Is it safe to travel to Morocco? Latest advice during Ceuta migrant crisis at border with Spanish enclave

WorldTravel
1 Aug 2026 • 2:39 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

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Is it safe to travel to Morocco? Latest advice during Ceuta migrant crisis at border with Spanish enclave

Tensions have risen at the border of Morocco after almost 60,000 migrants attempted to cross into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta on Thursday.

At least 57 people died while attempting to reach Ceuta from North Africa.

Spain has sent military ​and ⁠police reinforcements to the enclave while Moroccan authorities deployed ‌water cannon trucks and reinforced security at the crossing gates.

Although the city sits several hours from tourist hotspots in Marrakech and Fez, holidaymakers may be concerned ahead of visiting the country. Here’s the latest travel advice for Morocco during the growing border crisis.

Follow latest updates on Ceuta migrant crisis here.

What is happening in Ceuta?

On Thursday, more than 60,000 migrants crossed into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta from Morocco, with troops sent to the border in response.

Ceuta, along with Melilla, another Spanish autonomous city in northern Morocco, represents ​the European Union's only land border ⁠with Africa.

The city sits closest to the tourist hub of Tangier, but several hours from holiday hotspots in Marrakech and Fez.

What is UK government travel advice?

As of Friday morning, the UK Foreign Office (FCDO) has not updated travel advice for Morocco in light of the crisis at the border with Spain.

What have other authorities said?

According to Spanish prime minister Pedro Sánchez, a temporary centre will be set up in Ceuta to “expedite” the processing of people with no legal claim to be in Spanish territory.

Moroccan authorities have deployed ‌water cannon trucks and reinforced security at the crossing gates.

Are flights going to Morocco?

Per FlightRadar24, flights to and from Rabat, Casablanca and Marrakesh Menara are largely operating as scheduled.

Can I cancel my holiday?

As the FCDO has not warned against non-essential travel to Morocco, there will be no special circumstances in place to be able to cancel a trip for a full refund. The conditions for cancelling your trip will be dependent on your holiday provider, so it’s best to contact them if you’re looking to postpone due to safety concerns. There is no obligation for companies to refund bookings if you want to cancel, and you will not be able to claim on your travel insurance due to safety concerns unless government advice changes.

Read more: How arrival of 60,000 migrants into Spanish enclave could affect mainland Europe and the UK

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