COVID-19 - Morocco Master Thread

[RayCaldwell]

Hi Levelo,
When we were contacted by the British Embassy, they also provided a document which was a request to allow transit which we were suppose to take to the local gendarmerie who would then issue us with a Moroccan one. What happened was, the local gendarmerie printed the British Embassy transit off and gave it to us, refusing to issue anything else or even stamp it. We decided that would be enough and the campsite owner agreed, suggesting that when we got nearer Marrakesh we could try getting a Moroccan permit, but as we had no trouble, we didn't bother. When they see it's a foreigner, they just waved us through. One thing to note is that the local police may not know about more boats - they only know that the border is closed - so you may have to be quite insistent that you are going to get a boat. Proof (reservation) would help but as I say we weren't seriously challenged anywhere.
Yes, we went over Tichka and straight up via motorways. NB: we went round Marrakesh on the new ring road to the East (shown on the OSM map) - the first section is almost a track and there was a left turn to 'Casablanca' signposted which we ignored so I thought we'd perhaps made a mistake but it was perfect (and missed any potential checks nearer the city).
We were given the impression there would be more ferries but nothing concrete, and that they (Balearic) would be looking to get the numbers before committing.
Hope that helps. Good luck with your friend.

[levelo]

Thanks Ray.
You've answered my questions thoroughly.
Beside the German Ambassador were there any other diplomatic staff at the harbour ( British ? French ? ).
Just wondering if the French were as organized as the Germans and the Brits with this.
My friend is old and not so tech savvy, unfortunately.

[TheWarden]

Originally Posted by levelo

I see.
But ferries could bypass Spain altogether just like the last one, couldn't they ?

yes they could but at a huge price increase, if the last one wasn't full then it was probably too expensive for many. I know the lot in the campsite here all said its far too expensive when we all have tickets from Morocco to Spain already paid for.

It costs me about 1000 return from the UK to Morocco and back on average so spending 1200+ to France isn't an option. Best in the current situation is for Spain to reopen Ceuta for EU citizens to leave that way, luckily as the UK hasn't left yet we still get treated the same (something the Brexit bridgade didn't think about in 2016)

[levelo]

I hear you.
But the way I see it these 2 crossings were hastily organized for those who really had to go home and who didn't want to risk being stranded in Morocco for ages.
Expensive yes, but who knows when the normal, cheaper routes ( i.e to Spain ) will reopen.
I know quite a few folks who had to buy expensive new, last minute air tickets to get home despite of the fact that they already had one.
Hopefully Spain will reallow ferries soon.

[TheWarden]

So today the government announced the state of emergency would be extended until the 20th May.

Rumours of GNV ferries running to Genoa at normal prices and not the rip off price Balearia gave for the Sete ferry a few weeks ago.

Despite the GNV ferries being publicised on German, French and Swiss embassy site the UK crowd have done nothing, zero communication from them in over 14days, really quite shocking performance from them.

[levelo]

Yes, just heard myself too.
I am not that surprised that the lockdown has been extended.
When are the ferries scheduled ?
Time to get out probably.

[TheWarden]

I think the first is Tuesday and then one on the 5th or so. But there are slightly vague statements that the sailings depend on the Moroccans giving permission (although surely they'd prefer to get tourists out of the country?).

On GNV's website I can book a ticket for tanger to Barcelona for 200euros at almost anytime but not so sure they will run.

[levelo]

Here's what I found on a French CV's newsletter. Dated April 16th.

https://www.lemondeducampingcar.fr/a...inement/185614

[TheWarden]

Announcement from the German embassy today saying they expect air space to reopen on the 31st May and ferries about the same time.

The UK Ambassador emailed some people, but not every one registered with them, a very self congratulatory message stating they had repatriated all UK Nationals but some who decided to stay have now changed their minds, needless to say that hasn't gone down terribly well with people who have been trying for over a month to get some info or action out of them.

[Chris Scott]

Good news.
One hopes Morocco's quick response has paid off.
Is there any news on when roads might reopen - I presume on that date or sooner.

[TheWarden]

Hopefully it has, still just over 2000 cases and under 200 deaths, Ramadan could send things either way though.

Extended state of emergency ends on the 20th May, so hopefully travel in country will open up a bit then if things don't get worse before hand

[TheWarden]

As Morocco extends it state of emergency they are getting tougher on people ignoring the rules

Main takeaways are:

The hours of store opening remain the same,each district
Your Caid/Wali’s of each area can decide what is appropriate in terms of travelling and the distance
You must have your permit to leave the house, be wearing a mask and have some ID with you (passport or your CIN number if you are a resident)
Security services will start tracking of motor-vehicles all over Morocco
Only necessary outings are allowed (Buying produce, medication, visits to medical professionals.
Failure to comply can lead to arrests and fines.

One important note is that the DGSN are now tracking vehicle movements across the country to enforce the restrictions and in some areas drones are being used in this process.

[levelo]

Hey there,

Any news ? Any ferries scheduled in the coming days ?
Ramadan probably doesn't help...

L.

[TheWarden]

No news, a GNV ferry left last week but we spoke to them directly and they said no ferries until after the lock down finishes but then 7 hours later one left Tanger Med with passengers.

Recently there has been a bit of to and fro between Morocco and Spain, with Soain blaming Morocco for the border closures (when it was Spain who closed Ceuta). A couple of Spanish news outlets reporting that Morocco won't open Ceuta or Mellila until October as an attempt to make things difficult. personally I think its BS from the Spanish

[levelo]

Thanks.

So 2 ferries left Tanger Med last week ?
Headed for Genoa ?

L.