Ceuta and Melilla back in Spain’s spotlight: what it means for your trips

This update focuses on Ceuta Melilla Morocco. The question of sovereignty over Ceuta and Melilla has returned to the forefront in Spain after a column calling to “give back” the two enclaves to Morocco, without any direct effect so far on travel and return plans for Moroccans living abroad.

A column reignites the Ceuta Melilla Morocco issue

On Saturday 19 September, Spanish daily El País published an opinion column by Franco-Moroccan writer Tahar Ben Jelloun. The text does not reflect the newspaper’s editorial line but only the view of its author, and it directly reopens the Ceuta Melilla Morocco question.

The writer urges Madrid and Rabat to resume dialogue after the latest migration crisis in Ceuta. In his view, an agreement to “return” Ceuta and Melilla to Morocco would be a “historic and realistic” step between the two countries.

The column also compares the status of the two cities to that of Gibraltar, a British territory claimed by Spain. Keeping Ceuta and Melilla under Spanish sovereignty is described as an “anachronistic aberration”, and the existence of an external EU border on African soil is portrayed as abnormal.

Political storm in Spain, but no changes on the ground

The publication of this piece in one of Spain’s main newspapers immediately sparked controversy. Conservative media and politicians denounced it as a provocation, some suggesting it was an implicit demand from the paper itself, although the text clearly appears in the Opinion section.

The reminder of Morocco’s claims comes in an already tense context. The mass crossings recorded in late July in Ceuta revived accusations against Rabat and brought the sovereignty of the two enclaves back to the heart of the Spanish political debate.

For now, Madrid still considers Ceuta and Melilla “non-negotiable” parts of Spanish territory. Morocco regularly reiterates its claim to see them return to national sovereignty. No formal change in agreements or status has been announced.

Ceuta Melilla Morocco: what it means for Moroccans abroad

For Moroccans abroad, the key question is practical: does this new sequence around this case change anything in terms of crossings, ferry links or travel formalities?

At this stage, there is no sign of any immediate change to:

• land crossings to Ceuta and Melilla from Morocco;
• ferry routes between Spain and Morocco;
• flights between Spanish and Moroccan airports.

Current procedures remain in force: standard border checks, documents required depending on each traveller’s status, and any specific instructions set by Spanish or Moroccan authorities in response to migration or health concerns.

In the medium term, however, the political climate can influence how some travellers choose their itinerary. Those crossing via Ceuta or Melilla closely follow Spanish decisions on border opening hours and control intensity, which have proved sensitive during past migration crises.

What to check before planning your next trip

Even though Tahar Ben Jelloun’s column has no legal or diplomatic weight in itself, it comes in a fragile context. For Moroccans living abroad who are preparing to travel, three habits remain useful:

• monitor official announcements from Moroccan and Spanish authorities on land, sea and air borders;
• check updates from carriers (ferry companies, airlines) before booking or travelling;
• have a backup route ready (different port or airport) in case controls are suddenly tightened.

Airlines such as Royal Air Maroc publish schedule changes, route adjustments or new travel conditions on their official channels. Before booking or departing, it is safer to consult the latest information directly on the airline’s website or through your travel agent.

For broader questions related to returning to Morocco, required documents, reservations or recommended routes, our practical guide for Moroccans abroad remains a useful tool to plan your trips with greater peace of mind.

For more context, readers can follow Canal212 news for Moroccans abroad.

For official updates, readers can check the relevant official source.