Many applications for international protection are made at the external border or in a transit zone of a Member State, including by persons apprehended in connection with an irregular crossing of the external border, that is to say at the very time of the irregular crossing of the external border or near that external border after it has been crossed, or by persons disembarked following a search and rescue operation. In order to conduct identification, security and health screening at the external border and to direct the third-country nationals and stateless persons concerned to the relevant procedures, a screening is necessary. After the screening, third-country nationals and stateless persons should be channelled to the appropriate asylum or return procedure, or refused entry. A pre-entry phase consisting of screening and border procedures for asylum and return should therefore be established. There should be seamless and efficient links between all stages of the relevant procedures for all irregular arrivals.