaxed early, or if there isn’t, there could be an extension.
FAQs
Is the situation the same for all journeys between Italy and Spain?
This applies to air and maritime travel, and is targeted at non-EU travellers.
Will this be a delay to my flight/ferry from Spain to Italy?
There will be some additional time, but it will be “selective” rather than “blanket” to safeguard tourism, authorities say.
Will this be a permanent suspension?
No. Under EU Schengen rules, it is a temporary measure, valid for one month, which will be reviewed.
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