Moroccan Algerian border

[twenty4seven]

Hello all.

How close can you get to the Algerian border before you get in trouble?

What happens if you do get too close?

Thanks.

[Richard Washington]

South of Mhamid and again east of Tagounite we got within about 4 to 5km - mainly because it was nicer desert with fewer people. I've heard that when you get too close, border patrols/military will probably see you off, esp in that region.

[Tim Cullis]

I've been about 20m away.

There's a gorge with a river down the middle north of Oujda and a road each side of the river, one road is in Morocco, the other in Algeria.

The border in this area--in fact probably everywhere--is rather 'leaky' with lots of illicit cross border stuff going on, but unfortunately not for HUBB bikers. If only the border was open it would transform north east Morocco.

[bobrayner]

Originally Posted by twenty4seven

Hello all.

How close can you get to the Algerian border before you get in trouble?

What happens if you do get too close?

Thanks.

Depends where, but it's a long border; it's not all 24/7 patrols with dogs and searchlights and stuff!

I've heard a couple of tales of European drivers veering off course and having a surprised little chat with somebody in Algerian uniform. Never first-hand though.

Are there really minefields? http://www.dtic.mil/cgi-bin/GetTRDoc...c=GetTRDoc.pdf

Originally Posted by Tim Cullis

The border in this area--in fact probably everywhere--is rather 'leaky' with lots of illicit cross border stuff going on

A year ago, south of Taouz, I went a bit closer to the border than expected (shouldn't have taken that left turn, oops) and - in broad daylight - we saw some big heavily-laden trucks churning over rough little dirt tracks. It took me a little while to realise that these trucks couldn't really be serving any industries in the tiny villages we'd seen...

[twenty4seven]

Thanks very much for the info guys

[Rui Pedro Tremoceiro]

Hi all.

About this subject, a small story.
Last September 2009 I´ve done all the moroccan mediterrean coast, until Saidia, looking for a small boat and a fisherman, to cross me and my heavy GS to Algeria. The trip was very nice, but nobody was available to my idea! The boats owners said It was a crazy plan, almost suicide, even for half the price of the ferry ticket. "When you put a step on the next beach (Algeria), you go to jail and they will shoot me! It can looks a smart idea in Europel but here it´s a non sense."
That river gorge is just 2-3 km outside Saidia. I was there a few times, it´s on the road from Oujda to Saidia. The roads are very very close, with a car park and Morocco and Algeria flags, side by side. Moroccans go there and stop the cars just to say hello to Algerians. You can hear some dialogues, sometimes small songs made in the moment. There is no phisical barrier, just a small river that you can cross without need to swimming. But, avoid problems out there!

Rui.
Alentejo - Portugal

[Chris Scott]

Well at least you tried, Rui.
Now we know.

Ch

[Rui Pedro Tremoceiro]

On the other side of the border...

Now I'm sure about it, with the algerian visa in one hand and the ferry ticket on the other!
Next wednesday, 3rd March I will be at Ghazaouet, just on the other side of that small river. After 6 months...

Ready to go!

Rui
Portugal