Does Visiting Melilla Require A Visa?

Spain is a part of the Schengen area, which includes Spain, and travelers from other countries must apply for a Spanish Schengen visa for Ceuta and Melilla from an embassy or consulate. Travelers from other countries can travel without a visa for up to 90 days in any 180-day period, including as a tourist. There are no tourist visas required for less than 90 days, and there are no currency restrictions for entry.

The application fee for applying is $21.00 USD, and valid payment methods include MasterCard, VISA, American Express, Discover (JCB or Diners Club only), and PayPal. Visitors traveling with a passport issued by a visa-exempt country can register for the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) for Ceuta or Melilla online.

Melilla, Spain, is part of the Schengen area, so travelers can go there with a Schengen visa. However, Morocco no longer recognizes the special 24-hour visas issued by Spanish consulates in Tetouan and Nador for entry into the Spanish enclaves of Melilla. Since Spain joined the Schengen Area, the Spanish and European cities of Ceuta and Melilla have been excluded from that area under a special arrangement.

Since Spain joined the Schengen Agreement, U.S. citizens may enter Spain for up to 90 days for tourism or business without a visa. Moroccan citizens have visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 73 countries and territories, ranking the Moroccan passport 72nd in the world.

In summary, travelers from other countries must apply for a Spanish Schengen visa for Ceuta and Melilla from an embassy or consulate, and Moroccan citizens have visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 73 countries and territories as of 2024.

Can I get Morocco visa on arrival?

Morocco’s Visa Policy does not offer a Visa on Arrival (VOA) service to any country. All travelers must obtain a visa for Morocco before visiting the country. Visa-exempt countries do not need a visa. Tourists and business visa holders can stay in Morocco for up to 90 days, with the option to extend their stay if needed. To apply for a visa, applicants must fill a form with required documents, including a passport image, four passport-size photos, proof of accommodation, a return flight ticket, financial means, travel health insurance, and proof of paid Morocco fees. These documents are required to grant access to the country.

Do they speak English in Melilla?

Melilla, a Spanish enclave located on the North African coast, is a popular destination for those looking to immerse themselves in Spanish culture. The official language is Spanish, but locals also speak French, Arabic, and the local Berber dialect. Melilla has an airport with flights to and from Malaga, Almeria, Granada, and Madrid run by Iberia. Nador, the closest Moroccan city, has an international airport with flights to Barcelona, Madrid, Brussels, and Marseille.

Melilla has a Mediterranean climate with warm summers and mild winters. During the summer months, temperatures can reach above 30°C, with humidity levels. In winter, temperatures drop to an average of 13°C, but buildings are designed for heat rather than cold. Melilla residents can enjoy a 50 discount on flights and ferry tickets in and out of the city.

Can you visit Melilla from Morocco?

Melilla and Ceuta are two cities in Spain that can be reached by air, sailing from mainland Spain, or crossing the border by foot from Morocco. Flying is the easiest option, as there are direct flights from several Spanish mainland cities. Ferry travel takes a while, but it is comfortable and stress-free. Crossing the border from Morocco by foot is not recommended due to frequent trouble at the border.

To reach Ceuta, catch the ferry from Algeciras in Spain, which takes just one hour and has several daily departures. Flying to Ceuta is also possible by helicopter from Algeciras or Málaga, but it is more expensive. Crossing into Ceuta from Morocco is less hassle than the Melilla border. Both cities are small and walkable, but public transport or taxis can be used for transportation. For more information on flying or sailing into Melilla, check out this blog post.

Which is better, Ceuta or Melilla?

The city of Ceuta has a greater surface area (18. 5 sq km) than that of Melilla (12 sq km). A surface area of 3 sq km gives the impression of greater density. Melilla, in contrast, underwent a substantial process of urbanization during the early 20th century. This resulted in the construction of expansive streets and the erection of elegant modernist edifices. Nevertheless, the city maintains a distinct sense of detachment from the European continent.

Do Russians need a visa to Morocco?

Russian citizens who intend to visit Morocco for a brief period of 90 days or less are not required to obtain a visa. Nevertheless, it is requisite that the individual possess a valid Russian passport for a period of six months beyond the intended duration of their stay, as well as evidence of onward travel from Morocco. Those seeking further information on Moroccan visas and the application process from within Russia are advised to visit or contact the nearest Moroccan diplomatic mission.

Is Melilla in Schengen?

The Spanish cities of Ceuta and Melilla are autonomous entities that are officially part of the Schengen Area, as they are bound by the Schengen acquis. Nevertheless, there are distinctive regulations pertaining to travel to and from these cities, including document inspections upon departure from the cities for travel to other regions within the Schengen Area. Consequently, international travelers arriving in Ceuta or Melilla from a non-Schengen state have not yet gained entry into the European free movement zone.

Is Melilla part of Spain or Morocco?

Melilla, a Spanish exclave in Morocco, was colonized by ancient Phoenicians and Romans, and fell as a Berber town to Spain in 1497. After acquiring the adjacent area in 1909, Spain modernized the town’s port and made it a garrison post for Spanish Morocco. In 1921, Moroccan tribes nearly captured the town during the Rif War. Melilla was the first Spanish town to rise against the Popular Front government in 1936, contributing to the Spanish Civil War.

In 1956, Morocco gained independence, and in 1995, the Spanish government approved statutes of autonomy for Melilla, replacing the city council with an assembly similar to other autonomous communities. The modern quarter of the city is located south and west on the mainland, while the old walled city is situated between the port and new quarter.

Is Melilla worth visiting for tourists?

Melilla is a city known for its architectural heritage and diverse gastronomy, blending Mediterranean, European, and African cuisine. The city’s culinary delights include tapas made with seafood, lamb kebabs, traditional dishes like pastela, fish pie with monkfish, marlin, prawns, and langoustines, and tortilla de colores with vegetables and egg. Traditional Berber beverages like mint tea are also available. Melilla is also close to cities like Malaga, which is only seven hours away by ferry.

Boats sailing daily to the Andalusian city offer a comfortable crossing of the Mediterranean. It’s recommended to reserve a few days to explore Picasso’s hometown and its historic monuments, such as the Cathedral, Alcazaba, and Roman Theatre. The city’s proximity to Malaga offers a comfortable crossing of the Mediterranean and a chance to experience the city’s rich culinary heritage.

Which countries can enter Morocco without a visa?

Morocco has established a visa-free policy for citizens of Algeria, Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Brazil, and Bulgaria, allowing them to enter the country for a 90-day period. As of 2024, individuals in possession of a regular passport from the aforementioned countries are exempt from the necessity of a visa and may enter Morocco upon arrival. Nevertheless, nationals of eight Asian countries are exempt from the necessity of a visa for entry into Morocco. Nationals of an additional 24 countries, however, are required to obtain a valid visa prior to their arrival in the country.

Is Melilla border open?

The initial phase of the reopening of the border between Spain and the EU is scheduled to commence on May 17. This phase will permit citizens and residents of the EU, in addition to those individuals who have been granted authorization to traverse the Schengen area, to gain access to Spanish territory via the El Tarajal crossing in Ceuta and Beni Enzar in Melilla. It is a prerequisite that the requisite health standards are met in order to gain access to these border crossings.