Fnideq – Ceuta Border Crossing – Barry's Borderpoints

The Fnideq – Ceuta border crossing is the only open crossing point between the Spanish enclave and Morocco. We visited this point after exploring the closed border crossing at Belyounech – Benzú. On the internet this crossing point was described as chaotic with the potential for lots of stress and hassle due to the numbers of people crossing and “fixers” trying to “help”. Large numbers of Moroccans enter Ceuta each day either to work or to get goods to sell in local markets. Some restrictions have curtailed this cross border trade adversely effecting the local Moroccan economy.

In reality the border crossing was really straightforward with thorough but quick checks on both sides. The border crossing is both for pedestrians and vehicles, with the former being separated into long tunnels that lead you from one side to the other. As a UK passport holder I was stamped out of Morocco and into the EU. A process that was repeated when I returned to Morocco later in the day. I visited this point as part of the IBRG SPEGEX-22 trip.

Moroccan Side

Police presence was heavy on the Moroccan side with a sizable contingent both at the border but also along the main access roads leading to the border crossing. Once again photography was not allowed and if spotted one was admonished. Note Moroccan flag in the foreground, buildings in the background are in Spain.

Fencing surrounding the border control facilities

The walkway seemed to go on forever. Once in there was only one way to go.

Note the security fence preventing access to the beach. Lots of taxi’s on the Moroccan side.

Spain is getting closer approximately 100m to go.

The Border

After leaving the long walkway we are at the border, the blue gates are Spain. On the left (not really visible) is a broken down car which is being swapped from a Moroccan recovery vehicle to a Spanish one right on the border. Note the line in the road as the surface changes at the border.

The Spanish side

The Spanish side was modern and straightforward. Photography was restricted and very difficult at the actual border. Ceuta had the feel of a medium sized provincial Spanish town.