Every summer, over 4 million MREs take ferries between Europe and Morocco as part of Operation Marhaba. This guide covers all available routes, explains the firm ticket and provides practical information for the crossing.
Costs & fees
| Algeciras-Tanger Med (car + 2 persons, low season) | See the company's website | Variable by company and booking date |
| Algeciras-Tanger Med (car + 2 persons, high season) | See the company's website | Rate to be checked on the company's website |
| Tarifa-Tanger Ville (passenger, low season) | See the company's website | Passengers only, no vehicles |
| Sète-Tanger Med (car + 2 persons, double cabin) | See the company's website | Duration and package as stated by the company |
| Ticket modification fee | See the company's website | Variable by company and how far in advance the change is made |
Timeline
Choose your ferry route based on your departure point
From Spain: Algeciras-Tanger Med, Tarifa-Tanger Ville and Almeria-Nador. From France: Sète-Tanger. Companies, frequencies, crossing times and fares are to be checked on the shipping companies' official websites.
💡 Tip: The Sète-Tanger route allows you to leave directly from France, without transiting through Spain.
⚠️ Warning: Tanger Ville (city centre port) and Tanger Med are two different ports. Check your final destination before booking.
Book your ticket in advance
Prices are set by the companies and vary with the booking date. Booking conditions are available on the shipping companies' official websites.
Understanding the firm ticket (billet ferme)
The "billet ferme" (firm ticket) is a travel ticket with a fixed departure date and time; it is required as a condition of access to the port and aims to regulate passenger flows. Applied for five years in the ports of Tanger, Tarifa, Nador and Sebta, it was extended in 2026 to Tanger Med and Algeciras. Passengers confirm their ferry's departure time before going to the port, with the companies (apps, websites, customer services) or at the Tanger Med rest areas.
💡 Tip: Passengers without a confirmed ticket can contact the companies to change the date and time of their booking; this is also possible in certain port areas, notably at Tanger Med and Aïn Chouka.
⚠️ Warning: Without a firm ticket (confirmed departure date and time), access to the port may be refused.
Preparing to board with your vehicle
The time to report to the port is stated by the company on the ticket. You will need: vehicle registration document, identity card or passport, driving licence, valid insurance covering Moroccan territory (green card listing Morocco).
Making use of Operation Marhaba services
Operation Marhaba, organised by the Fondation Mohammed V pour la Solidarité, ran in 2026 from June 10 to September 15. During the operation, Marhaba agents are present in ports and at main road border crossings. Services available: administrative assistance, first medical aid, reception for people with reduced mobility, information point. In case of difficulty, the Marhaba hotline is reachable from Morocco on 080 000 23 23.
⚠️ Warning: In case of a medical emergency on board, notify the crew immediately.
In depth
Routes and companies
Companies, frequencies, crossing times and fares are to be checked on the shipping companies' official websites.
Firm ticket (billet ferme): Travel ticket with a fixed departure date and time, required as a condition of access to the port; applied for five years at Tanger, Tarifa, Nador and Sebta, extended in 2026 to Tanger Med and Algeciras.
Pets: Dogs and cats can travel on board under certain conditions: health requirements are set out in our guide on pets; each company's own conditions are available on its website.
❌ Common mistakes to avoid
- ✕Confusing Tanger Med port with Tanger Ville port: two different destinations with separate road access
- ✕Turning up at the port without a firm ticket (confirmed departure date and time) and being refused access
- ✕Booking without checking the departure date and time of the firm ticket
- ✕Not confirming the departure date and time before going to the port
- ✕Forgetting to check that the vehicle's insurance (green card listing Morocco, or border insurance) covers Moroccan territory
🔗 Official links and resources
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