If you’re flying into Italy via Spain this month, budget a little extra time at the border. Italy has temporarily suspended Schengen free-movement arrangements with Spain for one month, bringing in targeted checks for some travellers arriving by air and sea, and while it’s not a full border closure, it’s enough of a change to catch UAE travellers off guard if they haven’t heard about it.
What Is Happening Now & Why?
The move follows a sharp surge in migrant arrivals into Ceuta, a Spanish territory in North Africa, from neighbouring Morocco. Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister Antonio Tajani framed the decision as necessary to protect citizens and reinforce European borders, as mentioned by Gulf News.
Meanwhile, Spain’s Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares pushed back on any suggestion that the wider Schengen system is under threat, noting that most migrants who entered Ceuta have already returned to Morocco.
France, for its part, has also tightened checks along its own border with Spain in response to the same situation. Worth being clear: this is a border-management measure tied to a specific regional event, not a suspension of the Schengen agreement itself.
Also Read: Applying For A Schengen Visa? Here’s Why Europe’s Visa System Is Facing Fresh Scrutiny
What Actually Changes For UAE Travellers
Here’s the part that matters practically. Italian authorities have confirmed the measure won’t affect Spanish or other EU citizens; travel between Spain and the rest of the bloc continues as normal. But non-EU travellers, including UAE residents, may face additional document checks when entering Italy from Spain. Your Schengen visa isn’t suspended and remains valid; this is about extra scrutiny at the border, not a change to who’s allowed to travel.
How UAE Travellers Can Plan Around These Schengen Changes For Italy & Spain
If your itinerary has you flying into Spain before continuing to Italy, a few things are worth doing before you leave: carry your passport, Schengen visa, and any supporting travel documents on you rather than buried in checked luggage.
Build in extra time at the airport for potential checks, and confirm with your airline ahead of departure in case of any schedule updates. Keep an eye on official immigration advisories closer to your travel date.
This isn’t the first time UAE travellers have had to navigate a shifting Schengen landscape recently; border checks across the zone have already seen changes this year. Also, it’s worth brushing up on the basics of how the Schengen system actually works before your next European trip, regardless of this specific update.
Cover Image Courtesy: CanvaPro/maybefalse from Getty Images Signature