What each one is
A dated (closed) ticket has a date and a time. An open ticket is a paid ticket whose date, normally the return, is set later.
For years, the open ticket was the custom in the Strait of Gibraltar. The ferry companies still sell it, but the rules for entering the ports have changed.
Where you will not get in with an open ticket
A dated (closed) ticket has been a condition of entry to the port in Tangier City, Tarifa, Nador and Ceuta for years, and since 2026 also at Tanger Med and Algeciras, according to the Tanger Med port authority.
Baleària puts it like this: to enter the port of Tanger Med it is compulsory to have a dated ticket, and open tickets are not valid. Passengers with a vehicle who arrive without a ticket for the exact date are sent to an area 7 km from the port.
Tanger Med's FAQ page limits the rule to the month of August. If in doubt, always travel with a date.
What each company offers
Conditions published in November 2026. Read them on your ticket: they change with the fare.
- Baleària: sells the ticket with an open return, valid for 12 months from confirmation; the date is set through its contact form. The Mini fare allows changes but not cancellation; the Reducida fare allows changes and cancellation with a rising penalty. No changes are allowed less than 2 hours before departure.
- AML: an unused ticket is valid for one year from purchase; it allows changes up to 2 hours before departure, subject to availability, and refunds 100% if you cancel up to 24 hours before.
- DFDS: free changes up to 48 hours before departure. It does not mention open tickets.
- GNV: dated tickets. The Superpromo fare allows no changes or refund; the Standard fare, with a penalty; the Flexy fare, a full refund up to 7 days before.
The open ticket and your rights
The European regulation on sea passengers' rights excludes open tickets from assistance, re-routing and compensation as long as no departure time has been set.
If the ship is cancelled because of a storm and your ticket has no date, you cannot demand anything. With a dated (closed) ticket, you can: see the cancellations guide.
What to buy
If you know your dates, buy dated tickets both ways: Baleària advertises a 15% saving when you book both legs.
If you do not know when you are coming back, buy an open return or one with an approximate date on a fare that allows changes, and set the date before you go to the port, not at the ticket desk.
In summer, make the change with days to spare: the weekend ships fill up.
Frequently asked questions
Can I board with an open ticket?
You have to set a date and time on it first. With an undated ticket you will not be let into ports such as Tanger Med, Algeciras, Tarifa or Nador in busy periods.
How long is an open ticket valid?
With Baleària, 12 months from confirmation of the booking. With AML, one year from purchase.
Does it cost money to change the date?
It depends on the company and the fare: DFDS offers free changes up to 48 hours before; Baleària, depending on the fare, and it charges the price difference if there is one.
If I miss the ship, do I lose my ticket?
It depends. AML lets you board the next crossing subject to availability; GNV does not refund anyone who arrives late. Check your conditions.
Sources (10)
Every figure on this page comes from a source consulted on the date shown.
- Baleària · billete con vuelta abierta, 2026-11-11
- Baleària · tipos de tarifas, 2026-11-11
- Baleària · embarque y acceso a puerto, 2026-11-11
- AML · reservas y billetes, 2026-11-11
- AML · condiciones generales, 2026-11-11
- DFDS · Algeciras – Tánger Med, 2026-11-11
- GNV · condiciones generales, 2026-11-11
- Maroc.ma · Tanger Med adopta el billete cerrado, 2026-11-11
- Reglamento (UE) n.º 1177/2010, 2026-11-11
- Protección Civil · Operación Paso del Estrecho, 2026-11-11
