Spain imposes border controls against Italy as row over Ceuta migrant influx intensifies

Spain has implemented border controls on all air and sea travel from Italy, following a dispute over a migrant influx from Morocco into Ceuta, a Spanish exclave. The restrictions, which began at midnight and will last for a month, involve checking the documents of 5%-10% of passengers. Italy has also instituted random border controls.

The conflict has exposed tensions between Spain's socialist leader Pedro Sanchez and Italy's conservative leader Giorgia Meloni. Spain dismisses Italy's claim that the border-free Schengen arrangement was suspended to prevent migrants from leaving Ceuta for Italy, stating their measures are based on factual evidence. Spain has urged Italy to lift its checks by Sunday, while Italy plans to maintain them until at least 15 August.

Italy exempts Spanish and EU citizens from additional checks, but identifying EU and non-EU travelers remains unclear. Both countries have reported long queues and delays at airports, with passengers being directed to specific lines for checks. Spain insists its checks are random, but eyewitnesses claim all passengers were required to present their passports.

The border controls are set to continue until 7 September unless circumstances warrant an extension.