Crossing the Ceuta-Morocco border customs

I always cross into Ceuta with boxes of wine (30/40 L), cigarettes (1 carton to give to friends there), Spanish chorizo (and I’m forgetting other stuff) in my little VW T3. Customs has never confiscated anything from me. But last year, on my way back to France at the Moroccan border, they seized and tossed two 5-liter jugs of olive oil into the bin. Apparently, it’s now banned. I’d been doing this for 14 years—buying it from my Moroccan friends in the Ziz Gorge, where I help with the harvest almost every year. 😡 No hiding anything, no issues at all. Just a heads-up: olive oil, even in Morocco, costs a pretty penny. Other than that, nothing out of the ordinary—no binoculars (??), no drone, etc.

Thanks for your reply! I asked this question because for 20 years we’ve been traveling to Morocco via Ceuta. We always do some shopping in Ceuta before crossing the border. So far, no issues. But earlier this week, I heard that Moroccan customs officers were being strict and confiscating any products bought in the enclave. I wanted to get more details—was this for all travelers or just Moroccans coming into the enclave to shop? Anyway, thanks again for the answer. Happy holidays!

My reply relates to my last crossing last winter. So maybe wait for fresher updates. I’d also be interested in answers for my likely crossing in February.

Our last crossing was in January 2024. We’re heading back in January 2025, which is why I’m asking. Looking forward to more recent updates...

Our last crossing was in January 2024. We’re heading back in January 2025. That’s why I’m asking. Let’s wait for more recent replies...

Hi! Did you cross yet? Maybe you can give me some advice. I’m traveling to Morocco with a group of young people in July, and we’re hesitating between the Algeciras - Tanger Med ferry or the one to Ceuta. Do you have any pros and cons to share? Price-wise, the ferry to Ceuta is a bit cheaper, but are there any extra fees at customs?

Thanks! Mathieu

Last year, though, when I was returning to France, the Moroccan customs seized and threw away two 5-liter cans of olive oil. It seems it’s now banned.

Unbelievable—this doesn’t exactly encourage buying Moroccan products! I’d never have imagined that. Getting taxed by French customs makes sense, but in Morocco?! For what reason? Did they give you an official seizure notice for your oil?

Hi, Through Ceuta, the only differences are it's cheaper and the crossing is shorter!! No matter which port you arrive at, the formalities are the same, depending on the personal mood of the official (police officer, customs agent, secret agent ;) or other minions).

As usual, asking why is pointless. "That's just how it is"!!! It's the law!!!. Another important reason for your choice: Either you're heading to Marrakech or the Atlantic coast, and Tangier is the easiest option. Or towards Fez, Meknes, and the south, and Ceuta is the way to go

What they really don’t like are "binoculars, drones, weapons (obviously), or anything that screams paranoid spy vibes..." or too many cigarettes.

Personally, I buy two cartons on the ferry—even though I don’t smoke—but it’s a great way to break the ice and help start conversations.

Obviously, don’t hand them out by the whole pack though!!

The law isn’t so certain without issuing a receipt... Once, when I was setting off for a Sahara crossing, at the Algerian border (Ahfir), they wanted to confiscate my West African card. I asked for a seizure receipt for my card, saying it was required by Moroccan law... as a result, they gave me back my card. When I crossed at Ceuta, I used to buy a box of wine and some whisky (which I resold in Algeria). Never had any problems.

I completely agree.

Personally, I buy two cartridges on the ferry—even though I don’t smoke—because it’s a great way to break the ice and help start any conversation.

And the wine (all in good spirits) helped smooth things over if there were issues with the authorities and speed up the border crossing procedures between Algeria and Mali ;)

For the wine, living about 6/7 km from Bergerac, I’ve been taking a 10-liter box of Monbazillac (5 € per liter) for several years now—mostly for myself, and it’s always nice and cold thanks to my fridge. Moroccans aren’t huge fans!! And depending on space, 3 or 4 10-liter boxes of Bergerac red (15 € for 10 liters). Of course, the price (including the box) is from my usual winemaker for bulk purchases. No issues at customs since I stay about three months each trip, so I declare it’s for my personal consumption. With all my Moroccan friends, my red doesn’t last very long!!!!

Thanks!

With all my Moroccan friends, my red wine doesn’t last long!!!!

Really??? Moroccans drink alcohol???

Oops, major blunder!!!!!!!

Olive oil exports were banned during the price surge.

The prices and availability of staple foods like flour, bread, and olive oil are a political issue in Morocco—it makes sense they take it seriously.

I don’t know if this law is still in effect; the latest articles are from 2023.

Thanks Acab for this info. Even though for 15 years I’ve always brought back between 10 and 20 L, always in plain sight, for me and the family and never had any issues, I wasn’t aware of this new regulation, which I now understand the reasons for.