Here’s a story which sounds like zero fun. Hundreds, if not thousands of Brits are stuck at the Moroccan border, hoping to pass through the Spanish enclave into British Gibraltar. On the face, that sounds like what many around the world have experienced as borders close in their face, but this is so different, and so much worse.
“We were waiting with more than 650 other motor homes for three days without access to bathrooms and without news of what will happen to us.”
When news of European border closures broke, hundreds of travelers who were touring Morocco in camper vans or on motorcycle made the tenuous 16 hour drive to Ceuta, in attempt to cross the border into Gibraltar before things closed. They had good reason.
The British embassy in Morocco had informed these tourists in the country that the border would remain open for them to cross, but only for a limited time, so a mad dash ensured. 16 hour drives, no stopping, all for a chance to get out of Morocco in the imminent future.
To those in motor homes near Ceuta. Please confirm where you are exactly (nearest town). I have just spoken to the Moroccan authorities. We are going to get you out. T
— Thomas Reilly (@TSAReilly) March 24, 2020
It turns out the British Embassy in Morocco was wrong, and hundreds of campervans, presumably with thousands of people in them are stuck near Ceuta. Ambassador Thomas Reilly started a rather unpopular Twitter thread, celebrating the “success” of their mission.
As you are aware, The Moroccan government, as part of a sensible raft of measures to slow the spread of the Coronovirus, closed its ports & its airspace. Before closing them, we were given a week to evacuate British tourists. We brought in 49 flights & took out over 8,500 people
— Thomas Reilly (@TSAReilly) March 27, 2020
Ceuta is a Spanish enclave in Morocco, and is a nearby link to Gibraltar, a British Overseas Territory. As camper vans piled up to find the border into Spain closed, Morocco quickly roadblocked the roads behind them, leaving these travelers in dangerous limbo.
I understand that this is a very unpleasant situation to be in. I understand you are stressed and worried. But being rude to my staff is not going to help anyone, nor will it get you home any quicker.
— Thomas Reilly (@TSAReilly) March 27, 2020
It wouldn’t be reaching to say it almost felt like a trap. Rushed out of Morocco with the doors closed behind them, barred from crossing a border into Europe on the other side. Morocco has since stated plans to equip the parking lot with electricity and other necessities, though that’s hardly comforting.
In fairness to the authorities, advanced warning of the closures was given, and no one should really be traveling right now – but with all messages, there’s always a lag in reaching people – and from the sound of things, people did their best to follow the advice once received.
The sea of camper vans is currently parked near the Tangiers highway, at a facility with just a few shared showers and limited other facilities. Of course, none of these features encourage social distancing in any way, which has many of the travelers worried. I’m shivering, just thinking about it.
Making matters worse, there’s no definitive indication as to when it all might end. The best hope? Morocco has discussed lifting the state of emergency on April 20th, which would mean only 22 more days of living in squalor in between countries, at the very best. Stay at home, people.
Sounds like the Ritz compared to many refugee camps around the world.
@ Joe it’s ok, buddy, just keep working on your reading comprehension! Looks like you need to start with 1st grade!
@ Gilbert, thank you for sharing! I’ve been wondering about such situations.