Marhaba 2026: Tanger Med return peak in full swing, what to know

Update, September 28, 2026: Operation Marhaba 2026 ended on September 15, 2026. This article describes the arrangements as they were announced before or during the operation. The review is here: Marhaba 2026: millions of Moroccan expatriates welcomed.

Over 2.7 million Moroccans living abroad have entered Morocco since the start of the 2026 Marhaba operation. The return phase, which began on 16 August, is in full swing and Tanger Med is bracing for its traffic peak. The busiest days, from 25 to 29 August, are when waiting times before boarding can lengthen.

The closed‑ticket system, reintroduced for the second consecutive year, makes access to the port conditional on a travel document specifying an exact date and time. Travellers who still hold an open or undated ticket must absolutely contact their shipping company before presenting themselves at Tanger Med. The companies can be reached by phone, on their website or via their app.

Two points have been set up for reservation changes before entering the port: the Mohammed V Foundation for Solidarity rest area at the entrance to Tangier, and the Aïn Chouka station at Ksar Sghir. These points allow passengers to confirm the date and time of the crossing and to check in before proceeding to the terminal.

Twenty‑six reception centres are deployed as part of the national Marhaba scheme, which oversees the transit of Moroccans worldwide to the Kingdom and their return to their countries of residence. The operation mobilises port authorities, shipping companies, customs and border police services.

For departures, an early‑care scheme has been operating since 19 August and continues until 6 September in the Méditerranée rest area. It has already assisted several thousand passengers. Access to the port remains restricted to travellers whose ticket matches exactly the date and time of departure.

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