Spain is conducting random checks on passengers arriving from Italy
Spain has begun conducting random checks on passengers arriving on flights from Italy. The country’s Ministry of the Interior emphasizes that this is not a systematic border control measure. Checks are conducted directly at the aircraft, and if necessary, passengers may be escorted to a border control point.
The ministry explained that border guards may check passengers immediately after they disembark from the plane. However, passengers are not directed in a line to a separate external border control area. The number of border guards depends on how many passengers arrive on a specific flight. Checks are conducted on a random basis, not for all passengers.
Special attention is paid to citizens of non-EU countries. Border guards verify whether they have the necessary documents for entry in accordance with the Schengen Borders Code. In particular, they verify the presence of a valid passport and, if necessary, a visa or residence permit. “We always strive for maximum cooperation with passengers and airline representatives so that citizens of member states are exempt from checks and passengers can disembark as quickly as possible,” the Spanish Ministry of the Interior stated.
If, during the check, doubts arise regarding a person’s documents or right to enter the country, the passenger may be taken to a border checkpoint. There, a more detailed check will be conducted to clarify all necessary circumstances. The Spanish National Police are already checking the passports of passengers arriving from Italy. In some cases, these checks are conducted directly on the runway after the plane lands.
The Spanish Ministry of the Interior has released photographs showing these checks in progress. Thus, Spain has not implemented blanket screening for all passengers arriving from Italy. These are specifically selective checks, primarily targeting third-country nationals, to ensure they meet the requirements for entry into the Schengen Area. This was reported by the Spanish news agency EFE, citing the Spanish Ministry of the Interior.
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