Morocco's Neighbouring countries | Sahara Morocco Travel

Many visitors fly into Morocco and may not even be aware that it is possible to travel to and from Morocco’s neighbours! Anyone can easily expand their visit to Spain, the Spanish enclaves Ceuta and Melilla, the British enclave Gibraltar or even the Canary Islands. Although travel to Mauritania and the disputed Moroccan territory of Western Sahara requires more planning and caution, adventurous travellers can even add these stops to their Morocco itinerary…Of all the options for travel to and from Morocco’s neighbouring countries.

Travel to and from Spain: Morocco’s Neighbouring countries

Morocco and Spain are separated by only nine miles of water, which makes travelling between the two countries very cheap and easy. Most travellers only need their passports, which are valid for another 6 months. No special visas are required to cross either border. Many ferries cross the Strait of Gibraltar between Spain and Morocco every day. Some of these ferries have accommodation for cars. The majority of visitors travel between Tarifa in Spain and Tangier in Morocco. The ferry companies are FRS and Intershipping, which are competitors. There is also a ferry service from the Spanish ports of Algeciras, Almeria and Malaga. Ferries to Melilla and Ceuta on the African continent are also available from these cities. However, the crossing generally takes 2-4 hours. This makes them a secondary option for most travellers.You can find out more about how to cross the borders between Morocco and Europe by ferry by clicking here: https://saharamoroccotravel.com/ferry-to-morocco/

Flights from Spain reach several Moroccan cities, including Casablanca, Marrakech and Fez. Ceuta and Melilla are special as they are on mainland Morocco but independent Spanish territories and part of the EU. Passports are checked by border guards at the border to the city.

View of the beach of Las Teresitas, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain
How to get to and from the Canary Islands
Known for their beautiful beaches and party atmosphere, these Spanish islands are closer to Morocco than mainland Spain. There are daily flights to the Canary Islands from Agadir, Casablanca and Marrakech. Passport requirements are the same as for mainland Spain.

Travelling to and from Gibraltar in the United Kingdom

At the entrance to the Mediterranean, between Spain and Morocco, lies the British territory of Gibraltar. Gibraltar is a popular and compact location for unique natural sights and the ease of getting around in an English-speaking culture, with its towering Rock of Gibraltar, the network of caves and curious dolphins and Barbary macaques. Ferries leave Tangier twice weekly and take two hours to reach Gibraltar. Immigration and customs clearance with the UK is required to cross Gibraltar’s borders. US, Canadian and UK citizens require a valid passport but no visa for entry.

Exploring Western Sahara: Morocco’s Neighbouring Countries

A word of caution about Western Sahara: The Western Sahara is an area of conflict claimed by Morocco. Travelling to the far-flung region in the deep south of Morocco is subject to some government warnings. Travellers face some risk of terrorism, civil unrest and landmines. However, it has been fairly safe in recent years. However, it’s a good idea to check with your embassy in Morocco about your travel plans before entry.

Although an ongoing struggle for independence creates an unstable environment, Morocco controls most of Western Sahara. Since 1991 there has been a ceasefire. There are no travel restrictions imposed by the United States or the United Kingdom. The sparsely populated parts of the Sahara can be crossed by experienced travellers with common sense. Organised tours may be the safest way to travel, although it is possible to travel in a private vehicle in many areas. However, please note that many areas require escorting by the Police. If asked to stop, politely comply.

One passport is required to enter Western Sahara for Americans, Canadians and Europeans.

Morocco’s Neighbouring countries: Crossing the border into Mauritania

CAUTION: Although there are currently no restrictions on Western visitors travelling to Mauritania, the country can be unstable, with a high risk of terrorist activity, civil unrest and landmines. Do not venture far from populated areas and register with your country’s embassy in Nouakchott on arrival. Of all the options for travel to and from Morocco’s neighbouring countries, this is probably the one that requires the most planning.

Although Mauritania is not for the inexperienced traveller, those who are prepared to take extra precautions can experience a vast desert country with ancient cities and a warm welcome. Spend time in cities closer to Morocco, avoiding the country’s borders with Algeria and Mali: Atar, Chinguetti, Nouadhibou and Nouakchott, the capital.

Flights from Morocco to Mauritania depart from Casablanca. By road, cars can cross the border between Western Sahara and Mauritania, although independent travellers should negotiate with local guides who have an understanding of the often-changing border conditions. Sometimes without warning, the land border is closed. Visiting Morocco’s Neighbouring countries

Note: If you have looked at a map, you will have noticed that Morocco shares a long land border with Algeria. This land border between Morocco and Algeria has been closed for several decades. The two governments are still in dispute over the Western Sahara. US State Department also advises against travel in parts of Algeria because of ongoing violence.

Consider travel to and from Morocco’s neighbouring countries when planning your Moroccan adventure! It can make a lot of sense to maximise your time in this part of the world, especially if you’re flying in from further afield, such as Australia, New Zealand or North America. Morocco’s Neighbouring countries

Visit Morocco’s Neighbouring countries

Travel to and from Spain: Morocco’s Neighbouring countries

Travelling to and from Gibraltar in the United Kingdom

Exploring Western Sahara: Morocco’s Neighbouring Countries

Morocco’s Neighbouring countries: Crossing the border into Mauritania

Leave a Reply Cancel Reply