Operation Marhaba 2026: Dates, Ports, Prices and Practical Tips
Every summer, millions of Moroccans Residing Abroad (MRE) take to the road to return home. Operation Marhaba is the scheme set up by Morocco to facilitate this mass return. Here is everything you need to know to prepare your summer 2026 crossing.
What is Operation Marhaba?
Operation Marhaba (also known as Operation Transit or Marhaba) is a reception scheme organised each summer by the Mohammed V Foundation for Solidarity. It aims to ease the passage of MRE through Morocco's ports and border crossings. Additional staff, welcome areas and assistance services are deployed at all Moroccan ports.
This scheme mainly concerns the ports of Tanger Med, Nador and Al Hoceima, as well as the land border crossings with Spain (Ceuta, Melilla).
What are the dates for Operation Marhaba 2026?
Operation Marhaba 2026 is expected to run from 5 June to 15 September 2026 (provisional dates based on previous editions). The official dates are announced in May by the Mohammed V Foundation.
Peak periods
| Period | Flow | Traffic level |
|---|---|---|
| 5 - 20 June | Early departures | Moderate |
| 25 June - 10 July | School holiday departure peak | Very high |
| 11 - 31 July | Regular departures | High |
| 1 - 15 August | Stay in Morocco | Quiet (at ports) |
| 20 August - 5 September | Return peak | Very high |
| 6 - 15 September | Late returns | Moderate |
The peak traffic periods of late June and late August are the most critical. Queues at the port and customs can exceed 3 hours. If possible, shift your departure by a few days.
Which ports are involved?
European departure ports
| Port | Country | Morocco destinations | Operators |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sète | France | Tanger Med, Nador | GNV, Baleària |
| Marseille | France | Tanger Med | Corsica Linea |
| Barcelona | Spain | Tanger Med, Nador | GNV, Baleària |
| Genoa | Italy | Tanger Med, Nador | GNV |
| Algeciras | Spain | Tanger Med, Ceuta | Trasmediterranea, FRS, Baleària |
| Tarifa | Spain | Tangier City | FRS |
| Almería | Spain | Nador | Trasmediterranea, Baleària |
| Motril | Spain | Al Hoceima, Nador | Baleària |
Moroccan arrival ports
- Tanger Med: the largest port, handling 80% of MRE traffic
- Nador: ideal for the Rif and Oriental regions
- Al Hoceima: smaller, serving the Al Hoceima region
- Tangier City: only from Tarifa (35-minute crossing)
When should you book to get the best prices?
Booking timing is the number one factor for your ferry price. The longer you wait, the more expensive it gets — and the greater the risk of finding no availability.
| Booking period | Estimated saving | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| January - February | Not yet open (most operators) | — |
| March - April | -30 to -40% vs last-minute | Excellent choice |
| May | -15 to -25% | Good choice |
| June | Full price | Limited |
| July | Full price + surcharge | Very limited |
Our price tips
- Book in March-April as soon as sales open. GNV generally opens in March with launch promotions (up to -40%)
- Compare on Bladia.com: prices vary between operators for the same route and date
- Mid-week departure: a Tuesday or Wednesday costs 20-30% less than a Friday
- Pay in 4 instalments: spread the cost with no fees from €500 on Bladia.com
Compare Morocco ferry prices 2026 →
Documents to prepare before departure
Don't let paperwork ruin your departure. Here is the complete checklist.
For passengers
- Passport valid (+ 6 months after the return date)
- National identity card for dual nationals (in addition to passport)
- Family record book if travelling with children
- Exit authorisation if a child is travelling without both parents
- Ferry tickets printed or on your phone
For the vehicle
- Registration document in the driver's name
- Valid driving licence
- Green card insurance covering Morocco (check with your insurer)
- Form D16 Ter: customs declaration for the vehicle (to be completed on arrival or in advance)
- Power of attorney if the vehicle is not in your name (certified copy)
For a hire vehicle
If you are travelling in a hire vehicle, you must have written authorisation from the hire company to leave French territory. Without this document, you will be refused boarding.
Tips for travelling as a family during Transit
Before departure
- Load the car the day before: on departure day, set off calmly
- Bring food and water for the port (queues) and for the crossing (on-board restaurants are expensive)
- Entertainment for children: charged tablets, games, books for a 36-hour crossing
- Medication: motion sickness tablets, first aid kit
At the port
- Arrive at least 3 hours before departure (4 hours in high season)
- Keep documents accessible: passports, tickets, registration document in a pouch within easy reach
- Fill up before the port: no petrol station in the boarding area
On board
- Book a cabin: 36 hours in a seat with children is very difficult. A cabin is an investment in the whole family's comfort
- Explore the vessel with the children as soon as you board: outer deck, play area, restaurant
- Plug in your devices as soon as you arrive in the cabin: power sockets are limited
On arrival in Morocco
- Be patient at customs: in high season, allow 1 to 3 hours to clear
- Complete the customs form during the crossing (available on board or downloadable in advance)
- Currency exchange: exchange offices at the port offer decent rates. Have dirhams ready for the first toll booths
Frequently asked questions
Is Operation Marhaba compulsory to return to Morocco?
No, Operation Marhaba is a reception scheme, not an obligation. You can travel to Morocco by ferry all year round. But in summer, the scheme makes passage easier with extra staff at ports and customs.
Can you travel to Morocco by ferry outside the summer?
Yes, crossings operate all year round. Out of season (October to May), prices are much lower and there is virtually no waiting at ports. It is the ideal time for those with flexibility.
How much does the ferry to Morocco cost in summer 2026?
For a family of 4 with a car and cabin on the Sète - Tanger Med route, expect between €600 and €1,200 depending on the date and operator. See our Sète - Tanger price guide →
What is the best route for northern Morocco (Rif)?
For the Rif (Nador, Al Hoceima, Oujda), prefer the Sète → Nador or Almería → Nador route. This avoids having to cross the whole of northern Morocco from Tanger Med.
Can you pay for the ferry in 4 instalments for Operation Marhaba?
Yes, on Bladia.com payment in 4 instalments with no fees is available all year round, including for summer crossings. Holiday vouchers are also accepted. Find out more →