Spain

What changed

The Spanish Ministry of the Interior has issued Order INT/1033/2026, which started on 8 October 2026. This order extends the temporary return of border controls at Spain's internal air and sea borders for people travelling from Italy. This measure, which continues earlier extensions, covers passenger flights and maritime links until 22 October 2026. It suggests that the Spanish authorities believe there are still serious threats to public order and internal security, meaning checks are still needed at borders that would normally be open under the Schengen Agreement.

What changed

The Spanish Ministry of the Interior has issued Order INT/932/2026, of 4 September, extending temporary border controls at internal air and sea borders for passenger flights and maritime links originating from the Italian Republic. This measure, initially established by Order INT/846/2026, of 7 August, will now apply from 00:00 hours on 8 September 2026 until 24:00 hours on 22 September 2026. The extension is based on the continued existence of urgent reasons and serious threats to public order and internal security, as permitted by Articles 25 and 26 of the Schengen Borders Code.

What changed

Spain has put temporary border controls on all air and sea travel from Italy. These controls started at midnight on 7 August 2026. They will last for one month. Spain took this action because Italy put in place similar border checks before. This happened due to more people arriving in Ceuta, a Spanish territory. These measures show a significant, but temporary, stop to the border-free arrangements under the Schengen Area between these two European Union (EU) member states.

What changed

The U.S. State Department has put Spain on 'Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution' for travel. This is due to threats of terrorism and the chance of public disorder. Terrorist groups still plan attacks on different public places. Public protests happen often. The advice is to think again about travelling to Ceuta because of public disorder.

What changed

Spain has updated/clarified its guidance for the international teleworker residence authorisation (digital nomad route). The guidance confirms that applicants must show sufficient income from work to support themselves and accompanying family members. The current thresholds are: -Main applicant: 200% of Spain's monthly minimum wage (SMI). -First accompanying family member: an additional 75% of the SMI. -Each additional family member: an additional 25% of the SMI. The guidance also clarifies that these amounts are assessed as gross income, before tax and social-security deductions. Applicants can prove the income using employment income, professional income and, where necessary, liquid savings or other funds to cover a shortfall. For applicants working from Spain, the guidance also confirms that Spanish social-security obligations can apply and that the applicable tax and social-security treatment depends on the person's circumstances. The residence authorisation itself does not mean that income is tax-free.