Boat reservation: Marhaba operation 2019

This year several vehicles of MRE registered WW from France or with European transit plates

were blocked upon their return. The MRE were unaware of the new law that was changed in March 2019. As shown in this video, an MRE was stopped when he arrived at the Algeciras port in Spain because he had WW plates.

The Guardia Civil pulled the vehicle aside because, in their view, an infraction was committed regarding transit plates—a fine of 31% of the vehicle’s value. The driver is forced to pay this fine; otherwise, the vehicle is immobilized until the fine is paid. For some vehicles, the fine can quickly rise, like for high-cylinder Mercedes AMG cars, it can cost up to €200,000, which is huge. With that amount, they could buy another vehicle.

The law was amended in March 2019, and it says:

• Driving outside the EU (transiting through Spain)
• Beware, if you transit through Spain to reach a third country, the Spanish customs considers that vehicles registered with temporary plates leaving the EU customs territory lose their community goods customs status and are exported to a third country. Thus, when you want to re-enter the EU territory (via Spain) with your vehicle, you must present a vehicle import declaration (DAU - Single Administrative Document) to Spanish customs and pay the corresponding customs duties and taxes.
• If you do not have this document, the owner will face customs litigation for import without declaration, possibly leading to confiscation of the vehicle.

Therefore, it is necessary to wait for the final registration of your vehicle before using it to travel via Spain to a third country (Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, etc.) to avoid having to pay fines.

That is why many clients called us to learn more about what they should do. We advised our clients to take a return via SÈTE by boat, as it causes no issues for France. It is cheaper to buy a return ticket via SÈTE than to pay 31% of the vehicle’s value. This was the only effective solution to return to France without problems. Don’t make the same mistake next year. We will try to remind you before you leave: register your vehicle first, then go on vacation without worries.

This year, Marhaba 2019 expected nearly 3 million MRE returning to their home countries. Since Eid Al Adha falls during the summer holidays, it attracted a large crowd. To assist Moroccans worldwide traveling to Morocco until mid-September, the Marhaba 2019 association, coordinated by the Mohammed V Foundation for Solidarity, put in place a very large operation. Its goal is to improve passenger comfort and optimize transit times at the port, so everyone can travel safely and securely.

The Marhaba 2019 operation had an investment cost of nearly 25 million dirhams, with sanitary blocks installed, playgrounds for children set up, registration and pre-registration areas constructed, and assistance services for people with special needs and staff reinforced.

Also, with the new version of the website available in three languages—French, English, and Arabic—a mobile app was launched with a toll-free number to constantly inform port clients about traffic forecasts, departure schedules, and boat arrival times.

Marhaba 2019 is a very large operation put in place for all MRE to travel accompanied and supported.

For travel dates, especially for those returning at the end of August, it is very difficult. These dates are in high demand because many people prefer to return at the end. This has consequences: ferry tickets are more expensive due to high demand, and also there are many travelers during these dates—over 5,000 cars and more than 18,000 passengers per day, which is huge. It’s better to return between August 16 and 22 to travel at a good price and without congestion.

Finally, very good news for you regular travelers to Morocco: the famous "Police Form" that used to be filled out before crossing customs has been eliminated. This measure was taken to simplify travel procedures and speed up crossing at border checkpoints. So that’s one less form, saving everyone time.