Trip by car from Belgium to Morocco: Where to take a ferry to Morocco?

Trip by car from Belgium to Morocco: Where to take a ferry to Morocco?

Hi Rachid,

Your road trip sounds amazing! For the ferry, the best options are usually from southern Spain. The most popular ports are Algeciras and Tarifa, which offer frequent and reliable ferry services to Tangier in Morocco. Algeciras has more frequent sailings and can accommodate larger vehicles, while Tarifa is known for its quicker crossings.

You might also consider the port of Barcelona if you prefer a longer sea journey. This route goes to Tangier Med and takes approximately 28 to 33 hours but can be a relaxing part of your trip. Another great option is to take a ferry from Algeciras to Ceuta, a Spanish enclave on the North African coast. From Ceuta, you can easily drive into Morocco.

The journey from Brussels to southern Spain covers approximately 2,244 kilometers and passes through cities like Bordeaux, Salamanca, and Sevilla, offering a mix of scenic landscapes and cultural experiences along the way.

To estimate costs and plan your journey, consider using resources like ViaMichelin. It can provide you with estimated fuel costs, tolls, and overall travel expenses based on your route and vehicle specifications.

What documents do you need?

For this road trip through multiple countries, you will need various documents to ensure smooth travel. Here are the main documents you will need:

Ferry ticket: You can explore a variety of online platforms and official websites of ferry companies to make your booking. Here are some reputable companies that typically provide ferry connections to Moroccan ports: Trasmediterránea, Naviera Armas, Baleària, FRS Iberia, DFDS, Africa Morocco Link, Intershipping, Grand Navi Veloci, and Grimaldi Lines.

Passport: Make sure you have a valid passport that is valid for the entire trip.

Driver's License: Bring your valid driver's license.

Vehicle Registration and Insurance: Make sure you have the registration and insurance documents of your vehicle with you. This may include a green card for your car insurance, which shows that you are insured for travel outside your own country. If the car is not in your name, you may need a power of attorney (Wakala) from the owner of the vehicle. The power of attorney must be either legalized by local authorities abroad or stamped by a Moroccan consulate in the country where you live. Here you can find more info: Moroccan Customs publications

"Every car registered abroad can be driven within Moroccan territory not only by its owner or importer but also by their spouse or descendants, provided that all parties are also residing abroad."

Vignette Crit'Air (France): If you are driving through Paris, it is mandatory to have an environmental sticker called "Crit'Air Vignette". This sticker classifies vehicles based on their emission levels and may be required to enter certain environmental zones. Make sure you have the correct sticker for your vehicle before entering France.

Distintivo Ambiental DGT (Spain): You will need an environmental sticker called “Distintivo Ambiental DGT” in all cities in Spain with a population of more than 50,000. This sticker is valid in all 148 cities with a "Zona de Bajas Emisiones" (Low Emission Zone). Make sure you have this sticker before entering Spanish cities to avoid potential fines.

Visa card: It's convenient to have a Visa card for easy payment of tolls, and other expenses during your journey. With a Visa card, you can quickly and securely make payments at toll booths and various service stations along the way, ensuring a hassle-free travel experience.

Copies of the necessary documents: It's smart to have copies of your important documents! These backups can be a lifesaver if you misplace the originals. You can easily scan them with your phone and save them in a secure location.

GPS navigation & Spare Tire: Having a GPS device or using GPS navigation apps on your smartphone can significantly enhance your trip experience from Belgium to Morocco. So make sure you have one ready to use before you embark on your journey. Additionally, check that your spare tire is suitable for driving at speeds over 90 km per hour, as it may be needed in case of emergencies during your travels. Remember that trucks may be displeased if you drive below 90 km per hour on the speedway.

Upon crossing the border into Morocco, particularly at the Moroccan checkpoint in Dounanen, you will be provided with a card specifying that your vehicle is permitted to stay in the Kingdom of Morocco for six months. It's important to bear in mind that vehicles can only be driven in Morocco for a maximum of six months per year. Safeguarding this card is imperative, as it may be requested by the Moroccan police or the Royal Gendarmerie during your travels.

Safe travels and enjoy your adventure!

Regards,