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Official Morocco Entry Requirements [2023]

I get asked very often about the rules that apply when entering Moroccan territory or when leaving it. The rules that apply are common-sense and apply to most countries you might travel to. I will list below a few of the main things you should keep in mind, and probably research more if they apply to you. I try to keep this page up-to-date as much as possible but rules can change fast, so Whenever possible, I will make sure to include relevant links for you to double check. 

This being said, if you visiting Morocco as a tourist, are not planning to bring crazy amounts of cash with you, are not bringing animals or special items, and are not planning to do business in the country or deal antiques and art, they there shouldn’t be any special paperwork to do. But anyhow, keep reading to learn about everything you should know about entering and leaving Moroccan territory.

UPON YOUR ARRIVAL IN MOROCCO

When you arrive in Morocco at land border checkpoints, in a port or at an airport, there are two separate customs lanes: The «green» lane should be used if you have nothing to declare and the «red» lane when you have goods to proclaim. Here are my recommendation to facilitate going through customs.

1. Currencies and means of payment

The import of remote cash in banknotes and/or bearer negotiable instruments by foreigners visiting Morocco is free; however, it is subject to an obligatory declaration upon arrival when their equivalent value is equal to or greater than 100.000 MAD (approximately 10.000 USD).

This declaration must be kept to justify to customs departments at the exit the origin of the currencies. It is valid only once (one stay) and for a period prior to 6 months.

I also recommend declaring any amounts of Moroccan dirhams (MAD) you might have at customs upon your entry to Morocco. Generally, importing MAD is tolerated within the limit of a certain amount (usually between MAD 1,000 to 2,000). When your MAD is in excess of the authorized threshold and is not declared, it can be a foreign exchange offense punishable by law.

2. Personal effects and objects

When visiting Morocco – like with most other countries – you can import without having to pay taxes and duties at the entry, and without any declaration or customs formalities:

• Your personal effects and objects in use actually carried by yourself.
• Perfumes and toilet water – a bottle of perfume (150 ml), – a bottle of cologne (250 ml).
• Alcoholic drinks – one (1) liter bottle of wine, – a bottle of spirits of one liter or another alcohol of the same capacity.
• Tobacco – 200 grams of manufactured tobacco.

3. Medications

Medications that you import for personal use are admitted free of duties and taxes and do not require prior authorization from the Moroccan Ministry of Health. 

However, make sure to bring with you a medical certificate and prescription for the use of you medication (which might be also useful in case you need to see a doctor in Morocco).

4. Gifts of non-commercial nature

As a traveler visiting Morocco, you are allowed to bring, without customs formalities or payment of import duties and taxes, gifts in limited quantity and without commercial nature within the limit of a global value of 2.000 MAD (approximately $200).

Outside these tolerances, any other imported goods will be subject to the payment of the corresponding duties and taxes.

5. Companion Animals

Pets must be accompanied, on importation, by health documents drawn up 3 days before boarding and justifying that they are free from diseases specific to the species, issued by the official health authorities of the exporting country.

On arrival in Morocco, they will be subject to veterinary health control, operated by the veterinarian, under the National Office of Sanitary Safety of Food products (ONSSA). I highly recommend checking the ONSSA website for further information.

6. Food Products

As in many countries, n atural or fresh products of animal origin for personal consumption remain subject to control at the borders.  Processed and manufactured food products are exempted, from fraud control when they are imported for personal consumption.

7. Plant Products

The admission of plants into Moroccan territory is subject to the presentation of a phytosanitary certificate issued by the competent departments coming under the ONSSA (see link in the section 5. Companion animals ).

8. Hunting Weapons

Their importation is subject to the presentation of an authorization issued by the National Security (Police) departments. You can check the official page of Moroccan consulate for further information on this matter.

9. Endangered Species

Their importation is subject to the presentation of a certificate «CITES1 » issued by the department in charge of Waters and Forests. You can find more information about the process in the official website of CITES .

10. Unmanned flying machines (Drones)

This is something that many tourists miss, yet very important. Bringing drones to Morocco  is strictly prohibited.

11. Other goods whose importation is prohibited

• Weapons and ammunition,
• All writings, printed matter, recorded cassettes and videocassettes and objects contrary to good morals and public order.

12. Motor vehicles

Motor vehicles imported by foreign tourists not residing in Morocco are admitted under the temporary admission regime for a maximum of six (06) months. At the end of this period, the vehicle must be re-exported or cleared for home use under the regulatory conditions in force.

13. Pleasure boats

Pleasure boats temporarily imported by recreational boaters who are habitually resident abroad are admitted under the temporary admission regime for a maximum of six (06) months to be consumed continuously or fractionally during a calendar year.

However, this period is fixed at eighteen (18) months if your boat is intended to stay in a marina.

At the end of the period of stay, your boat must leave the national territory to overseas in order to benefit from a new stay in Morocco.

UPON YOUR DEPARTURE FROM MOROCCO

1. currencies and other means of payment.

As mentioned in the beginning of the article, as a non-resident in Morocco, you are required to declare and justify to customs office of exit the origin of your currencies whose equivalent value is equal to or greater than 100.000 MAD (approximately 10.000 USD). As proof, you can submit the customs declaration that you have registered upon your arrival in Morocco.

For amounts less than the equivalent value of 100.000 MAD, you are required to declare them and customs reserves the right for certain cases to request the justification of the origin of the exported currencies.

2. Cultural goods

The exportation of works of art, collection and antiques is subject to the authorization of the department in charge of cultural affairs (Ministry of Culture). You can read more about Morocco and its efforts to combat Cultural Artifact Smuggling.

3. Tax-refunded sales

You can make purchases of goods in Morocco with deduction of the value added tax (VAT) of the purchase price.  Not all products can get you a tax refund though. As an example, t ax refund is not granted for most food products,  tobacco and medications. But I would recommend keeping your receipts especially for large amounts of money – more on that below – and checking at the borders what taxes can be refunded.

4. Conditions to be fulfilled in order to benefit from tax refund

Purchases eligible for tax refund must correspond to a retail sale of a tourist nature, carried out, the same day, with the same seller and relate to an amount greater than or equal to 2.000 MAD (approximately 200 USD including VAT.

At the time of purchase and in addition to the invoice, the seller must give you an export sales slip (consisting of an original copy and three copies) bearing his stamp. You must simultaneously present the goods, the corresponding sales slip and invoices (cashier’s receipts) to the visa of customs when leaving Moroccan territory.

Purchased items must be exported by you by the end of the third month following the date of purchase.

From design and decor to food and travel, moroccanzest is the space where I share what I loved growing up in Morocco, and more. It’s your destination for everything beautiful, artistic, and made the Moroccan way with love. Learn more about me here.

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Another credit vs. refund dispute, this time over a tour to Spain and Morocco | Travel Troubleshooter

When Anita Alexander’s tour operator cancels her trip to Spain and Morocco, she wants a refund. But the company wants her to accept a credit. Who’s right? 

Q : A group of friends and I booked a tour to Spain and Morocco through Tripmasters, a tour operator, in 2019. Our flights were on Delta Air Lines

In March 2020, Delta rescheduled our return flights to Minneapolis because of COVID-19. This revised itinerary stopped in Boston with no return flight to Minneapolis. Delta issued a travel waiver offered to reschedule the flights without penalty. 

In April, I canceled our hotel reservations via email, spoke with Delta to cancel our flights and found out the tour operator made the flight reservations and owned the booking. Tripmasters also notified us that our hotels and the flight between Spain and Morocco were mostly nonrefundable.  

I’ve contacted Tripmasters numerous times to request a full refund. A Tripmasters representative says we can only reschedule. In late April 2020, with COVID-19 raging in Spain, travel restrictions imposed and continued closing of hotels and tourist locations, we knew this trip was impossible.

Can you help us get our $5,565 back? — Anita Alexander, Arden Hills, Minnesota

A : I’m sorry to hear about your canceled trip. Yours was one of hundreds of thousands of similar tours canceled during the pandemic — with one exception. Delta had changed your schedule, which means your flight was fully refundable. Under Department of Transportation rules, if an airline makes a significant schedule change or cancels your flight, you get a refund. So your tour operator’s later claim that you could only reuse your ticket credit may not have been entirely accurate.

You have some options. You could contact the airline directly to ask about your refund — I list the names, numbers and email addresses of the Delta Air Lines executives on my consumer advocacy site, Elliott.org. You could have also contacted your credit card company to see if a chargeback was a possibility. Sometimes it is. And you could have reached out to your state attorney general or the Department of Transportation for help.

I shared all the contacts for those agencies with you and also recommended that you put everything in writing with the tour operator — no phone calls. Having your communication in writing shows that you gave Tripmasters an opportunity to fix the problem before appealing it to someone else.

You followed my advice, and after some correspondence with Tripmasters, you contacted your state attorney general. Separately, you also sent emails to the Department of Transportation and the Federal Trade Commission. Wow — that’s what I call dedication! 

It took another eight months, but you finally received a full refund from the tour operator. Congratulations on your successful self-advocacy.

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• Passports, travel and living abroad
• Travel abroad
• Foreign travel advice

Getting help

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ( FCDO ) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.

Emergency services in Morocco

Ambulance: 150

Police: 190

Local Gendarmerie: 177

If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 150 and ask for an ambulance. You should contact your insurance/medical assistance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Contact your travel provider and insurer

Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.

Refunds and changes to travel

For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.

Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans , including:

• where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider
• how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim

Support from FCDO

FCDO provides guidance on how to help yourself stay safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:

• finding lawyers , funeral directors and translators and interpreters in Morocco
• dealing with a death in Morocco
• being arrested in Morocco
• getting help if you’re a victim of crime
• what to do if you’re in hospital
• if you are affected by a crisis , such as a terrorist attack

Find more support for British nationals abroad .

Contacting FCDO

Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter , Facebook and Instagram . You can also sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.

Help abroad in an emergency

If you are abroad and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the nearest British embassy, consulate or high commission .

You can also contact FCDO online .

FCDO in London

You can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.

Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)

Find out about call charges

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All you need to know about the Morocco travel ban - and if other destinations could follow suit

• Holidays 2021
• Coronavirus
• Thursday 21 October 2021 at 4:30pm

By ITV News Multimedia Producer Wedaeli Chibelushi

Passengers are no longer permitted to fly between Morocco and the UK following a ban implemented by the north African nation from Thursday.

Morocco , a popular holiday destination, changed its travel policy amid increasing numbers of daily Covid cases in the UK - Tuesday's figures were the highest in nearly three months.

The prompt rules change could cause issues for Brits who booked holidays in the coming weeks.

For those concerned by the sudden change, ITV News looks at how flights can be refunded, the likelihood of other tourist spots banning Brits and whether booking a foreign holiday for 2021 is a sensible thing to do.

Coronavirus: What you need to know

I have a trip to Morocco booked for half-term, what shall I do?

Which? Travel Editor Rory Boland says package holidays will be cancelled and customers will be able to rebook or claim a refund within 14 days.

He added: "Customers who booked flights and hotels separately will be able to claim a refund for flights, as they too will be cancelled, but hotel refunds may be trickier and in some circumstances you could be reliant on the flexibility of the hotel's booking terms and conditions".

My trip to Morocco is later on in the year. Should I cancel?

Mr Boland says the best advice is to wait to see if the ban remains in place.

"Don't cancel your holiday as you will likely lose your right to a refund," he adds.

An exact timeframe is unclear but Morocco’s National Office of Airports said the policy will remain in place "until further notice".

Will other countries follow suit?

Professor Linda Bauld, a public health expert from the University of Edinburgh, says other countries may adopt a ban similar to Morocco's.

"We've been here before. We've seen for example in December with the rise of the Alpha variant - and even just this June with the rise of the Delta in the UK - countries banned travel from the UK into their country," she said.

Is worth booking any foreign holidays during the remainder of 2021?

Mr Boland says the Morocco's ban demonstrates that international travel remains unpredictable.

"Anyone looking to book a holiday should book with a provider that has a reliable flexible booking policy, or if appropriate, a package holiday as these come with stronger financial protections," he says.

"A good travel insurance policy will continue to be essential, and it’s also advisable to book with a credit card to give yourself further protection."

Morocco Tax Agency Posts 2022 Tax Guide for Moroccans Residing Abroad

The Moroccan General Tax Administration June 3 posted online the 2022 tax guide for Moroccans residing abroad. The guide includes: 1) reduced income tax rates and exemptions for income from property transactions and foreign pensions; 2) reduced stamp tax and property tax rates and exemptions, including thresholds; 3) a social solidarity contribution exemption for the construction of residential housing; 4) VAT refunds for purchases made in Morocco up to a specific amount for consumption abroad; and 5) mandatory electronic reporting obligations and eligibility criteria. [Morocco, General Tax Administration, 06/03/22]

Reference: View 2022 Tax Guide for Moroccans Residing Abroad . View ...

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As part of our continuous improvement of service quality, we have centralized the receipt and processing of complaints on our website through this form. As soon as your complaint is created, you will automatically receive an acknowledgement of receipt with the reference of your request. If you have already submitted a complaint to Royal Air Maroc, please send your message to the same address [email protected] using the same subject as your previous correspondence, including your ticket number. If you have made your reservation through a travel agency, we invite you to contact your agency to benefit from the provisions of our commercial policy (change of travel dates, issue of a credit note, refund of your ticket .... etc.).

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Morocco Customs

Morocco's customs are known for their thoroughness, and it's essential to adhere to their rules diligently to avoid any complications that might prevent you from enjoying your stay in Morocco.

1. What you can bring on an airplane to Morocco:

• Foreign currency: You can carry any amount of euros, dollars, or your national currency without restrictions. However, amounts equivalent to 15,000 MAD must be declared.
• Smoking products: You can bring up to 200 cigarettes, up to 200 cigarillos, up to 50 cigars, or up to 250 g of tobacco per adult.
• Perfume: You can bring up to 5 g of any perfume per person.
• Personal items: There are no restrictions on personal items in Morocco; you are allowed to import everything you need.
• Sporting weapons and ammunition or other consumables: You must have a permit for these items.
• Pets: You can travel with your dog or cat as long as you have an international veterinary certificate for them.
• Birds: You can bring birds without any specific documentation.

2. What is forbidden to import into Morocco

• National currency of Morocco.
• Photographs, videos, books, magazines, and booklets with pornography or anti-Islamist information.

3. What is prohibited to take out of Morocco

• Historical and art objects for which you do not have an export authorization.
• Morocco's national currency.

4. How much alcohol you can bring into Morocco

• Up to 1 liter of any spirits and up to 1 liter of wines per adult traveler.

5. How much alcohol can be taken out of Morocco

• Up to 3 liters of any alcoholic beverages.

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After the Earthquake in Morocco, Tourists Grapple With the Ethics of Travel

Last week’s disaster raises questions that also emerged in Maui, Greece and other hard-hit places. Is the presence of tourists a hindrance? Or can visitors, and the revenue they bring in, help?

By Ceylan Yeginsu

Some of the world’s most popular tourist destinations — Turkey, Greece, Hawaii and, now, Morocco — have been ravaged by disaster this year, with earthquakes, wildfires and floods razing entire towns and villages, killing residents, and destroying or damaging cultural monuments.

The series of catastrophic events has left many tourists in a conundrum over how to respond. Those already in a country in the wake of a disaster debate whether they should stay or leave. Those with upcoming trips wonder if they should cancel. Can they and the revenue they bring in be of any real help, or will they be a burden? How appropriate is it to let tourism go on while a nation is in a state of collective mourning and rescue efforts are underway?

There are no easy answers, travel experts say. Each disaster’s impact is unique, and while travelers are advised to follow the guidance of government officials in the aftermath of such events, local communities don’t always agree on the best course of action. After the Maui wildfires destroyed much of the town of Lahaina in August, killing at least 115 people, residents on the island, which depends on tourist dollars, clashed over the decision to allow tourism to continue while locals grieved for all that was lost.

In Morocco, however, where a powerful 6.8-magnitude earthquake struck the Atlas Mountains southwest of Marrakesh on Friday, killing thousands, the outlook is more unified. With the high tourism season underway and most of the destruction affecting rural areas far from tourist hot spots, many locals are eager for foreign visitors to keep coming so that they can support the economy and bring in funds for relief efforts.

“After Covid, the abandonment of tourists would be terrible for Marrakesh, where so many resources come from tourism,” said Mouna Anajjar, the editor in chief of I Came for Couscous , a local feature magazine. “Directly or indirectly, all the inhabitants are linked to this resource and would be terribly affected.”

Here’s what travelers faced with the prospect of visiting a country where devastation has struck should think about.

Is the place open for tourism?

Check official government guidance and local media reports to assess the situation on the ground. When the deadly wildfires swept through parts of Maui last month, the local authorities urged tourists to stay home . So far, the Moroccan government hasn’t issued any statements beyond the status of rescue efforts, and the country’s tourism office did not respond to multiple requests for comment. The British Foreign Office advised its citizens planning to travel to the country to check with their tour providers about any disruptions.

While the U.S. State Department has not updated its travel advisory to Morocco, it is a good idea to check the website before traveling to any country that has been struck by disaster.

Establish exactly where the disaster hit and which areas have been affected. When Greece was ravaged by wildfires in July and thousands of tourists were evacuated from the islands of Rhodes and Corfu, many tourists canceled their vacations, even those traveling to unaffected areas. The Greek tourism minister issued a response, highlighting that the majority of the country, including parts of the affected islands, remained safe for tourists.

When the earthquake struck Morocco on Friday, it was felt in many popular tourist destinations, including Marrakesh and the towns of Imsouane and Essaouira, but most of the damage is concentrated close to the epicenter in Al Haouz Province. In the immediate aftermath of the quake, most Morocco tours were canceled as operators scrambled to make critical safety assessments, making sure that all their clients and staff were accounted for and that tourists were not hindering rescue efforts.

But now, having established that the damage is localized in rural areas and following government guidance, most tours are up and running with some amended itineraries. Hotels have largely been unaffected, according to Morocco’s hotel association.

“There are areas inside the Marrakesh medina that have been damaged, some historical monuments are closed, but most areas inside the cities are totally OK to be visited,” said Zina Bencheikh, the managing director of Intrepid Travel’s Europe, Middle East and Africa operations, who was born in Marrakesh. “The majority of the country is open, with airports, schools, hotels, shops and restaurants operating as normal under the shock of the incident.”

Intrepid Travel had 600 customers in Morocco on the night of the earthquake, and only 17 have cut their trips short. TUI, Europe’s largest travel operator, said that some of its itineraries were under review, but that the majority of its guests had decided to stay on after the company carried out safety inspections and chose to support keeping Morocco open.

As a tourist, will I be a burden on local communities?

When a 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck southern Turkey in February, Turkish Airlines, the country’s national carrier, canceled dozens of flights across the country to open up resources for rescue efforts. During the Maui wildfires, airlines also canceled flights to Hawaii so that they could use the planes to fly passengers back to the mainland. Most of West Maui is still closed to tourists but is expected to reopen on Oct. 8.

In Morocco, the hardest-hit areas in the Atlas Mountains are currently cordoned off as rescue efforts are underway, and tourists are not advised to go into those areas. But tourism activities are encouraged in other areas of the country that haven’t been affected.

Hafida Hdoubane, a guide based in Marrakesh who takes visitors on hiking and trekking excursions , urged visitors to come, arguing that the danger from the earthquake had long passed and that the authorities in Marrakesh were carefully cordoning off any buildings showing signs of damage.

She said those who called to cancel their expeditions felt uneasy about vacationing in a country that had just experienced such devastation, but that locals did not share that view. “I think it’s best to come and show that life goes on,” she said. “What a mountain tourist can do to help is come, show that they are here and that they stand in solidarity.”

Should I change my behavior?

Most locals will not expect you to, but it is important to be receptive and mindful of the mood around you.

In Maui, the sight of tourists sunbathing on the beach as rescue teams searched for survivors outraged grieving residents, setting off a social media campaign calling for them to leave.

“The people of Morocco will say don’t switch Morocco off,” said Ms. Bencheikh of Intrepid Travel.

Ángel Esquinas, the regional director of the Barceló Hotel Group, which has properties in Marrakesh, Casablanca and Fez, said there was no immediate need for tourists to cut their trips short unless they felt it necessary.

“It is absolutely acceptable for tourists to continue with their planned activities, such as going on tours, lounging by the pool or enjoying nightlife. Morocco remains a vibrant and welcoming destination,” he said. “However, we encourage visitors to be mindful of their surroundings and exercise respect for the local communities’ particular circumstances. It’s important to strike a balance between supporting the local economy and not overwhelm the community.”

Cassandra Karinsky, a co-founder of Plus-61 , a popular restaurant in Marrakesh, said she reopened a day after the earthquake to provide an environment for locals to unite at a difficult time. “We’ve had a lot of cancellations, but we’re coming together now to raise money and support our local communities and it’s starting to get busy again.”

She said the mood was more somber than usual and people were still in shock, but that tourists were mindful and respectful of locals.

“People still need to eat, and every day there’s a more optimistic atmosphere to come together to help and move forward,” she said.

What can I do to help?

Visiting a country can be a big support to disaster relief efforts, as many locals depend on tourism revenue for their livelihoods. In Morocco, tourism accounts for 7.1 percent of the gross domestic product and is a crucial source of income for low- to middle-income families. Many restaurants and hotels have started funding campaigns to help their employees and their families in the most affected areas.

You can donate to some of the aid organizations like the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies that are responding to the disaster. And Intrepid Foundation, the travel company’s charity, has begun an earthquake appeal campaign for Morocco to support efforts to provide food, shelter, clean water and medical assistance to local communities.

In Hawaii, the Hawaii Community Foundation continues to run a fund supporting the long-term needs of those affected by the wildfires.

If you are a tourist already in a country that has been hit by a disaster, consider donating blood at blood banks, which are often set up in the aftermath of natural disasters.

“We just came out of a big lunch and saw a blood donation center, and it felt like the right thing to do,” said Tony Osborne, a 52-year-old tennis coach from London who was visiting Marrakesh with his family during the earthquake. “The Moroccans have been so welcoming. I just wish we could do even more to help.”

Aurelien Breeden contributed reporting.

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2023 .

Ceylan Yeginsu is a travel reporter. She was previously a correspondent for the International desk in Britain and Turkey, covering politics; social justice; the migrant crisis; the Kurdish conflict, and the rise of Islamic State extremism in Syria and the region. More about Ceylan Yeginsu

Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

52 Places:  Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

Mumbai:  Spend 36 hours in this fast-changing Indian city  by exploring ancient caves, catching a concert in a former textile mill and feasting on mangoes.

Kyoto:  The Japanese city’s dry gardens offer spots for quiet contemplation  in an increasingly overtouristed destination.

Iceland:  The country markets itself as a destination to see the northern lights. But they can be elusive, as one writer recently found .

Texas:  Canoeing the Rio Grande near Big Bend National Park can be magical. But as the river dries, it’s getting harder to find where a boat will actually float .

Is it safe to visit Morocco? Latest travel advice

M orocco is a popular holiday destination in autumn and winter. However, following the devastating earthquake in September 2023, and the ongoing conflict in Israel and Gaza, some holidaymakers might be worried about the safety of their upcoming holiday to Morocco.

It is worth noting that Marrakech is 2,500 miles away from Tel Aviv as the crow flies. By way of comparison, London is closer: 2,200 miles from Israel. So geographical proximity alone should not be a consideration for any upcoming travel plans. 

Nevertheless, Israel’s government warned on Saturday that Israelis should avoid non-essential travel to Morocco after raising the threat level, and the Foreign Office has updated its advice regarding political demonstrations.

Here’s everything you need to know about travel to Morocco, including advice on the earthquake recovery, Foreign Office warnings regarding terrorism and protests, and your rights if you do decide to cancel your upcoming holiday.

Is Morocco still recovering from the recent earthquake?

On September 8, 2023, a 6.8–6.9 magnitude earthquake struck the Marrakesh–Safi region of Morocco. The epicentre was 45 miles (73km) southwest of Marrakesh, near the small town of Ighil and the Oukaïmeden ski resort in the Atlas Mountains.

Some 3,000 people were killed and more than 6.6 million Moroccans were affected by the earthquake, according to the Moroccan government.

There was considerable devastation across the remote mountain communities of the Atlas Mountains, and Marrakech, a city popular among tourists, experienced significant damage including building collapses. The rebuilding process continues, but Marrakech’s airport is open.

On the subject of earthquakes in Morocco, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) says: “Morocco is in an earthquake zone. Minor earthquakes happen occasionally. The last major earthquake was in 2023, which killed almost 3000 people. Familiarise yourself with safety procedures in the event of an earthquake and take note of any instructions in hotel rooms.”

If you are travelling to Morocco, it is worth contacting your tour operator to check travel arrangements and to see if the itinerary will go ahead as planned.

Is Morocco impacted by the Israel-Hamas war?

To date Morocco has not been impacted by the conflict, although large-scale pro-Palestine marches have taken place in the country.

On Saturday, Israel raised the threat level for travel in the country and advised its citizens against all non-essential travel to Morocco. 

Israel’s National Security Council cited continuing hostility to Israelis across the Arab world as the war in Gaza continues. 

Does the Foreign Office issue any warnings?

The Foreign Office does not advise against travel to anywhere in Morocco. However, anyone travelling to the Western Sahara is advised to refer to the relevant advice page, and the FCDO notes that the land and maritime border between Morocco and Algeria is closed: “Do not attempt to cross the border,” they advise.

On October 19, the FCDO updated its advice on political demonstrations.

“There is a currently a heightened chance of demonstrations and protests occurring across the country. You should avoid these gatherings, and be aware of the potential for protests to occur spontaneously. Protests can happen at short notice and are generally heavily policed. Demonstrations are mostly peaceful but there has been isolated violence. Demonstrations and protests may lead to increased travel disruption in affected areas.

“Follow any media reporting and instructions from local security authorities. Avoid political gatherings and demonstrations.”

Is terrorism a risk in Morocco?

In 2018, two tourists were murdered while hiking near Mount Toubkal, and the FCDO advises: “Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Morocco.”

The FCDO adds: “There is an increased threat linked to the number of Moroccans sympathetic or belonging to Daesh (formerly ISIL) and other extremist groups. Authorities regularly disrupt terrorist cells.”

Places at higher risk include crowded areas, government installations, transportation networks, businesses with Western interest, and areas where foreign nationals and tourists are known to gather.

“Be vigilant in these areas and follow any specific advice of the local security authorities,” the FCDO adds.

Are flights still operating?

Flights are operating as normal and Marrakech airport is open for business. Note that no flights from the UK to Morocco pass through or even close to Israeli airspace.

What if I want to cancel my holiday?

If you have booked a package holiday to Morocco and want to cancel your trip for any reason, contact your tour operator and they might offer flexibility with alternative dates. 

But bear in mind that, because the Foreign Office has not issued any blanket advice against travel to Morocco,  there is no guarantee you will receive a refund, nor will you be able to claim money back with your travel insurance company.

If you have booked flights and accommodation independently, and wish to cancel your holiday, contact your travel providers as soon as possible to see if you can rearrange your plans. Note, however, that given the circumstances, it is unlikely you will receive a full refund.

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Something similar I did when I was in Turkey, so I was curious if this is a thing in Marrakech too.

Looking forward to know more details if this is possible and if so, can I do this myself, or do I have to ask help from a specialised company that does that?

Thank you in advance.

Also electronics are not cheap in Morocco , certainly a lot more expensive than UK anyway

This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity.

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Morocco Tours Canceled by Deadly Earthquake as Operators Hope to Restart Soon

Selene Brophy , Skift

September 10th, 2023 at 4:02 PM EDT

Morocco is the latest destination impacted by a severe natural disaster, with tour operators needing to implement contingency plans to deal with the aftermath of a deadly earthquake.

Selene Brophy

The impact of Morocco’s deadly earthquake is still being assessed as emergency services continue rescue operations. The 6.8-magnitude earthquake has  claimed more than 2,000 lives , and thousands more are injured, after the natural disaster struck about 50 miles outside of Marrakesh in the High Atlas Mountains of Morocco on Friday.

Intrepid Travel , one of the largest tour operators in Morocco, said it had approximately 650 customers in the country when the earthquake struck.

The tour operator said all customers currently on tours, tour leaders, and staff in Morocco are accounted for. Departures scheduled until September 12 have been canceled to allow authorities to respond to the immediate disaster.

“Safety is always Intrepid’s number one priority – we’re relieved to have been able to account for all our customers and believe canceling upcoming tour departures is in the best interests of local communities right now,” said Zina Bencheikh, Intrepid’s managing director, EMEA, based in Morocco. “Our thoughts go out to everyone in Morocco who has been affected by this disaster, and we will do everything we can, including through the Intrepid Foundation, to support communities as they rebuild.”

Affected customers are being contacted and will be able to reschedule their trip or receive a refund. Intrepid’s tours will resume on September 13.  

Intrepid Travel has also established a relief fund, the  Morocco Earthquake Appeal , through its not-for-profit, the Intrepid Foundation, committing to match all donations up to $64,000 (AU$100,000). The emergency relief funds raised will support  Education for All  and the  High Atlas Foundation , which work with local communities, said Bencheikh.

“Through this relief effort, we hope to give back to the country that has given so much to our travel community,” said Bencheikh.

Certain G Adventures Tours Canceled

Small group tour operator  G Adventures , headquartered in Toronto, Canada, confirmed all travelers and staff we accounted for and safe in Morocco.

The company was canceling six tours to areas most impacted by the earthquake. A spokesperson confirmed that all other departures in Morocco are scheduled to run as planned, with minor modifications to trip itineraries to avoid affected areas.

Soumia Ait Bendawad, Regional Operations Manager Morocco & The Middle East, based in Marrakech, said G Adventures has halted tours to Mount Toubkal and is rerouting tours to Imlil and Ait Ben Haddou. “We are also offering alternative experiences in Marrakech to avoid the Medina, which has sadly been impacted by the earthquake.”

Bendawad said the immediate need was to keep the most impacted areas clear and let the emergency services fulfill their role. The company would assess when it is appropriate to resume trips, but it could not confirm a restart date for now.

“Bringing tourism income back to the affected areas will be vital to support the local communities, but only when it is appropriate. The other cities we visit are safe. For any travelers who wish to change their travel plans, we are helping them do so. This approach allows us to continue running our operations but still supports tourism in Morocco, which is essential in such times.”

“We are advising all guests to establish contact with their embassies to register their presence and will release more information as it becomes available. Our thoughts are with the Moroccan people at this time,” said Bendawad.

No Change in TUI Operations

While the  TUI Group , headquartered in Germany, did not immediately confirm how many customers it had in Morroco, Europe’s largest tour operator confirmed it is continuing operations in Morocco, with the next planned TUI flight to Morocco on Monday, September 11.

“We are aware of and deeply saddened by the devastating earthquakes, which took place last night about 70km Southwest of Marrakesh. We can confirm that there has been no change in the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advice, customers remain in their hotels, and flights are operating. We’ll closely monitor the situation and will keep customers informed of any relevant updates,” a TUI spokesperson said.

When asked why TUI was not canceling or putting any of its trips to Morocco on hold, the spokesperson said guest safety remained the “highest priority” as the company takes its guidance from government travel advisories.

“In Morocco, in particular, we are in contact with local authorities and partners and continue to assess the situation. Right now, we have no reports about injuries among TUI guests or colleagues, and neither about structural damage in hotels and resorts with TUI guests. Our TUI service teams are present in the hotels and (can) assist guests with any inquiries or questions they may have.”

UNESCO to Assist with Repair Plan

Tourism accounts for  8% of Morocco’s GDP , with the government stating in  March this year  that it intended to spend $580 million (6.1 billion dirhams) to attract 17.5 million tourists by 2026. This is more than double the 6.5 million visitors from last year. In 2019, Morocco had 13 million visitors.

Natural disasters like earthquakes can profoundly impact cultural heritage sites that are integral to multi-day tours to a destination like Morocco. As a UNESCO World Heritage site and well-known for its ancient mosques and palaces, Marrakech has yet to determine the full damage to its historical buildings.

Reuters  reported an earth-and-stone mosque in the High Atlas mountains, built by a medieval dynasty that conquered North Africa and Spain, has been badly damaged.

A @UNESCO mission visited the medina of #Marrakech this afternoon. Our Organization will support the Moroccan authorities to inventory damage in the fields of #heritage & #education , make buildings safe & prepare for reconstruction. https://t.co/MVMgMp1U6v — UNESCO 🏛️ #Education #Sciences #Culture 🇺🇳 (@UNESCO) September 9, 2023

The UN heritage organization has sent an assessment team to the Marrakech Medina and confirmed it would help Morocco draw up an inventory of damage to national heritage sites and a repair strategy. While unconfirmed, some reports indicate that most of the main historic sites in the old city appeared largely unscathed.

* This is a developing story. G Adventures confirmation of rerouted tours and impact to Marrakech’s Medina have been updated.

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Tags: africa , earthquake , experiences , g adventures , heritage , intrepid , Marrakech , morocco , natural disasters , north africa , tours and activities , tui group , unesco

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Launch of electronic visa “eVisa”

This new measure has been put in place in accordance with the very high directions of HM King Mohammed VI to improve, simplify and modernize consular services.

It is part of the ongoing efforts made by Morocco, both at the national and international levels, to digitalize the services provided by the public administration. It enshrines the modernization of consular work at the level of Diplomatic Missions and Consular Posts of the Kingdom, as recommended by the strategy of the Ministry concerning the reform of this area.

This electronic visa is a one-time authorization that is valid for a maximum of 180 days from the date of issue. It will allow access to Moroccan territory for a stay of up to 30 days.

Three categories of foreign nationals will benefit from the "eVisa". These include nationals of countries, defined by the competent Moroccan authorities (Thailand and Israel as a first step); foreign nationals holding a residence or stay permit valid for at least 180 days on the date of application for the e-visa and residing in one of the EU countries, the United States, Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, Japan, Norway, New Zealand and Switzerland as well as foreign nationals holding non-electronic visas of Schengen countries, the United States Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and New Zealand, with multiple entries and that are valid for at least 90 days as of the date of submission of the eVisa application.

Applications for "Tourist" or "Business" visas submitted online by the nationals concerned via www.acces-maroc.ma will be processed within 24 hours (Express Visa) and 72 hours (Standard Visa).

For the launch of the "eVisa", the Ministry has established, in coordination with the relevant Departments, a legal framework for the eVisa and means of data exchange in this regard.

The processing of applications for "eVisa", within the deadlines set, will be done by executives, trained for this purpose, via the platform www.acces-maroc.ma, developed by engineers and technicians of this Department.

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After Morocco’s devastating earthquake, the tourism industry rallies round

Travel and tour operators are getting involved in the country’s relief effort, knowing how vital tourism is to its economy

“My family is safe,” our tour guide Sara Chakir said as we huddled in the streets outside Fez’s medina, waiting for aftershocks until the early hours. Morocco’s 6.8 magnitude earthquake had struck last Friday, 350 miles away in the Al Haouz region of the High Atlas mountains at just after 11pm. It was enough to send our riad swaying, but there was no apparent damage to people or place. It was only in the morning that the scale of destruction elsewhere was clear. Another tour guide, Hossain ait Mhand, said: “My family is fine, but others in their town are not so lucky – homes have been flattened.”

I was on my way to a conference in Marrakech, about 40 miles north of where the earthquake was centred, but detoured home. Those already in the city saw blood bank queues snaking around the streets after a government call out. Marrakech’s medina experienced damage, and 50 people were reported to have died there. Tourists trickled out of the city.

Three days later, the death toll was almost 3,000, and with more than 5,000 people injured. Some of Morocco’s most remote communities were the hardest hit, making recovery efforts difficult. Some villages are still waiting for relief; in others, rescuers have little hope – ancient clay buildings have crumbled entirely. The village of Tafeghaghte, for example, has lost 90 of its 400 residents.

Though the Al Haouz region is a popular hiking destination edging into peak season, tourists have been relatively unharmed.

Chris McHugo, co-owner of the community-run hotel Kasbah du Toubkal, said: “Here in Imlil, the damage is less than in other places. It’s partly because tourism has funded building work here, meaning the village is more structurally sound than others. The old part of our kasbah is damaged, but the rooms were unharmed.”

Others have not been as fortunate. In the quiet village of Agnie, a beautiful, locally owned lodge I visited last year, Chez Momo II, has been badly damaged.

Just down the road in Asni, Education For All , a charity providing boarding and support so that girls from the region’s most remote communities can go to school, has been devastated by the earthquake. Its chief executive, Sonia Omar, has said it will have to rebuild at least five of the six boarding houses.

“Our immediate need is confirming our girls’ safety and cooperating with aid agencies to get food, water, blankets, torches and medical supplies where they are most needed,” she said. There are still 55 girls unaccounted for. The charity has started emergency fundraising focused on long-term repair.

Morocco had a record-breaking 2.9 million international visitors in the first quarter of 2023, and the travel industry has been quick to rally support. The Intrepid Foundation , run by the adventure travel company Intrepid Travel – which takes groups to destinations around the country – is fundraising for its two NGO partners on the ground: Education For All for long-term relief and the High Atlas Foundation for immediate relief. The latter usually runs sustainable infrastructure projects, so it is well placed to redeploy services. So far, Intrepid has raised AUS$340,582 (£176,620) after fund matching the first AUS$100,000.

Much Better Adventures is donating 5% of its September revenue to the High Atlas Foundation. Exodus Adventure Travels has launched fundraising for React disaster response , and Global Giving‘s Morocco Earthquake Relief Fund is supporting immediate needs. This week The Conscious Travel Foundation rallied industry support at a fundraiser in London, where they raised £10,000 and discussed how best to respond to these kinds of disasters.

For those travelling to Morocco imminently, the Foreign Office advice is to check with travel companies and tour operators before departing, though the industry’s overall message is one of still encouraging people to travel.

Intrepid has adapted itineraries that involve the Atlas mountains region, and other tour operators are doing the same. The message from tour guides, NGOs, and travel businesses is increasingly clear: continuing to travel responsibly is an important part of support.

“Our message is strong,” said Gail Leonard from the local operator Plan-it Morocco. “Your tourism dollar is critical to the ongoing relief effort here in Morocco.” Jarrod Kyte, the product and sustainability director at Steppes Travel, who was in the mountains during the earthquake, agrees. Steppes’ partner at Hotel Dar Ahlam in Skoura told me: “Beyond the aid that is being provided, tourist arrivals constitute a message of hope and support that is just as necessary and vital for Morocco.”

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