Marhaba 2026 brings 3.5 million travelers to Morocco through Sept. 15

How Marhaba 2026 moves millions across the Strait

Morocco's annual summer transit operation, Marhaba 2026, has been running since June 10 and stays active through Sept. 15, the Mohammed V Foundation for Solidarity confirmed. It's the 26th edition of the program, coordinated with the Interior Ministry, Royal Gendarmerie, national police and customs.

Authorities expect more than 3.5 million travelers and roughly 800,000 to 900,000 vehicles to move between Europe and Morocco this season, about 3% above 2025. Maritime capacity covers 29 ships on 13 routes, moving up to 500,000 passengers and 130,000 vehicles weekly. On the air side, 59 airlines are cleared for about 2,135 weekly flights connecting Moroccan airports with 141 international destinations, with Royal Air Maroc adding 6.6 million seats, about 700,000 more than 2024.

Who passes through the same gates

The operation targets Moroccans residing abroad, particularly those driving from Spain, France, Italy, Benelux and Germany then ferrying across the Strait of Gibraltar. Anyone else using the same infrastructure during peak summer benefits by default.

That includes tourists flying into Casablanca, Marrakech or Agadir; expats based in Morocco who travel in and out; and remote workers shuttling between European bases and Moroccan hubs. Overland travelers crossing at Bab Sebta (Ceuta) and Melilla also fall inside the operation's footprint.

A network of 26 reception centers is staffed by nearly 1,400 personnel, including doctors, paramedics, social workers and volunteers. Twenty centers sit inside Morocco at major ports, airports and highway rest areas, with six more at European departure ports: Genoa, Sète, Marseille, Motril, Almería and Algeciras.

What travelers should plan for

Ferry seats sell out fast on the Algeciras,Tanger Med, Tarifa,Tanger Ville, Motril,Nador and Almería,Nador links. Book sailings and flights well ahead, especially when traveling with a vehicle. Armas Trasmediterránea alone has flagged more than 2 million seats on Spain,Morocco routes for the season.

Expect biometric checks tied to the EU Entry/Exit System at European departure points, which can extend boarding times at peak hours. Reception centers offer free medical care, administrative help and route information for anyone passing through.

Read our full Morocco guide for the complete picture and check our nomad news feed for ongoing updates.