Hi All

Want to get on 11.00 boat to Algeciras, how much time should i allow from arriving at the port ???

I gather from various posts i need a boarding pass first, then police/customs come next (what do they check/need), i have a yellow exit form so i assume someone wants it !!!! and also the temporary import of vehicle forms, of which i have 2 stapled together.

Many Thanks

Dave

Hi Dave,
The paperwork is very straightforward, the ferry timings less so.

Follow the signs for vehicle embarkment from the main road. Continue forward across the open area and park up in front of the ferry offices. If there are any touts around brandishing papers or sporting ferry company vest, etc just ignore them.
If you've got any Moroccan currency left, you can change it at the bank portakabins.
If you've already got your ferry ticket just go to the corresponding ferry companies office and they'll issue a boarding card. If you've not got a ticket, find out which company has the next sailing and buy a ticket and get a boarding card from them.
You can now enter the controlled area - you won't get access without a boarding card.
You'll be directed forward to one of several booths where you present your passport and your yellow exit card. You don't need to get out of your car. You'll get an exit stamp in your passport.
Now you pull forward to the next booth where you present the 2 remaining potions of your D16ter vehicle form. Your vehicle details will be checked against the police computer and you'll be given back the final portion. (Don't throw this away, it's useful to have for future trips.)
Now you need to drive through the port area, past the Main terminal building to the X-ray station. Thee should be plenty of officials to guide you and then onto the relevant quay for your ferry.

Regarding timing, my experience over recent years is that ferries rarely leave at the specified time. They carry a lot of freight and take a while to load and unload. I'd allow a couple of hours to be on the safe side. There is a small cafe on the quayside or you could take a few snacks with you.

As has been said on another recent post, ignore the touts by the ferry office. You don't need anything from them.

Happy trails,

Peter

__________________
Atlas Overland - Specialist adventure tour company providing off-road holidays for 4x4 enthusiasts in Europe and North Africa.
Tours to Morocco, Iceland, Arctic Circle, Portugal, Alps, Pyrenees, Eastern Europe, Corsica, and UK weekend tours.

One thing to add in general for all which may help, is make sure you get the yellow exit card on your way into Morocco from your ferry company, if you use Carlos he will give you one anyway, fill this in before you get to Tanger Med and it will save stress and it's one less thing for any touts to "help" you with.

Many many thanks, the info is just what i needed.

Dave

Is there any difference in the arrival back into Algeciras if your point of departure was Tangier Med compared to Cueta with regards to customs / immigration? Or do all they care about is that you've arrived from somewhere other than Algeciras?

Quick answer:- No, no problem.

Happy trails,

Peter

__________________
Atlas Overland - Specialist adventure tour company providing off-road holidays for 4x4 enthusiasts in Europe and North Africa.
Tours to Morocco, Iceland, Arctic Circle, Portugal, Alps, Pyrenees, Eastern Europe, Corsica, and UK weekend tours.