As of July 24, 2026, Moroccan and Spanish authorities are implementing the annual Operation Marhaba (مرحبا) to handle the peak summer travel season. The operation focuses on the Strait of Gibraltar crossings, particularly at the Port of Tanger Med in Morocco and the ports of Algeciras and Tarifa in southern Spain.
According to the Moroccan Ministry of Transport and Logistics, Tanger Med port has increased its capacity by deploying additional staff and opening extra boarding gates. The port expects to process over 3 million passengers and 700,000 vehicles during the summer period, a slight increase from 2025 figures. Spanish authorities have coordinated with Moroccan counterparts to streamline border controls and reduce waiting times.
Spanish port authorities in Algeciras and Tarifa have also reinforced their teams, adding more than 200 extra police and customs officers. Ferry companies such as FRS, Balearia, and Trasmediterránea have increased the frequency of crossings, with up to 80 daily departures during peak days. The Spanish Ministry of Interior reported that waiting times at Algeciras have been reduced to under 90 minutes on most days, compared to over 3 hours during the same period in 2025.
Operation Marhaba, launched in 2015, is a joint initiative between Morocco and Spain to facilitate the transit of Moroccan diaspora and tourists during the summer. In 2025, the operation handled 3.2 million passengers and 750,000 vehicles. This year, authorities aim to improve efficiency through digital pre-registration systems and real-time traffic updates via mobile apps.
Travelers are advised to check the official websites of Tanger Med and Spanish port authorities for live updates and to book ferry tickets in advance. The operation is expected to continue until mid-September 2026.
