Message Forums

In addition to my earlier Topic, I'm adding this information as knowing this would have aided my arrival into Morocco (Maroc). So, here goes as I relive the memory.

If I had known better, I would have given Ceuta (Sebta) a complete miss as my entry point. The trouble was, I was dragging a UK caravan behind me, and, unlike the European equivalent, the UK caravans lack a registration document, similar to vehicles. The time I spent at the Fronteir Post at Ceuta was long and expensive. I ended up using the services of a Moroccan guy who assisted me with the paperwork... but at a price. He cleaned me out, basically. I had read in the Rough Guide To Morocco, that if you lack the proper paperwork for entry you could be sent back from whence you came. That was enough for me to use this chap to help me, but what a scrounger! Anyway, to get on with the story. I ended up using my caravan's insurance document to prove ownership was in my name, which allowed me entry into the country along with my car. Oh, by the way. Even before you arrive at the Frontier Post, those who live in Ceuta will do everything in their power to stop you in your tracks. They put on an air of officialdom, where they fill-in the official form, where one guy will run off with it, wait for a while (probably drinking tea somewhere) before returning. This might actually happen a couple of times to give the unexperienced traveller/arrival the feeling there's something being done to get them into Maroc. WRONG! Do not stop until you get into the Frontier Post, where you will join a queue of other arrivals to present your papers and official document. The document will be given to you on the ferry or when you arrive at the Post and is free.

As for insurance. My UK insurance was attrocious. It only covered me for three months travel, and finding a company that gave me cover in Morocco was like winning the lottery. As the three months expired, I had to take out another insurance policy in Maroc, but it only lasted for three months as well, and only covered me in Maroc. Vehicles can only stay for a maximum of six months then must leither eave or be imported. So there I was, driving around in my fancy roller-skate in Maroc and the six months were about to expire. I had to get it back to the UK, where I planned to sell it at a London motor auction. The rumours of getting a Frontier Insurance was totally and completely wrong! Unless you're entering Maroc. You can get insurance at the Port as you arrive. The Insurance agents are situated in little cabins, where for a price you can be instantly insured, which can be a blessing if you're from the UK. As for leaving Maroc... you cannot get insurance at any Port in Europe... unless you can supply a local town's agent with a Spannish address, and this is taken as a family home. The spannish are great, actually. You can keep a UK registered car in Spain with local insurance, which would've been super for me, if the same was possible in Maroc. My car was sold for not a lot, sadly, but only after I had transferred my private registration into retention. The number is for sale, by the way. It is M44CKY, should anyone be interested.

Anyway, I managed to get insurance from an agent in Gibraltar, having been turned away from each and every Spannish agent. None offered cover with the information of using a Spannish address, until I met this really helpful agent on the Rock.

So there you have it. Ceuta and the insurance. My wife and I frequently visit Gibraltar to stock-up on our favourite British goodies, such as Whyte&Mackay, King-Edwards, Heinz and Morrisons own label; plus many more. The piggy population gets decimated while we're there too! Mmm, pork, pork and more pork. Bacon too.

I hope what I've written makes sense and helps to alleviate any questions some may have. And if I can be of any other help or asistance please don't hesitate to email me. There's the oportunity to reply from here and also from my web site,

 www.an-alien-affair.com

If any do decide to visit here, you will have a great time with fantastic weather. And should any come down Agadir way and have mechanical trouble, write me a line. I've got a great set of spanners, etc.

All the best for your holidays.

So basically, go to Morocco prepared and not half cocked…….

Ceuta is by far the best option of entry into Morocco, It’s Spanish, cheap fuel and last minute shopping. Documentation required will be issued with ferry tickets or filled in by your tour operator. 3 or 6 months paperwork will do for most, unless you are planning to live there! Tangier can get chaotic and you could get caught up in the longgggggg que’s on both the Moroccan and Spanish sides as the “Locals” are checked ever so slowwwww.

Border crossing at Ceuta will only take, depending on time of day, about an hour. You can do formalities yourself or pay a guide to do it for you [about £2.00].

No paperwork needed for Brit registered caravans but originals for cars/motorhomes.

Insurance available at border if your UK Company does not cover. Available in blocks of 5 or 10 days. Not expensive.

If you must have the Brit/Euro food and alcohol most is available at the huge “Marjine” supermarkets that are outside most big towns/city.

Ongoing or return insurance and document for rest of Europe is a euro thing and nothing to do with you having been in Morocco.

Your vehicle/caravan can stay in Morocco for up to 6 months. If you stay longer just pop into a police station and get the form that you were given at border signed. You can’t leave Morocco without your vehicle [without police report].

Don’t be put off. It could be the best holiday you have ever had!

Thanks, Lord Lucan. Now I know where you are hiding I'll grass you-up and claim the reward!

If I had known what I know now, concurring with Mr Runnaway Lucan, my entry into this country would've been a lot easier. However, there are still crowds of Moroccans at the points of entry who will prey on the inexperienced traveller, as I was with my caravan, so take care and don't be afraid to tell anyone who gets in your way to BUGGER-OFF! And believe me, they will intrude. It's a dead cert. Morocco is a great place and, like Lord Lucan, I wish you the very best of holidays. Take care and enjoy life and the sunshine. I still need to get to Gib for Whyte&Mackay and Fray Bentos though.

You are of course quite right Gordon. I was not suggesting otherwise.

Yes, this is the problem with Morocco, given an inch they will take a yard. But the border area is by far the worst you are likely to experience, so crack that and you are away. They have worked out that UK caravans do not have documents [how long before they do I wonder] and are happy just to put it onto your vehicle import paperwork.

Yes, although you can get most from the big Euro style markets I am not sure about Fray Bentos and whyte & Mackay [whatever that is!]. But the good news is that I am in Morocco, again with desertdetours, on their New Year Tour so send a shopping list. Agadir/Essaouira mid-Jan I think.

PS. Are they still looking for me?

I have had an enquiry about the registration form thing from a person who is wanting to take a Thomson Caravan into Spain, as I am not sure what the form is or where to direct him could anyone please give me some links that areavailable on the web about this, preferrably in English for me, and Spannish for the enquirer.

Hope that makes sense as I am lost! lol

Have sent an Enquiry to the NCC and waiting on them to get back to me.

Thanks for any help that you may be able to give me.

PP

Thomson Caravans H&I