Ceuta/Morocco border
 

Hi all,

Off to Maroc again in a few weeks. Anyone know the current situation at the border crossing? Last time I was there (April 08) the insurance office & banks had closed down. Any new info?

Jojo

There was still nothing there when we crossed over in October, had to wait till Fez before we could get insurance but plenty of cash points on the road out of Ceuta & in Chefchaouen & there is an insurance office but they couldn't sell us the right policy for a bike.

Went through with a car about 3 weeks ago - no probs whatsoever, did it in about 25mins! As said above, plenty of cash machines and just purchased insurance later on...

I've never really understood this - is there any benefit going via Ceuta rather than directly to Nador?

xxx

(and especially if you're coming from the UK, can't you just arrange your insurance extension before you go?)

Why choose Ceuta?
 

The main reason for choosing Ceuta is the short crossing. Lots of ferries and about 40mins by seacat. And the cost - best price I've managed is 88 euro return for 4x4 with 2 passengers.

Jojo

and insurance?
 

A lot of UK insurers won't issue green cards for Morocco (or Tunisia) so you have to buy it on entry to Morocco.

Now that the insurance office at the border is closed things are more tricky. Officially, you're not allowed in without insurance, but a promise to get it sorted at the first town usually works.

Jojo

Hi JoJo - sorry, I had brain fade there! - I thought we were talking about the eastern end, of course Ceuta is next to Tanger, not Nador... doh!

So I'll ask the question again... why go to Ceuta when you can go direct to Tanger?

For info - I tend to use the Tarifa-Tanger route by seacat - similar length of time and cost, and only a few KMs down the coast from Algerciras...

xxx

Ceuta or Tanger
 

Brain fade's OK, it's nearly the weekend.

I must admit I prefer the cuteness of Tarifa to Algerciras. It's a cool place to hang out. I guess I prefer Ceuta as it's not quite as mad and hassle-ridden as Tanger.

Jojo

Went throught the Ceuta border on new years eve. Couldn't find any insurance offices open...

Had a look again for the office when I came back 5 days ago - still no sign of it...

Plenty of ATMs as previously stated though.

Cash machines at the border or on the road south?

I believe any UK insurance policy underwritten by Norwich Union will allow you to get your EU cover extended to include Morocco before you go - certainly this is what I've done with both car and bike/s the past few times I've been.

As you say, ATMs seem to be the easiest way to get currency (another reason I like Tarifa-Tanger - plenty there too)

xxx

Is Tarifa - Tangier cheaper than Algeciras - Tangier? Tangier seemed fine, all very convenient to get insurance, money etc but didn't like Algeciras much! Next time we will ensure that our UK insurance policy covers us for Morocco, which shoud be much cheaper than buying theirs.

I agree with Jojo. Tarifa has all the cuteness Algeciras hasn't, and is only 15 minutes from Algeciras harbour. If I had to spend a night in the area I wouldn't doubt about it. Also, Tarifa's ferry queues are much shorter, and, coming back, there are less police dogs sniffing around.

Pedro

I used Tarifa-Tanger last summer (early July) and I think it was around €110 return as I recall (bike and rider) turning up on the day... - not particularly cheap, but high season and convenient, and may be cheaper if you book in advance? - I know the price can vary depending on season...

FRS is the ferry company that run that route, I imagine they have a website where you might be able to check prices?

xxx

ps. yep, they do: FRS :: www.frs.es :: News and Information :: Online Tickets Tangier - Ferrys Rapidos del Sur :: Fast link to Africa :: Tarifa <- 35 min -> Tangier :: Coneccion España Marrueco - Traversée Espagne Maroc

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