Italy and Spain border checks in October 2026: what travellers need

Italy is checking passengers arriving by air and sea from Spain until 16 October 2026. Spain’s reciprocal checks on passengers arriving from Italy remain in force until 7 October. Flights and ferries are still operating, but travellers should carry the correct identity and residence documents and allow time for checks at airports and ports.

When do the Italy-Spain border checks apply?

Italy’s Interior Ministry announced the latest 15-day extension on 30 September. The European Commission’s current list records the Italian measure from 1 to 16 October. Spain’s official order applies from 23 September until midnight on 7 October. The controls cover people travelling on affected passenger flights and sea links. They are not a closure of the routes.

These dates can change. Spain’s order says its controls end automatically on 7 October unless the government adopts another reasoned decision. Both countries can also lift controls early if the stated security concerns no longer apply.

Which travel documents should you carry?

EU, EEA and Swiss citizens

Carry a valid passport or national identity card. The EU’s Your Europe service says that when a Schengen country temporarily restores internal border controls, EU nationals must be able to show one of those documents. A driving licence is not a travel document.

Non-EU citizens

Carry your valid passport and any document that proves your right to travel or reside in the Schengen area. Depending on your circumstances, this may include a valid visa, residence permit or long-stay visa. The European Commission advises non-EU travellers crossing countries with temporary internal controls to keep their passport and supporting documents with them.

UK nationals living in an EU country should carry their passport and their EU residence document. This helps show their residence status and any rights that apply beyond the normal short-stay limit.

What should travellers do before leaving?

• Check that every traveller, including each child, has a valid passport or national identity card where applicable.
• Keep residence permits, visas and other supporting documents in hand luggage rather than checked baggage.
• Check the latest departure time and boarding guidance directly with the airline or ferry operator.
• Allow the normal recommended airport or port arrival time, plus extra room for an identity check.
• Recheck the official dates if travelling after 7 October or close to 16 October, as either government may issue a new decision.

Why have Italy and Spain restored these checks?

Italy’s Interior Ministry attributes its extension to continuing security concerns linked to events in Ceuta and the risk of onward movement within the Schengen area. Spain’s official order gives related public-order and internal-security grounds for checks on passengers arriving from Italy.

Temporary internal controls are permitted under the Schengen Borders Code when a government identifies a serious threat to public policy or internal security. They do not by themselves remove EU free-movement rights or cancel valid visas and residence permits. They do mean that travellers who would not normally meet a border officer on this journey may be asked to present documents.

Do the checks apply to travel by road or rail through France?

The two reciprocal measures described here apply to specified air and sea passenger connections. Italy’s notice covers arrivals from Spain at Italian airports and ports, while Spain’s order covers flights and passenger sea links arriving from Italy. Travellers taking other routes should still check the European Commission’s current border-control list because France, Italy and other Schengen countries may operate separate controls.

Official information

• Italian Interior Ministry: 30 September extension
• Spanish Official Gazette: Order INT/977/2026
• European Commission: current temporary internal border controls
• Your Europe: travel documents for EU nationals
• Your Europe: travel documents for non-EU nationals

Last verified: 3 October 2026. This article explains current official travel information and is not legal advice.

Featured image: a ferry in Barcelona harbour, photographed by Liridon on 2 October 2023. Source: Wikimedia Commons. Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. The image is an archive travel photograph and does not show the 2026 checks. The 1,280-pixel version is used for web display.