Germany Sees Sharp Drop in Unauthorized Border Crossings in 2024

Border controls expanded in September, but their impact on declining crossings remains unclear.

The German Federal Police reported 6,889 unauthorized border crossings in October, unchanged from September but lower than earlier months in 2024.
From January to October 2024, 71,181 unauthorized entries were recorded, a significant drop compared to 112,201 during the same period in 2023.
October's figures are two-thirds lower than the same month in 2023, which saw 20,073 unauthorized crossings.
Expanded border controls introduced in mid-September now cover all German borders, including those with Denmark, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg.
Authorities have not confirmed whether the recent decline in crossings is directly linked to the expanded border checks, which are set to last six months.