The return phase of Morocco’s Marhaba 2026 operation is approaching one of its busiest periods, with Tanger Med warning travelers of particularly heavy traffic between Aug. 25 and 30.
The port, Morocco’s main maritime gateway for passenger traffic with Europe, is urging travelers who have flexibility in their schedules to avoid the peak period, when congestion and waiting times are expected to increase significantly.
Traffic forecasts point to a gradual rise in departures during the second half of August, culminating in particularly heavy flows during the final week as members of the Moroccan diaspora return to their countries of residence after spending the summer in Morocco.
The warning is particularly relevant for passengers traveling by ferry from Tanger Med to ports in Spain and elsewhere in Europe.
Confirm your ferry ticket before driving to Tanger Med
Travelers are also being warned that arriving at the port with a ferry ticket alone is not sufficient.
Access to Tanger Med is restricted to passengers holding a confirmed ticket specifying the exact date and time of departure.
Anyone whose ticket does not contain those details, or who needs to change a booking, should contact their ferry company and resolve the issue before driving to the port.
The measure is intended to regulate traffic flows and prevent passengers without confirmed crossings from adding to congestion during the busiest days.
Availability for alternative crossings depends on ferry operators and remaining capacity. Travelers who wait until reaching the port before attempting to change their booking therefore risk lengthy delays or being unable to board.
Tanger Med is consequently advising passengers to check their reservations before setting off and arrange any necessary changes directly with their ferry company.
Already on the road? Two options before reaching the port
Passengers who have already started their journey and still need to modify their tickets have two options before reaching the Tanger Med terminal.
They can seek assistance at the Mohammed V Foundation for Solidarity reception center for Moroccans living abroad, located at the Tanger Med rest area on the Rabat-Tangier highway.
Assistance is also available at the Aïn Chouka rest area near Ksar Sghir, roughly 40 kilometers east of Tangier and close to the Tanger Med port complex.
Any changes remain subject to availability from ferry companies, however, meaning these facilities do not guarantee passengers a place on another crossing.
The recommendation remains to make any necessary changes before beginning the journey to Tanger Med.
Which days will be busiest at Tanger Med?
Traffic forecasts classify several days in late August at the highest congestion level.
The periods from Aug. 19 to 22 and Aug. 25 to 29 are expected to experience particularly heavy traffic and potentially significant waiting times.
Aug. 30 is also classified as a high-traffic day, making Aug. 25-30 the period travelers are particularly encouraged to avoid where possible.
Traffic is expected to ease on Aug. 31, which is currently classified at a moderate level.
Passengers traveling in the coming days are advised to monitor updated traffic forecasts because conditions can change depending on ferry schedules and the number of travelers arriving at the port.
Marhaba return season enters critical period
Every summer, Operation Marhaba coordinates the arrival and departure of millions of Moroccans living abroad who travel between Europe and Morocco for the summer holidays.
The return journey traditionally creates intense pressure on Morocco’s northern ports and roads toward the end of August as families head back to European countries ahead of the start of the new school and working year.
