Why the Morocco–Algeria Border Has Been Closed Since 1994
The 1,500 km border between Morocco and Algeria has been sealed since 1994, dividing families and strangling regional trade in what economists call one of the world's costliest closed frontiers.
How it closed
After a 1994 attack in Marrakech, Morocco imposed visas on Algerians; Algeria retaliated by closing the border. It has never reopened.
Repeated calls to reopen — by citizens, businesses and even the King — have gone unanswered.
The cost
Studies estimate a closed Maghreb costs the region billions and 2–3% of GDP a year in lost trade. Border towns on both sides have withered.
Smuggling of fuel and goods thrives in the vacuum, while legitimate commerce is blocked.
Frequently asked
Can you cross the border?
No, the land border is closed to general traffic.
Will it reopen?
There is no timetable; relations worsened further after 2021.
See it on the map: explore the full territory of Morocco — coast to Sahara — on our interactive map of Morocco →