The ports of Algeciras and Tarifa are once again set to be the main connection points for the 2026 Strait Crossing Operation (OPE). They are expected to manage over 73% of the total passengers and vehicles crossing the strait, reinforcing their crucial role in one of Europe's largest international mobility operations.
Forecasts for this year's edition suggest an increase of nearly 3% compared to the previous year, which already saw record-breaking figures. In the last operation, the OPE facilitated the transit of 3.48 million passengers and 857,784 vehicles, marking a milestone in seasonal migratory movement between Europe and Africa.
The OPE 2026 Provincial Steering Committee meeting, chaired by the Secretary General of Civil Protection and Emergencies, Virginia Barcones, and the Government's sub-delegate in Cádiz, Blanca Flores, analyzed the operational plan. This operation will mobilize over 31,500 professionals and coordinate more than twenty organizations to ensure the safety and efficiency of transit.
Blanca Flores highlighted the accumulated experience, infrastructure capacity, and the commitment of the professionals as guarantees for the upcoming edition. She emphasized the importance of coordination among administrations to ensure that millions of people can travel under the best conditions.
The 37th edition of the OPE will run from June 15 to September 15. Peak travel times are anticipated during the departure phase between July 31 and August 3, and during the return phase from August 28 to 31. An advanced digital system for real-time operational management will be implemented, and advance ticket purchases will be encouraged.
As a new feature, this edition will be the first to operate under the new European Entry/Exit System (EES), which will enhance border control for travelers from third countries. The State will increase the deployed personnel by approximately 10% compared to the previous call.
