Tightened Border Controls Between France & Italy

The border controls between France and Italy have been tightened as the two countries have had a dispute over the distribution of migrants arriving from Africa.

The tension in the diplomatic relations between the two countries arose when Italy allowed three aid groups to disembark their passengers at Italian ports because doctors determined all were vulnerable but denied entry to a fourth. The Ocean Viking, a private rescue vessel that had been at sea for nearly three weeks, eventually docked in Toulon, France, after Paris reluctantly welcomed it.

The French authorities decided to tighten the border controls at its southeastern border with Italy. Such a decision was taken by the French authorities following a diplomatic stand-off with Italy, which refused to grant permission for the Ocean Viking rescue ship to dock.

Following the diplomatic row, France decided to send an additional 500 officers to carry out border checks at ten different Italian border crossing points, Info Migrants explains.

As soon as France decided to tighten its checks at the border with Italy, the number of people who were waiting at the border started to increase and queues were already forming at Italy’s northern border crossing with France.

Passport Checks At The Border

According to reports, the French minister of state for European affairs, Laurence Boone described the border of France with Italy as ‘closed’, and noted that the authorities are also carrying passport checks.

It was revealed that apart from checking cars crossing between the two countries, the border control authorities have also patrolled the trains that run between the two countries.

The Prime Minister of Italy, Giorgia Meloni, has just recently said that the country aims to reduce the number of people in transit in Italy. Meloni said that Italy would no longer be the first country to permit entry to its territory for migrants that are rescued by private rescue ships.

What are your thoughts on this issue? Talk to us in the comment section below.

Check out the deals we have found below and tell us your travel plans.

Check out the offers and discounts from:

And because of the pandemic, don’t forget to get your travel insurance, which will cover you for flight disruptions and pandemic related matters.

IaM can help with your visa application to Europe, the United States, the UK & other countries

If you need help with a US visa, a UK Visa, or a visa to Europe, including help with appointment booking obligations, IaM can help. For more information and advice on US immigration, UK immigration law and US visa applications or if you need any help or assistance please, reach out to your Visa Coordinator at IaM.

Some of our posts include affiliate links. If you choose to purchase any of these products, we might get a small commission. For more information, check out our TOS.