Passport and ferry tips
The documents each operator asks for, and the small things that make the day easier.
Crossing from Spain to Morocco means a border, so the ferry trips need a travel document. There is no single rule across the listings: each operator writes its own, and some ask for passport details when you book because the ferry ticket is issued in your name. Below is what each listing says. It is not legal advice, and the visa question depends on your nationality.
What each operator asks for
| What the listing asks for | |
|---|---|
| Baleària, from Tarifa | EU ID card accepted |
| Viajes Travelsur, from Tarifa | Passport for everyone |
| Naturanda, from Tarifa or Seville | Passport number at booking |
| VDT, from the Costa del Sol | Passport details at booking |
Baleària writes that only EU citizens can travel with a national ID card. Viajes Travelsur mentions an ID for EU citizens and, in the same note, a passport for every traveller, so bring the passport. VDT asks for full name, nationality, date of birth, passport number and the issue and expiry dates. The other listings say nothing specific; carry your passport anyway and check the rules for your nationality with an official source before you travel.
At the port
The group trips from Tarifa meet in the Estación Marítima or at the Baleària counter. Viajes Travelsur asks you to be there an hour before the ferry, and Baleària closes check-in 25 minutes before departure. The ferry ticket is part of every trip on this site, so you do not buy one yourself. On the way back, check the time on your ticket: Morocco is an hour behind Spain from late March to late October and during Ramadan, and Baleària gives its return times in Moroccan time.
Money
The currency is the dirham. Baleària notes that many places in Tangier take euros but not every shop takes cards, and 3t Travel writes the same about cards in Chefchaouen. Lunch on the Chefchaouen trips, drinks on the ferry days, entry tickets and tips are often paid in cash, so carry small notes.
Shoes and the medina
3t Travel describes the lanes of Chefchaouen as steep, narrow and uneven. Several listings ask for comfortable shoes, and the Akchour hikes ask for hiking boots or sturdy sports shoes. Most of the Chefchaouen trips list themselves as not suitable for wheelchair users; APARTRIP TRAVELS lists its private Tangier tour as wheelchair accessible.
The road to Chefchaouen
From Tangier the road climbs through the Rif for about two hours, from Fes for about four, on many bends. Reviewers mention motion sickness, and 3t Travel suggests a tablet if you need one.
How the crossing went for travellers
Reviewers on the ferry days praise guides and drivers who looked after them from the moment they left the boat, even when a crossing was cancelled or late. One guest notes that passport control on both sides took close to two hours.
“The tour was well organised, and the bus comfortable, but we were disappointed overall. The passport control both sides took a long time and thus accounted for almost two hours of time. Only the small Cave of Hercules was included, and the guide told us nothing about the Hercules story prior to the …”
“The whole experience was brilliant from the time we got of the ferry until we got back. The guide was brilliant with loads of knowledge and very friendly and helpful. The driver also was very helpful. The whole experience brilliant”
“Julian the driver from the early morning was very informative and willing to provide help, if necessary. The time span was OK for a single day even if there was a considerable delay of the boat back to Tarifa. As an experience, it was a long day though it …”
“This was the highlight of our trip! We got to see everything we wanted, got to try Tagine Chicken, and despite the ferry being cancelled for winds, we were in good hands and they took care of any anxieties I had! …”
“It is a brilliant day out and great value for money. We have done the trip 4 times now, with various family members, and they have all said what a great day out it is.”
Traveller reviews of these day trips, from GetYourGuide.
FAQ
Can I visit Tangier from Spain with an ID card?
On the Baleària trip from Tarifa, EU citizens can travel with a national ID card according to the operator. Viajes Travelsur asks for a passport for every traveller, and Naturanda and VDT need passport numbers when you book. Bring your passport to be safe.
Do I need a visa for a day trip to Tangier?
That depends on your nationality. The operators leave visa questions to the traveller, so check with an official source for your country before you book.
Can I pay with euros in Tangier?
Baleària notes that many places in Tangier take euros. Not every shop takes cards, so carry some cash, ideally dirham.
How do I avoid motion sickness on the way to Chefchaouen?
Take a motion-sickness tablet before you leave if you are prone to it, as 3t Travel suggests. The coffee stop on the way out gives you a break from the bends.