"If the border does not reopen, I will have no other choice but to beg," said domestic worker Fadwa, who worked for the past 18 years in Ceuta, less than 10 kilometres (six miles) from her home in Morocco. It is compounding wider economic misery for Morocco. "But this is no longer possible, and I risk finding myself on the street.". The borders with Portugal will be reopened on July 1, as well of countries outside of the Schengen. COVID-19: Spain joins growing list of countries to ban travel from UK over mutated strain fears. The COVID-19 pandemic in Spain is part of the pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).The virus was first confirmed to have spread to Spain on 31 January 2020, when a German tourist tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 in La Gomera, Canary Islands. Fattouma Chairi, 73, has been commuting across the border for half a century. Tourism in Morocco Located on the northwestern tip of Africa and separated from Spain only by the Strait of Gibraltar, Morocco offers many adventures for tourists. Check the latest information on risk from COVID-19 for Spain on the TravelHealthPro website. The ban will be … I am stuck at home," she said. According to the US Embassy and Consulate in Morocco, the country’s government has extended its “Health State of Emergency until July 10 as part of its emergency measures to limit the spread of COVID-19.” Morocco quickly shut down its land, maritime, and air borders in March, stranding passengers from Italy, Spain, Germany, France, and locations farther afield. But the border closures compounded an existing economic crisis, after the authorities clamped down on traders who smuggled goods between Morocco and Ceuta. Spain responded by saying it faced a "constant pressure of irregular migration" but that it sought to "guarantee maximum quality" in the conditions for migrants. Official figures predict the pandemic could push the country into its worst recession since 1996, with a contraction of more than five percent of its GDP. Fnideq, a small shopping town just across the border in Morocco, is usually crowded at this time of year. But Moroccans are desperate for the border to open and to get back to their old jobs. Like all governments, the authorities have to weigh lockdown measures against the need to keep the economy alive. These three exclaves form part of Spain's plazas de soberanía, which also includes a number of small islands off the Moroccan coast. "Since March, I have not received a salary. "Everything is at a standstill," said 43-year-old Mohamed Bouhlal, who worries how to pay his rent. While the frontier is blocked, people still get through. Children under 11 years of age are exempt. The Spanish embassy in Morocco tweeted on Saturday that ferries were still operating between the enclaves and mainland Spain. While other countries … No date has been set for the reopening of the borders. On June 21, the first day after Spain reopened its borders, a total of 100 passenger aircraft from the Schengen Zone arrived at Spanish airports. People in Spain who display symptoms of COVID-19 will be individually directed to quarantine by a medical professional. Moroccan authorities closed the border with the Spanish autonomous cities of Ceuta and Melilla, located on the north coast of Africa, March 13 until further notice in an effort to stem the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). According to the US Embassy and Consulate in Morocco, the country’s government has ​extended its “Health State of Emergency until July 10 as part of its emergency measures to limit the spread of COVID-19.”, The US Embassy and Consulate in Morocco’s statement stressed that all regularly scheduled commercial flights to Morocco and vice versa would also remain suspended for an indefinite period. Chakib Merouane, the general secretary of Moroccan workers in Ceuta, said the situation was serious. From 30 March 2021, the Moroccan Government has suspended all flights until further notice between Morocco and France and Spain. Spain reopens its borders as state of emergency over Covid-19 comes to an end Spain has been one of the worst affected countries with nearly 300,000 cases. All Rights Reserved. The reopening of borders might be a one-side action, as Spain expects that Morocco’s government will maintain its borders closed until winter. Only Moroccan citizens and expatriates living in Morocco will be allowed to travel in the first stage of the reopening starting July 14, according to a government statement Thursday. Thousands of Moroccans who once crossed into Spanish enclaves on the North African coast to work every day are struggling after six months of border closures due to coronavirus restrictions. Usually, crossing the border is simple. On Wednesday, Spain and Portugal opened their mutual land border for the first time in over three and a half months. Fattouma Chairi, 73, has been commuting across the border for half a century. Since 28 January, a vaccination campaign has been underway across Morocco, which has thus far reached four million citizens. The government took steps to shore up social security support as … Covid: Morocco closes borders with six more countries, In all, 26 air border closures, , Politics, Ansa They range from "divorce or depression, because they chose to be stranded from their relatives to keep their jobs", he said. France 24 is not responsible for the content of external websites. Last month, Spanish security forces stopped 300 migrants trying to scale the fences into Melilla, with one person dying when he fell from the fence, and several others injured. But the pandemic restrictions have created problems. Countries exempt from Entry Visa Skeptical about travelling from UK on ... My fiance lives in morocco and I am desperate to go and see him. IOM is an implementing partner of the “Young Generation as Change Agents” project. Your responses will help us improve the site. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a European entry ban is in effect for some people, barring them from travelling to the European Union or the Schengen area. Tourists were stranded in Morocco on Saturday after the kingdom announced strict border restrictions in response to the coronavirus, leaving travellers stuck at borders, ports and airports. Foreigners, excluding residents, travelling from France, Germany, Iran, Italy, Spain or the US are banned from entering Cambodia. The enclaves are surround by high barbed wire fences, erected in a bid to stop the large numbers of African migrants who seek to cross and enter the EU by land. The statement clarifies that “the borders and ferries to/from Europe also remain closed. Morocco closes Ceuta and Melilla borders to isolate itself from Spain The border between Morocco and Spain in Melilla on Thursday. The reopening of borders might be a one-side action, as Spain expects that Morocco’s government will maintain its borders closed until winter. As of Wednesday afternoon, it had 9,190 cases and 309 deaths. Usually, crossing the border is simple. Spain to Open Border With Morocco Only in Case of Reciprocity By Reuters , Wire Service Content June 30, 2020 By Reuters , Wire Service Content June 30, 2020, at 8:15 a.m. On March 20, Morocco declared a state of emergency because of the coronavirus. While the border post is deserted, police keep a close eye on frontier. Rabat – Morocco’s authorities have put in place thermal monitoring technology at the border with the Spanish enclave Ceuta in order to detect possible coronavirus cases (COVID-19). Coronavirus travel health. "I did not receive any help. PHOTO: AFP The Melilla border fence forms part of the Morocco–Spain border in the city of Melilla, one of two Spanish cities in north Africa.Constructed by Spain, its stated purpose is to stop illegal immigration and smuggling.Melilla's border and its equivalent in Ceuta, also bordering Morocco, are the only two land borders between the European Union and an African country. On Thursday, the Council of Europe called on Spain to improve conditions for migrants, including some 500 people crammed into an "overcrowded" bullring arena being used as a shelter in Melilla. But while those who opted to stay on the Spanish side kept their jobs, they have since faced other challenges. © 2021 Copyright France 24 - All rights reserved. In a communiqué, the Kingdom of Morocco informed that, as part of the preventive measures taken to control the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, passenger flights to and from the French Republic and Spain would be suspended from midnight on 30 March 2021 until further notice. Morocco has seen nearly 80,000 coronavirus cases and nearly 1,500 deaths. Important for travelers to the U.S. to know: As of Jan. 26, 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) requires all air passengers two years of age and older traveling to the U.S. from abroad to take a viral COVID-19 test … Spain to Open Border With Morocco Only in Case of Reciprocity. An anonymous source at the Moroccan Interior Ministry confirmed to Morocco World News that the borders are closed as of 6 a.m. Friday morning. The Spanish authorities reopened the country’s borders on June 21 for all European Union and Schengen Zone countries, despite EU’s pressure to lift internal border restrictions by June 15. Spain will only open its borders with Morocco if there is a reciprocal agreement to let people from Spain enter the North African country, Spanish government spokeswoman Maria … France and Spain have together announced more than 210 COVID-19 deaths. "I no longer have a choice," said 33-year-old Samira, who can no longer provide for her family, after losing her job in the enclave. It is compounding wider economic misery for Morocco. The Spanish embassy in Morocco tweeted on Saturday that ferries were still operating between the enclaves and mainland Spain. Usually, crossing the border is simple. The frontiers of the two Spanish enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla, which have the only land borders between the European Union and Africa, have been shut since March in a bid to forestall the spread of the novel coronavirus. Usually, crossing the border is simple. Great that your are vaccinated against Covid-19. While the EU has recommended to the Member States to reopen borders on July 1, Spain is planning to begin lifting restrictions for the nationals of 13 countries at least on July 2 or 3. The Government of Morocco has not announced when it will allow international commercial flights or ferries to resume.”. Have a good trip! Like all governments, the authorities have to weigh lockdown measures against the … Morocco began rollout of a national COVID-19 vaccination programme on 28 January 2021 and has set a target of 80% of the population to receive their vaccination before the end of May 2021. COVID-19 reaches Melilla A total of 31UK nationals who arrived at Alicante-Elche airport in Spain without the needed documentation were sent back... Czechia Adds Belgium & Netherlands to High-Risk COVID-19 Category, EU Commission Approves Netherlands’ €400 Million Loan Plan to Assist Companies Offering Travel Packages & Other Travel Services, UWTO Wants More Collaboration Between Countries for a Safe Restart of International Tourism, EU Court of Justice Rules Airlines Should Compensate Passengers for Flight Delays Caused by Strikes, Czechia Amends Measures for Persons Returning From Abroad, Spanish Authorities Refused Entry to 21 Brits Who Failed to Provide Proof of Residency, Spain Prolongs Travel Restrictions for Third Countries With COVID-19 Mutations, Greece Set to Reopen to Tourists on May 14, Foreign Workers Can Now Apply Online for French Work Permits. The Morocco–Spain border consists of three non-contiguous lines totalling 18.5 km (11.5 m) around the Spanish territories of Ceuta (8 km), Peñón de Vélez de la Gomera (75 metres) and Melilla (10.5 km). Morocco’s Covid-19 Scientific Committee bears the responsibility for making recommendations on appropriate restrictions to combat COVID. Audience ratings certified by ACPM/OJD. Spanish Foreign Affairs Minister Arancha González Laya said that around 3,000 Spanish residents were left stranded in the North African nation. "Everyone is going back to work, so why not us?" An agreement between Morocco and Spain exempts cross-border workers from needing a visa. This form must be filled in by each passenger, who will be responsible for providing accurate and truthful information. The Melilla border fence forms part of the Morocco–Spain border in the city of Melilla, one of two Spanish cities in north Africa.Constructed by Spain, its stated purpose is to stop illegal immigration and smuggling.Melilla's border and its equivalent in Ceuta, also bordering Morocco, are the only two land borders between the European Union and an African country. The effects of the pandemic -- combined with low agricultural yields -- are pushing a million more people deeper into poverty, in a country with a population of 35 million. An agreement between Morocco and Spain exempts cross-border workers from needing a visa. Spain and Morocco can and should secure their borders, but this does not allow either government to abuse migrants or absolve them from their responsibilities to respect human rights. Countries around the world have taken drastic measures, including border closures, in an attempt to curb COVID-19. Tourists were stranded in Morocco on Saturday after the kingdom announced strict border restrictions in response to the coronavirus, leaving travellers stuck at borders, ports and airports. If you are going to fly to Spain from another country, you will have to pass through a Border Health Control: form, temperature taking and visual control. Coronavirus travel health. I am stuck at home," she said. The government insists they had made efforts to stem the spread of coronavirus their top priority. The government had announced that both measures would remain in place from May 15 until May 24, when the state of emergency expires. More than 200 African migrants stormed over a high double fence between Morocco and the Spanish enclave of Melilla on Saturday, officials said, leaving some of them and a police officer injured. An agreement between Morocco and Spain exempts cross-border workers from needing a visa. said Fadwa, whose income supported six members of her family, including her unemployed husband. All passengers must complete a passenger health form online at http://www.onda.ma/form.php, then print and sign the form, to be presented on arrival in Morocco. "The authorities are more cruel than the pandemic.". Copyright © 2013 - 2021 SchengenVisaInfo.com. Coronavirus (COVID-19) travel restrictions in Morocco – updated 30 March 2021 Who can travel to Morocco? There is no talk of a vaccine passport at the moment in Spain. North America United States. Some of those unable to cross the border have been dismissed, Merouane said. As restrictions in Morocco ease and workers resume their jobs, those employed across the border are stuck. I had to borrow money for six months to survive," said Merouane. I've heard they have closed their borders to Spain and France. An agreement between Morocco and Spain exempts cross-border workers from needing a visa. Morocco has confirmed over 65,450 cases of novel coronavirus, including 1,216 deaths. ALSO READ: COVID-19: Morocco tightens measures as virus cases spike Madrid – The International Organization for Migration (IOM) and partners are working swiftly to adapt a pilot mobility programme appropriate to the COVID-19 situation – ever mindful of movement restrictions – that has impacted nearly 100 Moroccan post-graduate students currently in Spain. Morocco has confirmed over 65,450 cases of novel coronavirus, including 1,216 deaths. Spain has suffered greatly from Covid-19, with a high number of cases and deaths. Morocco closed the border with Ceuta and Melilla, Spain’s two North African enclaves, early on Friday (13 March) to prevent the spread of the deadly coronavirus, officials said. Only to find that they couldn't travel any further. According to UNHCR, in 2019 only 20 per cent of more than 32,000 arrivals from Morocco to Spain crossed the land border to Melilla and the other Spanish city on the northern Moroccan coast, Ceuta. Choosing “Yes, after my visit” will open a new window that you can return to once you complete your visit to Canada.ca. Morocco suspended air and sea links with France and Spain on Friday as well as closing land borders with two Spanish North African enclaves to prevent the spread of coronavirus, officials said. Stay informed daily on the latest news and advice on COVID … ... and Melilla who live in Morocco … While nearly six million families needing help after loosing their incomes received state aid for three months, nothing has been done for the Moroccans who lost work due to the closure of the borders with Spain, residents say. An agreement between Morocco and Spain exempts cross-border workers from needing a visa. (ANSA) - RABAT, MARCH 14 - In the hope of limiting the contagion of coronavirus, the Moroccan government closes all borders from today with immediate effect to prevent the entry of foreigners and isolate the Moroccans. One worker said she was "seriously considering swimming" from Morocco to Ceuta, to slip around the fences on land. You must fill the FCS health form associeated with your trip. Morocco suspended flights to and from France and Spain on Monday amid a surge in coronavirus cases, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement. There is also a ban on passenger flights from South Africa and countries in Central and South America. (UPDATED February 23, 2021) Country-Specific Information: *** Effective January 26, all airline passengers to the United States ages two years and older must provide a negative COVID-19 viral test taken within three calendar days of travel. American nationals in Spain who are under quarantine should be aware that they will not be allowed to return to the United States until medically cleared to do so by a physician or responsible Spanish authorities. Migrants scale border fences to enter Spanish enclave. On the eve of the Easter holidays, Morocco announced the suspension of flights with France and Spain. He fears he and his family will be thrown out of their home. Check the latest information on risk from COVID-19 for Spain on the TravelHealthPro website. Morocco's Transport Minister Abdelkader Amara has tested positive … In Spain, from 3 January 2020 to 4:34pm CEST, 4 April 2021, there have been 3,291,394 confirmed cases of COVID-19 with 75,541 deaths, reported to WHO. As of 23 March 2021, a total of 7,572,588 vaccine doses have been administered. The new strain is thought to be up to 70% more infectious than the original. Spanish Canary Islands overwhelmed by migrant arrivals after Covid forces Morocco to seal border More than 1,000 migrants used small boats to reach … According to President De Castro, the head of the Spanish government, Pedro Sanchez, had informed him that Spain had decided to reopen borders for Morocco on July 1, during a virtual meeting. More than 8,000 people -- including restaurant staff and business traders, housekeepers and those working in tourism -- have lost their jobs in the two enclaves, unions say. Ceuta and Melilla, the Spanish enclaves in Morocco are completely isolated. Many Germans will remember their 2020 Morocco holiday for some time. You are strongly advised not to travel to the Netherlands unless it is strictly necessary. We want to see what people are looking for related to COVID-19. The United States remains the epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, to enter Spain, a PCR test of less than 72 hours and a QR health code as indicated above on this page are required. The government had promised to build a commercial zone to help ease the fallout from the loss of the once lucrative trade, but that work is at a standstill. Recently, Spain’s government decided to allocate more than 4.2 billion euros in a bid to revive the tourism sector, which has been highly affected by the Coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19). The border closures come a day after Moroccan authorities suspended all flights and maritime passenger services to and from Spain until further notice in response to COVID-19. And maybe more to come. Some 3,600 have been made unemployed in Ceuta, situated just across the Strait of Gibraltar from mainland Spain, and 5,000 have lost their work in Melilla, further east along the African coast, they say. Now it is quiet. Especially at the beginning of the lockdown many raced to the ferry in Ceuta, the Spanish enclave in Morocco. At least 300 African migrants storm a barbed wire border fence in an attempt to cross into the Spanish territory of Melilla from Morocco, officials say. ... Morocco and Iran, where officials have now registered more than 100 deaths a day for three days running. Spain’s government has decided to reopen its borders with Morocco on July 1, which borders have been closed so far due to the Coronavirus developments, the President of the Autonomous City of Melilla, Eduardo de Castro has announced during a press briefing. ... Coronavirus Bulletin. Total COVID-19 infections in Spain now sit at 249,659. (ANSAmed). The 49-year-old trade unionist has worked for 20 years in a restaurant in Ceuta. The content you requested does not exist or is not available anymore. The border between Spain and Portugal was officially reopened on Wednesday in a ceremony led by Spain’s King Felipe VI and the president of Portugal, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa. Spain was hit hard by the public health and economic challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic. Over 150 migrants rushed the border fence and around 6am (0500 GMT) and 59 managed to get across, the office of Spain's central government said in a statement. For Americans eager to resume international travel, here are the countries that currently allow U.S. citizens to enter, though there may be restrictions, including vaccine requirements. France 24 - International breaking news, top stories and headlines. "Since March, I have not received a salary. The U.S. has more cases than any country in the world.. Residents of a Moroccan town bordering a Spanish enclave face a bleak future after the closing of the border over coronavirus fears, plus a crackdown on contraband, destroyed their livelihoods Covid: Morocco closes borders with six more countries, In all, 26 air border closures, , Palestinian N. A., Ansa Coronavirus: Travel restrictions, border shutdowns by country. This latest move by the Moroccan authorities comes after the suspension of air and maritime routes both to and from Spain until further notice Moroccans trapped in Spain for 2 months due to coronavirus head home at last ... abrupt and unusually strict border closures to keep out the virus. For the Covid-19 (PCR) test, it must be less than 72 hours prior to shipment from the date of collection. An agreement between Morocco and Spain exempts cross-border workers from needing a visa. Spain, which has recorded more than 245,000 coronavirus cases and over 28,000 deaths, has been easing its lockdown restrictions in recent weeks. Covid cases have reached about 490,000 including 470,000 hospitalisations, with the number of Covid deaths rising to 8,683. President De Castro said that the head of government, Pedro Sanchez, informed him about this decision, during a virtual meeting, SchengenVisaInfo.com reports.