Planning to #TravelToEurope? You may hear about two new EU border systems: EES and ETIAS.
The Entry/Exit System (EES) is fully operational since 10 April 2026.
ETIAS is a travel authorisation expected to start in the last quarter of 2026. Learn the differences👇
Returns are a cornerstone of credible migration management. In 2025, Frontex supported 29 Member States on returns.
Return operations supported by Frontex rose 13%: 56,262 in 2024 to 63,493 in 2025. Voluntary returns: 41,369 (65%). Forced returns: 22,124 (35%).
Return counselling: 17,809 one-to-one sessions. Reintegration support: 19,144 people registered under the EU Reintegration Programme. #Frontex #Returns
https://t.co/XB5QMIoPEi
📢Situation at EU external borders: JAN-FEB 2026
📊Severe weather contributes to a 52% drop in irregular border crossings into the EU
⚠️ Central Mediterranean is the busiest route, accounting for nearly 30% of all entries into the EU
📉Western African route sees the biggest drop (-83%)
👉For more insights, read our press release: https://t.co/zksfRc1KwZ
📢Situation at EU external borders: January 2026
📊 Severe winter weather contributes to a 60% drop in irregular border crossings into the EU
⚠️ Eastern Mediterranean is the busiest route, accounting for a third of all entries into the EU
📉 Western African route sees the biggest drop (-79%)
👉For more insights, read our press release: https://t.co/wpcDq539Wj
The Entry/Exit System was launched on 12 October 2025 and will be fully deployed at all border crossing points by 10 April 2026.
It records the entries and exits of non-EU nationals travelling for short stays to 29 European countries, helping safeguard #SchengenEU.
Great to meet @LeijtensFrontex today to reaffirm the strength of IOM–@Frontex cooperation.
Together, we explored how to advance migration management that is effective, humane, and grounded in fundamental rights - at the heart of our shared commitment.
“The trend is moving in the right direction, but risks do not disappear,” said Frontex Executive Director Hans Leijtens. “This drop shows that cooperation can deliver results.”
👉 For more insights, read our press release: https://t.co/JhBWyiJ8Bb
📢 In 2025, the number of irregular border crossings to the EU dropped by 26% to 178 000, the lowest since 2021
📉 Western African route saw the biggest drop (-63%)
⚠️ Central Mediterranean was the busiest route, accounting for 37% of all arrivals
👉For more insights, read our press release on the migratory situation at the EU’s external borders in 2025: https://t.co/JhBWyiJ8Bb
📢 Situation at EU external borders: First 11 months of 2025
📊 Irregular border crossings fall by 25%
📉 Western African and Western Balkan routes continue with strong declines
🚨 Central Mediterranean route accounts for nearly 40% of all irregular entries
📈 Western Mediterranean route sees 15% increase
https://t.co/X46qr4o46A
📢 Situation at EU external borders: First ten months of 2025
📊 Irregular border crossings fall by 22%
📉 Western African, Western Balkan, and Eastern Land Border routes continue with strong declines
🚨 Central Mediterranean busiest route, accounts for 40% of all irregular arrivals
📈 Western Mediterranean sees 27% increase
More details: https://t.co/Hmr8lfB5Yc
📢 Situation at EU external borders: First nine months of 2025
📊 Irregular border crossings fall by 22%
📉 Western African, Western Balkan, and Eastern Land Border routes continue with strong declines
🚨 Central Mediterranean is the busiest route, accounts for 40% of all irregular arrivals
📈 Western Mediterranean sees 28% increase
More details: https://t.co/ZqmrQFog0j
246 cocaine pellets. Swallowed. Carried across the Atlantic.
The destination: Paris.
The plan: smuggle over 2 kilos of drugs into Europe.
🇫🇷 @PoliceNationale and #Frontex teams uncovered the plot at the Charles de Gaulle airport. Swift action, smugglers stopped, drugs seized.
Planning a trip to Europe? From late next year, travellers from countries whose citizens don’t need visas to visit Europe will need something new: #ETIAS.
It’s not a visa. Just a quick online authorisation before you fly. One application, three years of travel.
We’re spreading the word worldwide. This time, the spotlight was on Japan.
More here: https://t.co/ny2Iwrvdql
#TravelToEurope #ツーリズムEXPOジャパン #TEJ2025
This year marks 10 years of #CopernicusEU at @Frontex, a decade of innovation and collaboration, supporting 🇪🇺 border management through the Copernicus Security Service.
Read more in the latest #Observer:
https://t.co/MLm2MWuGLd
A sharp eye makes all the difference.
At the Bozaj border crossing in Montenegro, national authorities and our officer Zoran found 120 kilos of marijuana hidden in the roof of a lorry. The driver is in custody and the drugs were seized.
Smart work, solid teamwork.
A boy stopped breathing.
His mother screamed for help.
At the Bogorodica border crossing in North Macedonia, Achim, a German police officer taking part in our operation, stepped into action. He ran from his booth, performed the Heimlich manoeuvre, and the boy started breathing again. Quick thinking. Calm under pressure. Thank you, Achim.
In Mexico City, @EUHomeAffairs DDG Olivier Onidi, with Jürgen Ebner @Europol & Stefano Failla @Frontex, reinforced the EU’s partnership with 🇲🇽 on #securityEU & #migrationEU.
Fighting organised crime and ensuring safe & orderly migration require strong cooperation between 🇪🇺🤝🇲🇽