Marhaba is a major logistical and humanitarian operation aimed at ensuring a safe and organized return to the country for the Moroccans of the world, in an atmosphere of welcome and solidarity.
What is operation Marhaba 2025?
An initiative for Moroccans of the world
Operation Marhaba is an annual reception and assistance operation set up to accompany Moroccan nationals residing abroad when they return to Morocco during the summer period.
Indeed, historically, in the 1990s, the massive return of Moroccans living abroad became an important phenomenon and the Moroccan and European infrastructures are poorly adapted. That is why, in 1999, King Mohammed VI created the Mohammed V Foundation for Solidarity with the mission to facilitate and secure the return of Moroccans residing abroad.
Since then, the operation has been organised every year, mainly between June and September, and involves several national ministries and institutions, in conjunction with European authorities.
The objectives of this operation are to ensure a secure and organized reception in ports, airports and border posts while offering social, medical and administrative assistance to improve transit conditions. The ultimate objective is to strengthen links between Moroccan residents living abroad and their country of origin.
An annual supervised organization
Operation Marhaba provides for a national and international arrangement to ensure an optimal reception of Moroccans living abroad.
Indeed, in the strategic ports of Tanger Med, Tanger Ville, Nador, Al Hoceimar, Jorf Lasfar, Agadir, Casablanca reception centres are equipped with air-conditioned and adapted waiting areas, priority areas for elderly people, pregnant women and children, as well as medical and paramedical teams. Social support is also provided.
At the same time, port infrastructure is being strengthened, with an increase in the number of counters and better organization of flows to reduce waiting times. This logistical mobilization is done through close collaboration between the police, customs authorities and civil protection services.
In addition, Operation Marhaba relies on reception centres located in several European countries, notably Spain, where the Moroccan community is particularly numerous. These centres provide administrative, social and medical assistance, while facilitating the transit of travellers to ports of embarkation such as Algeciras, the main point of embarkation. Shipping companies are working with the organizers to increase the frequency of crossings and set up appropriate reservation systems.
Thus, through the coordinated mobilization of qualified human resources and appropriate logistics, combined with effective international collaboration, Operation Marhaba provides every year a secure and organized reception for the millions of Moroccans residing abroad who return to their country.
Operation Marhaba 2025 dates
Official calendar
Operation Marhaba will run from 15 June to 15 September 2025. This year, the operation is expected to experience a record number of passengers, with an estimated increase of 4% in passenger numbers and 5% in vehicles compared to 2024. In 2024, the Marhaba operation involved 3.4 million passengers and 847,000 vehicles transiting between Europe and Morocco.
This year, there will be a lot of people at certains times. Especially between mid-June and early July because this period corresponds to the launch of the summer holidays in Europe. The second peak period will be between late July and early August because it coincides with Aid Al-Adha. Many Moroccans will join their families in Morocco at this time, which will be considered the busiest. The third peak period will be between late August and early September. This last period of affluence marks the return of Moroccan residents to their country of residence, in particular because of the school year and the professional resumption.
Traffic forecast
This year, 3.58 millions passengers and nearly 890,000 vehicles are expected to transit between Europe and Morocco. Generally, Moroccan residents living abroad transit by sea to reach Morocco from Europe. As a result, the most requested Moroccan ports are :
- Tanger Med
- Tanger Town
- Nador
- Al Hoceima
- Casablanca
- Agadir
The European ports most in demand are :
- Algeciras
- Tarifa
- Sète
- Marseille
- Genoa
Ports affected by Marhaba
Morocco side
Tanger Med Port
The port of Tangier Med is the main port for Operation Marhaba. It is located 40 km east of Tangier. It has a large capacity and frequent connections with Algeciras and Motril.
Nador Port
The port of Nador is often used as an alternative because it is located between Malaga and Almeria. It provides connections with Tangier Med and Al Hoceima. Traffic is less dense and therefore more fluid.
Al Hoceima Port
The port of Al Hoceima is located on the Mediterranean coast. This port remains strategic thanks to its connection with Motril.
Spain side
Algeciras Port
The port of Algeciras is the busiest port in Spain. It is located in Andalusia, it is a maritime crossroads for crossings to Morocco, including Tangier Med. During periods of high activity, particularly during Operation Marhaba, the port of Algeciras has about 20 departures per day.
Motril Port
The port of Motril is located between Malaga and Almeria and it is used as an alternative because it provides connections with Tangier Med and Al Hoceima.
Almeria Port
The port of Almeria is a major starting point for Nador. It allows proximity to large Andalusian cities.
Others points of entry
In addition to the sea crossings, many Moroccans living abroad come by air. During Operation Marhaba, several Moroccan airports saw their traffic increase significantly. In particular the airports of:
- Mohammed V Airport in Casablanca, which is the largest airport in Morocco and provides long-haul flights
- Marrakech-Menara airport, which is very popular with Moroccans residing in the south and central part of the country
- Rabat-Salé airport which is very used for its proximity to the capital but also by Moroccans residing in the foreigners originating from the Rabat-Kenitra region
- Fès-Saïs airport which is widely used by Moroccans residing in the Middle Atlas and North-East
- Oujda-Angad airport which is widely used by Moroccans residing in the Oriental
- Nador-Al-Aroui airport which is widely used by Germans, Belgians and French
- Tanger-Lbn Battouta airport which is widely used by the Spanish and French
Although fewer in number, land border posts play an important role during Operation Marhaba, especially for Moroccans residing abroad from Spain, transiting through the Spanish enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla.
The most commonly used land border crossings are :
- Bab Sebta (Fnideq-Ceuta)
- Beni Ensar (Nador-Melilla)
Book a ferry during Marhaba
Advance your booking
Anticipating your ferry booking for Operation Marhaba is very important. Indeed, we advise you to book 1 to 2 months in advance to have the choice of schedules, port of arrival and especially to benefit from advantageous rates. Especially for popular crossings such as Algeciras-Tangier or Almeria-Nador.
In addition, we advise you to avoid leaving during busy periods such as late June to early July, late July to mid-August and late August to early September. These periods are very popular with travellers and therefore the rates are less advantageous.
We recommend you to leave between 15 June and 25 June, that is before the school holidays or between 15 July and 25 July or after 5 September.
Marhaba participating ferry companies
The ferry companies participating in Operation Marhaba are :
- Africa Morocco Link with connections between Algeciras-Tangier Med and Sète-Nador
- Baléaria with connections between Algeciras -Tangier Med and Nador-Sète
- Trasmediterranea with connections between Algeciras-Tangier Med and Almeria-Nador
- Grandi Navi Veloci with connections between Genoa-Tangier Med and Barcelona-Tangier Med
- FRS Iberia with connections between Tarifa-Tanger Ville and Algeciras-Tanger Med
Discounts and promotions
There are usually discounts for large families, young children or seniors.
In addition, its promotional offers can be combined with special promotions for the Marhaba operation.
We invite you to find the offers of our page Special Offers
Reception and assistance facilities
Services in the ports
During Operation Marhaba, the ports are heavily reinforced to manage flows and welcome Moroccans residing abroad in good conditions. Indeed, information points are installed at the entrance with multilingual staff to guide passengers. Agents are mobilized to accompany families, the elderly or people with disabilities. In addition, temporary parking areas are provided for long queues and officers manage traffic and vehicle boarding to reduce waiting times. There are also complementary services such as WIFI connection, family spaces, fast food restaurants and currency exchange offices.
The Mohammed V Foundation for Solidarity has deployed 18 Marhaba reception points in several European countries with high traffic. The main reception points are :
- Spanish ports: Algeciras, Almeria, Tarifa, Barcelona, Motril
- French ports: Marseille and Sète
- Italian ports: Genoa
- Some airports and land border crossings, especially in Spain (Tarifa, Ceuta and Melilla)
Medical and social assistance
Operation Marhaba provides each year an important medical and social device to accompany Moroccans living abroad on their return to Morocco. This scheme is implemented by the Mohammed V Foundation for Solidarity, in coordination with health, customs and port authorities.
There are medical stations in all ports, airports and border crossings. These structures are operational 24/7 and equipped with qualified medical personnel. These medical stations are equipped for the management of emergencies or essential care and are connected to local hospitals.
In parallel to medical assistance, social teams are mobilized to offer guidance and understanding of administrative procedures. But also to support people with disabilities, seniors and pregnant women. These social teams are multilingual and can also intervene in case of loss of paper, family conflicts or psychological distress.
Coordination of services
Operation Marhaba is based on a coordinated mobilization of several Moroccan institutions under the supervision of the Mohammed V Foundation for Solidarity. The National Security Branch is present in all ports, airports and border crossings to maintain order, streamline waiting times and ensure passenger safety. The customs administration is also mobilized for a fast and simplified processing of customs formalities. The civil protection, for its part, intervenes in support of emergency posts to manage emergency evacuations (in conjunction with local hospitals). The heart of this coordinated mobilization is the Mohammed V Foundation for Solidarity, which leads the operation and coordinates humanitarian, medical and social efforts.
Practical tips for your return to Morocco
Required documents
In the context of Operation Marhaba, customs authorities require a number of mandatory documents to allow boarding. These documents are:
- Passport valid for all passengers
- For dual nationals, the Moroccan passport is recommended
- The ferry ticket in paper or electronic format
- Permission to leave the country for minors travelling with only one parent, guardian
For vehicles it is the same, documents are required:
- Driver’s license or with written authorization from the owner
- International insurance covering the stay in Morocco
- National driver’s licence
- The D16 Ter form filled out at the entrance to Morocco, it allows you to travel with the vehicle for a maximum of 6 months
- Up-to-date technical inspection certificate
Travel preparation
In order to take your car to Morocco, you must have an up-to-date vehicle inspection at the time of entry into Morocco. We advise you that there is at least 3 months validity to avoid any problems in case of control. The certificate of validity of the technical inspection must be presented to customs with the registration card and insurance.
The duration of the crossing depends on your port of departure and arrival. Approximate crossing times are as follows:
- Algeciras-Tangier between 1h30 and 2h
- Algeciras-Ceuta about 1h
- Motril-Nador between 7am and 9am
- Almeria-Nador between 5am and 6am
- Almeria-Melilla about 6h
- Sète-Tanger Med between 39h and 46h
- Marseille-Tanger Med between 36h and 40h
- Genoa-Tangier Med between 48h and 52h
We advise you to arrive at least 3 to 4 hours before the departure of the ferry because boarding times can add 3 to 5 extra hours especially in periods of high traffic.
Port wait management
To avoid peak hours, we recommend avoiding busy periods and prefer to travel during the week (Tuesday to Thursday) early in the morning or late in the evening. We advise you to avoid weekends and book your ticket well in advance to choose less requested times. If possible, choose less crowded ports such as Motril, Sète, Almeria, Nador or Al Hoceima.
As for useful applications and platforms we recommend you to download the official application of the Foundation Mohammed V for al solidarity. This application will allow you to know the information in real time.
In addition, there is a Marhaba toll-free number available 24/7. From abroad: +212 537 20 55 66. From Morocco: 080 000 23 23
You also have the opportunity to consult the site of the port of Tangier Med, the site of the National Office of Airports, the customs site.
Safety and prevention
The official safety and prevention recommendations for Operation Marhaba are as follows:
- Prepare your documents in advance (passport, ticket, registration card, insurance, D16 Ter
- Check your vehicle (up-to-date roadworthiness test, inflated tires, oil levels)
- Avoid busy hours and prefer to leave early in the morning or late at night
- Protect your personal belongings by leaving nothing visible in the vehicle and keep your papers with you
- Take regular breaks when driving
- Follow the instructions of authorities at ports, airports and border crossings
Useful emergency numbers in Morocco are :
- Police 19 or 112 (mobile)
- RCMP 117
- Firefighters 15
- Medical emergencies 141
- Road Emergency 5050
- Marhaba assistance from the Mohammed V Foundation for Solidarity +212 537 20 55 66
- Office du Port de Tanger Med +212 539 33 91 00
FAQ – Answers to frequently asked questions about Marhaba 2025
1. When to book your ferry to Marhaba?
We advise you to book your ferry between March and May 2025 for the Marhaba 2025 operation because the rates are more advantageous.
2. What are the fastest crossings to enter Morocco?
The fastest routes to enter Morocco are Algeciras-Tangier Med, Algeciras-Ceuta, Tarifa-Tangier. All its crossings take approximately between 1h and 2h.
3. Are there any discounts for MRE?
Generally, there are discounts for large families, young children or seniors.
In addition, its promotional offers can be combined with special promotions for the Marhaba operation.
4. Can we board without a reservation during Marhaba?
Technically, yes on some lines like Algeciras-Tangier Med because there are «open» tickets that allow to travel without a fixed time or date. But we advise you to book your ticket in advance because during the operation Marhaba there is a lot of traffic and passengers with dated tickets are priority. In addition, «open» tickets are usually more expensive than if you buy your ticket in advance.
5. How do you report a problem on arrival?
Upon your arrival at a port, airport or land border crossing, you will find Marhaba reception points organized by the Mohammed V Foundation for Solidarity.
Conclusion: Join Morocco with complete peace of mind thanks to Marhaba
Operation Marhaba 2025 is a major organization that facilitates the return to Morocco of Moroccans residing abroad in optimal conditions of security and comfort. For a successful trip, it is essential to make your reservation well in advance, ideally between March and May, in order to benefit from the best rates and avoid periods of high affluence (late June-early July, late July-mid-August, late August-early September). Prefer fast crossings such as Algeciras-Tangier Med, and carefully prepare your documents (passport, ticket, insurance, registration, etc.).
The Moroccan (notably Tanger Med) and Spanish (like Algeciras) ports are fully mobilized, with a reinforced reception system including medical, social and logistical assistance, led by the Mohammed V foundation for solidarity. Also check the official applications and free numbers available 24/7 for real-time tracking.
To book your crossing safely, go to SmartFerry, your trusted platform for all your crossings to Morocco during Operation Marhaba.
