Portugal–Spain border


The Portugal–Spain border is referred to as "The Stripe". It is one of the oldest borders in the world. The current demarcation is almost identical to that defined in 1297 by the Treaty of Alcañices. The Portugal–Spain border is long, and considered the longest uninterrupted border within the European Union. The border is not defined for between the Caia river and Ribeira de Cuncos, because of the disputed status of Olivenza/Olivença, which has been disputed between the two countries for two hundred years.
A microstate existed previously on the border called Couto Misto.

Bordering districts and provinces

Districts on the Portuguese side of the border from North to South:
Provinces on the Spanish side of the border from North to South:
Portugal and Spain signed the Schengen Agreement in June 1991 which came into effect on 26 March 1995, making Portugal and Spain part of the Schengen area and thus the border then became an Open border.
Portugal has since reintroduced border checks several times along the border with Spain, during the UEFA Euro 2004 championships, during the NATO 2010 Lisbon summit and during Pope Francis's visit to Fátima in May 2017.
On the 16 March 2020 Portugal and Spain reintroduced border checks due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with tourists unable to cross, but allowing cross border workers and goods to pass.
The checks were planned until May 15, 2020, but had been initially extended until June 15 2020,
but was extended further to July 1 2020.

Border crossing check points

Portugal's maritime borders, also known as the Exclusive economic zone of Portugal is currently disputed by Spain in the Savage Islands area, between Madeira and the Canary Islands.

Important treaties

The main crossing point between Portugal and Spain is Vilar Formoso - Fuentes de Oñoro. Other important crossings are Caminha and Bragança to Galicia, Portalegre and Elvas to Badajoz, and Castro Marim and Vila Real de Santo António to Ayamonte.
Bridges across the border include the Guadiana International Bridge and the Lower Guadiana International bridge.
The World's shortest international bridge connects the Portuguese village of Várzea Grande with the Spanish village of El Marco. It is a wooden bridge with only 3.2 meters long.
A zipline across the border exists between Sanlucar de Guadiana in Spain and Alcoutim in Portugal; it is the first and currently only zip line over an international border.