COVID-19 - Morocco Master Thread

[Tim Cullis]

It’s official. All international flights, ferries and land border crossings suspended, see https://www.moroccoworldnews.com/202...urther-notice/

Though it’s likely one-way repatriation flights will be organised.

[Tim Cullis]

RIM - Republic Islamic Mauritania.

All international flights, ferries and land border crossings now suspended, see https://www.moroccoworldnews.com/202...urther-notice/

[TheWarden]

French Airlines are running flights to repatriate French nationals, more reports today that europeans are able to cross in Cueta if you have a valid ferry ticket to leave

[Tim Cullis]

Two UK 4x4 camper owners were able to exit via Ceuta yesterday.

The latest situation with UK flight cancellations (from FCO website) is, "As of midnight 15 March, flights between Morocco and 31 other countries will be suspended. Flights to and from the UK will be suspended from midnight 16 March. Passenger ferry links between Morocco and Spain and Gibraltar have already been suspended. If you are already visiting Morocco, you should urgently contact your airline or tour operator and arrange to leave as soon as possible."

[Chris Scott]

I have a BA flight booked Friday to UK.
Was the first available.
We'll see if it happens.

[uknomad]

Thanks for the update Tim.

[Chris Scott]

It looks like FRS (unlike Balearia until April 1) are still listing several ferries running this Friday (for example) with a couple of cancellations to suggest the timetable has been amended due to current events.

And I also know that Brittany are still running out of north Spain next week, also with some cancellations.

Assuming Ceuta land border remains open for the next few days, can anyone who is able to watch more news that me clarify if it's still possible/allowed to ride across Spain?
Afaict, it seems lockdown does not mean locked up, just restricted to essential movement.

[TheWarden]

Another confirmed Brit exited via Ceuta last night and currently driving north through Spain.

Ceuta border is open if you leaving and Spain is not on a total lock down, despite what the rumour mongers will have you believe

[Chris Scott]

Thanks for info. Will aim for Ceuta then, then hold my breath till Santander.

[TheWarden]

Apparently its very busy and obviously limited space. Should get a but easier in a few days and more people have exited

[Tim Cullis]

My neighbours in Spain say that travelling home is an allowable exception to the lockdown. On the possible routes through Spain, Sevilla and Madrid are the places to avoid as much as you are able.

In the meantime in Morocco, although food shops will remain open, all restaurants and coffee shops will close at 18:00 today until further notice. Also hamams, cinemas, clubs, theatres, etc

The British Embassy in Morocco is assuring British citizens that repatriation flights to the UK will take place. The Embassy has set up a crisis team to help the Moroccan authorities and the Airlines manage the situation. The top priority of that team today is to negotiate extra flights with authorities. Thomas Reilly, the British Ambassador, stresses that airline companies, tour companies and travel agents are all working to get people home.

[Chris Scott]

Thanks for extra news.

Got to this hotel just after 6pm and the police were already on them to get their tables off the street and shut up shop.
Wouldn't even serve me a coffee once inside - one of the reasons I like this place ;-(
Feels like a solo booze-free lock-in.

Crucially, hotels remain open so I'm told.
But I can see some less worldly places not accepting foreigners unless they know you.
Unclear if they can feed you too.
I suppose not, but got unused camp food to get through anyway.

I presume same in Spain: hotels open, but BYO dinner.

I did contact the Rabat embassy this morning wrt repat flights, in case it comes to that. Not heard anything yet.

Someone just mentioned that coming back via Spain may require me to quarantine myself when I get to UK.

So something to be said for parking the bike and flying home, if that becomes possible.

[TheWarden]

Our experience today has been a lot more pragmatic. Restaurant in Zagora said yes they have to close at 6pm but they a still allowed to sell us takeaway meals.

No problems at the hotel/campsite in Mhamid, happy to see us amidst a sea of knee jerk cancellations, food and coffee not a problem.

Lot of places now offering huge discounts or free accomodation to people trapped by cornahysteria.

We did get turned down for a coffee at 1 place a 4pm so we went next door and spent our money.

[Chris Scott]

This on Morocco embassy Twitter.

British nationals in #Morocco affected by the Coronavirus outbreak can contact us on this address: Morocco.consularsupport ATAT fco.gov.uk
Please mention your full name, date of birth, passport number, current location & phone number.

ADDED: Just tried this and you get an auto response (4 in fact) to send the info you just sent - and a bit more - so they can see if a flight you might have book (as iI have) will happen.

[TheWarden]

Luc at Carrefour DNomads has confirmed that the restaurant closure order does not apply to hotels, they are currently preparing a chicken tajine for those staying tonight.

Comments elsewhere that the ferry's are on hold again from Mellilia