How to do the Ceuta Border Crossing from F’nideq, Morocco to Ceuta (Spain).

The Ceuta border crossing from F’nideq, Morocco to the Spanish enclave of Ceuta is historic, significant, and convenient for travellers.  The border crossing has long been the site of tension and dispute but today it is a practical means of connecting mainland Africa with the autonomous city of Ceuta, a Spanish territory of the European Union. 

Here is everything you need to know about the Ceuta border crossing from F’nideq, Morocco to Ceuta (Spain) as a pedestrian or travelling with a vehicle. 

• About Ceuta
• History of the Morocco Ceuta border crossing
• Getting to the border
• Options for crossing 
• Using the Morocco Ceuta border crossing to renew your visa
• Crossing as a pedestrian
• Crossing with a vehicle
• Exiting Morocco to Ceuta (Spain)
• Entering Ceuta (Spain) 
• Getting to Ceuta
• Where to stay in Ceuta
• Where to stay in Morocco 

About Ceuta and the Ceuta border crossing 

Ceuta is an autonomous city of Spain on the North African coast of Morocco.  Even on a first drive past you can’t miss the huge boundary border fence that separates Morocco and the Spanish territory of Ceuta. 

Historically the city of Ceuta was a regular municipality belonging to the southern Spanish province of Cadiz.  In March 1995 with the passing of its Statue of Autonomy as provided by the Spanish Constitution, Ceuta became an autonomous city. 

Like the similar African Spanish territories of Melilla and the Canary Islands, Ceuta was originally classified as a free port before Spain joined the European Union.  

For visitors today, and as far as border crossings go, Ceuta is recognized as an autonomous city of Spain.  However, the region does incur tension from time to time as the Moroccan government and people of Morocco repeatedly call for Spain to transfer the sovereignty of Ceuta (and Melilla) to Morocco. 

History of the Morocco – Ceuta border 

The Strait of Gibraltar has long been an important military and commercial chokepoint controlling access between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea.  

In the 8^th century Ceuta was ruled by Berber and Arab dynasties until 1415 when Portugal seized control.  Spain conquered Melilla and Ceuta in 1556 and Ceuta became under Spanish control.  

In 1956 when Morocco gained independence Spain retained control of Ceuta until 1995 when approval for autonomy was granted.  

In more recent times, the close connection and political determining of the European Union make Ceuta an integral part of Spain and therefore the EU.  And geographically, Ceuta and Melilla are the only two land borders between the EU and Africa. 

At the closest point across the Strait of Gibraltar, Morocco is only 13km from Spain by sea.  And this proximity has led to Morocco often being a country of origin and transit for migrants and asylum seekers trying to reach the EU.  

Today the Ceuta border crossing and surrounding border area is heavily patrolled.  But the border crossing remains a popular means of access from Morocco to Europe for international visitors traveling onwards by ferry. 

Getting to the Ceuta border crossing from Morocco 

Buses depart daily from Tangier to Tetouan stopping at F’nideq, the border town in Morocco.  And likewise, in the opposite direction buses run daily from Chefchaouen towards Tangier.  

Tickets with CTM and Supratours buses can be bought online.  And from F’nideq a shared taxi is required to the border. (Petit Taxis are not allowed at the border). 

Driving distances to the Ceuta border crossing: 

• Fnideq to Ceuta border: 8 min (4.0 km)
• Tangier to Ceuta border: 1 hr 19 min (72.5 km)
• Tetouan to Ceuta border: 35 min (36.4 km)
• Chefchaouen to Ceuta border: 1 hr 54 min (100 km)

Options for entering Ceuta via the Ceuta border crossing 

Entering from Morocco over the Ceuta border crossing is possible: 

• As a pedestrian
• With your own vehicle 

There is a pedestrian corridor starting from a drop-off taxi point on the Moroccan side.

• Tip: If the vehicle line is long and you are tempted to park your vehicle and walk across – think again.  Parking at the border is not possible. 

On Google maps it appears there is a large carpark right at the border.  However, this carpark is reserved for border personnel and staff only.  It is not possible to park here and use the Ceuta border crossing as a pedestrian.  

The only alternative for pedestrian access is to park in F’nideq and get a Grand Taxi to the border.  Petit Taxi are not allowed border access. 

Using the Ceuta border crossing to renew your Moroccan visa 

The Ceuta border crossing is commonly used to renew the Moroccan tourist visa.  This is possible (2024) and as above can be achieved by crossing to Ceuta on foot or with your vehicle. 

• Tip: Be aware that on entering Morocco with a vehicle the vehicle is granted 180 days in Morocco.  If you cross as a pedestrian and leave your vehicle in Morocco, the vehicle is still bound to 180 days. 

Crossing the Ceuta border from Morocco to Ceuta (Spain) as a pedestrian 

As a pedestrian the border crossing the Morocco to Ceuta (Spain) is straight forward.  There is a 300m long highly fenced corridor between Moroccan immigration and entering Spanish Ceuta. 

Most people take a shared taxi to the border from F’nideq.  A space in the shared taxi should be 20 MAD (2 EUR). Petit taxis are not allowed to the border. 

See below for the order of process for immigration and customs. 

Crossing the Ceuta border from Morocco to Ceuta (Spain) with a vehicle 

Police presence is heavy on the Moroccan side on the roads leading towards the border area and within the border crossing. And the Ceuta border crossing from Morocco is notoriously time consuming with a vehicle.  

However, we had no problems crossing in 2024 and recommend anyone with time up their sleeve to make the border crossing and be sure to leave time to explore Ceuta.  It’s beautiful! 

What documents are required for the border crossing?

Here is what we needed to show to cross the Morocco Spanish border from F’nideq to Ceuta:  

• Passports 
• Temporary Vehicle Import Permit (TVIP) from Morocco (the small white business-card size paper given at the Moroccan port of entry). 
• Vehicle Registration Card (eVRC)

Exiting Morocco

• Line up in on the waterfront road heading towards the border.  There is a first passport check at the gate before entering the border control area. 

• Enter border control. There are five vehicle lanes through immigration and customs.

• Immigration.  Drive forward to the immigration booths to process exit from Morocco. 

• Customs. There is a large undercover area directly ahead with custom control.  Exit the vehicle when requested for a customs check.  Note, there is a customs dog who may enter the vehicle with an officer. They will ask first if you have any animals in the vehicle. 

• Final check. Drive forward again for another passport check before entering Spanish immigration.

Entering Spain at the Ceuta border crossing 

• Drive forward to Spanish immigration and customs. 

• Immigration. The first undercover stop is for Spanish passport control. 

• Customs.  Drive forward to the next covered area for Spanish customs.  

• Exit to Ceuta. There is one final check before entering Ceuta. 

Getting to Ceuta from the border crossing 

If you are entering Ceuta on foot, there are taxis (8 EUR) from the Ceuta border crossing to downtown.  Or there is a bus every 20 minutes from the border (1 EUR).  

It is only 3.5km from the Ceuta border crossing to the centre of town.  

Crossing back over the border from Ceuta to Morocco

The process is the same but just in reverse. Coming back seems to be more relaxed and the lines are less and time is lessened (if you have everything in order).

Mobile network and coverage in Ceuta

If you are just visiting for a day or so to renew your Moroccan visa and turning around the chances are your Moroccan mobile network will suffice. 

We found our Moroccan INWI SIM card worked from within 2km of the border.  However, by the second day we couldn’t pick up any INWI coverage within Ceuta. 

• Tip: Download the maps for Ceuta before crossing with your Moroccan SIM card.

• Read about how to get a SIM card for Morocco with unlimited data. 

Where to stay in Ceuta with a motorhome 

We found a great park up just 2.3km from the border.  So even if you are tempted to just turn around with your fresh visa allotment in hand, we strongly suggest stay the night and check out Ceuta! We totally underestimated Ceuta.  

CEUTA Avenida Martinez Catena

• Location: Avenida Martinez Catena, Ceuta
• Type: Parking Lot Day / Night
• Park4Night: #23710
• Cost: Free
• Facilities: Parking, rubbish bins and showers on the beach

About: This is a great spot to spend the night and make the most of exploring Ceuta the next day.  Facing to the ocean it has a great view bac to Morocco and is a quiet place to spend the night. 

Where to stay in Morocco with a motorhome near with the Morocco – Ceuta border

As above there is daytime parking for your motorhome in F’nideq if you wish to do the Ceuta border crossing on foot. However, this isn’t the most relaxing-looking place to stay the night before or after crossing the border. 

Rather there are a great couple of guarded motorhome parking areas in M’diq and Martil that are within a short drive from the Ceuta border crossing.

FNIDEQ, N16

• Location: N16, Fnideq
• Type: Parking Lot Day / Night
• Park4Night: #394682
• Cost: 20 Dirham (2 EUR) to the guard 
• Facilities: Parking (plus restaurants and rubbish bins)

About: Parking right in front of the beach restaurants specializing in local fish.  We stayed here during Ramadan and each evening the restaurants were abuzz with locals sharing iftar to break their fast. It is a great atmosphere. 

MARTIL, Avenue Prince Heritier

• Location: Avenue Prince Heritier, Martil
• Type: Parking Lot Day / Night
• Park4Night: #138020 
• Cost: Free / 20 MAD to guardian 
• Facilities: Parking 

About: Good parking day and night with a friendly guard who stays on site.  There are no motorhome services but a Carrefour Market supermarket 800m away. 

Read more about travel in Morocco and beyond

• 20 Unique Things To Do In Taroudant. 
• 20 Best Things To Do In Tangier. 
• 14 Best Things To Do In Tafraoute, Morocco.
• Driving in Morocco: Everything you wanted to ask.
• Crossing the Morocco Mauritania border from Dakhla.
• Motorhome services in Morocco: What is it like?
• Campsites in Morocco.
• Buying a SIM card in Morocco (and how to get unlimited data!).