If this summer you plan to travel by ferry to Morocco or Algeria from Spain, your trip will coincide with Operation Crossing the Strait 2026 (OPE 2026), the largest seasonal movement of people in the entire European Union. In this article we tell you what it is, which routes it covers, which ferry companies operate, and how to prepare to cross without surprises.

What is Operation Crossing the Strait?

The OPE is the operation coordinated by the governments of Spain and Morocco —under the general direction of Spain’s Ministry of the Interior— that is launched every summer to manage the massive flow of travelers crossing the Strait of Gibraltar. Its goal is to ensure that transit, both by road and by sea, is smooth and safe.

Since its first edition in 1986, the operation has grown nonstop. OPE 2026 is the 37th edition and it is expected to be the busiest in its history.

When does OPE 2026 take place?

From June 15 to September 15, 2026. Within that period, two major phases are distinguished:

• Outbound phase: from mid-June to mid-August, when most travelers head to North Africa.
• Return phase: from mid-August to mid-September, with the mass return to Europe.

Tip: If you can choose your date, avoid the weekends in July and August, which see the biggest traffic peaks.

Data and figures: historical records and 2026 forecasts

The numbers speak for themselves. In 2025, the OPE broke all previous records:

• 3,488,885 passengers crossed Spain during the operation.
• 857,784 vehicles embarked between Europe and Africa.
• 10,536 total maritime rotations were carried out.

Get ready for the trip, cabin boy! Source: iStock

By 2026, the Ministry of the Interior expects a new record, with an estimated increase of 3% compared to 2025, which could mean more than 3.5 million travelers. In addition, this summer coincides right in the middle of the operation with the first of the three solar eclipses that will cross the Peninsula in the coming years—an event that, according to the Interior Ministry, could further increase the number of journeys.

Ferry routes during OPE 2026

During the operation, the main maritime connections between southern Spain and North Africa are activated and reinforced. These are the ports and routes in operation:

From Algeciras

• Algeciras – Tangier Med (~1h 30 min): the flagship route of the OPE, with more than 150 weekly sailings. Ideal if you’re traveling with a vehicle. Operated by Baleària, FRS, Naviera Armas, and AML.
• Algeciras – Ceuta (~1h): mainland connection to the autonomous city. Very frequent year-round, with more services in summer.

From Tarifa

• Tarifa – Tangier Ville(~1h): the shortest crossing between Spain and Morocco. Perfect for quick getaways without a car. Operated by FRS and AML.

From Almería

• Almería – Nador (~6-7h): a very popular option for those heading to northeastern Morocco. Night service available.
• Almería – Melilla (~6-7h): connection to the Spanish autonomous city in North Africa.

From Motril

• Motril – Tangier Med (~8h): a direct route that makes access to Eastern Andalusia easier. Seasonal operation (summer).
• Motril – Nador and Motril – Al Hoceima: seasonal routes that only operate from June to September.

Which ferry companies operate during OPE 2026?

Several companies reinforce their fleets and frequencies to absorb the summer peak:

• Armas Trasmediterránea — The major OPE operator. For 2026 it has prepared an operation with more than 2 million seats between the ports of Algeciras, Almería, and Motril to Ceuta, Melilla, Morocco, and Algeria. The company increases frequencies, expands vessel capacity, and strengthens onboard services: multilingual assistance, dining with halal options, prayer areas, and special assistance for families and travelers with vehicles.
• Baleària — Operates mainly on the Algeciras – Tangier Med route with up to 8 crossings per day. It has one of the fastest vessels in the Strait.
• DFDS — Present on the Algeciras – Tangier Med and Tarifa – Tangier Ville routes.
• AML (Africa Morocco Link) — A Moroccan ferry company connecting Algeciras and Tarifa with Tangier. Recently acquired by Stena Line, one of Europe’s major ferry operators.

What’s new in OPE 2026: digitalization and biometrics

This edition marks a turning point in the management of the operation. For the first time, the operation will incorporate biometric analyses (facial recognition and fingerprint verification) integrated into the new European Entry/Exit System (EES), which replaces manual passport stamping with a digital record. This will be combined with real-time monitoring tools that cross-reference traffic data, port operations, weather, and incidents to anticipate bottlenecks.

The State Committee for Coordination and Management (CECOD), meeting at the headquarters of the Ministry of the Interior, approved the specific plan for OPE 2026 with the aim of ensuring that the operation continues to be an example of prevention and preparedness through risk management. In total, nine ports will be involved in the operation, coordinating multiple ministries (Interior, Foreign Affairs, Transport, Agriculture, Ecological Transition, and Health) together with the Government Delegations in Andalusia, Ceuta, and Melilla.

Recommendations for traveling during OPE 2026

Before the trip

Buy your ticket in advance and lock it in. This is the number one recommendation from Civil Protection, port authorities, and ferry companies. On peak dates, ships fill up quickly, especially if you’re traveling with a vehicle. Plan your departure and return dates. If you have flexibility, avoid the highest peaks: weekends in mid-July and early August have historically been the busiest.Check the documentation. To enter Morocco you need a valid passport (the DNI is not sufficient). Always check the updated requirements at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Keep in mind the new EES system. As this is the first OPE with active biometrics, the initial registration may be somewhat slower. Arrive at the port with time to spare.

At the port

Arrive with the ticket purchased for the day of your trip. Showing up without a confirmed ticket can mean long waits or not getting a spot. Check real-time traffic before heading to the port. On some days, traffic jams start kilometers before the entrance.

Bring water and something to eat if you’re traveling with children or with a vehicle. During long waits it’s appreciated. Ports have information points in several languages, shaded areas, sanitary facilities, and tents set up during the OPE.

If you’re traveling by car

Clearly specify the vehicle’s dimensions when booking. Ferry companies check that the details match the reservation. If you need to change the date, some ferry companies like Trasmediterránea allow changes up to 48 hours before departure, subject to availability.

Where to book your ferry for OPE 2026?

On Ferryscanner, you can compare in real time all ferry companies, routes, schedules, and fares for OPE 2026. Find the route that best fits your dates and book in advance to secure your spot, especially if you’re traveling with a vehicle.