Opération Marhaba 2026: dates, ports, fares and tips for a stress-free crossing
Everything you need to know to prepare your summer crossing to Morocco. Ports, fares, required documents, and practical tips to avoid long queues.
📂 See the full file: Operation Marhaba 2026: ferries, car, ports, MRE tips.
What is Operation Marhaba?
Every summer, millions of Moroccans living abroad return home for the holidays. Operation Marhaba, launched in 2001 by the Mohammed V Foundation for Solidarity under the high patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, organises this return: reception, medical assistance, administrative aid and security.
In 2025, more than 4.06 million MRE were welcomed during the operation (official Mohammed V Foundation report), a 11% increase over 2024. More than 88,000 people received direct support: administrative and customs assistance, medical care and travel aid.
2026 Dates
Operation Marhaba 2026 runs 5 June to 15 September, more than three months of mobilisation. Reception sites operate 24/7 throughout.
The 2025 edition mobilised 26 reception sites, including two new centres at Laâyoune and Dakhla airports. About 1,000 staff are mobilised: Foundation teams, social workers, doctors, paramedics and volunteers.
Ports in Morocco
- •Tanger Med: main port, largest reception capacity. Frequent links with Algeciras and Motril. The most used port by MRE.
- •Nador (Beni Ansar): alternative with lower traffic, smoother flow. Links with Almeria and Motril.
- •Al Hoceima: strategic Mediterranean port, link with Motril.
Ports in Europe
- •Algeciras (Spain): busiest port, about 20 daily departures to Morocco in high season
- •Motril (Spain): less busy, often faster
- •Almeria (Spain): direct link with Nador
- •Sète (France): for MRE in southern France
- •Marseille (France): link with Tanger Med via La Méridionale
- •Genoa (Italy): for MRE in Italy
Ferry companies
- •Africa Morocco Link (AML): Tanger Med-Algeciras, Nador-Sète
- •Balearia: Tanger Med-Algeciras, Nador-Almeria
- •GNV (Grandi Navi Veloci): Tanger Med-Genoa, Nador-Almeria
- •La Méridionale: Tanger Med-Marseille
- •Trasmediterranea: Tanger Med-Algeciras
- •Intershipping: Tanger Med-Algeciras, Tanger Med-Tarifa
Practical tips to cross stress-free
Book early
Book your ferry 1 to 2 months in advance to get the best slots and competitive fares. To compare all 2026 lines, see our complete Spain-Morocco ferry guide 2026.
Avoid peak periods
The busiest periods are late June to early July, late July to mid-August and late August to early September. In 2024, the peak was 22 to 31 August with 70,000 to 80,000 travellers per day.
Best windows
- •15 to 25 June: before school holidays, low fares
- •15 to 25 July: between two peaks
- •After 5 September: calm return, attractive prices
Mandatory closed ticket
Since 2025, the fixed date and time ticket (closed ticket) is mandatory at all Moroccan and Spanish ports during August. Open tickets no longer accepted. Confirm your slot before going to the port.
Customs formalities
Vehicle
MRE can import their personal vehicle temporarily (180-day AT, form D16ter). Required documents:
- •Vehicle registration certificate
- •Valid insurance certificate
- •ID (CIN or passport)
Retired MRE (60+)
90% abatement on vehicle replacement value for MRE aged 60+ having lived at least 10 years abroad. Also see: MRE retirees 2026: 0% income tax on Moroccan pensions.
Definitive return
Abatement equivalent to 3 years of vehicle age. Income proof no longer required.
Minor children
Legalised parental authorisation mandatory if the child travels alone or with only one parent.
Useful numbers
In case of issues during your transit:
- •From Morocco: 080 000 23 23 (free)
- •From abroad: +212 537 20 55 66 or +212 537 20 66 66
- •From Spain: +34 631 669 433 (Motril), +34 632 508 290 (Almeria), +34 632 540 700 (Algeciras)
- •From France: +33 780 716 093 (Marseille), +33 617 299 161 (Sète)
- •From Italy: +39 35 1212 94 89 (Genoa)
Marhaba reception centres provide administrative, social and medical assistance, with qualified staff on site all summer.
Prices and durations 2026 (by line)
Fares vary widely by period, capacity and cabin type. 2026 ranges for vehicle + 2 adults one-way:
| Line | Operators | Duration | Min-max price 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Algeciras-Tanger Med | AML, Balearia, Trasmed | 1h-1h30 | EUR 180-320 |
| Tarifa-Tangier City | FRS, Intershipping | 1h | EUR 220-350 |
| Almeria-Nador | Balearia, GNV | 5h-7h | EUR 280-420 |
| Motril-Nador/Al Hoceima | Balearia | 5h-6h | EUR 240-380 |
| Sète-Tanger Med | GNV | 38h-40h | EUR 600-1,100 |
| Sète-Nador | GNV | 36h-40h | EUR 580-1,050 |
| Marseille-Tanger Med | La Méridionale | 40h-44h | EUR 650-1,200 |
| Genoa-Tanger Med | GNV | 50h-54h | EUR 700-1,350 |
Fare peaks fall between 20 July and 25 August. Book 2 to 3 months ahead to save 30 to 40%.
Also read: Morocco-Spain crossing 2026: Bab Sebta vs Tanger Med, the MRE guide.
Travelling with pets
To bring a dog or cat from the EU to Morocco:
- •European pet passport (vaccination booklet)
- •Valid rabies vaccination (at least 21 days after injection)
- •ISO 11784/11785 identification chip
- •Health certificate less than 10 days old, issued by an official vet
- •Return to EU: rabies antibody titration (TIRAS) often required
Ferry companies accept pets in dedicated cabin or vehicle, depending on policy (booking mandatory).
See also: Marhaba 2026: reinforced ferries and new Europe-Morocco flights, all verified news
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