Operation Marhaba- Crossing the Strait: how to start planning your journey
- Calendar of peak dates
- How do I book my ferry?
- Arrival at the port and ferry crossing
- Security procedures and on-board ferry experience
Operation Crossing the Strait is a welcome operation for Moroccans living abroad to return to their homeland to enjoy the summer period. However, it is important to plan your trip efficiently to avoid peak days and ensure a smooth journey. The operation includes a planned fleet of 29 vessels and 7 maritime operators, will cover 11 routes and will be able to serve more than 7 million passengers and 2 million vehicles on more than 8,000 journeys.
The fleet includes 29 vessels serving 11 shipping lines and also includes improvements to port infrastructure in Tanger Med, Tanger-Ville, Nador and Al Hoceima, as well as improvements in service and practicality. Local authorities will also be mobilised by setting up special units in provinces and districts, increasing security personnel and involving the Moroccan Consulates in Spain to ensure daily security, 7 days a week.
Calendar of peak dates
The peak dates for Operation Crossing the Strait are usually weekends and public holidays. It is important to plan your trip in advance to avoid the busiest dates. Avoiding dates such as the first week of July and the first week of August is one of the recommendations on which all the competent authorities agree.
Every year more and more people participate in the OPE, so the work of selecting dates is crucial. The difference between one day or another may mean missing the ferry or long queues that may cause minor health problems, such as heat stroke or dizziness. It is also advisable to avoid crowds for everyone's safety.
How do I book my ferry?
Booking your ferry tickets is essential to avoid problems and ensure a smooth journey. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to book your ferry tickets:
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Visit the website of the ferry company you wish to use.
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Select your desired route and date of travel
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Select the number of passengers and vehicles you wish to transport
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Pay the ticket price and you will receive a confirmation email.
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Make sure you print or save your ferry ticket to present at the port of embarkation.
Here is a list of the main ferry companies that operate some of the 11 routes: Balearia, FRS, GNV, Armas Transmediterránea, La Meridionale y África Morocco Link (AML).
Arrival at the port and ferry crossing
Arrival at the port and the ferry crossing is an important process for any traveller. Here is some information on what to expect at security and customs checks and details of the ferry crossing.
Operation Crossing the Strait offers several departure port options for travel to Morocco. One of the most important ports is the port of Algeciras, located in the province of Cadiz. It provides routes to Tangier Med and Ceuta.
Another important port is Tarifa, also located in the province of Cadiz. It is known as the closest port in Morocco to Tangier-Ville. In the province of Malaga, the port of Malaga provides connections to Melilla and Nador. In the province of Almería, you can take a boat to Nador from the port of Almería.
In the province of Granada, from the port of Motril you can go to Al Hoceima and Nador. In the province of Alicante, the port of Alicante offers connections to Melilla. Although the port of Barcelona is not popular for trips to Morocco, it does have routes to Tanger Med. In France, the port of Marseille is one of the main ports connecting to Tanger-Ville and Nador. In southern France, you can travel from the port of Sète to Tanger-Ville.
In northern Italy, the port of Genoa offers connections to Tanger Med and Nador. The port of Livorno, on the west coast of Italy, offers connections to Tanger Med. On the Italian coast, the port of Salerno offers connections to Tanger Med. The port of Civitavecchia, near Rome, offers connections with Tanger Med.
Some of the fares, in the case of Balearia, per person are:
All inland ports are equipped to welcome you and accompany you on your journey in the best conditions of comfort and safety. At Tanger Med Port, both the maritime and passenger terminal areas, the vehicle access areas and the pre-boarding areas are equipped with all the necessary services to best meet your needs.
Port Tanger Med is expected to have a large daily arrival during the period corresponding to Aid Adha and September departures (from 23 June to 7 September and from 26 August to 9 March). You should pay attention to traffic forecasts and plan your arrival and departure in advance. Don't forget to visit www.tangermed-passagers.com for complete information about your journey (train departure and arrival times, approach methods, traffic conditions...).
Security procedures and on-board ferry experience
Security checks are usually carried out at embarkation and disembarkation ports. It is important that you prepare all your documents, including your passport and ferry tickets. The security check may include a baggage check and questions about the purpose of your journey.
Ferries often serve services such as restaurants, cafes and shops. Please note that ferry operations may be affected by weather and sea conditions. In case of emergency, follow the ferry's operating instructions.
