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Between the beginning of January and early August 2026, a total of 14,561 individuals crossed the English Channel to the UK aboard small boats from France. This figure marks a 43% decrease compared to the same timeframe in the previous year. Since 2020, crossing by small boat has become the leading method by which people are detected entering the UK illegally. Almost all who arrive via this route apply for asylum, a process that under international law allows them to remain in the country while their applications are reviewed.
Small boat arrivals accounted for 42% of all asylum applications submitted between April 2025 and March 2026. From 4 August 2025 to 3 August 2026, the average number of people per boat was 67—more than twice the average seen in 2021. Experts have highlighted that overcrowding on such boats increases the dangers associated with these crossings. The United Nations reported that at least 84 people lost their lives attempting to cross the Channel in 2024. In terms of overall immigration, small boat arrivals represent about 5% of the total number of people entering the UK from January to December 2025. The government has vowed to take strong action against the criminal gangs organizing these crossings to curb the numbers.
Regarding the origins of those arriving by small boat, people from Eritrea made up the largest group, representing 18% of arrivals between April 2025 and March 2026
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