According to extrareference, Ceuta (Arabic: سبتة‎, Sebtah) is an area in northern Africa consisting only of the city of Ceuta and a village called Benzú. Ceuta is an autonomous city and an exclave of Spain. Ceuta is completely surrounded by Morocco. Only the Strait of Gibraltar separates the city from mainland Spain.

Ceuta is known as a piece of Europe in Africa. The city is closed off from Africa by a large fence. In addition, there are soldiers on both sides of the wall to stop African refugees. For years, African refugees have been trying to reach the continent of Europe through Ceuta. Ceuta is also known as a free state. Because no VAT is charged, there are many shops for perfume, cigarettes and alcohol. Tourists often come for the shops, the impressive wall around the city, the views and the beach.

Where is Ceuta located?

Travel information of Ceuta

Official name: Ceuta
Continent: Europe (political) and Africa (location)
Area: 18.5 km²
Capital: Ceuta
Country code: ES, ESP
Population: 85,144 inhabitants (2018)
Form of government: Autonomous city of Spain
Highest point: 204 m (Monte Hacho)
Distance (Amsterdam – Ceuta): 1,999 km
Flight time: approximately 3 hours (then boat or helicopter from Malaga (Spain))

Travel advice
Current status: No special security risks.
Current color code: Green.

Corona
Due to the coronavirus (COVID-19), (temporary) measures may apply in Ceuta that you as a tourist may have to deal with. For the most up-to-date corona travel advice, please refer to our special coronavirus travel advice page. For the number of current corona infections, number of deaths and various corona-related graphs of Ceuta, please visit Countryaah.

Weather and climate
Ceuta has a Mediterranean climate. The temperatures are around 25 degrees in the summer months and around 15 degrees during the winter months.
The current weather (weather forecast) and a weather forecast for Ceuta can be found on our extensive weather page.
Extensive information about the climate of Ceuta can be found at Climate info.

Best time
May, June, July, August, September and October are the best months to travel to Ceuta. In these months you have the least precipitation and the best chance of good weather.

Language
Spanish is the official language in Ceuta.
Would you like to translate from or into Spanish for free? Use the Google translator for this.

Travel documents
You must have a valid identity card or passport.
A visa is not necessary.

Embassies and consulates
Below is an overview of relevant diplomatic representations, including addresses and contact details.
Netherlands Embassy in Spain (also for Ceuta): netherlandsworldwide.nl.
Dutch consulate in Ceuta: netherlandsworldwide.nl.
Spanish Embassy in the Netherlands: rijksoverheid.nl.
Spanish consulates in the Netherlands: rijksoverheid.nl.
For urgent assistance, you can contact the Ministry of Foreign Affairs 24/7 on +31247247247.

Vaccination (inoculation)
You do not need any vaccinations for a visit to Ceuta.

Money and Currency
In Ceuta, payments are made with the euro (EUR).
An overview of all ATMs in Ceuta can be found on our ATMs page.

Price level
The prices in Ceuta are a lot lower than in the Netherlands. The price difference with the Netherlands is -23% on average. Some examples are: restaurants (34% cheaper), food (18% cheaper), imported beer in catering (28% cheaper), cigarettes (20% cheaper) and public transport (48% cheaper). Please note that the price difference in tourist areas, especially during high season, may vary.

Tipping
In Ceuta it is customary to tip. Good service is about 5-10% tip.

Time difference
There is no time difference with the Netherlands.
Summer time in Ceuta is the same as in the Netherlands.
The local time, date and time zone for Ceuta can be found on our time difference page.

Traffic and route
In Ceuta you have to drive on the right.
You do not need an international driver’s license to drive and/or rent a motor vehicle in Ceuta.
With the Google route planner you can compile a route description from, to or within Ceuta.

Electricity
In Ceuta the same plugs and sockets are used as in the Netherlands.
More information about electricity in Ceuta can be found on our electricity page (look under Spain).

Emergency services
If you need help from the police, fire brigade and/or ambulance in an emergency, you can use the emergency numbers below.
– Police: 112
– Fire: 112
– Ambulance: 112

Tap water
It is not recommended to drink water from the tap because of the high chlorine content.

News and newspapers
The latest news related to Ceuta can be found on Google news.
Ceuta Online Newspaper:
El Pueblo de Ceuta.

Internet
Websites from Ceuta end in.es.
Official website of Ceuta: ceuta.es.

Telephony
The country code (international access code) to call someone in Ceuta is 0034 or +34.
Do you want to call the Netherlands from Ceuta? Then use the Dutch country code 0031 or +31.
(If using a country code, omit the leading 0 of the number to be called.)
Telephone numbers can be found in the Ceuta Telephone Directory.
Company details can be found in the Yellow Pages of Ceuta.

Photos and videos
On Flickr you will find a nice collection of photos of Ceuta.
On Youtube you will find a nice collection of videos from Ceuta.

Public holidays and school holidays
An overview of all public holidays in Ceuta can be found on Officeholidays.com.
You will find an overview of all school holidays in Ceuta in the Eurydice school guide.

Reviews and travel experiences
On Zoover and TripAdvisor you will find reviews from travelers about accommodations (eg hotels and holiday homes), restaurants and destinations in Ceuta, supplemented with photos, videos and places of interest.

Travelogues
Are you looking for a travelogue about Ceuta?
Here you will find travel reports and experiences of travelers who have previously visited Ceuta. It is also possible to keep a free diary of your trip for family and/or friends.

Nature and world heritage
An overview of the protected nature areas (including national parks, reserves and wildlife parks) in Ceuta can be found on Protected Planet.
Ceuta is not on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Customs rules
Do you want to know how much you are allowed to import and export when traveling to Ceuta? On the IATA website you will find an overview with the maximum quantities of cigarettes, alcohol, money and perfume, among other things. If you stick to these quantities, you don’t have to declare anything to customs. You will also find the laws and regulations regarding the entry of pets on this website.

Entrepreneurship and doing business
If you are planning to do business in or with Ceuta, it is wise to prepare well. The Netherlands Enterprise Agency can help you with this. On PaulSourcing.com you will find a large amount of information about Ceuta, including: opportunities, import and export rules, trade figures, do’s and don’ts, product requirements, business partners and subsidies.

Relevant legislation
Below you will find relevant legislation and regulations that you may encounter during your visit to Ceuta.
– Alcohol: Buying and/or drinking from the age of 18.
– Alcohol and traffic: The maximum permitted alcohol content is 0.5 (0.3 for novice drivers up to 2 years old).
– Tobacco: Buying and/or smoking from the age of 18.
– Smoking ban: In public places.
– Homosexuality: Allowed

Did you know that…
…you can shop tax-free in Ceuta?
…Ceuta is also called ‘Fortress Europe’, because of the high fence that surrounds this city?
… One can sail from Spain to Ceuta in just 40 minutes?
…Ceuta attracts more than 1 million tourists every year?