Tourists cross the border between Gibraltar and Spain in the British territory of Gibraltar, on June 29, 2026. (Photo: AFP)

Spain on Friday urged Italy to lift border checks on travelers from Spain before the end of Sunday, warning that it would otherwise adopt "proportionate measures" to protect the interests and dignity of Spanish citizens.

Spain said the border check measures have affected the movement of thousands of passengers and created legal uncertainty during the peak summer travel season. It described the decision by Italy as unprecedented in recent history, saying it was adopted unilaterally, without prior notice, and on grounds that did not comply with the Schengen Borders Code.

Moreover, Spain said migrants who entered Ceuta irregularly last week could not freely enter the Schengen area because the enclave is subject to a special regime, adding that almost all of them had already returned to Morocco.

Spain urged Rome to lift the border checks and treat Spanish citizens the same as other European citizens. However, if Italy failed to do so before the end of Sunday, Spain would be obliged to take "proportionate measures" to protect the interests and dignity of its citizens, it added.

Italy reintroduced temporary border checks on travelers arriving from Spain on Aug. 1, citing concerns over irregular migration following the recent mass influx of migrants into Ceuta. Spain has criticized the move, saying the measures are unjustified and incompatible with European rules.