Record Crowds Cause 9-Hour Delays at Morocco-Spain Border for Eid al-Adha Travel

Europeans of Moroccan origin traveling to Morocco for their summer vacation, as well as Sebta residents wishing to visit their relatives in the kingdom, have invaded the Tarajal border since Friday. This recorded influx will continue in the coming days due to the celebration of Eid al-Adha scheduled for July 10 in Morocco, coinciding with the start of the summer vacation.

Travelers are overwhelmed by the situation prevailing in the waiting area, where there are no shops or food or drink outlets. The absence of the Red Cross of Ceuta in the area is also denounced. Desperate, the MREs and other travelers demonstrated to express their frustration.

Government delegation sources confirmed to El Mundo that these delays are caused by the "meticulous" (documentary and health) checks carried out by the Moroccan customs authorities at the border. The Spanish opposition denounces this lack of preparation for the Marhaba Operation and demands the "urgent" installation of food and drink outlets in the waiting area.

For their part, the authorities of Sebta appreciate the flow of MREs in the autonomous city, noting that it has increased by 45% compared to 2019, and are considering urgently opening new waiting areas to facilitate the transit of travelers at the border and to meet the "challenges" of this Marhaba Operation.