Are Ceuta and Melilla in Schengen?

Yes, with special rules. They are Spanish cities and part of Schengen, but Spain runs checks when you leave them for mainland Spain by sea or air, in addition to checks at the border with Morocco.

Does a trip to Morocco stop my Schengen count?

Yes, days in Morocco do not count toward your Schengen 90. It does not reset the count: days already used keep counting until they are more than 180 days old.

How long can I stay in Morocco?

British passports can stay up to 90 days for tourism, according to UK government advice. Other passports may differ. Make sure your passport is stamped when you arrive.

Guide

Is Morocco in the Schengen Area?

No — Morocco is not in the Schengen Area or the EU, so days in Morocco do not count toward your Schengen 90 days in any 180. The Spanish cities of Ceuta and Melilla on Morocco's coast are a different matter: they are Schengen territory.

In the Schengen Area: No

In the EU: No

Days count toward 90/180: No

Facts checked 5 October 2026. Entry rules change and differ by passport. Confirm them with the official source linked in each section, or your own government's travel advice, before you travel.

Do days in Morocco count toward the 90/180 rule?

No. Morocco keeps its own visitor rules, so time in Marrakech, Fes or Tangier does not use your Schengen 90.

Ceuta and Melilla are Spanish cities and part of Schengen under a special regime. Spain checks people at the border with Morocco and checks them again when they leave the cities for mainland Spain by sea or air. Treat days in Ceuta or Melilla as Schengen days.

Sources: GOV.UK: Morocco entry requirements; Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Ceuta and Melilla

Visiting Morocco on a visa-free passport

British passports can stay up to 90 days for tourism. Make sure your passport is stamped on entry. Extensions are handled by the police and are not guaranteed. Check the rules for your own passport.

Source: GOV.UK: Morocco entry requirements

How EES applies

EES is not used in Morocco. Flying or sailing from Spain to Morocco is a Schengen exit, logged by EES, and coming back is a new entry. Crossing between Morocco and Ceuta or Melilla is an external Schengen border crossing.

Sources: EU: EES FAQ; Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Ceuta and Melilla

A short ferry from Spain

Ferries from Tarifa and Algeciras to Tangier make Morocco one of the quickest ways to leave Schengen from southern Spain. Sail to Tangier, not to Ceuta, if your aim is to be outside Schengen.

For more places whose days do not count, and how long each lets you stay, see where to go when your Schengen days run out.

Sources: GOV.UK: Morocco entry requirements; Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Ceuta and Melilla

Check your own Schengen days

Whatever the answer for Morocco, your 90 days are counted across all 29 Schengen countries together, and each day looks back 180 days. Add your stays to see how many days you have used and the last day you can stay.

Count your days before you go

Add past stays and a planned trip. Stay180 shows days used in the last 180 and your leave-by date. Free, no account needed.

Open the Schengen calculator Plan a trip

Common questions

Are Ceuta and Melilla in Schengen?: Yes, with special rules. They are Spanish cities and part of Schengen, but Spain runs checks when you leave them for mainland Spain by sea or air, in addition to checks at the border with Morocco.
Does a trip to Morocco stop my Schengen count?: Yes, days in Morocco do not count toward your Schengen 90. It does not reset the count: days already used keep counting until they are more than 180 days old.
How long can I stay in Morocco?: British passports can stay up to 90 days for tourism, according to UK government advice. Other passports may differ. Make sure your passport is stamped when you arrive.