Check-in & Boarding Rules
The #1 guide to port formalities and arrival times for the Almería to Nador route.
When to board the ferry
Vehicles (cars, vans, motorbikes, campers): Arrive at check-in 120 to 180 minutes before departure. Gates may close 60–45 minutes before sailing.
Foot passengers: arrive 90 to 150 minutes before departure. Boarding usually closes 30 to 45 minutes prior.
Peak periods (summer, Eid, Christmas): add at least +30 minutes.
Operators on this route include Baleària, Naviera Armas and GNV. Vessels and boarding flows differ per ship (e.g., Baleària’s Ciudad de Mahón or Armas’s Juan J. Sister). Follow the signs upon arrival at Almeria port, and the boarding lanes will be explained.
Must have documents
Foot passengers
Bring a passport that remains valid for the full duration of your stay in Morocco, your ticket or booking (printed or mobile with the reference), and any visa or residency documents required for your nationality. Minors who travel without one or both parents should carry a passport and a signed parental or guardian consent letter as required by their country of residence.
Vehicles
Have all of the above passenger documents, plus the vehicle registration (V5C or equivalent). If you are not the registered keeper, carry a signed permission letter from the owner or leasing company. You also need proof of insurance valid in Morocco (Green Card or border insurance), a valid driver’s licence, and the mandatory safety kit required by Spanish road rules to access the port.
For prices and what’s included per ticket type, see Prices.
Terminal Check-in Steps
- Security screening (baggage X-ray and ID check).
- Check-in counter (boarding cards issued; vehicle lane assigned if applicable).
- Exit controls (Spanish departure formalities).
- Boarding:
- Foot passengers: walkway or shuttle to ship; keep boarding card and passport visible.
- Vehicles: follow lane markers; switch engine off on the vehicle deck; handbrake engaged.
- On arrival in Nador or in Almería: immigration, customs, and (for vehicles) customs stamp/inspection before exiting the port.
Check-in time
- Check-in closure: commonly 60 to 45 minutes before departure.
- Vehicle deck closure: typically 45 to 30 minutes prior to departure.
- Foot passenger gate closure: approximately 30 minutes before departure.
Arrive earlier than the minimums during weekends and peak seasons to avoid missing these cut-offs. Keep an eye on the timetable for a good overview of planned departures.
Baggage & special items
- Foot passengers: typical allowance is generous; you must be able to carry your own bags. Oversized/fragile items may be tagged separately at the counter.
- Vehicles: secure loads; declare gas bottles, fuel containers, batteries or hazardous items as per operator rules.
Where to go: port pages
Terminals, parking, and finding your way to the port:
If plans change
- Your operator handles ticket changes/no-shows; conditions vary by fare type.
- Always reconfirm your sailing on the same day via the timetable in case of weather or operational updates.
Fast checklist (print or save)
- T-180 to T-120: arrive at port (vehicles); T-150 to T-90 (foot).
- Passport + ticket ready; visas/residency if required.
- Vehicle documents: registration, insurance (including Morocco), and owner permission if required.
- Minors’ consent (if travelling without both parents).
- Recheck departure time and gate/lanes on the boards.
If you are travelling on a Balearia vessel, click on the link behind the image below to access a document that you can use at immigration, and prepare before you travel.
