Ceuta-Morocco Border Reopens After Two Years, Sparking Celebrations

"Open the border!" the children were shouting, impatient to see the Ceuta border reopen after more than two years of closure. A little before midnight, hundreds of people were at the Tarajal border to experience this long-awaited moment. "We came to see if it’s true," said Hosmeni. The women and children were shouting with joy until 12:00 am on Tuesday.

As soon as the border crossing was reopened by the Civil Guard, the first line of people formed, reports ABC. Passengers with their passports and vaccination passes were allowed to cross the border to join Fnideq. Passengers with vehicles were also allowed to cross, after a thorough check.

However, the passage of goods is not yet authorized. And it will be so until the creation of the commercial customs in Ceuta, by mutual agreement between the Moroccan and Spanish authorities. But in the early hours of Tuesday, the party was in full swing at the reopened border, with prayers and songs.

On the Moroccan side, the influx was low. A few passengers on motorcycles and others on foot crossed the border after being examined by the Spanish authorities. Around 2 a.m., a line of passengers with vehicles showed up to cross the border. "The ferry to Tangier is very expensive, while crossing through Ceuta is much cheaper," said one of the passengers.