In short: Spain has extended temporary border controls on air and sea borders with Italy from 23 September to 7 October 2026. It affects passengers on flights and maritime connections.
In person or by representative? Not applicable (this is an administrative change to border procedures, not a personal application).
The Order INT/977/2026 of 16 September, from Spain's Interior Ministry, extends the temporary reinstatement of border controls on Spanish air and sea internal borders with respect to the Italian Republic. This extension is valid from 00:00 on 23 September to 24:00 on 7 October 2026.
It is a direct continuation of Order INT/846/2026 (7 August 2026) and Order INT/932/2026 (4 September 2026) — same type of measure, same border, with no gap between periods. It is based on articles 25 and 26 of Regulation (EU) 2016/399 (Schengen Borders Code).
What are these controls?
Within the Schengen area, controls have been temporarily allowed at Spanish-Italian airports and passenger maritime connection points. This means:
- Air travellers (Spain-Italy flights): will pass document control at the airport (as if crossing an external border).
- Sea travellers: will pass control at the port.
- EU citizens: will travel with valid passport or ID card (routine procedure).
- Non-EU foreigners: must have legal residence in Spain or valid visa.
Does it affect foreign residents?
If you reside in Spain and travel to Italy (or vice versa) by flight or ship, you will need valid identification documents:
- EU citizens: passport or identity card.
- Third-country nationals: NIE, TIE, residence card or passport + valid visa/permit.
It is not a ban on travel, but a routine administrative control that has been extended. The Order itself is subject to ongoing review, can be lifted early if the underlying threat disappears, and does not renew automatically: each extension requires a new, justified order from the Interior Ministry.
Official source: BOE-A-2026-19485.
This is informational guidance on border control changes. If you have questions about your migration status or residence for travel, contact the National Police (comisaría) or your local administration.
