Migrants in France are posting videos on TikTok showing methods for smuggling themselves into the UK using lorries, according to reports. Footage shows men hiding behind bushes or trees before running and jumping into the space between the driver’s cabin and the trailer of moving vehicles.
Charities say lorries are often targeted by migrants who cannot afford expensive smugglers’ fees for crossing the English Channel in small boats. However, smuggling via lorries carries serious risks. In April 2024, a Sudanese man was killed trying to board a lorry, and in June, another migrant died after being crushed by metal bars inside a truck.
Tighter security in Calais has made lorry routes more difficult and less popular compared to small boat crossings. In the first nine months of last year, 127 migrants were found at UK ports attempting to enter in vehicles, compared to 34,087 people arriving on small boats.
Despite the risks, some migrants are undeterred. Mohamed, a Sudanese migrant in Calais, told InfoMigrants that he cannot afford a boat crossing. “I just watch for ‘chemicals’ signs on vehicle doors, that’s all. Otherwise, I try to get into a heavy-goods vehicle any way I can, day or night,” he said.
Some of the TikTok videos show failed attempts, with captions in Arabic like “The next one is better,” while others show successful attempts with messages such as “congratulations, UK welcome” and “Thank God for his safety.” TikTok has said it does not allow content that encourages human trafficking or promotes criminal activity.
Earlier this week, the first small boat of 2026 reached the UK in sub-zero temperatures, with some migrants suffering hypothermia. Around three dozen people arrived just days after the total number of migrants reaching the UK in 2025 hit 41,427.
A Home Office spokesman said authorities are working to combat people-smuggling gangs and respond to all illegal routes, including lorries. “Our tougher legislation and continued work with our French counterparts will disrupt vile people-smuggling gangs,” the spokesman said.