Migrant arrivals to the Canary Islands have dropped significantly in early 2026, with new data showing an 82 percent decline compared to the same period last year. The sharp fall is linked to stronger migration control agreements between Spain, the European Union, and key West African countries.
According to Spain’s Interior Ministry, only 1,640 migrants reached the Canary Islands between January and March this year, compared to 9,424 during the same period in 2025. This continues a wider trend, as arrivals had already fallen by 62 percent across the whole of last year.
The decline follows increased cooperation with countries such as Mauritania, Senegal, and Morocco. These partnerships aim to intercept migrant boats before they reach European waters, especially those heading toward the Canary Islands.
However, while arrivals to the islands have dropped, migration has not stopped. Instead, routes are shifting to other entry points into Spain. The Spanish enclave of Ceuta has seen a dramatic rise in arrivals, with more than 1,800 migrants entering since January. This is over 400 percent higher than the same period last year, making Ceuta the main entry point into Spain in 2026.
Officials say the pressure on Ceuta is intense, with migrants attempting to cross both by land and sea daily. The enclave, located on the border with Morocco, remains one of the few land entry routes into Europe from Africa.
At the same time, the Balearic Islands are also experiencing increased arrivals. More than 1,100 migrants have landed there this year, marking a 23 percent rise compared to 2025. Local authorities warn that the situation is becoming difficult to manage, especially during peak periods.
Experts say the shift in routes is a direct result of tighter controls along traditional migration paths. Migrants are now increasingly traveling through Algeria, where surveillance is less strict and the journey to Europe is shorter.
However, this alternative route is proving more dangerous. Reports show that over 1,000 migrants died attempting to reach the Balearic Islands from Algeria in 2025, nearly double the number recorded the previous year.
Why are migrant arrivals dropping in the Canary Islands?
Arrivals are decreasing mainly due to stronger border control agreements and increased interceptions by West African countries working with Spain and the EU.
Despite the decline in one region, the overall migration pressure remains high. The latest trends show that instead of stopping migration, stricter controls are simply pushing migrants toward new, often riskier routes.