Tangier Travel Answers

Check with the Embassy. there is usually a list of entry requirements and it is normal to have 6 months left on your passport!

Hi, This question comes up regularly and the general consensus is that you should renew and ensure passport is valid for the 6month period.

It is generally the airlines that check as you depart. they cop very large penalties if immigration subsequently decide to deny you entry.

Don't risk it, renew your passport before attempting to travel to Tangier, six months validity is mandatory. Immigration formalities are conducted by Moroccan police on the ferries between Spain and Tangier city port or the new Tanger Med port. Everybody has to fill in an immigration form and police check each passenger's passport on the computer, to identify any previous criminal activity, these checks are thorough and any irregularity detected will investigated, causing you a delay. After disembarking the ferry, your passport will be checked again twice, and your luggage has to pass through the big X-ray machine. These measures have intensified in recent years because of the terrorist problems, and secret police are everywhere, to protect the tourist industry, vital to the country's economy. If your paperwork is in order, you will have no problems. Enjoy Morocco, I always do, a different world from mainland Europe!

Benny.

If you already have a current passport it should only be a relatively quick formality to have it renewed, in my case in 2008 it took less than two weeks to have my existing United Kingdom passport renewed for another ten years, the only shock factor was the cost, £72 (gulp!)...........but I would not have been able to travel to Morocco with my original passport, an updated photo was also required, and in my case it was accepted without any witness corroboration, as my facial appearance had not significantly changed. Because of all the international terrorist activities ongoing, at present, passports and identities are being scrutinised more carefully, especially in Africa and other Muslim countries, at international borders...........Benny.

Having realised the necessity to have a passport renewed, I would advise completing this essential task as soon as practicable. Other unforeseen factors might cause a delay in the process, e.g. The Easter holidays imminent, and disgruntled civil servants forever threatening industrial action over imposed changes to their work contracts, pay, conditions etc..... These potential disruptions are outwith the control of the traveller, so it's best to be "ahead of the game"!

Benny.

I agree VT members call morocco embassy or consulate in home country on this issue.

I'm totally prepared for my next trip to Morocco next month, flight ticket purchased last year when prices were low, Passport in order, travel insurance arranged, cobwebs dusted off rucksack, Bank informed about my Visa cards being used in specified unfamiliar locations in case their paranoid Fraudwatch places a stop on them abroad, Bank of England blue back-up beer vouchers comfortably nestling in my moneybelt, so all sorted..........any suggestions how to make the time go faster until take-off gratefully received!

Benny.