Spain imposes restrictions on its borders with Italy on the basis of reciprocity

Spain announced on Friday the imposition of restrictions on its borders with Italy, based on the principle of reciprocity.

The Spanish government said it would impose restrictions on air flights and ships arriving from Italy from midnight Saturday until September 7, escalating a dispute with Italy over migration policies. It added that the measures would include checks on passports, nationality, and entry visas for Italians and visitors arriving from Italy, “amid ongoing pressure from irregular migration.”

Spain stated that the measures would be implemented as Italy is currently carrying out its own actions, which Rome said were driven by the large influx of approximately 72,000 migrants into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta in North Africa on July 30.