What is required when taking your vehicle to Morocco
Advice for people taking motorhomes, 4x4s, or caravans to Morocco
This blog expands the introduction of Camping Morocco 2025 digital and printed edition by Vicarious Books Media.
All drivers must have a valid licence with them, a UK or EU Driving licence is sufficient, and an International Driving Permit is not required.
The rear of your vehicle must display a country decal the nationality letters indicating its country of registration, i.e. UK for United Kingdom. This decal must be additional to a number plate decal.
V5C Vehicle Registration Document: The vehicle must be registered in the name, and at the address, of one of the vehicle occupants. European hire companies are unlikely to allow their hired motorhomes to be taken to Morocco.
Vehicle insurance: Green Card insurance is required for driving in Morocco. Some UK insurance companies will not issue a Green Card for Morocco and some policies only provide third party cover and others do not include the Western Sahara. Check your policy now before you forget and be prepared to change your policy if necessary.
Assurance Frontieres: If the geographical limits of your vehicle insurance do not extend to Morocco it is possible to buy Assurance Frontieres on entry into Morocco, and in many towns. Assurance Frontieres Basic provides the minimum legally required insurance, i.e. liability to third parties. If you chose to buy Assurance Frontieres you will need; V5C Registration Document, Passport, and the Vehicle Temporary Import Form.
Breakdown cover: It is unlikely that you will find vehicle breakdown cover for Morocco. Roadside assistance is unlikely to be available. You may be required to arrange your own recovery and repairs then reclaim the costs at a later date. Ensure that cover offered is sufficient for your needs, restrictions may be applied to vehicle age or size or weight.
Best ferry route to Morocco for motorhomes and caravans
Morocco is visible from Tarifa, just 16km (half a Channel swim) across the Straits of Gibraltar. We recommend taking the 1.5 hour ferry from neighbouring Algeciras in the south of Spain to Tangier Med. Algeciras also has direct ferries to Ceuta and Tangier town ports. Ferries also depart from Barcelona, Genova, Italy and Sete France direct to Morocco.
Northern Morocco has 3 ferry ports:
Tangier Med ferry port: This modern port is 40km from Tangier and exits onto N16 motorway. The main advantages of the crossing to Tangier Med is that you exit onto a main route and temporary immigration paperwork and control is carried out on the ferry.
Tangier Ville ferry port: The main disadvantage is that you disembark directly into the hustle and bustle of a large Moroccan city. Thankfully the main routes out of Tangier are reasonably well signed. The main advantage of the crossing to Tangier is that temporary immigration paperwork and control is carried out on the ferry.
Ceuta ferry port: Ceuta is the best port for foot passengers. Ceuta is an autonomous low tax region of Spain providing reassurance because you disembark into familiar EU territory. The disadvantage is that there can be a bit more hassle at the border crossing into Morocco.
Book a morning sailing to allow arrival with plenty of daylight to complete the paperwork, customs and drive to your intended night stop. See for more information on driving in Morocco see our blog.
Best place to buy ferry tickets to Morocco
Carlos is the worst kept secret in Algeciras because everybody recommends that you buy your ferry tickets from him. Buy an 'open return ticket'.
Ferry tickets purchased in advance are likely to cost more than tickets purchased upon arrival in Algeciras. Numerous establishments sell ferry tickets along the roads into Algeciras. Tickets can be purchased directly at the port entrance. Wherever you buy your tickets you should purchase an open return ferry ticket for convenience. Check the details carefully on the actual tickets issued, especially if they are a bargain price.
Navigating the ports. Follow the signs as appropriate. Beware of con artists impersonating port employees inside and outside the port. Once ticket purchased there is nothing more to pay. Do not leave your vehicle unattended whilst at the border, the area can be chaotic and thefts from vehicles are not uncommon.
Remember you are only allowed to import 1 bottle of wine, 1 bottle of spirits and 200g of tobacco. Drones are not allowed in Morocco.
Importing your vehicle into Morocco
When you arrive in Morocco you will temporarily import your vehicle. This is free and will require providing the vehicle V5C Vehicle Registration Document and your passport. Vehicle temporary import details are registered, and you are issued with a temporary import form, a small card. This card is vital and now the most important thing in your possession and therefore it is advisable to photograph it with your smart phone/digital camera to keep a legible record. This form will be needed at police checkpoints, if issued a speeding fine and when you leave and export your vehicle from Morocco.
Exporting your motorhome when you leave Morocco
On leaving Morocco you surrendered the temporary import form which was cancelled and handed back. Do not destroy the cancelled card but keep it. If you re-enter morocco with the same vehicle they may ask to see it.
If you attempt to leave the country without your vehicle you are liable to pay Moroccan import duty. Check if either your insurance, or breakdown cover, provides for the repatriation of the vehicle, or settlement of any customs duty liability, should you be unable to leave with the vehicle, for example if it has been written off.
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