travel advice to morocco

21 Things You Must Know Before Visiting Morocco Travel Tips

• Africa / Fez / In the City / Marrakech / Morocco
• 33 Comments

Visiting Morocco? This is what you need to know before visiting.

More and more people are visiting Morocco every year. It’s a beautiful country, and as photographers and videographers, we had a field day.

On the flip side, there were also downsides to visiting especially as a woman. If you plan on going, we put together a few pointers to help you set realistic expectations and prepare for your trip.

Thank you Contiki for hosting our trip. See our full 15 day trip itinerary here . All opinions are always our own. This post may contain affiliate links, where we receive a small commission on sales of the products that are linked at no additional cost to you. Read our full disclosure  for more info. Thank you for supporting the brands that make Local Adventurer possible.

Last Updated: March 16, 2023

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21 things you must know before visiting morocco, best places to stay in morocco, planning checklist, more resources, 1. dress appropriately.

Overall, guys can dress however they like, but women need to dress more conservatively. Although you see many tourists wearing whatever they want, we chose to cover up as much as possible to avoid unwanted attention.

Even if you’re traveling with a group of guys, you may still get harassed. Some of the girls in our group got groped on multiple occasions even though we were paired off with a male buddy.

It was mostly really old men, and it happened more often in crowded places. When visiting mosques, you need to cover down to your wrists and ankles.

For the ladies out there, keep a  shawl / scarf  handy (this one is reversible and great for traveling light)

See More: What to Pack for Morocco – 2 Weeks in a Carry On

2. Currency and Cost

More established shops will take credit cards, but most smaller markets, street vendors, and cabs will not. Be ready with the local currency.

The Moroccan Dirham (DEE-rahm) goes for roughly 10.4 Dirhams (DH) per 1 USD or 11.09 per 1 euro. We thought things would be cheaper in Morocco, but the prices were comparable to Europe because of how touristy the country has become.

Our guide recommended that each person exchange 100 euros daily, which was plenty for us.

3. ATMS Can be Hit or Miss

Exchange enough money when you get your chance. Ask the front desk at your hotel; they may have money to exchange.

The ATM quickly ran out when our entire group was trying to exchange money. Who knew ATMs can run out of money!

A few people from our group thought the ATM was giving an error and tried multiple times, but the ATM didn’t dispense any while still charging it from the bank for every attempt.

Also, traveler’s checks are pretty much useless in Morocco. It’s hard to find a place to cash them.

4. Keep Correct Change with You

Moroccan cab drivers rarely “have change” when you need it. At least, that’s what they tell you. To avoid overpaying, keep your coins.

Most of our cab rides within the city cost roughly 30 Dirhams. The dilemma with keeping change though is that you will not be able to exchange it back when leaving the country since they only want larger bills.

You want to keep correct change while you’re in the country, but you also want to spend it all before leaving.

5. Learn to Haggle

If you’re shopping in the markets or medinas, you will have to learn to haggle. I know some people have strong opinions about paying full price for the sake of “charity”, but selling is like their national sport and haggling is an integral part of their culture.

More likely than not, they will still get the better deal, but keep in mind if you are willing to spend the time, you can get items for at least 25-50% of the starting price.

Know what you’re willing to pay before you start the haggling process and walk out if you can’t get the price you want. They may call you back multiple times.

Also, you may want to bargain with your cab drivers before getting in. Most of our rides within the city cost 30 DH. If they demanded more, our guide told us to hand them the money and walk away.

Luckily, that didn’t happen to us because we always firmly set a price before the ride.

If you’re looking to buy a carpet or anything with a higher price tag, do your research before visiting Morocco. People get tricked into buying them as “an investment” to sell later. Don’t fall for their sales tactics and the local guide’s added pressure to buy.

Have some change ready for tips. A good general rule of thumb is 1 DH at a local place and 3-5 DH at nicer places.

7. Be Wary of Local Guides

You should absolutely hire a local guide to help you get an inside perspective on the country and navigate through the maze of the medinas (old towns). However, be sure you know what you’re getting yourself into.

The local guides have built relationships with many different stores, and they are most likely getting a cut of the sales. Don’t be fooled when they say they are trying to help you haggle to get the best price, because they usually aren’t. We were able to get better prices without them. This happened in Fes.

See More: 21 Amazing Things to Do in Fes Morocco

8. Stay Away from Strangers Offering Free TOurs or Directions

Even if you don’t hire a local guide, you might find other locals offering you tours while you’re walking around the markets and medinas.

If you go with one of them you may end up completely lost and pressed to spend money. Most of the time they will ask for a tip afterward too.

This is the same with asking for directions. A lot of them will offer to walk you to where you’re going but then ask for a tip. If you’re so inclined, always keep money to pay them off, plan ahead and ask your hotel, or pull up some maps when you have WIFI.

Also, if you are  renting a car in Morocco  so that you can get around on your own, be sure to plan ahead rather than wait until you are there.

9. Fridays are Holy Days and Prepare for Holidays

Keep in mind that it is a Muslim country, so pay attention to their holidays otherwise you might be there when everything is closed.

Also, most shops and attractions will close on Friday since it’s their holy day.

A friend of mine went during Ramadan and told me it was very difficult to eat meals. We happened to arrive in Morocco on Eid al-Adha, where they were slaughtering and sacrificing animals on the street.

All shops we saw closed that day and most shops were closed the following day.

Plus it was a bloody mess, most of which we avoided. Below you can see what is usually a crowded marketplace is deserted.

10. Be Careful what Water You Use

To stay safe, drink bottled water and even use it to brush your teeth. Also, avoid using any ice when you’re out. The LARQ Self-Cleaning Water Bottle is really useful when you’re in Morocco if you don’t want to buy a ton of bottled water. See all the top travel water bottles we tested on the road.

11. Pack Some Imodium

I don’t care how strong you think your stomach is, you should pack some  Imodium   just in case. This is always a good rule of thumb for all travel.

At least a third of our group wasn’t feeling well after the first meal in Morocco. I popped a couple of Imodium, and I was fine the next day. Others were not so fortunate.

See More: 21 Moroccan Foods You Must Try

12. Watch Your Pockets

Most Moroccans are friendly and honest, but you should always be careful with pickpockets in any major city, especially in crowded places like the markets. Pickpockets often target touristy areas.

13. What Language Do they Speak?

Moroccans speak a mixture of Arabic, Berber, English, and French. You’ll be fine with English in most of the larger cities, but you’ll probably need a translator in the rural parts of the country.

Here are a few basic Arabic words that came in handy:

• Hello  (Peace Be With You): Salam Alikome (salaam a eleikum)
• Thank You:  Choukran (shokran)
• No Thank You:  La Choukran (la shokran). This one is useful when you have a bunch of street vendors hassling you to buy something.
• Watch Out:  Balak. Although you won’t use this yourself, you’ll most likely hear this in the medinas or souks (outdoor markets). Locals will say balak if coming by with a mule, motorcycle, or cart to warn you to either get the side or get run over.

14. Visiting Mosques

If you’re hoping to see a Mosque while visiting Morocco, you might be out of luck unless you’re Muslim. Most mosques are off-limits to non-Muslims, with the exception of the massive Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca. They are still beautiful to take photos from outside though!

If you’re looking for beautiful architecture,  Bahia Palace   is open to visitors.

See More: 21 Fascinating Things to Do in Marrakech Morocco

15. Alcohol, Drugs, and Parties?

Although most Moroccans are Muslims, yes, they still have all these. Hashish, an extract of the cannabis plant, is quite commonly offered to you in the streets. 

Contiki loves their parties, and we were told that only hotel bars had alcohol available for tourists, but we surprisingly found several bars and even nightclubs serving alcohol.

We decided we didn’t want to pay 300 DH (30 euros) to get into a club that already appeared like a sausage fest from the outside.

They also told us it’s pretty typical for prostitutes to hang out at nightclubs there too. There was a special DJ guest that night, but normally the club was supposed to cost around 150-200 DH.

16. Do I need a Visa or Vaccines?

Almost all English-speaking countries (except South Africa and Australia) do not require visas to enter the country. The CDC also doesn’t require any vaccines although many would recommend Hepatitis A and Typhoid shots. Find out more details from  CDC here  for the most updated information on vaccinations before visiting Morocco.

17. Have the RIght Converters

Don’t get stuck in Morocco without a way to charge all your electronics. We recommend picking up  one of these  so that you have options for wherever you travel and additional outlets in case there aren’t many in the hotel room.

Morocco uses the following: Voltage: 220 V, Frequency: 50 Hz, Power sockets: type C / E. If you have something that works in Europe, then it will be the same. If you’re traveling from the states,  the adapter  will help you get everything charged.

18. Ask Before Taking Photos (And You may have to Pay)

When you’re walking through the markets, be careful when taking photos of people and shops. Unless you are purchasing something, they may get angry at you and even demand money for the photos.

When we took photos of the snake charmers, we paid 20 DH. Some may even hassle you for more, so again, it’s good to first establish a price before taking a photo.

19. Bring TOilet Paper with you Everywhere

Don’t expect bathrooms to have toilet paper. Be prepared with your own and also have some hand sanitizer available. A lot of public restrooms have a small fee as well so if you see an attendant be sure to ask the price before using the bathroom.

Though they’re not flushable, I like to bring my  wet wipes  on all my trips to wipe my hands when I don’t have easy access to bathrooms.

20. Souvenirs to Bring Home

Fez is known for leather and carpets, while Marrakech is known for fragrances, oils, and spices (like saffron). If you’re buying saffron, make sure you’re buying the real thing. Many places sell artificial saffron for dirt cheap or mix the real with the fake stuff. No one wants saffron cut with other spices.

You can ask them to do a demonstration in water. If it colors the water yellow, it’s real, if it turns reddish, it’s the dye coming out from the artificial saffron.

You can also smell the difference (should smell more herbal), or ask for a couple of strands to put in your mouth and spit it onto a tissue to see what color it produces.

21. It’s a cat Lover’s Heaven… and Hell

There are homeless cats everywhere in Morocco. They are super cute and made us smile every time we saw them but also really sad every time we had to walk away and leave them.

It seemed that the people of Morocco took care of them in their own way. We saw them feeding them scraps of food in the markets. If you’re highly allergic to cats, don’t forget to bring some allergy meds with you.

Final Thoughts as a Woman Visiting Morocco

There were many times on our trip that I genuinely wished I was a man visiting Morocco. While others simply got annoyed (full disclosure), I was much more sensitive since I still have residual resentment from some sexual traumas when I was younger that I am working out.

It’s a work in progress, making the trip incredibly challenging personally. For the most part, we had the best-case scenario of traveling with a local guide and Contiki. Those incidences happened within the few hours of free time that we wandered off alone.

Overall, Morocco is beautiful, and we’re happy to have experienced the country.

Instead of scaring you from visiting, we hope it educates you and helps you go in with the right mindset and expectations. As long as you’re entirely aware of your surroundings and know what to expect, you can have a wonderful experience.

• Get comprehensive insurance for your trip.
• Find a great deal on Morocco hotels .
• Arrange a rental car for your trip.
• Book a tour for your visit.
• Get airport lounge access .
• Buy a travel charger to keep your devices charged.
• Get a new backpack for your trip.
• Buy a Morocco travel guide .
• Pack the appropriate shoes for your trip.
• Don’t forget your in-flight essentials .
• Lonely Planet Morocco  – they always have great photos and information.
• Moon Morocco  – also very photo heavy.
• Morocco National Geographic Adventure Map
• Pocket Arabic Dictionary

Is Morocco one of the top places you want to visit? Why or why not? Can you think of any other tips for visiting Morocco?

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Esther and Jacob are the founders of Local Adventurer, one of the top 5 travel blogs in the US. They believe that adventure can be found near and far and hope to inspire others to explore locally. They explore a new city in depth every year and currently base themselves in Las Vegas.

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This Post Has 33 Comments

I’ve been to Morocco 3 times. Tangier and twice to Agadiar. Guess what IM A WOMAN and had the most amazing time in both areas. In Tangier we visited the Casbah which was amazing. Haggling was fun and the people are great. Never felt vulnerable and I have not been insulted or felt afraid. On the most part the people are really nice. I absolutely love Agadir. Its modern in its approach and there’s loads to do. The beach is beautiful. As two women travelling without a man, oh who’d of thought, we did not have any issues in Morocco anymore than anywhere else. Wherever there’s men they’ll be the ones who are rude, sexist and revolting. That’s unfortunately the way some of them are. Otherwise the people of Morocco are lovely. I’d go every year if I could afford it.

That’s so great to hear you had a wonderful experience! I’ve definitely heard a mix of thoughts from both sides.

Thanks for your list of tips. I’m a bit conflicted about Morocco due to my serious feminist leanings, but I so want to see it. It’s a shame that there is such disrespect and hypocrisy, but I suppose that’s everywhere in some regard. ;-)

You’re welcome, Hillary. I still hope you get to experience all the good parts of Morocco. I think it’s definitely changing with the younger generations, but it really is a different world view over there.

as local Moroccan, I can confirm that the tips that you provide are true. I am ashamed of the ‘Watch Your Pockets’ tip; what can I say?! every place have it’s good and bad people. however, by mentioning that you are making people aware so that they don’t have any bad experiences in Morocco. thank you :)

I think it’s true for most big cities in the world. :) Thanks Abdou!

Hi I’m Indian live in dubai UAE I like to visit Morocca it need visa or not I’m hear with residents visa

Great article. My friend is currently in moroco and hates it. I hope that she gets home safely and isnt raped. I am never going to visit! I will stick to places like Finnland, Switzerland and new Zealand

Stay safe everyone!

dont forget that you can be beheaded if you backpack in the countryside :)

I did not hear about that!

Thank you realy Marrakesh is very nice

So glad I found this! I booked today for me and my partner to go next year. Great to have an idea of what to expect.

So glad you found this helpful, Donna. I hope you two have a great trip!

Such a detailed insides about morocco, a great read to be aware before going to morocco, I have some more insights in depth. If you want to read.

Thanks for the information, yes I agree that before visiting In Morrocco we must know about the details of that places. When I had visited that place I don’t know anything about that place but my journey was very interesting and beautiful. The natural beauty also attracts me a lot.

Glad you found it useful, Diana!

Thank you for being so detailed. Your blog is wonderful and very insightful. I will use it in future travels. Thank you for including pictures.

Thanks so much for reading, Madison!

Wow…such an amazing experience feeling happy while visiting Morocco. Basically, in time of our trip we visited local market bought many products. Thanks to our local guide from yougomorocco.com planned a trip in a perfect way. I hope I will plan this place in an upcoming year.

Thanks for such an informative blog! I would love to travel to Morocco, and in fact, almost booked a trip, but decided to go elsewhere instead due to time constraints. Thanks for the advice to get out of the cities and explore more.

thanks for sharing the valuable info for Morocco visitors !!

I’m planning to visit Morocco with my boyfriend in March. But I’m a bit skeptical. Will I be safe in Morocco

My daughters middle school is deciding bet Morocco & Brazil. there will be at least a minimum of 20 middle schoolers with parents, The trip will be next April 2018. Im worried either way on what they can do

I feel like as long as there are parents watching out for them, they should be okay. It’s unfortunate to say, but it helps if the parents are male. Our tour guide was telling us they previously sent a female guide who didn’t fare too well in the country.

Very informative write up. I appreciate your work. I will be visiting Casablanca on official note in a weeks time just for two days. I hope the experience will be great! However, you did not mention what the cost of various hotels are like.

Thank you so much.

I’m moroccan and I have been there like 5 times I think but everything you said is true. It’s good you’re being honest about it. Morocco is good but it’s not perfect.

Thanks for your comment. If you think about it, no country is perfect. I’m sure plenty of people have gone and had different experiences too, so it’s best seeing it for yourself. :)

Very informative. Thank you for being so open and honest. I still want to visit Morocco and now have a good idea as what to.expect, especially as a woman.

Thanks, Suzy! You absolutely should! :)

Thanks, I will be in morocco in July, really helpful tips, Choukran :) regards Ayaz

You’re so welcome! Have a great trip :)

How I can trip to morocco is there any cheap morocco holidays packages ? My friend suggest me this website http://www.viriksonmoroccoholidays.co.uk is this good ? i find this website have very affordable packages but I am confused because of fraud.

Unfortunately we’re not sure about that company since we’ve never been. The only experience we have in Morocco is with Contiki, which we had a great time with! Good luck!

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Is it safe to travel to Morocco right now? Latest travel advice

Here is the latest foreign office advice following iran’s military attack on israel.

O n April 19, Israel reportedly launched a retaliatory attack on Iran , in response to missile and drone attacks on Israel on April 13. The UK Foreign Office’s advice for Morocco has not changed following this, however it has highlighted that the situation is “changing fast”, and that visitors should monitor its advice before their trip. Additionally, it advises visitors that it’s more important than ever to get travel insurance and check that it provides sufficient cover before visiting the country.

Just three hours’ flight away with an hour’s time difference, Morocco is a short-haul option that offers holidaymakers endless variety at often incredibly affordable prices. The earthquake in the Atlas Mountains in September 2023 has deterred some tourists, but there are still plenty of reasons to visit. In cities like Marrakesh and Rabat, magnificent examples of Arabic architecture can be found in mosques, schools and historic sites, while expansive souks offer up the equivalent of Aladdin’s cave, filled with trinkets, carpets and handmade furniture. A bohemian vibe permeates its west coast, especially in Essaouira, where surfers flock for the reliable waves and affordable hotels. And then there are the mountains and desert for those looking for adventure.

What’s the latest government advice about travelling to Morocco?

The UK Foreign Office does not currently advise against travelling to any part of Morocco. However, it does state that terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks. In particular, there is an increased threat linked to the number of Moroccans sympathetic or belonging to Daesh (formerly ISIL) and other extremist groups.

The places highlighted as being at heightened risk include crowded areas, government buildings, transport networks, businesses with Western interests, and areas where foreign nationals and tourists are known to gather. You should stay vigilant and follow the advice of local authorities, the Foreign Office advises.

• Best hotels in Morocco • Best hotels in Marrakesh

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Has morocco been affected by the israel-hamas conflict.

Geographically speaking, as Morocco is very far from Israel it’s not directly affected by the Israel-Hamas conflict.

At the end of December 2020, Israel and Morocco also signed a normalisation agreement, which means both nations recognise each other’s sovereignty and are committed to establishing normal diplomatic relations.

However, within Morocco there is significant support for Palestinians with rallies taking place in the capital Rabat. The Foreign Office advises avoiding any kind of political protests.

• Is it safe to travel to Jordan right now? • Is it safe to travel to Dubai right now? • Is it safe to travel to Israel right now? • Is it safe to travel to Cyprus right now? • Is it safe to travel to Turkey right now?

Is it safe to travel to Morocco right now?

There’s no reason not to travel to Morocco, but there are some safety considerations to bear in mind.

Although there have been no recent kidnappings of foreign nationals, the UK Foreign Office warns that this cannot be ruled out in advice that also applies to other countries in northern Africa. The threat comes from terror groups from Libya, Mauritania, and the Sahel, who use it for financial or political gain.

Petty crimes such as pickpocketing, bag snatching and drive-by motorcycle theft are common in Morocco, particularly in tourist areas such historic quarters and beaches. There have also been occasional reports of violent crime where weapons such as knives have been used against tourists in street attacks and burglary. The Foreign Office advises avoiding quiet areas after dark and not to carry large amounts of cash or valuables with you.

Which areas were affected by the 2023 earthquake?

Close to 3,000 people died in Morocco after a devastating earthquake hit a remote area of the Atlas Mountains on September 8, 2023. Most of the deaths and injuries occurred in the mountain villages, which are often remote and difficult to access.

In Marrakesh, the nearest tourist hub, some buildings collapsed or were damaged as a result of the earthquake. Most of the damage was in the medina, a Unesco world heritage site and the oldest part of the city. Many of the buildings here are historic, and were not built to withstand natural disasters like earthquakes.

Agadir and Essaouira also experienced some superficial damage to buildings but were otherwise unaffected by the earthquake.

The country is, however, open to tourism, and the income from tourism is certainly appreciated by those affected by the earthquake.

• Best riads in Marrakesh • Best villas in Morocco

What are Morocco’s entry requirements?

British passport holders do not need a visa to enter Morocco for the purpose of tourism, and they can stay for up to 90 days. To stay for longer than 90 days, request an extension at a local police station.

Your passport should be valid for at least three months on the day you enter Morocco. Your passport should not be damaged as otherwise you may be refused entry. You should also make sure your passport is stamped on entry, as you may experience difficulties leaving.

Is Morocco safe for female travellers?

Morocco is generally considered safe for female travellers, especially in holiday resorts. However, if you’re travelling alone, you may receive unwanted attention from men. The Foreign Office advises wearing loose-fitting clothing that covers the arms, legs and chest.

• What can women do to stay safe while abroad?

Is Morocco safe for LGBT travellers?

Homosexuality is illegal in Morocco, although it remains a popular destination for LGBT travellers. The Foreign Office advises against public displays of affection, which may cause offence and lead to prosecution.

• Is it safe to travel to Israel right now? Latest advice • Is it safe to travel to Egypt right now? Latest advice • Is it safe to travel to Jordan right now? Latest advice • Is it safe to travel to Dubai right now? Latest advice

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All You Should Know Before Visiting Morocco – Travel Tips & Advice

Last Modified: July 3, 2023 //  by  Anda //   12 Comments

Morocco is one of the most magical, yet challenging places I have ever visited. It’s a rough and tumble country that has to be accepted on its own terms. If you don’t understand its culture, you won’t be able to enjoy it. Visiting Morocco can be both amazing and chaotic, which is why I believe it’s important to get as much information as you can before you travel there.

Located in North Africa, at the crossroads of three worlds – Mediterranean, Arab and African – Morocco is a country of great diversity. Here you’ll find the gorgeous coastlines, steep mountains, green valleys, and sweeping deserts. You’ll also find ancient cities, old Medinas, impressive Kasbahs, as well as European-inspired cites with modern architecture. The country’s culture is a blend of Arab, Berber, European and African influences.

Visiting Morocco will undoubtedly broaden your horizon and enrich your travel experience, but it will also be challenging. You’ll get in contact with a society and an environment which may be very unfamiliar to you, so you’ll often have to step outside of your comfort zone.

Table of Contents

Is Morocco Safe to Visit?

When should you visit morocco, how to get around when visiting morocco, is there a dress code in morocco, tipping is expected in morocco, scams and hassling are an issue, taking photos is very difficult, drones are illegal in morocco, should you stay in riads or hotels when visiting morocco, non-muslim can’t enter in mosques in morocco, shopping and haggling, alcohol is not easy to find in morocco, marijuana and hashish, safety tips, things you shouldn’t do when visiting morocco, a final word, essential things to know before visiting morocco.

If you plan to travel to Morocco you probably have a lot of questions, so I’ll try to address as many as I can in this post. I will also try to dispel any fears and concerns you might have, and instead give you some tips and insights into this culture to help you better understand this complex country. I hope that after reading this guide you’ll be able to travel with a lighter heart and have a good experience in Morocco.

The first question most travelers ask themselves before considering a trip to Morocco is whether the country is safe. Although in the past few years there were some terrorist attacks on the southern border, Morocco is a safe country for the most part. The crime rate is relatively low and violent crimes against tourists are not a common issue.

That being said, it is advised to stay vigilant at all times. Keep your valuables in a safe place and beware of scams and petty crime, which are very common here.  

One important thing to keep in mind is that Morocco is a Muslim country which follows Islamic laws. You should ensure that your behavior won’t offend the locals and try to be respectful to their customs and culture.

The Best time to visit Morocco is during the cooler months of the year: September through November and March through May.

During the summer months temperatures can be very oppressive, ranging from 40 to 55ºC (104 to 130ºF), except for the coastal regions where they are usually around 25-28ºC (77 to 82ºF).

During the winter months, the weather is generally poor and snow can make many mountain roads impassable for driving.

Before our trip to Morocco, we did a lot of research regarding the best way to visit the country. There are several ways to get around in Morocco: using public transportation, renting a car and self driving, or hiring a car with a private driver.

Public Transportation

Getting around in Morocco on public transport is generally easy. There are plenty of buses, collective taxis and trains that link the main cities in the north with the coast and Marrakesh. But although the coverage may be good, you’ll need to have some “Moroccan time” at hand, as service disruptions and delays occur quite frequently.

Trains are a good option if you are traveling between the major cities, but buses are a cheaper and more comprehensive alternative if you plan to visit smaller towns.

There are also Grand  taxis that cover longer routes between towns, but they don’t leave until they are full. Grand taxis are shared cabs that carry up to six passengers — two in the front beside the driver and four in the back. The Grand taxis have no meters, so you should negotiate the cost per person before you head out.

Renting a car also has its own challenges. Road conditions and traffic accidents are a significant hazard in Morocco. The mountain roads through the Rif and Atlas mountains are steep, narrow, and dangerous. Also, street lighting is minimal after dark and people or animals can suddenly appear in the middle of the road.

Parking is a problem as well. And not only in big cities, but also in smaller towns where the historic centers are car-free. In addition to these issues, you need to be aware of the fact that English is not largely spoken in Morocco. That makes asking for direction or trying to read the signs –which in many places are only in Arabic– really difficult. In our experience, Google Maps is not entirely reliable in Morocco.

Hiring a Car with a Private Driver

After months and months of research, we decided that the safest and most convenient way to travel through Morocco is to hire a car with a driver. Although it will certainly be cheaper to use public transportation or rent a car, hiring a private driver doesn’t cost as much as you might think. Not to mention the fact that it will give you a better experience and save you a lot of hassle.

After visiting Morocco for two weeks, I am still convinced that hiring a driver and travel guides in every big city was the best decision we made. Even my husband who doesn’t fear the challenges of driving all over the world (including the steep, narrow roads of Sicily ), agrees that having a private driver is THE way to travel in Morocco.

There are quite a few companies who offer these services, but knowing which one to choose may be tricky. Always read the company’s reviews before deciding. We worked with Morocco Hire Car and were more than pleased with them. They have English fluent drivers, very competitive prices and great service.

Our driver did so more for us than just take us from point A to B. He also took us to many interesting places that we didn’t know about, gave us practical information, helped us with our luggage and treated us like his own family.

Despite being a Muslim country, Morocco is more liberal than other Muslim states. Most Moroccan women don’t wear a veil –although they may well wear a headscarf. In big cities women are more emancipated, so you may see young girls wearing short-sleeved tops and knee-length skirts.

The general rule is to dress conservatively. For Muslims that means covering your legs and shoulders if you are a woman and wearing long pants if you are a man. Tourist women are not expected to cover their head, but they should dress decently when visiting Morocco. That means not wearing above the knee skirts and shorts, see-through clothing, or low cleavage tops if you are a woman.

If you are a man, you should wear long pants and a shirt. Nonetheless, when it’s hot outside you may see many tourists wearing shorts and sleeveless shirts, like in the U.S. That is particularly common in Marrakesh, which is a more liberal city, but not in smaller towns or in other parts of the country. But if you want to avoid unwanted attention –especially as a woman– you should try to conform to the local norms.

Starting with bathroom attendants and continuing with drivers, waiters, tour guides, and riad staff, expect to tip almost everywhere in Morocco and for just about any “service.” A kid lets you pet his pet? Tip! You stop to take a photo of some goats on trees ? Tip the herder! The tour guide at the museum? Tip! Bathroom attendant? Definitely tip! The golden rule is to always carry small change with you, or you’ll have to face some awkward situations.

Salaries are low in Morocco and although tipping should be optional and based on experience, it’s pretty much expected everywhere. This may not come as a surprise if you are coming from America, where ‘tipping jars’ are almost everywhere . But if you don’t come from a tipping culture, it will annoy you.

Scams, hassling and petty crime are a big problem when visiting Morocco. Especially if you travel alone. Luckily, most of the time we were either with a tour guide or with our driver. But when we were by ourselves we were a sure target. “Are you lost? Where do you want to go? To your hotel? I’ll take you. No money. Don’t worry!” And if you accept, you won’t be able to get them off your back until you pay them what they ask.

If you look disoriented, one guy will point you in the wrong direction and when you are completely lost, another one will come to the “rescue” you and offer “take you to where you need to go.”

Simply wandering through the souks would cause the nearby vendors to jump on us and follow us around, inviting us to their stores. We were trying to turn them down politely, but some of them just couldn’t get “no” for an answer. We could feel the stares on every turn we took and that made us feel very uneasy.

It’s a game of cat and mouse that wears you out very fast. Wandering around by ourselves in the medinas was so stressful, that we had to give it up after a while. That doesn’t mean that everyone is out to get you, but having to stay constantly on guard kind of ruins the experience.

Despite being a friendly and welcoming people, Moroccans don’t like you to take their picture. Actually, let me rephrase that: Moroccans don’t like you taking any pictures at all! Period. Whether you are pointing your camera to a stall, an animal, or a building they oppose it just as vehemently: “No photo! No photo!”

Some them will agree to have their picture taken –of course, tipping is implied– but many just don’t want tourists taking pictures of anything. I was trying to photograph a piece of furniture in a museum when one of the guards started yelling from across the hall: “No photos here! No photos!”

You may argue that this attitude has a lot do with their perception of privacy, but I believe it’s more than that. Moroccans see money making opportunities in almost anything, so they try to take advantage of every situation. You may not think it’s too big of a deal to tip a few Dirhams here and there, but when you end up paying 3-5 Dirhams (30-50 cents) every time you take a picture, you get fed up after a while.

Having to find tricks and reinvent yourself every time you want to take a picture is very annoying. Especially when considering that Morocco relies so heavily on tourism and wants to be promoted as a desirable destination!

As a travel photographer, a trip in which I can’t capture the local color, the lives of the people and their customs is a wasted trip. Luckily, in most places we visited we were accompanied by a travel guide and that made things a little easier. Not that we didn’t have to pay in many places, but at least not every time the locals demanded.

While we’re on the topic of photography you should know that drones are illegal   in Morocco. There are signs everywhere in the airport stating that you cannot bring drone into the country. Your bags will pass through a scanner at the airport, so don’t even try. They may fine you, confiscate your drone, or even put you in jail!

We tried to obtain an UAV permit to use the drone as Media professionals, but found out that even if we have a permit the authorities may confiscate our drone. So forget about taking aerial photos in Morocco!

You’ll encounter a great deal of new experiences when visiting Morocco: customs, food, culture, and even accommodations will be different from what you know. One thing you’ll have to decide when planning your trip is whether to stay in riads or hotels. There is a significant difference between the two, although there are lots of similarities when it comes to amenities and facilities.

What is a Riad?

Riads are basically the Moroccan version of a guesthouse centered around an open-air courtyard that contains a fountain. Historically, riads are mansions that were once occupied by wealthy families. Today, many of these riads have been remodeled and converted into luxury accommodations.

Riads have all the amenities of a modern hotel, but they maintain the typical atmosphere of a Moroccan house. These beautiful buildings often contain some extraordinary examples of Moorish architecture and Moroccan craftsmanship.

Generally, riads have fewer rooms than hotels and are located within the Medina walls, in narrow alleys. That means they are right where the action is and thus closer to the attractions. But that also means they are harder to access, since the medinas are car-free zones. Also, walking through these narrow, winding alleys after dark may be a little scary.

Hotels, on the other hand, are more accessible because they are generally located outside the old town. They also have more room options and are often held to international standards. So if you don’t feel very adventurous and prefer utmost accessibility and big rooms, you should go to a hotel. But if you want to immerse yourself entirely into the Moroccan culture and lifestyle, you should stay in a riad.

Ultimately, your choice will be determined by what’s more important for you when traveling: consistency and ease, or cultural experience.

One of the big disappointments for non-Muslims when visiting Morocco is not being able to enter into the mosques. There are many outstanding mosques in Morocco, but unfortunately only those who go in there to pray can access them. The only exception is Hassan II Mosque, in Casablanca, which can be visited by non-Muslims on guided tours, but only at specific times.

As for the rest of them, you’ll have to be content with an occasional glimpse through open doors, or just walking around the courtyard.

When visiting Morocco you’ll be amazed at the wide assortment of handicrafts available in the marketplace. But shopping in Morocco is not going to be your shopping mall experience. If you want to buy something here, you’ll have to be prepared to bargain.

The Western world (except for maybe southern Spain and Italy) doesn’t have much of a bargaining culture, but in Morocco bartering is an old tradition. You need to be aware that merchants inflate the prices many fold in order to leave room for haggling. 

Unfortunately, for most westerners having to negotiate a price can be very stressful. The process is very similar to that of buying a car or a house here, in the States. There are a few common sense rules that apply: 1. Know the market value of the objects. 2. Don’t show enthusiasm for the item you want. 3. Decide how much you want to pay for it and wait for an offer. 4. If the merchant doesn’t accept your counter-offer, wait for another offer or walk away.

Unless you agree on the price, you don’t have to buy anything. But if the merchant accepts your offer, then you have an obligation to buy. If you are not planning to buy anything, don’t engage in a conversation with the merchant.

They will pay you lots of compliments and may even offer you some of their famous mint tea to lure you into their shop. If you accept, they will believe you are looking to buy and it will be very hard to back out. Try to avoid the chat with a polite “no, thank you.” Never underestimate the merchant: they are smarter and think faster than you when it comes to negotiating a price.

Morocco is mostly a cash-based society, so you should always expect to pay in cash. The country’s currency is the Dirham, but euros and US dollars are accepted as well in most places.

Being a Muslim country, it’s more difficult to find alcohol in Morocco than it is for instance in Europe, or in other parts of the world. While you can buy alcohol in larger supermarkets and some bars, drinking doesn’t have a very good image in Morocco and most locals see alcohol as a Western drug. Even so, according to a recent study, Moroccans are drinking more now than they did some years ago.

As a general rule, drinking alcohol in public is against the law   and it could get you into trouble with the police. Therefore, it’s a good idea to be discrete when you drink and avoid walking around if you had too much alcohol.

Growing, selling, purchasing or using drugs is illegal in the Kingdom of Morocco. But but despite this fact, the country is the world’s biggest cannabis exporter. Most of the crops grow around the Rif Mountains, under the complicit watch of the local police, who turns a blind eye to it.

As a result, it’s not unusual to see people smoking hashish in pipes everywhere. As a tourist, you may be asked more than a few if you’d like to purchase some hashish. Smoking kif (marijuana) or hashish is commonplace in Morocco. Men usually roll it up in a joint mixed with tobacco. But buying it has its risks, as often police informers act as dealers, so you may get in trouble.

Morocco is overall a very safe country to visit. There are almost no violent crimes against travelers reported here. Moroccans are kind, warm and tolerant of other cultures, providing their beliefs are respected as well. They are known for their hospitality and warmth towards visitors, as they all aware of the fact that the tourism industry is a major economic source of income to most families directly or indirectly.

That being said, you should always exercise common sense when walking around the Medina streets. Especially after dark. Don’t display expensive jewelry or large amounts of money and be aware of your whereabouts.

Also hide money, credit cards, and your passport into deep inner pocket, or in a pouch under your clothes. I believe that pick pocketing is the most common crime here, and both men and women can be victims.

There are a few things that you should definitely avoid when visiting Morocco.

• Talk about the King, religion, or politics . It is recommended to avoid these 3 topics in your conversations with locals or other tourists in Morocco.

• Public displays of affection.  Very obvious gestures of affection are considered offensive in Morocco, so you should avoid kissing in public or other displays of love while there.

• Wander through back alleys.  There is a maze of narrow lanes and winding alleys in every old town in Morocco. They may be charming at first sight, but they are also dangerous. Venturing too deep into this maze can make you an easy victim for con artists and robbers. Stay in places where you can see other tourists

• Feel compelled to buy. If you plan to hire a tour guide to show you around when you travel in Morocco, you’ll often be dragged into shops under the pretext of showing you unusually beautiful crafts, or to observe a certain manufacturing process.

The guide will reassure you that he brought you there “just to see, not to buy.” But in fact, they will get a commission if you buy anything. Although it’s easy to see through this trick, you may feel pressured to buy at least something to please the guide or the store owner, but you shouldn’t.

READ NEXT : Visiting Chefchaouen, Morocco’s Blue City

Morocco is full of welcoming, generous and hospitable people who will be glad to share their historic sites, vibrant souks, and delicious cuisine with you. Therefore, one of the biggest mistakes you can make is avoid visiting this country for fear you may not be safe or welcome there. If you travel with an open mind and a willing heart, you’ll have a wonderful time in Morocco. I promise you!

If you found this information helpful, please pin this to help other travelers discover Morocco

INTERESTED IN A TRIP TO MOROCCO? YOU MAY ALSO LIKE THESE:

• Morocco Itinerary – How to Spend 10 Days in Morocco
• The Best Souvenirs to Buy When Shopping in Morocco
• The Mystery of the Tree-Climbing Goats in Morocco
• Best Things to Do in Chefchaouen, Morocco’s Blue City
• How to Plan a Perfect Day Trip From Marrakech to Essaouira

Anda is an award winning travel writer, avid globetrotter and passionate photographer. She is the voice behind "Travel Notes & Beyond," a collection of stories and travel impressions from her wanderings around the world. When she is not busy writing, traveling, or editing photographs, you can find her hiking in the foothills behind her house together with her husband and their dog.

Reader Interactions

March 27, 2023 at 1:56 pm

So many tips to learn from… Thanks for sharing!!!

April 28, 2023 at 12:58 pm

So many things to learn indeed, the most important of which is that Morocco and Moroccans are not Arabs and are vast majority ethnic Amazigh berbers. You can ruin your reputation by calling Moroccans ARabs, big no no.

January 29, 2023 at 1:33 pm

Thank you for the tips Anda. We are not yet sure whether we should hire a car with a private driver or book a private tour. We have read that the driver cannot act as a guide and therefore for certain cities we would still need to hire a guide. What is your opinion please?

January 29, 2023 at 2:42 pm

Technically your driver can’t act as a guide, so it’s better if you you hire local guides for cities like Marrakech, Fes and so on. They are are also more knowledgeable than a driver. However, our driver gave us all kinds of tips that were invaluable. Like how much to tip (and it was much less than we intended to give), what places are safe to wander around, what restaurants are rip-offs, and so on. Besides, having a local with you at all times is priceless in a country like Morocco. I’m not saying you won’t be able to make it without one, but your life will be so much easier.

January 30, 2023 at 12:15 am

Thank you for your prompt reply Anda 🙂 So just to confirm, if we book a private tour, how will this differ from a private driver? Per our understanding, a private tour will provide you with a driver, a guide and book hotels on our behalf. Is this correct?

January 30, 2023 at 12:49 am

There are different kinds of “private tours.” Some are small group tours, which will take you to different cities (or to the desert) and drop you there. From that point you may choose to hire a local guide, or visit the city on your own.

Another possibility is to rent a car with a driver, which is what we did. In each city we hired a local guide to take us around. That is of course more expensive, but you are the boss. The driver will take you wherever you want and stay at your service all the time. You may choose your own itinerary, or ask the company to make one for you. They can recommend hotels, restaurants, etc. etc. We designed our own itinerary and booked our own hotels, so we just paid for the car and the driver. That was slightly more expensive than just renting the car itself. I strongly recommend this option. In my post I have a link to the company from where we rented the car with a driver.

September 21, 2022 at 5:44 pm

Many good tips without having to ask the questions. Now looking for more insights as to “off the beaten path”.

September 21, 2022 at 6:45 pm

I’m still working on the Morocco posts and yes, “off the beaten path” destinations are coming soon. Thank you for dropping by.

July 27, 2022 at 6:25 pm

Great post, Anda. You are spot on — although it sounds like photography has gotten much more difficult since I was there. . . . and it was challenging enough then! We also hired a driver to take us around and used guides in larger cities (our brilliant driver was a fabulous unofficial guide in more rural places). You are right — a good driver and/or guide will take you to places you would never discover otherwise. And it makes getting around just so much easier. It’s not even that expensive, we found the price to be comparable to booking a mid-price tour. Of course, the trick is finding someone who will be really good and who you’ll want to be around over the course of long days of driving and touring.

July 29, 2022 at 10:05 am

I agree, Cindy. Having a drives puts you ahead of the crowds and it saves you a lot of time.

Roy Stevenson

June 30, 2022 at 11:01 am

Thanks for this excellent summary, Anda. Much appreciated. Morocco is on my bucket list & this gives me a good idea of what to expect. Best regards to you! Roy Stevenson

June 30, 2022 at 1:05 pm

Thanks for dropping by, Roy. Hope all is well with you and your wife.

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COVID-19: travel health notice for all travellers

Morocco travel advice

Latest updates: The Need help? section was updated.

Last updated: April 5, 2024 07:32 ET

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Safety and security, entry and exit requirements, laws and culture, natural disasters and climate, morocco - exercise a high degree of caution.

Exercise a high degree of caution in Morocco due to the threat of terrorism.

Border regions of Western Sahara - Avoid all travel

• within 30 km west of the Berm, Morocco’s militarized boundary in the Western Sahara
• between the Berm and neighbouring countries on the eastern and southern sides

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Protests related to the situation in Israel, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip

Since October 13, 2023, protests have been taking place in Rabat, Casablanca and other cities near government buildings. The current protests are related to the ongoing situation in Israel, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.

Additional protests are expected in Rabat, Casablanca, Marrakesh, Fez, Tangier and several other cities across the country.

Moroccan authorities may employ enhanced measures to respond to demonstrations, including:

• deploying additional security forces
• using crowd dispersal methods

If you are near an affected area:

• exercise caution
• expect heightened security measures
• avoid all demonstrations and gatherings
• follow the instructions of local authorities

Border regions

The berm (border regions of western sahara).

A militarized boundary, known as the Berm, separates the Moroccan-controlled part of Western Sahara from the rest of the Saharan territory, which borders Algeria and Mauritania. There are fatalities involving unexploded ordnance in this zone each year.

Border with Algeria

Morocco’s border with Algeria is closed. Don’t attempt to cross into Algeria by land or water. Avoid boating close to the maritime border in order not to cross it.

Western Sahara

Western Sahara is a non-autonomous territory whose political and legal status has yet to be determined through the United Nations. It’s a former area of conflict that’s still littered with unexploded landmines, particularly in remote regions and the militarized zone.

We may be extremely limited in our ability to provide assistance to Canadians in Western Sahara.

Travel in remote areas

When you travel to a remote area:

• restrict travel to officially designated tourist areas
• seek local, official tourist advice prior to travelling to the desert areas in the south
• hire only official guides recommended by hotels, travel agencies or local tourist authorities
• use only a four-wheel-drive vehicle for off-road driving in the mountains or desert
• ensure that your vehicle is properly equipped and has appropriate supplies and essentials, including potable water 

There’s a threat of terrorism, and attacks have targeted foreigners. In December 2018, 2 Scandinavian tourists were found dead in a mountainous area of ​​southern Morocco, 10 km from Imlil, a village in the High Atlas. Moroccan authorities have described the killing as a terrorist act. Terrorist attacks could occur at any time.

Targets could include:

• government buildings, including schools
• places of worship
• airports and other transportation hubs and networks
• public areas such as tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets, hotels (specifically coastal beach resorts), and other sites frequented by foreigners

For your safety:

• always be aware of your surroundings when in public places
• stay at hotels that have robust security measures; keep in mind, however, that even the most secure locations can’t be considered completely free of risk

There’s a threat of kidnapping against Westerners in remote regions of Morocco and in areas bordering Algeria and Mauritania.

• Maintain a high level of vigilance at all times, especially when travelling in the southern and border areas of Morocco
• Don’t hike alone in remote mountain regions

Demonstrations

Demonstrations take place from time to time, most often in Rabat. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.

• Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
• Follow the instructions of local authorities
• Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations

Mass gatherings (large-scale events)

Petty crime

Petty crimes notably pickpocketing, purse snatchings (sometimes by motorcyclists), scams and other thefts take place, most frequently in medinas, market areas, parks and on beaches but can also occur in all types of neighbourhoods.

To limit your risks:

• stay on major roads, especially when in the medinas, and exercise caution
• ensure that your personal belongings are secure
• don’t show signs of affluence, particularly when walking at night
• avoid carrying a purse
• don’t accept food, drinks or invitations from strangers, or change your planned itinerary at their request
• exercise caution in the mountainous Rif region, on the northern coast of Morocco. Drugs are produced in this area and tourists are occasionally tricked into unknowingly committing drug offences

While Moroccans are generally very friendly and hospitable, you should always exercise common sense and travel wisely.

Armed robbery

Armed robberies with knives have occurred and have resulted in injuries and in some cases, deaths. Don’t resist robbers.

Thefts occur around ATMs.

Credit card fraud

Credit card fraud is also frequent.

Forced purchases

Tourists have been forcibly taken to stores and intimidated into making purchases.

Women’s safety

Women travelling alone may be subject to certain forms of harassment and verbal abuse.

Advice for women travellers

Road safety

Road conditions and road safety vary greatly throughout the country, depending on location and weather (for example, in the mountains or during the rainy season).

• Avoid driving at night
• Have an accident report form (constat à l’amiable), which can be purchased at newsstands, in your vehicle at all times.

Not all drivers respect traffic regulations. Pedestrians, scooters and animals on roadways can also pose risks.

National roads

National roads are generally in good condition but are narrow and heavily congested.

Driving is generally easier on the highways.

Be extremely careful when driving on the Rabat-Casablanca highway and on certain national highways because of high traffic volume.

Accidents causing fatalities are common.

If an accident occurs and only involves material damage, the police won’t usually intervene. The parties involved should complete an accident report (joint report), which can be purchased at newsstands. If the accident involves casualties, avoid moving the vehicles before the police arrive.

Checkpoints

Checkpoints are frequent. Carry your identification and vehicle documents at all times.

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

Information about foreign domestic airlines

Internet romances

Exercise caution if travelling to Morocco for romance, especially in cases of relationships initiated on the Internet.

Find out beforehand about the country’s customs and laws on conjugal relations and marriage.

Ensure that you retain possession of your return plane ticket, your money and your passport in case problems arise.

Useful links

• Marriage abroad
• Overseas fraud

Public beaches

While swimming conditions in tourist areas are generally safe and problem-free, public beaches in major cities are often polluted and unfit for swimming.

Swimming at some beaches on the Atlantic coast is dangerous due to strong currents and tides. Only swim at designated beaches and exercise caution.

Fondation Mohammed VI pour la protection de l’environnement - a list of beaches that meet international standards

Women and girls can be the subject of harassment when wearing swimsuits. Exercise caution and opt for tourist beaches rather than the public ones.

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from the Moroccan authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the  Foreign Representatives in Canada .

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you expect to leave Morocco.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports

Tourist visa: not required for stays of less than 90 days Business visa: not required for stays of less than 90 days Student visa: not required for stays of less than 90 days

Extending your stay beyond 90 days

You must secure proper authorization if you plan to extend your stay in Morocco beyond 90 days. Contact the Service to Foreigners Section (Section du service aux étrangers) at the local police station at least 15 days prior to the expiry of the 90-day limit.

If you remain in Morocco beyond the 90-day limit, you’ll be forced to remain there until seen by a prosecutor and fined.

Entering by private boat

To enter Morocco by private boat, you must do so at a recognized port of entry.

Entering with a private vehicle

If you enter Morocco with a vehicle, you must exit with it or you will be denied exit.

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

Children and travel

Learn more about travelling with children .

Relevant Travel Health Notices

• Global Measles Notice - 13 March, 2024
• COVID-19 and International Travel - 13 March, 2024

This section contains information on possible health risks and restrictions regularly found or ongoing in the destination. Follow this advice to lower your risk of becoming ill while travelling. Not all risks are listed below.

Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic preferably 6 weeks before you travel to get personalized health advice and recommendations.

Routine vaccines

Be sure that your  routine vaccinations , as per your province or territory , are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination.

Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary. 

Yellow fever is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.

Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.

• There is no risk of yellow fever in this country.

Country Entry Requirement*

• Proof of vaccination is not required to enter this country.

Recommendation

• Vaccination is not recommended.

* It is important to note that country entry requirements may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements.

About Yellow Fever

Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres in Canada

There is a risk of hepatitis A in this destination. It is a disease of the liver. People can get hepatitis A if they ingest contaminated food or water, eat foods prepared by an infectious person, or if they have close physical contact (such as oral-anal sex) with an infectious person, although casual contact among people does not spread the virus.

Practise  safe food and water precautions and wash your hands often. Vaccination is recommended for all travellers to areas where hepatitis A is present.

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease. It can spread quickly from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of being infected with it when travelling internationally.

Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are fully protected against measles.

  Hepatitis B is a risk in every destination. It is a viral liver disease that is easily transmitted from one person to another through exposure to blood and body fluids containing the hepatitis B virus.  Travellers who may be exposed to blood or other bodily fluids (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) are at higher risk of getting hepatitis B.

Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all travellers. Prevent hepatitis B infection by practicing safe sex, only using new and sterile drug equipment, and only getting tattoos and piercings in settings that follow public health regulations and standards.

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious viral disease. It can spread from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

It is recommended that all eligible travellers complete a COVID-19 vaccine series along with any additional recommended doses in Canada before travelling. Evidence shows that vaccines are very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. While vaccination provides better protection against serious illness, you may still be at risk of infection from the virus that causes COVID-19. Anyone who has not completed a vaccine series is at increased risk of being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 and is at greater risk for severe disease when travelling internationally.

Before travelling, verify your destination’s COVID-19 vaccination entry/exit requirements. Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are adequately protected against COVID-19.

 The best way to protect yourself from seasonal influenza (flu) is to get vaccinated every year. Get the flu shot at least 2 weeks before travelling.  

 The flu occurs worldwide. 

•  In the Northern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs from November to   April.
•  In the Southern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs between April and   October.
•  In the tropics, there is flu activity year round. 

The flu vaccine available in one hemisphere may only offer partial protection against the flu in the other hemisphere.

The flu virus spreads from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Clean your hands often and wear a mask if you have a fever or respiratory symptoms.

In this destination, rabies is carried by dogs and some wildlife, including bats. Rabies is a deadly disease that spreads to humans primarily through bites or scratches from an infected animal. While travelling, take precautions , including keeping your distance from animals (including free-roaming dogs), and closely supervising children.

If you are bitten or scratched by an animal while travelling, immediately wash the wound with soap and clean water and see a health care professional. Rabies treatment is often available in this destination. 

Before travel, discuss rabies vaccination with a health care professional. It may be recommended for travellers who are at high risk of exposure (e.g., occupational risk such as veterinarians and wildlife workers, children, adventure travellers and spelunkers, and others in close contact with animals). 

Safe food and water precautions

Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.

• Learn more about food and water precautions to take to avoid getting sick by visiting our eat and drink safely abroad page. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
• Avoid getting water into your eyes, mouth or nose when swimming or participating in activities in freshwater (streams, canals, lakes), particularly after flooding or heavy rain. Water may look clean but could still be polluted or contaminated.
• Avoid inhaling or swallowing water while bathing, showering, or swimming in pools or hot tubs. 

Travellers' diarrhea is the most common illness affecting travellers. It is spread from eating or drinking contaminated food or water.

Risk of developing travellers' diarrhea increases when travelling in regions with poor standards of hygiene and sanitation. Practise safe food and water precautions.

The most important treatment for travellers' diarrhea is rehydration (drinking lots of fluids). Carry oral rehydration salts when travelling.

Typhoid   is a bacterial infection spread by contaminated food or water. Risk is higher among children, travellers going to rural areas, travellers visiting friends and relatives or those travelling for a long period of time.

Travellers visiting regions with a risk of typhoid, especially those exposed to places with poor sanitation, should speak to a health care professional about vaccination.  

Insect bite prevention

Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. When travelling to areas where infected insects may be present:

• Use insect repellent (bug spray) on exposed skin
• Cover up with light-coloured, loose clothes made of tightly woven materials such as nylon or polyester
• Minimize exposure to insects
• Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in buildings that are not fully enclosed

To learn more about how you can reduce your risk of infection and disease caused by bites, both at home and abroad, visit our insect bite prevention page.

Find out what types of insects are present where you’re travelling, when they’re most active, and the symptoms of the diseases they spread.

Animal precautions

Some infections, such as rabies and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. Certain types of activities may increase your chance of contact with animals, such as travelling in rural or forested areas, camping, hiking, and visiting wet markets (places where live animals are slaughtered and sold) or caves.

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating undercooked wild game.

Closely supervise children, as they are more likely to come in contact with animals.

Person-to-person infections

Stay home if you’re sick and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette , which includes coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu and other illnesses by:

•   washing your hands often
• avoiding or limiting the amount of time spent in closed spaces, crowded places, or at large-scale events (concerts, sporting events, rallies)
• avoiding close physical contact with people who may be showing symptoms of illness 

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) , HIV , and mpox are spread through blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise safe sex, and limit your number of sexual partners. Check with your local public health authority pre-travel to determine your eligibility for mpox vaccine.  

Tuberculosis is an infection caused by bacteria and usually affects the lungs.

For most travellers the risk of tuberculosis is low.

Travellers who may be at high risk while travelling in regions with risk of tuberculosis should discuss pre- and post-travel options with a health care professional.

High-risk travellers include those visiting or working in prisons, refugee camps, homeless shelters, or hospitals, or travellers visiting friends and relatives.

Medical services and facilities

The quality of medical care varies greatly throughout the country. Casablanca, Marrakesh and Rabat have good, private medical facilities for non-emergencies. Care in public health facilities is not up to Canadian standards.

Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment.

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Travel health and safety

Keep in Mind...

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.

Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a   travel health kit , especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.

You must abide by local laws.

Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad .

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are strict, and judgment is expeditious.

Alcohol consumption outside of licensed bars, hotels and restaurants is prohibited. Offenders may be punished by detention or other penalties. Alcohol can also be purchased from licensed stores for private consumption.

Drugs, alcohol and travel

Non-Islamic religious materials

Unauthorized importation of bibles or other non-Islamic religious material is prohibited, except for personal use. Religious preaching is forbidden.

Mailing identity papers

Sending identity papers, such as passports, by mail is forbidden in Morocco and authorities may confiscate them.

Extramarital sexual relations

Extramarital sexual relations are illegal. Hotels may refuse to allow couples to stay in the same room, if they’re unable to prove that they’re married. Foreigners, however, are almost always exempt from having to provide proof.

Pornography

Possession of pornographic material is illegal.

Photography

Don’t take photographs of military or security installations.

Drones and surveillance equipment

Drones and surveillance equipment are prohibited and will be confiscated by the authorities upon entry.

The Moroccan constitution states that the person of the King is inviolable and respect is due to him. It is expected that people avoid any criticism of the monarchy.

2SLGBTQI+ travellers

The laws of Morocco prohibit sexual acts between individuals of the same sex.

2SLGBTQI+ travellers should carefully consider the risks of travelling to Morocco.

Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics

Children and citizenship

Children of Moroccan fathers automatically acquire Moroccan citizenship at birth, regardless of where they were born. Children of Moroccan mothers may submit a request for their citizenship.

Under Moroccan law, parents may prevent their children from leaving Morocco.

Entry and exit requirements when travelling with children 

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is legally recognized in Morocco. According to Moroccan law, however, Moroccan citizenship takes precedence over any other citizenship.

Airport authorities regularly ask dual citizens to produce their Moroccan national identification card.

If you’re a citizen of Canada, but also a citizen of Morocco, our ability to offer you consular services may be limited in Morocco. You may also be subject to different entry/exit requirements.

General information for travellers with dual citizenship

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. The convention applies between Canada and Morocco.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Morocco, and if the applicable conditions are met, you may apply for the return of your child to the Moroccan court.

If you are in this situation:

• act as quickly as you can
• contact the Central Authority for your province or territory of residence for information on starting an application under The Hague Convention
• consult a lawyer in Canada and in Morocco to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
• report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to the Vulnerable Children’s Consular Unit at Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country’s judicial affairs.

• List of Canadian Central Authorities for the Hague Convention
• International Child Abduction: A Guidebook for Left-Behind Parents
• Travelling with children
• The Hague Convention - Hague Conference on Private International Law
• Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
• Emergency Watch and Response Centre

Dress and behaviour

Islamic practices and beliefs are adhered to in Morocco’s customs, laws and regulations. Dress conservatively, behave discreetly and respect religious and social traditions to avoid offending local sensitivities.

Public displays of affection are frowned upon.

In 2024, the lunar month of Ramadan is expected to begin on or around March 10.

In public, between sunrise and sunset, refrain from:

The currency in Morocco is the Moroccan dirham (MAD). The dirham cannot be exchanged outside of the country. Exchange only as much money as needed, as it is illegal to take dirhams out of Morocco.

Unused dirhams can be converted at the airport exchange counter upon departure, with proof of your initial currency purchase.

Credit cards and traveller’s cheques are accepted in certain stores and restaurants in urban centres and in major hotels.

Earthquake in the Marrakesh-Safi region

On September 8, 2023, a 6.8 magnitude earthquake struck near the city of Marrakesh, in the Marrakesh-Safi region. The tremors were felt in several cities across the country.

There was significant damage to infrastructure and many casualties, especially in the villages located in the area of the High Atlas. Emergency services continue to provide assistance to the affected populations and recovery efforts are underway.

If you are in or near the affected areas:

• monitor local media for the latest developments
• check road conditions before travelling

Morocco is located in an active seismic zone.

Rainy season

The rainy season usually extends from November to March, during which flash floods can occur frequently. These can be especially dangerous in the High Atlas valleys.

Monitor regional weather forecasts and plan accordingly

Local services

In case of emergency, dial:

• police: 190
• medical assistance: 150
• firefighters: 150

Consular assistance

For emergency consular assistance, call the Embassy of Canada to Morocco in Rabat and follow the instructions. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.

The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. We take the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provide credible and timely information in our Travel Advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad.

The content on this page is provided for information only. While we make every effort to give you correct information, it is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, expressed or implied. The Government of Canada does not assume responsibility and will not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided.

If you need consular assistance while abroad, we will make every effort to help you. However, there may be constraints that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide services.

Learn more about consular services .

Risk Levels

  take normal security precautions.

Take similar precautions to those you would take in Canada.

  Exercise a high degree of caution

There are certain safety and security concerns or the situation could change quickly. Be very cautious at all times, monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities.

IMPORTANT: The two levels below are official Government of Canada Travel Advisories and are issued when the safety and security of Canadians travelling or living in the country or region may be at risk.

  Avoid non-essential travel

Your safety and security could be at risk. You should think about your need to travel to this country, territory or region based on family or business requirements, knowledge of or familiarity with the region, and other factors. If you are already there, think about whether you really need to be there. If you do not need to be there, you should think about leaving.

  Avoid all travel

You should not travel to this country, territory or region. Your personal safety and security are at great risk. If you are already there, you should think about leaving if it is safe to do so.

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Latest update

Exercise a high degree of caution in Morocco overall due to the threat of terrorism.

Africa (PDF 1.68 MB)

Local emergency contacts

Fire and rescue services, medical emergencies.

Call 190, or go to the nearest hospital.

Call 190, or visit the nearest police station.

Advice levels

Exercise a high degree of caution in Morocco overall. 

Do not travel within 30km of the northern or western side of the Berm (a militarised boundary) or all areas south and east of the Berm.

Do not travel within 30km of the northern or western side of the Berm (a militarised boundary) or all areas south and east of the Berm because of the risk of armed conflict. Western Sahara's status as part of Morocco is disputed. An active, militarised independence movement known as the Polisario operates to the east of the Berm. 

See  Safety

• Terrorism is a risk in Morocco. Tourist areas and public places are possible targets. Be alert to possible threats. Avoid known targets. The risk increases in remote mountain areas, the south and border areas.
• There is currently an increased risk of demonstrations and protests occurring around the country linked to the situation in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories. There's an increased threat of attacks against Israel and Israeli interests. Follow the advice from local authorities and monitor media for any updates. 
• Large public gatherings and protests can turn violent. Avoid demonstrations. Take care on weekends and around Friday prayers.
• Foreigners are at high risk of serious crime across North Africa. This risk increases in remote areas. Don't hike alone in mountainous or isolated areas. Get professional security advice before travelling to border areas.
• Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, is common. Tourists have been mugged when walking at night. Keep your belongings close. Don't walk in isolated areas or along dark streets at night.
• You may face aggressive begging and harassment, particularly near ATMs. Female travellers may be sexually harassed. Take care when using ATMs. Avoid walking or travelling alone.
• Scams and fraud are common. These include double-charging credit cards and replacing your purchased goods with lower-quality ones. Australians have fallen victim to fake internet friendship, dating and marriage schemes in Morocco.

Full travel advice:  Safety

• Common insect-borne diseases include leishmaniasis and typhus. Malaria is less common. Use insect repellent. Ensure your accommodation is insect-proof.
• Waterborne, foodborne and other infectious diseases are common. Boil drinking water or drink bottled water. Avoid raw or undercooked food.
• Avoid black henna temporary tattoos. These often contain a dye that can irritate the skin.

Full travel advice:  Health

• Morocco has the death penalty for serious crimes, including high treason, terrorism, multiple murder and rape.
• Sexual acts between members of the same sex, or outside marriage, are illegal. Possessing pornographic material is also illegal.
• Understand and follow local laws. Morocco has strict laws around religion, the monarchy, alcohol, drug use, photography, pornography and drone use.
• Morocco recognises dual nationality, but Moroccan citizenship takes precedence. This can affect child custody disputes and military service requirements. Always travel on your Australian passport.
• Moroccan society is conservative. Avoid public displays of affection. In some parts of Morocco, you should wear loose fitting clothes that covers arms and legs.

Full travel advice:  Local laws

• You don't need a visa if you're travelling to Morocco for less than 3 months. Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. You should contact your nearest Moroccan Embassy for the latest information.
• In September 2023, an earthquake of magnitude 6.8 struck Morocco southwest of Marrakesh. Recovery and reconstruction efforts are continuing. Avoid travelling to impacted areas and follow the instructions from local authorities. Contact your travel provider for the latest updates. 

Full travel advice:  Travel

Local contacts

• The  Consular Services Charter  details what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.
• For consular assistance and notarial services, contact the  Australian Embassy in Rabat . You need to make an appointment for passport services. Book these online through the embassy website.
• The Australian Embassy in Rabat can issue Emergency Passports.
• To stay up to date with local information, follow the Embassy’s social media accounts.

Full travel advice:  Local contacts

Full advice

Terror attacks are a risk in Morocco.

Past attacks targeted locations that are popular with tourists.

Terrorists murdered two foreign nationals in December 2018. They were hiking in a remote mountain area near Mount Toubkal.

You could get caught up in attacks directed at others.

Various terror groups target the Maghreb region for attacks. This includes Morocco.

Moroccan authorities regularly arrest suspected terrorists and people associated with terror groups. 

Possible targets for future terror attacks include:

• places where foreigners go, such as hotels, clubs, restaurants and bars, and where alcohol is served or consumed
• places and institutions associated with Western interests
• schools, embassies and places of worship
• casinos, cinemas and other tourist areas
• markets and outdoor recreation events

In planning your activities, consider the kind of areas known to be terrorist targets and the level of security provided.

To reduce your risk of being affected by terrorism:

• monitor the media for any new or emerging threats
• take official warnings seriously
• always be alert to possible threats
• report any suspicious items or activities to police
• don't hike alone in remote mountain areas
• be alert if you travel to southern and border areas of Morocco
• follow the instructions of local authorities

If there's an attack, leave the affected area immediately, if it's safe to do so.

Avoid the affected area after an attack due to the risk of secondary attacks.

Terrorism is a threat worldwide.

More information:

Petty crime

Petty crime is common, including:

• pickpocketing
• bag snatching

Theft at knifepoint and other violent crime sometimes happen.

Muggings  have occurred when travellers were walking on deserted beaches and poorly lit streets at night.

Aggressive begging near ATMs is frequent and robberies occur.

Intimidation is sometimes used to force customers to buy goods. Tourists are aggressively harassed, often by men posing as official tourist guides.

Hotspots for crime include popular tourist areas, such as:

Women may be the subject of unwanted attention, particularly:

• when travelling on their own
• in markets, beaches and around tourist sites

To help keep yourself safe from crime:

• always keep your personal belongings close
• avoid walking in isolated areas or along dark streets at night
• take care when using ATMs
• secure your hotel room against intruders, even when you're in it
• avoid walking or travelling alone
• Advice for women travellers

Scams and fraud

Common scams and fraud include:

• charging a credit card twice
• replacing lower quality goods for those you purchased
• fake internet friendship or relationship

Australians have fallen victim to fake internet friendship, dating and marriage schemes in Morocco. These scams typically start with a relationship through an internet dating site, chat room or social media.

You may be asked to send money to help them cover travel expenses to Australia or assist in a faked medical emergency.

In most cases, the relationship will end with little chance of recovering any money.

In other cases, Australians are lured to Morocco to meet the person. When they arrive, they become victims of crimes such as kidnapping, assault and robbery.

To avoid becoming a victim of a scam:

• keep your credit card in sight during all transactions
• check goods carefully when you make purchases
• be wary if approached by people online you don't know from Morocco or other West African countries
• don't send money to anyone in Morocco until you make proper checks.

If you're the victim of a scam, get legal advice. Don't travel to Morocco to seek restitution.

Cyber security

You may be at risk of cyber-based threats during overseas travel to any country. Digital identity theft is a growing concern. Your devices and personal data can be compromised, especially if you're connecting to Wi-Fi, using or connecting to shared or public computers, or to Bluetooth. 

Social media can also be risky in destinations where there are social or political tensions or laws that may seem unreasonable by Australian standards. Travellers have been arrested for things they have said on social media. Don't comment on local or political events on your social media. 

More information:   

• Cyber security when travelling overseas  

Civil unrest and political tension

Demonstrations and protests.

Domestic and regional issues can incite protests at any time. Large-scale demonstrations can occur at short notice. Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent.

There is currently an increased risk of demonstrations and protests occurring around the country linked to the evolving situation in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories. Demonstrations have occurred in most major cities in proximity to public buildings. Additional demonstrations are expected.  

Most gatherings are peaceful but isolated incidents of vandalism and looting occur.

Sporting events can attract large crowds, and tensions may lead to security incidents.

Western Sahara's status as part of Morocco is disputed. A mostly sand wall, 'the Berm', separates:

• areas controlled by Morocco
• areas controlled by an independence movement known as the Polisario

Armed conflict has occurred since the ceasefire collapsed in November 2020. Local or more widespread conflict could resume with little warning.

To protect yourself during periods of unrest:

• monitor the media for reports of possible activity
• avoid affected areas
• take care on days of national or commemorative significance
• be extra careful on weekends, including the period around Friday prayers

Be ready to change your travel plans in case of disruptions.

If you're affected by transport disruptions, contact your airline, travel agent or insurer.

• Demonstrations and civil unrest

Climate and natural disasters

Earthquakes.

Morocco is in an earthquake zone.  Earthquakes  sometimes occur.

In September 2023, an earthquake of magnitude 6.8 struck Morocco southwest of Marrakesh.

 To protect yourself in case of an earthquake:

• know the evacuation plan for your hotel or accommodation
• secure your passport in a safe, waterproof location
• monitor local media and other sources such as the  Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System
• follow the advice of local authorities
• keep in contact with your friends and family

Flash flooding can occur. Risk of flooding is higher:

• in the mountains or near rivers
• during the rainy season from November to March

Travel insurance

Get comprehensive  travel insurance  before you leave. 

Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won’t pay for these costs.

If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.

You may need a special insurance policy for 'do not travel' destinations. Some Australian insurance policies may not cover you for travel to 'do not travel' destinations.

If you're not insured, you may have to pay many thousands of dollars up-front for medical care.

• what activities and care your policy covers
• that your insurance covers you for the whole time you’ll be away

Physical and mental health

Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition.

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

• have a basic health check-up
• ask if your travel plans may affect your health
• plan any vaccinations you need

Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.

If you have immediate concerns for your welfare or the welfare of another Australian, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or contact your  nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate  to discuss counselling hotlines and services available in your location.

• General health advice
• Healthy holiday tips  (Healthdirect Australia)

Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.

If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in Morocco. Take enough legal medication for your trip.

Carry a copy of your prescription or a dated letter from your doctor stating:

• what the medication is
• your required dosage
• that it's for personal use

Health risks

Insect-borne diseases.

Insect-borne diseases are common in Morocco, including:

• leishmaniasis
• typhus fever

Malaria  is less common.

To protect yourself from disease:

• make sure your accommodation is insect-proof
• use insect repellent
• wear long, loose, light-coloured clothes

Get medical advice if you develop a fever, muscle pain, a rash or a bad headache.

• Infectious diseases

Other health risks

Some waterborne, foodborne and other infectious diseases are common.

To protect yourself from illness:

• drink boiled water or bottled water with sealed lids
• avoid ice cubes
• avoid raw and undercooked food, such as salads
• don't swim in fresh water

Get medical advice if you have a fever or diarrhoea.

Henna tattoos

Avoid temporary black henna tattoos. They often contain a dye that can cause a serious skin reaction.

Medical care

Medical facilities.

Major cities generally have adequate medical facilities.

Services can be extremely limited in:

• smaller cities
• rural and remote areas

Most private hospitals require upfront payment before admitting patients, including in an emergency. Not paying up-front may delay your treatment.

Most ambulance services are privately operated.

You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.

If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our  Consular Services Charter . But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

Penalties for drug offences are severe and can include long prison terms.

• Carrying or using drugs

Death penalty

The death penalty can apply for serious offences such as:

• high treason
• multiple murder

Sexual activities that are against the law in Morocco include:

• same-sex sexual acts
• sexual acts outside marriage
• possessing pornographic material

In Morocco, it's illegal to:

• preach a religion other than Islam or import religious materials that don't relate to Islam
• perform acts or make statements that criticise or denigrate the monarchy
• drink alcohol in public places
• buy pirated or counterfeit items
• present a cheque without sufficient funds
• send a passport through the mail
• consume drugs, even in small quantities
• possess pornographic material

Authorities may question or detain you if you:

• aren't Muslim and try to enter a mosque that isn't open to the general public
• take photos of official buildings, government or military buildings, other sensitive facilities or areas near these locations

Drone use is heavily controlled in Morocco. Seek approval from the Moroccan Government before you enter the country with a drone.

• Advice for LGBTI travellers

Marriage requirements

If you want to  get married  in Morocco, you'll need to present:

• a  Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage (CNI)
• a copy of your passport with a valid Moroccan entry stamp or valid residency documents

You can organise these documents through:

• the consular section of the  Australian Embassy in Morocco
• your nearest  DFAT office  in Australia

Australian laws

Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you’re overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.

• Staying within the law and respecting customs

Dual citizenship

Morocco recognises dual nationality.

Under Moroccan law, Moroccan citizenship takes priority. This can affect your rights and responsibilities, including:

• military service
• parental custody
• access to consular services

If you're a dual national, even if your second nationality is not Moroccan, the Australian Embassy may be restricted in the  consular assistance  we can provide you with if you're arrested or detained.

Always travel on your  Australian passport .

Moroccan citizenship is automatic for the children of Moroccan fathers. Moroccan women who are married to foreigners can also pass on their Moroccan citizenship to their children.

Local law applies to child custody decisions. This may affect whether you can leave Morocco with your children.

If you're a dual national, seek legal advice on child custody disputes.

If you're a single parent travelling with children, you may need to carry a letter from the second parent authorising the children’s travel plans. Always carry your children’s birth certificates or have copies on hand.

• Dual nationals

Local customs

Standards of dress and behaviour are conservative in many parts of Morocco.

Public displays of affection can cause offence.

In some parts of Morocco, women should consider wearing loose clothing covering the arms and legs.

Take care in or around:

• rural and traditional areas
• religious shrines
• religious schools

Couples may need to provide proof of marriage to get shared accommodation.

Take care not to offend. If in doubt, seek local advice.

Religious festivals

Ramadan is a holy month of fasting for Muslims around the world. R espect  local laws and customs during this period. 

Check the start and end dates of Ramadan prior to your travel, as these change every year. Under Moroccan law, Muslims aren’t allowed to eat, drink or smoke in public during Ramadan unless they meet requirements for a dispensation (such as illness, travel or pregnancy). 

While this doesn't apply to non-Muslims, if you are non-Muslim you should still avoid eating, drinking or smoking in public or around those who are fasting, so as not to attract attention or questioning by police.

Most restaurants, cafés, eateries, and delivery services do not operate during the day, and some tourist attractions might be closed.

Visas and border measures

Every country or territory decides who can enter or leave through its borders. For specific information about the evidence you'll need to enter a foreign destination, check with the nearest embassy, consulate or immigration department of the destination you're entering. 

Visa-free travel for short stays

You won't need a visa to visit Morocco for less than 3 months. In other situations, you'll need a visa.

Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. You should contact your nearest  Embassy of Morocco  for the latest details.

Moroccan embassies or tourist and travel offices can inform you about visas, currency, customs and other travel requirements.

Visa overstays

Do not overstay your visa.

If you overstay your visa you won’t be able to leave Morocco until you regularise your immigration status. You could be subject to a fine, a deportation order or a ban from re-entering.

If you have overstayed your visa, or are unable to leave due to border closures, contact your nearest police station. Once you have regularised your visa status, make sure you obtain a written exit permit from the police station to present at your point of departure.

Without a written permit, you won't be able to travel out of Morocco.

Passport stamps

Some tourists report having trouble leaving the country without a stamp in their passport.

Get your passport stamped when you enter Morocco.

Closed borders

The land border between Morocco and Algeria is closed.

Don't attempt to cross into Algeria by land.

Some countries won’t let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you’re just transiting or stopping over.

Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.

You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.

The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport’s expiry date before you travel. If you’re not sure it’ll be valid for long enough, consider getting  a new passport .

Lost or stolen passport

Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who want to use your identity to commit crimes.

To protect your passport, always keep it in a safe place.

Be aware of people trying to trick you into giving them your passport.

If your passport is lost or stolen, you should obtain a police report detailing the loss or theft of the passport, and tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:

• In Australia, contact the  Australian Passport Information Service
• If you're overseas, contact the nearest  Australian embassy or consulate

Passport with 'X' gender identifier

Although Australian passports comply with international standards for sex and gender, we can't guarantee that a passport showing 'X' in the sex field will be accepted for entry or transit by another country. Contact the nearest  embassy, high commission or consulate of your destination  before you arrive at the border to confirm if authorities will accept passports with 'X' gender markers. 

• LGBTI travellers  

The local currency is the Moroccan Dirham (MAD).

You must declare all amounts in foreign currency over MAD100,000 when you arrive and depart.

Access to money

The Australian Dollar is not on the Moroccan Government-approved exchange currencies list. You will not be able to exchange cash denominated in Australian dollars while in Morocco. Prior to arriving, you should exchange Australian dollars into US dollars or euros, which Moroccan exchange bureaus accept.

Alternatively, you could use money transfer services, such as  Western Union  or  MoneyGram , to send yourself funds that you can collect in Moroccan Dirhams using your passport. 

Only exchange currency at:

• commercial banks
• licensed exchange bureaus

Australian credit cards are generally accepted in larger cities and tourist centres.

ATMs are widely available in cities and most large towns.

Contact your bank to make sure your cards will work in Morocco.

It's illegal to take Moroccan Dirhams out of the country. Convert any unused Dirhams prior to your travel out of Morocco.

Local travel

Earthquake affected areas.

There was widespread damage to buildings and infrastructure, including power, water, roads and communications following a magnitude 6.8 Earthquake in September 2023. Recovery and reconstruction efforts are still underway. Avoid travelling to impacted areas and follow the instructions from local authorities. Contact your travel provider for any updates. 

Unexploded landmines are an ongoing risk in Western Sahara . This risk is higher within 30km of the Berm, but also closer inland.

To protect yourself against landmines:

• don't travel to areas within 30km of the northern or western side of the Berm
• don't travel south or east of the Berm

If, despite our advice you travel to these areas, seek professional security advice and stick to formed roads and paths in any areas where landmines are a risk.

Transport and tour operators don't always meet the safety and maintenance standards you might expect. This includes  adventure activities , such as diving and desert excursions.

Safety equipment, such as life jackets and seatbelts, may not be provided.

To reduce your risks while taking a tour in Morocco:

• make sure the activity is covered by your travel insurance
• check the operator's credentials and safety equipment, including communications, before you book
• ask about, and insist on minimum safety requirements
• always use available safety equipment, even if others don't
• avoid hiking alone in remote mountain areas

If you don't have access to safety equipment, use another provider. See  Safety

Driving permit

To drive in Morocco, you must have both:

• a valid Australian driver's licence
• an International Driving Permit (IDP)

You must get your IDP before you leave Australia.

Road travel

The death toll from road accidents in Morocco is high.

Hazards include:

• unsafe driving practices
• poor lighting and road quality in rural areas
• pedestrians and animals on rural roads

Driving on rural roads at night is particularly dangerous.

Drivers must carry an unfilled 'accident report' (constat à l'amiable) in the vehicle. You can buy these forms at local newsstands. It is also a legal requirement to carry a traffic cone and a reflective vest, in case of an accident or an emergency stop.

The police don't usually intervene in minor road accidents where no one is injured. All parties involved need to complete an accident report.

If the accident involves injuries, you must wait for police to arrive before moving your vehicle.

Checkpoints are common. You must be able to show:

• personal identification (ID)
• vehicle-related documents

If you plan to drive in Morocco:

• learn local traffic laws and practices
• be alert to possible hazards, especially at night
• avoid road travel at night outside urban areas

Be alert on mountain roads and major highways.

Always carry personal ID and vehicle documents, including an accident report form.

• Driving or riding

Motorcycles

Your travel insurance policy may not cover you if you have an accident while driving a motorbike, quad bike or similar. Check before you drive.

Always wear a helmet. Make sure your passenger does too.

Only use registered taxis and limousines, preferably booked through your hotel.

Public transport

Several fatal bus crashes on intercity routes have occurred.

Morocco's rail network is relatively safe and reliable, but accidents happen.

In October 2018, a train derailed between the cities of Sale and Kenitra. Many passengers were killed or injured.

Pickpocketing and petty theft on trains occurs. Stay alert and don't leave luggage unattended.

DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

Check  Morocco's air safety profile  with the Aviation Safety Network.

Emergencies

Depending on what you need, contact your:

• family and friends
• travel agent
• insurance provider

Call 190 or go to the nearest hospital.  Contact your travel insurer’s 24-hour emergency number as soon as you can.

Call 190 or visit the nearest police station.

Most emergency phone operators don't speak English.

Always get a police report when you report a crime.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

Consular contacts

Read the  Consular Services Charter  for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.

You can access passport, notarial and consular services for Australians overseas at the Australian Embassy in Morocco.

You'll need to make an appointment for passport or notarial services. Book online through the website of the  Australian Embassy in Morocco .

Australian Embassy, Morocco

66, Avenue MehdiBen Barka 10000 Souissi-Rabat Morocco Phone: +212 537 543366 Fax: +212 537 656046 Email: [email protected]  or  [email protected]   Website:  morocco.embassy.gov.au Facebook: Australian Embassy Morocco

Check the Embassy website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact the embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
• 1300 555 135 in Australia

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Learn About Your Destination

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Emergencies

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Travel Advisory July 13, 2023

Morocco - level 2: exercise increased caution.

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.

Exercise increased caution in Morocco due to  terrorism .

Country Summary : Terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in Morocco. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, and local government facilities.

Read the  country information page  for additional information on travel to Morocco.

If you decide to travel to Morocco:

• Stay alert in locations frequented by tourists.
• Avoid demonstrations and crowds.
• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on  Twitter  and  Facebook .
• Review the  Country Security Report  for Morocco.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest  Travel Health Information  related to your travel.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .

Embassy Messages

View Alerts and Messages Archive

Quick Facts

Must have at least six months of validity at time of entry

One page required for entry stamp

Not required for stays under 90 days

None  

Declare large quantities at entry

Export of Moroccan currency is prohibited

Embassies and Consulates

U.s. consulate general casablanca.

8 Boulevard Moulay Youssef, Casablanca, Morocco

Telephone:  +(212) (522) 642-099

Emergency After-Hours Telephone:  +(212)(661) 13-19-39

Fax:  +(212) (522) 29-77-01

[email protected]

The normal work week in Morocco is Monday through Friday.

U.S. Embassy Rabat

KM 5.7, Avenue Mohammed VI Souissi, Rabat 10170, Morocco

Telephone:  +(212)(537) 63-72-00

Emergency After-Hours Telephone:  +(212)(661)13-19-39

Fax:  +(212)(537) 63-72-01

Please note that U.S. Embassy Rabat does not offer consular services and does not have entry facilities for public visitors.

Destination Description

Learn about the U.S. relationship to countries around the world.

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

Passports and Visas:

• You must have a valid passport with at least one blank page.
• Visas are not required for visits lasting less than 90 days. Visit the  Embassy of the Kingdom of Morocco  website for the most current visa information.
• Overstays: If you remain in Morocco beyond 90 days without having requested an extension of stay, you will need to appear before a judge prior to departing Morocco. Please contact the immigration office at your local police station for details. Clearance may include the payment of a fine.
• Lost/Stolen Passports: Please obtain a police report for a lost or stolen passport in the area where the loss or theft occurred.  Recently, police have required evidence of U.S. citizenship prior to issuing the report of loss. In these cases, U.S. citizens may visit U.S. Consulate General Casablanca to obtain a temporary emergency passport prior to obtaining a report of loss.
• Travelers who plan to reside in Morocco must obtain a residence permit, (Certificat d’Immatriculation) Applications should be submitted to the Bureau des Etrangers of the Prefecture de Police or Commissariat Central in major cities, and to the Gendarmerie in remote areas and villages. Please see Residency Permits section under the Local Laws & Special Circumstances tab.
• Carry a copy of your U.S. passport with you at all times to have proof of identity and U.S. citizenship readily available, if needed.
• Children who possess U.S. passports and who are born to a Moroccan father may experience difficulty leaving Morocco without the father's permission, even if the parents are divorced and the mother has legal custody. Under Moroccan law, these children are considered Moroccan citizens.  
• U.S. citizen women married to Moroccans do not need their spouse's permission to leave Morocco.

HIV/AIDS:   The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Morocco. 

Find information on  dual nationality ,  prevention of international child abduction , and  customs regulations  on our websites.

Safety and Security

All countries in the region remain vulnerable to attacks from transnational terrorist organizations or individuals inspired by extremist ideology with little or no warning. The potential for terrorist violence against U.S. interests and citizens exists in Morocco. Long an important counterterrorism partner with the United States, Morocco’s capable security services have taken robust actions to guard against terrorist attacks. Moroccan authorities continue to disrupt groups seeking to attack U.S. or Western-affiliated and Moroccan government targets, arresting numerous individuals associated with international terrorist groups. Nevertheless, credible information indicates terrorist groups continue to plot potential attacks in the region, including Morocco. Lone wolf attacks are difficult to detect and disrupt and can occur without warning. In December 2018, two Scandinavian tourists were murdered by three Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) supporters in the Imlil Mountains near Marrakesh. U.S. citizens are reminded to remain vigilant with regards to their personal security.

Establishments that are identifiable with the United States are potential targets for attacks. These may include facilities where U.S. citizens and other foreigners congregate, including clubs, restaurants, places of worship, schools, hotels, movie theaters, U.S. brand establishments, and other public areas.  U.S. citizen campers should camp in guarded campgrounds rather than isolated campsites.

Demonstrations: Demonstrations occur frequently in Morocco, are typically focused on political or social issues, and are only rarely confrontational or violent.

• During periods of heightened regional tension, large demonstrations may take place in major cities.
• By law, all demonstrations require a government permit, but spontaneous unauthorized demonstrations, which have greater potential for violence, can occur. In addition, different unions or groups may organize strikes to protest an emerging issue or government policy.
• Travelers should be aware of current events in Morocco and stay informed of regional issues that could resonate in Morocco and create an anti-American response.
• Avoid demonstrations if at all possible.
• If caught in a demonstration, remain calm and move away immediately when provided the opportunity.
• Exercise increased vigilance in areas that attract large crowds, such as sporting events.

Western Sahara: From 1975 to 1991, Western Sahara was the site of armed conflict between Moroccan government forces and the POLISARIO Front, which continues to seek independence for the territory. Tensions along the border in Western Sahara heightened in November 2020 when Moroccan forces conducted an operation on the border to clear a blockade by the POLISARIO Front; both sides have since engaged in a low intensity conflict along the border. There are thousands of unexploded mines in the Western Sahara and in areas of Mauritania adjacent to the Western Saharan border. Exploding mines are occasionally reported and have caused death and injury. There have been instances in which U.S. citizens suspected of being participants in political protests or of supporting NGOs that are critical of Moroccan policies have been expelled from, or not been allowed to enter, Western Sahara.

Crime: Crime in Morocco is a serious concern, particularly in major cities and tourist areas.

• Use common sense and the same personal security measures you would normally use in a large U.S. city or tourist destination. 
• Do not leave bags unattended. Keep them in sight and avoid placing passports, cash, cell phones, or other valuables in the outer pockets of backpacks or purses, or on tables in public places. Do not leave bags slung over the backs of chairs, on hotel or store counters, on top of your suitcase or larger travel bag, or out of your physical control in hotel lobbies, train stations, restaurants, and other public locations.
• Aggressive panhandling, pick-pocketing, purse-snatching, theft from unoccupied vehicles, and harassment of women are the most frequently reported issues.
• Criminals use weapons, primarily knives, during some street robberies and burglaries. These crimes have occurred at any time of day or night, not only in isolated places or areas less frequented by visitors, but in crowded areas as well.
• Residential break-ins also occur and have on occasion turned violent, but most criminals look for opportunities based on stealth rather than confrontation.
• Travelers should avoid soccer stadiums and their environs on days of scheduled matches as large groups of team supporters have been known to become unruly and harass and assault bystanders. 
• Joggers should be mindful of traffic and remain in more heavily populated areas. It is always best to have a jogging companion, dress modestly, and avoid isolated areas or jogging at night.
• At night and when moving about unfamiliar areas, avoid traveling alone and utilize “petit” taxis which vary by color in the major cities (Casablanca-Red, Rabat-Blue, Marrakech-Tan, etc.).
• Taxis* in Morocco are generally crime-free during day time, although city buses are not considered safe.
• Trains are generally safe, but theft, regardless of the time of day, sometimes occurs.
• Avoid carrying large sums of cash and be particularly alert when using ATM machines. In the event you are victimized by crime or an attempted crime, please report the incident to the local police and the U.S. Consulate General in Casablanca as soon as possible.

* NOTE: Some popular web-based ride-sharing services have operated in Morocco; however, the French-based company Heetch is currently the only service legally authorized to operate by the Moroccan Government. Media report that drivers of web-based ride-sharing services have been harassed and assaulted by regular taxi drivers in the recent past.

Victims of Crime:  U.S. citizen victims of crimes should contact the local police at 19 from a land line or 190 from a mobile phone, and the U.S. Consulate in Casablanca at (212) 522 64 20 99. Remember that the local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes. See our webpage on  help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .

• help you find appropriate medical care;
• assist you in reporting a crime to the police;
• with written consent, contact your relatives or friends;
• explain the local criminal justice process in general terms;
• provide a list of local attorneys;
• provide information on  victim’s compensation programs in the United States;
• provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution;
• help you find accommodation and arrange flights home;
• replace a stolen or lost passport.

Tourism : The tourism industry is generally regulated in major tourist areas.  Hazardous areas/activities are identified with appropriate signage and professional staff is typically on hand in support of organized activities. However, outside of these areas, the tourism industry is unevenly regulated, and safety inspections for equipment and facilities do not commonly occur. Hazardous areas/activities are not always identified with appropriate signage, and staff may not be trained or certified either by the host government or by recognized authorities in the field.  In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is typically available only in/near major cities.  Outside of a major metropolitan center, it may take more time for first responders and medical professionals to stabilize a patient and provide life-saving assistance.  U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance.  See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage.

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties: You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. In some places you may be taken in for questioning if you don’t have your passport with you.

Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the U.S., regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on  crimes against minors abroad  and the Department of Justice  website.

Arrest Notification : If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Consulate immediately. See our  webpage  for further information.

• Crimes of fraud, including passing bad checks, non-payment of bills (including hotel bills), or breach of contract are considered serious in Morocco and can often result in imprisonment and/or fines.
• Bail generally is not available to non-residents of Morocco who are arrested for crimes involving fraud.
• Debtors can be held in prison until their debts are paid or until an agreement is reached between the parties. 
• Passports may be seized by the Moroccan government to guarantee that debtors settle their cases. 
• Debtors may be unable to work in Morocco without passports while still being held responsible for their debts. 
• Prior to entering into a contract, you may want to consider consulting an attorney.

Faith-Based Travelers : Islam is the official religion in Morocco. However, the constitution provides for the freedom to practice one's religion. The Moroccan government does not interfere with public worship by the country’s Jewish minority or by expatriate Christians. Proselytizing is, however, prohibited. In the past, U.S. citizens have been arrested, detained, and/or expelled for discussing or trying to engage Moroccans in debate about Christianity. In February 2014, several U.S. citizens were expelled from Morocco for alleged proselytizing. Many of those expelled were long-time Moroccan residents. In these cases, U.S. citizens were given no more than 48 hours to gather their belongings or settle their affairs before being expelled. See the  Department of State’s International Religious Freedom Report .

LGBTI Travelers: Consensual same-sex sexual relations are criminalized in Morocco. Penalties include fines and jail time. See   our  LGBTI Travel Information  page and section 6 of our  Human Rights report  for further details.

Travelers Who Require Accessibility Assistance: While in Morocco, individuals with disabilities may find accessibility and accommodation very different from what is customary in the United States. 

Students: See our  Students Abroad  page and  FBI travel tips .

Women Travelers : Women walking alone in certain areas of cities and rural areas are particularly vulnerable to assault by men. They should exercise caution when in public spaces, including nightclubs or other social establishments. Women are advised to travel with a companion or in a group when possible and to ignore any harassment. See our tips for  Women Travelers .

Customs: Travelers must declare large quantities of U.S. dollars brought into the country at the port of entry. The export of Moroccan currency (dirhams) is prohibited; however, Moroccan currency can be converted back into U.S. dollars prior to departure only if the traveler has a bank or money transfer receipt indicating he or she exchanged dollars for dirhams while in Morocco.

Moroccan customs authorities may enforce strict regulations concerning temporary importation into or export from Morocco of items such as firearms, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) or drones, religious materials, antiquities, business equipment, and large quantities of currency. It is advisable to contact the  Embassy of Morocco in Washington, D.C.,  or the  Moroccan Consulate General in New York  for specific information concerning customs requirements.

Please see our information on  Customs and Import Restrictions.

Citizenship : The Government of Morocco considers all persons born to Moroccan fathers to be Moroccan citizens. In addition to being subject to all U.S. laws, U.S. citizens who also possess the nationality of Morocco may be subject to other laws that impose special obligations on citizens of Morocco. Recently, Morocco has begun allowing Moroccan mothers of children born outside Morocco to petition for their children’s citizenship. For further information on that process, please contact the  Embassy of Morocco in Washington, D.C.,  or the  Moroccan Consulate General in New York .

Residency Permits: In order to obtain a residence permit, travelers must present (among other requirements) a criminal history record check. This record check can only be obtained in the United States. The U.S. Consulate and Embassy are unable to take fingerprints to send for FBI record requests. For specific information, individuals seeking residency should visit their local police station. 

The following documents must accompany a residency renewal application:

• Birth Certificate
• Copy of the current passport
• Copy of the current Moroccan residency card
• Medical certificate from a doctor stating that the requester is free from any contagious disease
• Court record (Casier Judiciaire) obtained from the Ministry of Justice in Rabat
• 100 MAD stamp

Individuals planning on residing in Morocco or relocating to the U.S. may be asked to provide a notarized change of residence form. This form is available at the U.S. Consulate by appointment.

Sending Passports through the Mail: According to Moroccan law, it is prohibited to send passports by mail across international borders. Passports sent to or through Morocco via Fedex, DHL, or other courier will be confiscated by Moroccan authorities. Confiscated U.S. passports are eventually sent to the U.S. Consulate General in Casablanca after being processed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. If your passport has been confiscated, you can contact the American Citizens Services section at  [email protected] to ask if it has been received.

Property: U.S. consular officers are prohibited by law and regulation from accepting personal property for safekeeping regardless of the circumstances involved. If there is concern over the protection of property left behind in Morocco due to confiscation or deportation for political, legal, or other reasons, U.S. citizens should take every precaution to ensure that available legal safeguards are in place either before, or immediately after, purchasing property in Morocco or taking up residence there. U.S. citizens are also encouraged to consider assigning a Power of Attorney, or Procuration, to be used in Morocco if necessary. More information and sample Power of Attorney forms are available on the  Consulate General of the Kingdom of Morocco in New York  website.

Photographing Sensitive Locations: Taking photographs of anything that could be perceived as being of military or security interest may result in problems with the authorities. As a general rule, travelers should not photograph palaces, diplomatic missions, government buildings, or other sensitive facilities and when in doubt should ask permission from the appropriate Moroccan authorities.

Professional Basketball in Morocco: The U.S. Consulate General in Casablanca is aware that there are local professional basketball teams who have made contracts with U.S. citizens to play on Moroccan teams. Some of these players have subsequently claimed they were not paid as stipulated per the terms of the contract.  Individuals considering playing basketball professionally in Morocco may wish to consult with a lawyer regarding the terms of their contract prior to signing. A  list of lawyers  can be found on the Embassy's webpage.

Adequate medical care is available in Morocco’s largest cities, particularly in Rabat and Casablanca, although not all facilities meet Western standards.

• Emergency and specialized care outside the major cities is far below U.S. standards and may not be available at all.
• Most medical staff will have limited or no English-speaking ability.
• Most ordinary prescription and over-the-counter medicines are widely available.
• Specialized prescriptions may be difficult to fill and availability of all medicines in rural areas is unreliable. 
• Travelers should not ask friends or relatives to send medications through the mail, FedEx, or UPS since Moroccan customs will impound the delivery and not release it to the recipient.
• Travelers planning to drive in the mountains and other remote areas may wish to carry a medical kit and a Moroccan phone card for emergencies.
• In the event of vehicle accidents involving injuries, immediate ambulance service is usually not available. The police emergency services telephone number is “190” (see Traffic Safety and Road Conditions section below).

The U.S. Mission in Morocco is unable to pay your medical bills. Be aware that U.S. Medicare does not apply overseas.

Medical Insurance: Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. You may also be required to pay a deposit before being admitted for treatment. See our webpage for more  information on insurance providers for overseas coverage . We strongly recommend  supplemental insurance  to cover medical evacuation.

If traveling with prescription medication, check with the  Government of Morocco Ministry of Foreign Affairs  to ensure the medication is legal in Morocco. Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription. 

Vaccinations: Be up-to-date on all  vaccinations  recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Further health information:

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  (CDC)

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety: Traffic accidents are a significant hazard in Morocco. Driving practices are very poor and have resulted in serious injuries to and fatalities of U.S. citizens. This is particularly true at dusk during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, when adherence to traffic regulations is lax, and from July to September when Moroccans resident abroad return from Europe by car in large numbers. 

• Drivers should exercise extreme caution when driving at night due to poor lighting systems along roads.
• Traffic signals do not always function, and are sometimes difficult to see.
• Modern freeways link the cities of Tangier, Rabat, Fez, Casablanca, and Marrakesh. Two-lane highways link other major cities.
• Secondary routes in rural areas are often narrow and poorly paved. Roads through the Rif and Atlas mountains are steep, narrow, windy, and dangerous.
• Pedestrians, scooters, and animal-drawn conveyances are common on all roadways, including the freeways, and driving at night should be avoided if possible.
• During the rainy season (November - March), flash flooding is frequent and sometimes severe, washing away roads and vehicles in rural areas.

Traffic Laws: In the event of a traffic accident, including accidents involving injuries, the parties are required to remain at the scene and not move their vehicles until the police have arrived and documented all necessary information. The police emergency services telephone number is “190”. Often Moroccan police officers pull over drivers for inspection within the city and on highways. 

Traffic Fines: Confiscation of a driver’s license is possible if a violator is unable or unwilling to settle a fine at the time of a traffic stop. 

If you are stopped for a speeding violation, you have the right to request the video footage documenting the infraction. Once the speeding violation is confirmed, you have three options: 

• Pay the fine on the spot and obtain a receipt of payment;
• Pay at the local city’s treasury (La Perception). The police/gendarme officer will issue you a ‘ticket’ indicating the amount of the fine and keep your driver’s license until you pay the fine.
• Should you wish to contest a violation, you may file a complaint at court; however, Moroccan authorities may keep your driver’s license and vehicle registration while this lengthy process takes place.

Foreign driver’s licenses are valid for use in Morocco for up to one year. After that, foreign residents must pass the Moroccan driver’s test and obtain a Moroccan driver’s license. The test is conducted in Arabic and French. Speakers of other languages are allowed to have a sworn translator with them when taking the test.

Public Transportation: While public buses and taxis are inexpensive, driving habits are poor, and buses are frequently overcrowded. City buses are not considered safe. The train system has a good safety record. Trains, while sometimes crowded, are comfortable and generally on time. See our  Road Safety page  for more information. Visit Morocco’s  National Tourism  website for additional information.

• Train Station Hotline: 0890 20 30 40
• Bus Station Hotline: 0800 09 00 30
• Directory Enquiry- 160

Web-based ride-sharing services are not legal in Morocco; however, some well-known companies (UBER and Careem) have attempted operations with limited success. Media reports of ride-sharing drivers being harassed and assaulted by regular taxi drivers were common.

Aviation Safety Oversight: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the Government of Morocco’s Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Morocco’s air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the  FAA’s safety assessment page .

Maritime Travel: Mariners planning travel to Morocco should also check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts at www.marad.dot.gov/msci . Information may also be posted to the U.S. Coast Guard homeport website (https://homeport.uscg.mil), and the NGA broadcast warnings website https://msi.nga.mil/NGAPortal/MSI.portal (select “broadcast warnings”).

For additional travel information

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• See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
• Follow us on  Twitter  and  Facebook .
• See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in  Morocco . For additional IPCA-related information, please see the  International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act ( ICAPRA )  report.

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Morocco Travel Guide

Your ultimate morocco travel guide, with tips, things to do, and best things to see in morocco. great for first-time and returning travelers..

Morocco is a fascinating multicultural country blended from African, Arab and European influences.

It is our closest link to the continent of Africa and a diverse holiday destination.

The country offers an incredible amount of history, culture, art, and music along with a fascinating geographical landscape incorporating the Sahara desert, the snow-capped Atlas Mountains and the Atlantic coastline. 

This  Morocco trave l guide will help you plan your next vacation.

Popular Guides

• Moroccan Foods
• 5 Things to See in Morocco

Our Highlight

Table of contents

Table of Contents

Fast Facts about Morocco

• Moroccan power voltage  is 127/220 V 60 Hz; Power sockets C & E
• The local currency  is the Moroccan Dirham (MAD) and is around 9.50 MAD to 1 USD
• In the north of Morocco, visitors will find the Spanish enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla, claimed by Morocco and considered by the Moroccan state to be “occupied territory.”
• In these two towns, the main currency is the euro.
• Tipping  is a way of life in Morocco; almost any service can warrant a tip so make sure to bring small bills.
• Haggling  is also a way of life in Morocco.
• NEVER  pay the asking price, vendors often double or even triple the prices of an item to allow some wiggle room through the haggling process.
• If you are not Muslim,  you are not allowed in many of the mosques. Exceptions include the partially restored Almohad structure of Tin Mal in the High Atlas, the similarly disused Great Mosque at Smara in Western Sahara, the courtyard of the sanctuary-mosque of Moulay Ismail in Meknes and the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca.
• Moroccan laws  towards alcohol are quite liberal however drinking alcohol in public places is not recommended. During Ramandan, try to avoid drinking, eating or smoking in public during the hours of fasting.
• SIM Cards :

Things to See and Do in Morocco

• Enjoy a Four-Wheeling Adventure – join the guides of Dunes Desert Exploration and take a three hour tour in the desert on your very own dune buggy or quad bike.
• Surf’s up  – Taghazout is a small fishing village 19 km north of the city of Agadir in the southwest of Morocco and houses some of the country’s best surf spots. It is nestled amongst a set of small bays just south of the legendary surf breaks of Anchor Point, Killers, and Mysteries. 
• Go to a Hammam  – A Hammam is a hot steam bath followed by a massage. Sounds simple enough doesn’t it? It definitely can be quite the experience! 
• Visit Fes  – Fes is the oldest city in the country and the Medina (or Fes el-Bali) is a World Heritage site. Fez is also famous for its leather products and most of it comes from the leather bazaar (souq). The souq is home to three ancient leather tanneries, the largest and oldest being the Chouara Tannery, which is almost a thousand years old.
• Take a cooking course  – learn how to cook traditional Morrocans dishes from a gourmet chef while enjoying great conversations, appetizers and tea.
• Watch the sun rise on a Merzouga morning – to experience a desert sunrise is an unforgettable experience and the best place to do so is at the Merzouga sand dunes of Erg Chebbi
• Take in the colors of the Dades Gorge – There is nothing in the world quite like the Dades Valley. The mineral-rich Dades Gorge sparkles in many hues of blue and green as well as white and red.
• Spend a day in Jemaa el Fna in Marrakech  – one of the main cultural spaces in Marrakech, this square has become one of the symbols of the city.

Morocco Travel Guides

• Top 5 Things You Must See in Morocco
• Things to Do in Marrakech – Practical Travel Tips and Where to Stay
• Etiquette in the Middle East- Travel for Men and Women

Accommodation

Budget:  You can find a variety of hostels from 53-175 MAD per night. Enjoy dorms or private rooms, free breakfast, hot showers, and central locations to nearby tourist destinations. The Riad Verus in Fes even offers free Arabic classes. 

Mid-Range:  For mid-range, expect to pay around 380-860 MAD per night. These hotels come with a hotel restaurant and bar, rooms with flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi, a swimming pool, and room service. 

High-End:  For five-star hotels, you will pay around 860-4,100 MAD per night.Take in the best withspa services, fine dining, swimming pools with lounge areas, refined private suites with living rooms, a fitness center, and an airport shuttle. 

Moroccan cuisine has a variety of influences, including Arabic, Berber, Mediterranean, and Andalusian cuisine, among others. Staples include fruits, vegetables, meat (beef, goat, lamb, and mutton), seafood, grapes, olive oil, and spices.

Couscous is a popular dish and is often served with meat or vegetables. Morocco also has a vibrant street food scene, where you can sample dishes like harira (a soup made from tomatoes, lentils, chickpeas, lamb, rice, and spices such as cinnamon) or merguez (minced beef or lamb sausages served in flatbread). There are sit-down restaurants as well where you can try more of Morocco’s cuisine. In total, expect to pay around 120 MAD per day for food. Read our full article 13 Delicious Moroccan Foods to Eat When Visiting Morocco

The Best Ways to Get Around Morocco

Getting to morocco:.

Flights:  Morocco has 25 airports, but the main airport to fly into is the Mohammed V International Airport, located 15.5 miles from the city center of Casablanca. Another popular airport is Marrakesh Menara International Airport (4.6 miles from downtown Marrakesh), but the flights are mostly from Europe. You can check for the best flights to Morocco on  Skyscanner .

Transportation:

Buses : Buses are good for traveling between cities. For more local trips between towns, expect to pay 3-5 MAD, or to go between cities, expect to pay between 210-340 MAD. A bus trip from Casablanca to Marrakesh, for example, will cost about 210 MAD.

Car Rental:  To rent a car, you need to be at least 18-21 years old with a U.S. driver’s license that you have held for 1-2 years. Car rental prices start at 450 MAD per day for drivers 25 and older.

Taxis:  Taxis are another way to get around. There are two types of taxis in Morocco: Petit and Grand. Petit taxis can seat up to 3 passengers, are metered, and only travel in the city, while Grand can seat up to and travel outside of a city. Grand taxis tend to have a fixed rate of 10.5 MAD for in-city travel.

Uber:  Uber is not available at the time.

When to go To Morocco

For cheaper hotel rates and fewer crowds, visit Morocco during the shoulder seasons of April-May and September-November. The fall season in particular is a great time for hiking.

During the summer months of June-August, temperatures can get very hot, especially the closer you are to the Sahara, while winter months see more rainfall, which can dampen outdoor activities.

Where to Stay in Morocco

Hotel Moroccan House Casablanca :  When in Casablanca, stay in this beautifully decorated hotel. Featuring traditional Moroccan-styled rooms, amenities include massage services, a restaurant, a hammam, and breakfast. For those who want to explore more of Casablanca, the tram station is just a 3-minute walk away.

Riad Rcif:  Come stay in a restored 14 th -century palace at this unique hotel in Fes. Featuring colorfully decorated hotel rooms with artwork and glass-stained windows, the hotel also comes with a restaurant, a roof terrace with great views of the city, room service, and free breakfast. The Ibn Danan Synagogue is just 1.5 miles away. 

ibis Marrakech Centre Gare Hotel:  Just a short trip to Jemaa el-Fnaa square, Majorelle Garden, and the Koutoubia Mosque, this popular hotel in Marrakesh is a great place to stay. Swim in the outdoor pool while enjoying the surrounding gardens, watch TV in your hotel room, get drinks anytime at the 24-hour bar, order room service, or dine at the hotel restaurant.

Check out our favorite booking platforms  Booking.com ,  Tripadvisor  and VRBO   for the best deals on accommodation.

What to Pack for Morocco

Morocco is about the size of France with coasts upon the Atlantic and the Mediterranean Sea and  has an arid climate .

The coastal regions generally have a Mediterranean climate, however as travelers move further inland the conditions can become more extreme and elevation can play a role in the changeable weather conditions.

Morocco is also a Muslim country

• Modesty is respected  and travellers are expected to follow the country’s etiquette. In villages and small towns, and even in the medinas of large cities, many women still wear the veil and the street is seen as strictly the man’s domain.
• Women travelers  should avoid wearing revealing clothes, like short shorts, low cut shirts or thin-strapped blouses.
• Sarongs  – I think we have sarongs in every packing list. From covering up when visiting mosques, being used as a towel or keeping cool on a hot night.
• Pack loose clothing with breathable fabric  – cover up with fabric you know will breathe, especially if you plan on heading into the Sahara desert or to one of the coastal regions.
• Tunics  are a great option as they can be dressed up or down, are lightweight and offer good coverage.
• Footwear  – Pack a pair of lightweight, durable and comfortable shoes. Moroccan streets can be dusty and unclean so if you are uncomfortable with the idea of getting your little piggies dirty then opt for closed-toe shoes instead of sandals/flip flops.
• Kleenex / toilet paper  – it is quite common that restaurant restrooms do not offer toilet paper to patrons, so make sure you are prepared.
• Also, don’t be surprised if you encounter squat toilets!

See our packing tips:  packing list for smart travel

And see our  Etiquette Tips for Travel to the Middle East

Morocco Travel Guide: Best Booking Resources

Whenever we travel to we make sure to start with these companies. We have tried a lot of different ones over the years and all of these have consistently proven to be the best when it comes to offering great prices.

We have used every one of these personally and continue to do so.

• Booking.com : This is our go site to when comparing prices for accommodation. It usually has the cheapest prices, especially in Europe and we love their interface. Not to mention you get free cancellation and you are guaranteed the best price.
• Trip Advisor :  What we like about Trip Advisor is that we can look at all the reviews and then book our accommodation. TripAdvisor is where we go when we want to compare prices with multiple accommodation providers.
• VRBO : is the main search engine we use when we are looking for a home or apartment rental. It can sometimes be cheaper than hotels and it is the best way to stay in areas that offer a more local feel.
• Hostelworld :  With one of the largest databases of hostels in the world, Hostelworld is the go-to site when you are looking for budget accommodation.
• Skyscanner : This is the first place we check for flights. It consistently comes back with the cheapest and best options. It allows us to compare a lot of airlines to get the best price.
• Rome 2 Rio :  If you want to see how to get somewhere by plane, train, bus, ferry or car Rome2Rio lays it all out for you as well as related costs.I love how they show it all to you on a Google Map and it works offline.
• Get Your Guide:  For all your day trip and city guide needs, we use Get Your Guide. It has the world’s largest collection of things to do with more than 30,000 activities in 7500 destinations.
• World Nomads Insurance:  When traveling to Italy you should always have travel insurance. We have found the best bang for your buck is by far World Nomads.

Morocco Travel Guide: Related Articles

To browse all our articles and guides about Morocco  click here.

Traditional Moroccan Food to Eat in Morocco or At Home

22 Best Things to Do in Marrakech, Morocco

Hammam Spa Tips – Our Surreal Moroccan Massage Experience

Nomadic Matt's Travel Site

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Morocco Travel Guide

Last Updated: September 2, 2023

Chaotic. Colorful. Eye-opening. Visiting Morocco is an intense experience. My time there was challenging, but it was also a reminder that the best part of travel is embracing the uncomfortable.

Once part of the Carthaginian Empire, the first independent Moroccan state emerged around 225 BCE as the Berber kingdom of Mauretania. That kingdom eventually became a Roman province, though, by the 7th century CE, Muslim conquest of North Africa was in full swing. A French Protectorate from 1912-1956, Morocco gained its independence in 1956 and has been an independent state ever since.

I loved my time in Morocco. I gorged on couscous, drank my body weight in mint tea, hiked, and absorbed the hectic sights and sounds of the country.

From the high Atlas Mountains to the desert to the coasts, Morocco is a marvelous country that mesmerizes. True, the sprawling and disorderly medinas can test your patience, but they reward your senses each and every visit.

Use this Morocco travel guide to plan your trip, see the best the country has to offer, save money, and avoid the common pitfalls that waylay unsuspecting travelers!

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Morocco

Click Here for City Guides

Top 5 things to see and do in morocco.

1. Explore Marrakesh

Spend some time in the Djemaa el-Fna, where you can find exotic street performers, tattoo artists, musicians, and chefs. After that, wander around the medina, explore the souks, eat in the market, see the old city, and enjoy Morocco’s most international city. Marrakesh has it all.

2. Sleep in the Sahara Desert

The Sahara is vast, empty, and spectacular. Spending the night in a simple tent on the dunes was my favorite activity while in the country and I highly recommend you try it too. The stars go on forever and there’s no light pollution to block them out. (Skip the camel ride, though!)

3. Explore the blue streets of Chefchaouen

Chefchaouen is a small city located in the middle of the Rif Mountains. It is very relaxed, offers reasonable accommodations, and is visually stunning as the streets and buildings are all painted a vibrant sky blue (you’ve probably seen it on Instagram). It’s a great place to wander, shop, and sip mint tea.

4. Visit Fez

This old and powerful city is one of the best places in the country. Its narrow streets are filled with wonderful aromas, mosques, craft shops, and crowds upon crowds of people. Though Fez can be a bit overwhelming, once you get used to the pace of the city, it’s simply magical.

5. Relax in a traditional hammam

A hammam is a steam bath popular in North Africa. They are usually found near mosques or toiletry shops and can be upscale or public (traditional). Visit a no-frills traditional bath for an authentic and enlightening experience. Public hammams cost about 10 MAD, while hotel hammams cost 300-500 MAD.

Other Things to See and Do in Morocco

1. get lost in the medinas.

The medinas are the historic hearts of each city in Morocco, part residential area, part shopping center, part food market. Shops, restaurants, markets, and homes all line the twisting and turning streets in buildings seemingly too close together and too old to stay up much longer. As someone who loves to get lost, the medinas were heaven. Word of caution: The Fez Medina is a bit unsafe, so do not go too far off the beaten path. Stick to streets with lots of people or hire a guide to show you around.

2. Trek the High Atlas

The rugged and beautiful Atlas Mountains stretch over 2,400 kilometers (1,500 miles), from the West Coast of Morocco all the way to Tunisia. This mountain range is home to Jebel Toubkal, North Africa’s tallest peak at 13,671 feet. You can hike all year round, but the best time is from April to May. The Toubkal Circuit (7 days) and M’Goun Traverse (3 days) are some of the more popular treks.

3. Trek through the Todra Gorge

Located near Tinerhir in the High Atlas Mountains, this gorge is one of the most recognized in the world and has become very popular with travelers looking to hike the canyon. It’s a challenging hike and takes around 4 hours but if you’re looking for something truly different and outdoorsy in Morocco, don’t miss out on this. For an even more unique experience, skip the day trip and stay overnight in the nearby village of Ait Baha.

4. Visit the Hassan II Mosque

The Hassan II Mosque, located in Casablanca, is a huge mosque with a minaret that stands 60 stories. It’s the second-largest mosque in Africa and the seventh-largest in the world. The walls are made of marble and the roof is retractable (the minaret also has a laser that points to Mecca at night). It took thousands of Moroccan artists a total of five years to build this detailed architectural masterpiece. Its mosaics, plaster moldings, marble and stone columns and floors, and wood ceilings are utterly impressive. It is big enough for 105,000 worshipers! Combined entry to the mosque and museum is 140 MAD.

5. Learn to cook traditional Moroccan food

Traditional Moroccan food is a blend of Berber, Arabic, Turkish, Middle Eastern, and French cuisine. Many hotels and guesthouses offer cooking classes in the big cities like Marrakesh and Fez. You can buy fresh produce from the local market and then make a traditional dish. Café Clock offers some of the best classes. With locations in Marrakesh, Chefchaouen, and Fez, this Western-influenced café is famous for its gigantic and delicious camel burger (which tastes a lot like spicy shawarma).

6. Wander thru Kasbah les Oudaias

Located in Rabat, this 12th-century Kasbah is found in the oldest part of the city. The citadel, with its narrow streets of white houses, and a great place to wander around and take some pictures. Its elevation offers beautiful views of the river and ocean.

7. Go surfing

Morocco is extremely popular among surfers. The best time to go is during the winter months when the waves are bigger and more consistent, and the air and water temperature is mild. Head to Taghazout, the most popular surf town, to catch some of the best surf in the country. A week-long stay at a surf camp, including lessons, equipment, accommodation, and airport transfer costs around 5,000 MAD.

8. Visit Tangier

This major city in northern Morocco is located on the North African coast at the western entrance to the Strait of Gibraltar. The city’s location means that many civilizations and cultures have left their mark on Tangiers since at least the 10th century BCE. From 1924-1956, Tangier was an international zone separate from Morocco, and thus became a destination for many European and American diplomats, businessmen, writers, and spies during this time. Don’t miss the Grand Mosque, the Kasbah, and strolling down the beach promenade.

9. See Atlas Studios

Named for its proximity to the Atlas Mountains, Atlas Film Studios in the city of Ouarzazate is the largest film studio in the world, covering more than 322,000 sq ft of the desert. Many big films have been shot here including: Lawrence of Arabia (1962), The Last Temptation of Christ (1988), The Mummy (1999), Gladiator (2000), Kingdom of Heaven (2005), Hanna (2011), and part of the TV series Game of Thrones . Be sure to visit the nearby Ksar of Aït Benhaddou kasbah too! It plays into what people think a ksar (fortified village) should look like. I enjoyed roaming the streets and climbing to the top for the view.

10. See the Ancient City of Volubilis

A major trading center and the southernmost settlement during Roman times, Volubilis is one of the best-preserved (and least frequented) such ruins in the world. It originally dates to the 3rd century BCE and became the capital of the ancient kingdom of Mauretania, growing even more during Roman rule. I found it empty of tourists, not built up, and open in a way that lets you see the structures up close without being behind ten feet of barriers and jostled by crowds. Most of the city is still unexcavated so the site has a very “Indiana Jones” feel to it. I’ve been to a lot of Roman ruins in my travels, but this one is my favorite. Admission is 70 MAD.

11. Enjoy the Meknes Medina

Pleasantly stroll the Medina in Meknes without being pestered. Located in Central Morocco, this authentic market sells handicrafts made in Meknes such as embroidery and Meknes “Damascene” ironwork. If the Medinas of Fez and Marrakesh overwhelm you, this is the place to go.

12. Explore Essaouira

Essaouira is located a few hours from Marrakesh on the Atlantic coast and is a popular beach destination for tourists, especially Brits. I loved the relaxed atmosphere of the city, the lack of pushy touts, the sea air, and all the fresh fish. Be sure to visit the wonderful fish market in town, where all the small fishermen sell their day’s catch. Afterward, check out the small fish stalls nearby in the main square where you can enjoy fresh, grilled seafood for cheap.

  For more information on specific destinations in Morocco, check out these guides:

• Fez Travel Guide
• Marrakesh Travel Guide

Morocco Travel Costs

Accommodation – Dorm rooms with 6-8 beds cost between 80-110 MAD per night in the big cities like Marrakesh and Fez, and about 50-60 MAD in smaller places. Private rooms in hostels cost around 260-380 MAD. Free Wi-Fi is standard and many hostels also include free breakfast.

Budget hotels in Marrakesh and Fez cost around 270-410 MAD per night for a double room. Expect basic amenities like free Wi-Fi, TV, free breakfast, and sometimes even an outdoor pool.

Wild camping is legal in Morocco for those traveling with a tent. Locals usually don’t like people camping on or near their property, however, so only take advantage of this if you’re not going to disturb anyone. Don’t be surprised if nomads or police stop by to check on you.

Food – Moroccan cuisine is a colorful, flavorful mix of Berber, Andalusian, and Mediterranean traditions with a pinch of French and sub-Saharan cuisine to round things out. It is a land of spices, so expect flavorful meals at every turn (the traditional ras el hanout spice mix is composed of 27 different spices). Beef, goat, and lamb are some of the most common meats, usually eaten with couscous. Fish like mackerel and anchovy are also quite common, owing to the country’s location on the coast. Be sure to try pastilla , a pastry filled with meat or seafood.

Eating in Morocco can be extremely cheap, especially if you eat at the many markets. A pot of mint tea costs between 8-10 MAD. Indulge in local food, including the popular tagine , a meat and vegetables dish for about 35-55 MAD. Sandwiches, pizza, and most other dishes range between 30-50 MAD.

A fish dish in coastal cities like Essaouira costs about 100-150 MAD while a lobster is about 350-400 MAD. Seafood dinners come with drinks, salad, and bread.

For more touristy or Western restaurants, expect to spend at least 150 MAD or more per main dish.

Beer and wine cost around 70 MAD for a drink (however, there aren’t that many opportunities to drink in Morocco, so I wouldn’t factor it much into your budget).

There’s no need to buy groceries here as the food is cheap and it’s far easier to eat out! But if you do, expect to pay 200 MAD per week for groceries that include pasta, vegetables, chicken, and other basic staples.

Backpacking Morocco Suggested Budgets

On a backpacker’s budget expect to spend around 285 MAD per day. This assumes you’re staying in a hostel, eating at market stalls and cooking some meals, limiting your drinking (which is very easy to do here), using local transportation to get around, and sticking to free and cheap activities like free walking tours and public hammam visits.

On a mid-range budget of 525 MAD per day, you can stay in a private Airbnb, eat out for all your meals, take the train between cities, and do more paid tours and activities like museum visits and camping in the Sahara.

On a “luxury” budget of 1,120 MAD or more per day, you can stay in a hotel, eat out anywhere you want, enjoy a few drinks, fly between cities or hire a driver, and do whatever tours and activities you want. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages — some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in MAD.

Morocco Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

It doesn’t cost a lot of money to travel Morocco — though it’s also easy to splash out here if you want. Here are my tips for saving money in Morocco:

• Eat from street stalls – It’s extremely easy to eat cheaply in Morocco. While restaurant meals typically cost as little as 30 MAD, street food is even cheaper. For just a few dollars, you can indulge in delicious kebabs, sausages, barbecued corn on the cob, roasted chicken, huge sandwiches, and more. Stick to eating at the local markets in the medina to spend very little money on food.
• Negotiate your cab fare – Be sure to negotiate a price before you get into the taxi. There aren’t set prices and you need to bargain hard. Ask your hotel/hostel staff for price estimates so you don’t get ripped off.
• Avoid faux guides – Faux guides (or false guides) linger in the medinas and offer you tour services. Be forceful in saying no while walking away. They are persistent but eventually give up if you keep walking.
• Be careful of thieves – Petty theft, mostly involving wallets, watches, and cameras, is prevalent in the crowded medinas around the country. Stay alert and keep your valuables out of sight.
• Avoid drinking – Even though drinking is frowned upon in the country, you can still find plenty of places that allow you to drink. They are overpriced (since alcohol is not common here) and the drinks aren’t that good. Avoid drinking during your visit, save money, and align yourself closer to local norms.
• Stay with a local – If you want to save money and get some local insight into the city, use Couchsurfing. Staying with a local is the best way to get a feel for the country and learn some insider tips in the process.
• Bring a water bottle – The tap water here is generally safe to drink but you should bring a reusable water bottle with a filter just in case. LifeStraw is my go-to brand as their bottles have built-in filters to ensure your water is always clean and safe.

Where to Stay in Morocco

Looking for a place to rest your head in Morocco? Here are some of my favorite places to stay in Morocco for your next visit:

• Riad Dia (Marrakesh)
• Riad Jennah Rouge (Marrakesh)
• Kasbah Red Castle Hostel (Marrakesh)
• Funky Fes (Fez)
• Aline Hostel (Chefchaouen)
• The Chill Art (Essaouira)
• Atlantic Hostel (Essaouira)
• Baytalice (Tangiers)

How to Get Around Morocco

Public transportation – Public transportation can be hit or miss in Morocco. The bigger cities, like Marrakesh and Casablanca, have public bus services, but the buses are old and overcrowded and the routes are hard to figure out.

Instead, most people use petits taxis to get around town. These are small vehicles that can hold up to three people and are prevalent all over the country. They’re very cheap, although there may be a surcharge after 8pm. To ensure you get a fair fare, negotiate your price upfront.

Metered taxis are also available in bigger cities like Marrakesh. Fares start around 7 MAD and then they charge 4 MAD per kilometer.

Grand taxis – Grand taxis are shared taxis that can carry up to six passengers and are used to go longer distances between neighboring towns/cities. They won’t leave until the taxi is full but generally wait times aren’t so bad. You can locate one near just about any taxi stand or bus/train station. If you have a lot of luggage, you may have to pay extra. You should arrange your fare ahead of time.

Bus – Intercity buses are a cheap and efficient way to get around Morocco, especially compared to other methods of transportation. The four most popular operators are:

• SATAS (regional)
• Ghazala (regional)

CTM and Supratours are the most reliable and have comfortable buses with air conditioning. You can book your tickets online or simply show up at the bus station. The websites aren’t terribly reliable or efficient to use. A 4-hour bus ride from Marrakesh to Casablanca is about 75-110 MAD, while a 6.5-hour ride from Marrakesh to Tangier is 260-275 MAD. Casablanca to Fez is 95-120 MAD.

Train – Morocco’s national rail network is operated by ONCF and services some of the country’s major cities like Marrakesh, Casablanca, Rabat, Meknes, and Fez. The trains are comfortable and they’re usually on time, but disruptions do occasionally happen. There is now a high-speed rail running between Casablanca to Fez too. You can look up schedules and prices on ONCF .

The 2.5-hour train trip from Marrakesh to Casablanca costs about 50 MAD, while the 4.5-hour journey from Marrakesh to Rabat starts around 150-180 MAD. Traveling from Casablanca to Fez takes 4 hours and is 50-120 MAD. The journey from Fez to Marrakesh takes 6.5 hours and costs 195 MAD.

Flying – Royal Air Maroc is the main domestic airline, and they sometimes have good sales. An hour flight from Marrakesh to Casablanca starts at around 870 MAD, while a one-hour flight from Marrakesh to Fez starts at 520 MAD.

Car rental – Car rental isn’t typically recommended in Morocco. Drivers are aggressive and accident rates are high! But if you want to venture off the beaten path, it’s a good way to go. You can find rentals starting from 200 MAD per day (sometimes cheaper).

When to Go to Morocco

The best time to visit Morocco is during the country’s shoulder seasons, which run from April to May and September to November. The temperatures are nice and warm during this time and there is less tourist traffic. (However, this changes if you plan on spending most of your time surfing the coast or hiking the Atlas Mountains.)

Summer lasts from June to August, and it can be ridiculously hot all over the country during this time — especially the further south you go (including in Marrakesh and Fez). A lot of people head to the coast to enjoy places like Tangier, Rabat, and Essaouira. Expect highs above 35°C (95°F).

Winters (December-February) are mild, but it can get quite cold in the evenings. Temperatures drop as low as -3°C (27°F) in Marrakesh and the Atlas Mountains receive heavy snowfall. Winters in the north and along the coast are very wet. Overall, it’s not a great time to be here.

The best time to go hiking in the Atlas Mountains is from April to May (spring) and September to October (fall). It’s mild during these months and there’s little risk of severe weather. Summer is the best time to enjoy the coast, where temperatures go as high as 27°C (80°F) but the ocean breeze offers plenty of relief.

How to Stay Safe in Morocco

Overall, Morocco is a safe destination but traveling here requires vigilance. You’re unlikely to ever be in any real physical danger in Morocco, but the petty crime and harassment require you to stay on guard — more so than in other countries.

Women traveling alone attract a lot of attention here and the chances of being followed and possibly groped are high. This is a particular problem in crowded medinas. Always be watchful and trust your gut. Do not bring valuables with you and keep your belongings tight to your body. Dress conservatively and avoid wearing a lot of jewelry.

Walking alone at night is generally not a good idea in the cities. If you’re unsure about an area, ask the hotel staff which areas are safe. If you need a taxi, always arrange the price in advance to avoid getting ripped off.

When out and about, locals might invite you into their shops or offer to guide you around. Always politely but firmly decline otherwise you might end up getting ripped off.

If you’re worried about getting scammed, you can read about common travel scams to avoid here.

If you experience an emergency, dial 19 for assistance (112 for mobile phones).

Always trust your gut instinct. If a taxi driver seems shady, stop the cab and get out. If your hotel is seedier than you thought, get out of there. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID. Forward your itinerary along to loved ones so they know where you are.

For more in-depth coverage of how to stay safe in Morocco, check out this post that answers frequently asked questions and concerns.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Morocco Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!

Morocco Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on backpacking/traveling Morocco and continue planning your trip:

The Best Tour Companies in Morocco

Is Morocco Safe? 11 Ways to Stay Safe During Your Visit

A Journey of 1,000 Mint Teas: Reflections on Traveling Morocco

11 Reasons Why I Fell in Love With Morocco

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Morocco Travel Advice changes based on what’s going on right now. We’re here to keep you up to date on everything Morocco-related. Please keep an eye on the page; we’ll be happy to keep you updated.

Table of Contents

travel documents:

A passport is a transport document delivered by the government of your country. In some countries, the ticket must be valid between 3 and 6 months after entry or exit from the country’s territory.

(Inquire about this at the consulate of the country you are going to)

plane ticket

A plane ticket is your ticket to travel. You can buy from the airline or the travel agency, either in the office or over the phone, on the internet, etc. You can also buy them from a travel agency.)

In addition to the traditional ticket, which takes the form of a voucher given to travelers in the form of paper (packed manually or in an automatic way), travelers are offered, today, a second version. It is an electronic ticket.

Indeed, some companies deliver electronic tickets; in this case, travel receipts are given to travelers upon request.

Verification of your identity is mandatory. You are invited to present one of the following valid documents: a national identity card, residence card, or passport.

passenger card

A final document that you received at the end of the procedure. Upon arrival, the traveler will be shown to his boarding gate, assigned a seat, and informed of the final time he can board. At the registration office, most persons receive this paperwork. Online booking is available for some airlines.

(Inquire about it with your company)

residence card

Consult the country’s consulate if you’re unsure whether you’ll require a visa or passport. Citizens of the country will be required to provide their residence cards at the border.

  Golden rules for your luggage

• To avoid any confusion during check-in, remove the old tags affixed to your baggage.

• Indicate your name and address legibly in your country and abroad. It is recommended to put a distinctive mark on each bag (tape, tape..) for easy identification on arrival.

• Do not put valuables in the bags carried to the aircraft stores.

• Be sure to wrap the fragile items

• Do not accept any bag or parcel for any other person.

• Keep your medical treatments and prescriptions with you.

• Inform the airport agents of every neglected bag or parcel.

• Never leave your luggage unattended, even for a short moment. It will be suspicious and destroyed.

• Dimensions and weight of hand baggage are minimal. They use the airline. Note that these limits vary by company. Watch out if you’re going to get on another plane.

Security and customs

– It is in your interest to take the initiative to perform the security measures!

– These measures are completed before entering the boarding hall. Hand baggage passes through the X-ray monitor and may be the subject of a manual search.

– If you carry keys or metal objects in your pocket, put them on the mat of the X-ray monitor. It will prevent the acoustic alarm from operating as you pass the detection corridor.

– Due to strengthening security measures in air transport, you must perform the same operations for all items (iron or not) that you carry (watch, bracelet, necklace, etc.) and your jackets or coats. For small items, there is a basket at your disposal. You’ll receive these things or clothing after you’ve passed through the detecting area.

– We don’t want you to put anything that could hurt you, like a penknife, scissors, a cutting machine, a weapon, or anything that looks like a weapon. Your entire possessions will be confiscated during a security check. You won’t get your money back if it’s destroyed.

– If you carry a pacemaker or any other implanted device (insulin pump, even some hearing aids), tell the security guard and do not cross the hallway; you will not be exempted from the body search.

Also, be aware that you may be asked, before boarding the aircraft, to search your Checked Baggage as an extra precaution.

Finally, make sure to leave your luggage at the air terminal.

Order prohibited items

These lines concern the various forms represented in weapons and tools of regulated use.

However, common sense allows whether a tool can be used as a weapon.

 When a projectile is fired with the help of detonation or compressed air and gas, it is called a weapon. Includes pistols used to start sports games or guns that send signals for help.

Knives and other sharp tools:

Knives with a blade at least 6 centimeters long, knives that aren’t allowed by local law, and other knives with an edge at least 6 centimeters long are not allowed.

Sticks, batons, and baseball bats are examples of non-bleeding tools.

Explosives/ammunition / flammable liquid / corrosive substances:

Any explosive or incendiary substance alone or mixed with another sense can cause an explosion or a fire. This category includes combustible materials, detonators, pyrotechnic materials, munitions, or any combination. Any corrosive or toxic substance, including gas, whether pressurized or not.

Neutral and disabled tools:

Tear gas, incapacitating substances, or any chemical or similar product contained in a gun, bomb, or other container and other neutralizing devices such as electronic devices that immobilize or neutralize by discharging an electrical charge.

Other articles, such as ski spears, climbing sticks, razors, and sharp scissors, are, in general, not considered deadly or dangerous weapons but may, nevertheless, be used as weapons, as well as toy or illusory weapons or bombs.

-Tools of all kinds suggest that it is a deadly weapon. These tools include tools that look like explosives or other tools that may be considered dangerous weapons or tools. These are not the only examples.

Terrorists could use some tools and materials to make chemical and biological weapons… The possibility of chemical or biological terrorist processes involving chemical or biological components to commit illegal acts. These regulated physical or chemical substances include, in particular, sulfur mustard, chlorine, sarin, cyanide, hydrogen, meat-eating poisoning, smallpox, tularemia, and viral hemorrhagic fever.

– Items that contain chemical and biological properties or are suspected of containing similar substances must be reported to the airport authorities, the police, the military authorities in the area, or any competent authority.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is morocco open to travel now.

Morocco is accessible, but entry requirements and restrictions vary by country of origin and immunization status.

Beginning in April 2023, travelers from the European Union, the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand may enter Morocco without restriction. However, travelers from other nations may be subject to additional requirements, such as a vaccination certificate, a negative COVID-19 test, or a quarantine period.

Before planning your trip, you should verify with the Moroccan embassy or consulate in your home country for the most recent information and requirements regarding travel and COVID-19.

Do I need PCR or antigen to enter Morocco?

The entry requirements for Morocco vary by nationality and vaccination status.

As of April 2023, travelers from certain nations, including the European Union, the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, will no longer be required to present evidence of a negative PCR or antigen test to enter Morocco. However, circumstances can change, so verifying with the Moroccan embassy or consulate in your home country for the most recent information and requirements is essential.

Travelers who are not entirely vaccinated or arriving from a country with a high COVID-19 risk may be required to present evidence of a negative PCR or antigen test conducted within a specified time frame before entering Morocco.

Can a woman walk alone in Morocco?

Yes, a woman can wander alone in Morocco. Still, she should take precautions and be aware of her surroundings, particularly in crowded areas or at night. As in any nation, there is a risk of crime, harassment, and unsolicited attention in Morocco. However, the culture of Morocco generally values hospitality and respect for visitors.

To respect local customs and reduce the risk of unwanted attention, female travelers should consider dressing modestly and avoiding revealing apparel. Additionally, it is advisable to avoid traveling alone in isolated areas, especially at night, and to stick to well-lit, populated areas. Explore the country with a companion or on a guided tour whenever possible.

Morocco is a safe country for tourists, and each year millions of tourists, including women, visit the country without incident. However, it is always necessary to use caution and common sense when traveling to a foreign location.

Can US citizens travel to Morocco without visa?

US citizens traveling to Morocco for tourism purposes for up to 90 days do not require a visa. However, they must have at least six months remaining on their passport from entry into Morocco. Before planning your trip, you should verify with the Moroccan embassy or consulate in the United States for the most up-to-date information regarding visa requirements.

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Explore Morocco's vibrant culture, diverse landscapes, and warm hospitality. From Marrakech's bustling markets to Essaouira's serene beaches, Morocco offers something for everyone. Discover ancient cities like Fez and Meknes, or embark on a Sahara desert adventure. Experience the magic of North Africa with Morocco.

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More travel information for Morocco

From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for traveling to Morocco

• Culture and Etiquette in Morocco
• Eating and drinking in Morocco
• How to get to Morocco
• How to get around in Morocco
• Shopping tips for Morocco
• Travelling with children in Morocco
• Best time to visit Morocco
• How to get a Morocco Visa

Costs for food, accommodation and travel in Morocco are low by European or North American standards. If you stay in the cheaper hotels (or camp out), eat local food, and share expenses and rooms with another person, £150/$250 each a week would be enough to survive on. On £300/$500 each you could live pretty well, while with £700–1000/$1000–1500 a week between two people you would be approaching luxury.

Crime and personal safety

Electricity, entry requirements, gay and lesbian travellers, left luggage, living in morocco, opening hours, photography, tourist information, travellers with disabilities, guides, hustlers, conmen and kids, travelling with children, tailor-made travel itineraries for morocco, created by local experts.

10 days  / from 2399 USD

Moroccan Cities and Ultimate Sahara

From the cities to the desert - follow the footsteps of Humphrey Bogart in Casablanca, discover the blue and whitewashed buildings of Chefchaouen before heading on to Fez and consequently the desert. Stay overnight in a luxurious desert camp before continuing to Marrakech.

8 days  / from 1899 USD

Highlights of Morocco

For those short on time, this trip allows you to visit the highlights of Morocco in little over a week: the cultural capital Fez, the beautiful city of Chefchaouen, sleeping in a deluxe tent in the desert, as well as discovering Marrakech - it's time to explore Morocco!

8 days  / from 2242 USD

Luxurious Morocco

Highlights include Rabat, Fes, Chefchaouen, and a luxury desert camp in Merzouga. Privately guided activities with expert local guides allow you to truly get to know Moroccan culture and cuisine. Combine it with the best hotels and riads in the cities and you have the perfect trip.

Accommodation costs range from £10/$15 a night – sometimes even less – for a double room in a basic hotel to as much as £300/$450 a night in a top luxury hotel or riad. The price of a meal reflects a similar span, ranging from £4/$6 to around £25/$35 a meal. Alcohol is really the only thing that compares unfavourably with Western prices: a bottle of cheap Moroccan wine costs £3.50/$5, a can of local beer about £1/$1.50 in the shops, £2.50/$4 in a normal bar, or £5/$7.50 in clubs.

Inevitably, resorts and larger cities (Marrakesh especially) are more expensive than small towns with few tourists, but in remote parts of the country (including trekking regions in the High Atlas), where goods have to be brought in from some distance, prices for provisions can be high.ma

Beyond accommodation and food, your major outlay will be for transport – expensive if you’re renting a car (prices start at around £200/$300 a week plus fuel), but very reasonable if you use the local trains, buses and shared taxis (see Fares).

Youth/student ID cards can save you a small amount of money, entitling you to cheaper entry at some museums and other sights, and a small discount on some ferry tickets and domestic airfares. They’re not worth going out of your way to get, but if you have one you may as well bring it along.

In the Spanish enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla, prices for most things are the same as they are in mainland Spain (except that there is no duty on alcohol, tobacco and electronic goods), and around twice as expensive as in Morocco proper.

Hidden costs

You’ll probably end up buying a few souvenirs . Rugs, carpets, leather, woodwork, pottery and jewellery are all outstanding – and few travellers leave without something.

Harder to come to terms with is the fact that you’ll be confronting real poverty . As a tourist, you’re not going to solve any problems, but with a labourer’s wages often little more than 5dh (40p/60¢) an hour, even small tips can make a lot of difference to people. For Moroccans, giving alms to beggars is natural, and a requirement of Islam, especially since there is no social security here, so for tourists, rich by definition, local poverty demands at least some response. Do not, however, dispense money indiscriminately to children , which encourages pestering and promotes a dependence on begging.

Keep your luggage and money secure. Morocco does not have a high crime rate, but it is obviously unwise to carry large sums of cash or valuables on your person – especially in Casablanca and Tangier, and to a lesser extent Fez and Marrakesh. Mugging as such is pretty rare – those who fall victim to theft usually have things taken by stealth, or are subject to some kind of scam (see Guides, hustlers, conmen and kids). Be especially vigilant at transport stations (new arrivals are favourite targets, and just before departure is a favourite time to strike) and in crowd situations where pickpockets may operate. Credit card fraud is also relatively common, so don’t let the plastic out of your sight while using it, and keep an eye out when withdrawing money from ATMs.

Hotels , generally, are secure and useful for depositing money before setting out to explore; larger ones will keep valuables at reception and some will have safes. Campsites are considerably less secure, and many campers advise using a money belt – to be worn even while sleeping. If you do decide on a money belt (and many people spend time quite happily without), leather or cotton materials are preferable to nylon, which can irritate in the heat.

There are two main types of Moroccan police : the Gendarmerie (who wear grey uniforms and man the checkpoints on main roads, at junctions and the entry to towns), and the Police ( Sûreté ), who wear navy blue uniforms or plain clothes. Either may demand to see your passport (and/or driving papers). It is obligatory to carry official ID (in practice a passport), though you should not have any problems if you leave yours in a hotel safe while wandering around town, especially if you carry a photocopy of the important pages. You are unlikely to have any contact with the green-uniformed Force Auxiliaire , a backup force who wear berets and look more like the army.

The gendarmes have jurisdiction outside built-up areas, the police, within towns. Both are usually polite and helpful to visitors, and there is a Brigade Touristique in cities such as Marrakesh and Fez, specifically set up to protect tourists.

If you do need to report a theft , try to take along a fluent French- or Arabic-speaker if your own French and Arabic are not too hot. You may only be given a scrap of paper with an official stamp to show your insurance company, who then have to apply themselves to a particular police station for a report (in Arabic). If you cannot prove that a theft has taken place, the police may decline to make any report, especially if the theft is of money only. They will always give you a report, however, if you have lost any official document (passport, driving licence, etc).

Kif and hashish

The smoking of kif (marijuana) and hashish (cannabis resin) has long been a regular pastime of Moroccans and tourists alike, but it is nonetheless illegal, and large fines (plus prison sentences for substantial amounts) do get levied for possession. If you are arrested for cannabis, the police may expect to be paid off, and this should be done as quickly as possible while the minimum number of officers are involved (but offer it discreetly, and never refer to it as a bribe or even a cadeau ). Consulates are notoriously unsympathetic to drug offenders, but they can help with technical problems and find you legal representation.

Obviously, the best way to avoid trouble is to keep well clear – above all, of the kif -growing region of Ketama in the Rif mountains – and always reply to hustlers by saying you don’t smoke. If you are going to indulge, be very careful who you buy it from (definitely do not buy it from touts or hustlers), and above all do not try to take any out of the country, even to Spain, where attitudes to possession are relaxed but much harsher for importing. Searches at Algeciras and Málaga can be very thorough, with sniffer dogs, which also operate at Moroccan ports and airports, and you’ll get sometimes as many as four checks if travelling through Ceuta or Melilla.

The supply is 220v 50Hz. Sockets have two round pins, as in Europe. You should be able to find adaptors in Morocco that will take North American plugs (but North American appliances may need a transformer, unless multi-voltage). Adaptors for British and Australasian plugs will need to be brought from home.

If you hold a full passport from the UK, Ireland, the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand or any EU country, you don’t need a visa to enter Morocco as a tourist for up to ninety days. However, your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your date of entry, and always double check your visa requirements before departure as the situation can change. South African citizens are among those who need a visa; applications should be made to the Moroccan embassy or consulate in your country of residence (South Africans should be able to get one in London), with three passport photos, and a form that you can download from the websites of some Moroccan consulates (for example, London’s at w moroccanembassylondon.org.uk/Docs/VisaForm.pdf ).

Entry formalities are fairly straightforward, though you will have to fill in a form stating personal details, purpose of visit and your profession . In the past, Moroccan authorities have shown an occasional reluctance to allow in those who categorize themselves as “journalist”; an alternative profession on the form might be wise.

Customs regulations

You can bring in, without charge: one litre of spirits, or two litres of wine; 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 400g of tobacco; 150ml of perfume or 250ml of eau de toilette; jewellery; a camera and a laptop for personal use; gifts worth up to 2000dh (£150/$240). Prohibited goods include arms and ammunition (except for hunting), controlled drugs, and “books, printed matter, audio and video cassettes and any immoral items liable to cause a breach of the peace”.

Items such as electronic equipment and video cameras may occasionally be entered on your passport. If you lose them during your visit, they will be assumed “sold” when you come to leave and (unless you have police documentation of theft) you will have to pay one hundred percent duty. All goods entered on your passport should be “cleared” when leaving to prevent problems on future trips. Vehicles need a Green Card.

Carrying ID

It is in theory obligatory in Morocco to carry official ID at all times. In practice, a photocopy of the important pages of your passport will do, so long as the real thing is in your hotel in the same town. When travelling between towns, you should always have your passport on you.

Visa extensions

To extend your stay in Morocco you should – officially – apply to the Bureau des Étrangers in the nearest main town for a residence permit. This is, however, a very complicated procedure and it is usually possible to get round the bureaucracy by simply leaving the country for a brief time when your three months are up. If you decide to do this – and it is not foolproof – it is best to make a trip of at least a few days outside Morocco. Spain is the obvious choice and some people just go to Ceuta; the more cautious re-enter the country at a different post. If you are unlucky, you may be turned back and asked to get a re-entry visa . These can be obtained from any Moroccan consulate abroad.

Extending a stay officially involves opening a bank account in Morocco (a couple of days’ procedure in itself) and obtaining an Attestation de Résidence from your hotel, campsite or landlord. You will need a minimum of 20,000dh (£1500/$2400) in your account.

You then need to go to the Bureau des Étrangers in the central police station of a large town at least fifteen days before your time is up, equipped with: your passport and a photocopy of its main pages; four passport photos; two copies of the Attestation de Résidence ; and two copies of your bank statement ( Compte de Banque ). If the police are not too busy they’ll give you a form to fill out in duplicate and, some weeks later, you should receive a plastic-coated permit with your photo laminated in.

Foreign embassies and consulates in Morocco

Foreign embassies and consulates in Morocco are detailed in the “Directory” sections for Rabat, Casablanca, Tangier, Marrakesh and Agadir. Foreign representation in Morocco is detailed on the Moroccan Foreign Ministry’s website at w diplomatie.ma (in “Corps diplomatique et consulaire au Maroc” under “Les Ambassades”).

Ireland has honorary consuls in Casablanca and Agadir, but no embassy (the nearest is in Lisbon, t 00 351 1 396 9440). New Zealanders are covered by their embassy in Madrid ( t 00 34 915 230 226), but can use UK consular facilities in Morocco. Australians are covered by their embassy in Paris ( t 00 33 1 4059 3300), but can use Canadian consular facilities in Morocco.

Moroccan embassies and consulates abroad

A complete up-to-date list of Moroccan diplomatic missions around the world can be found on the Moroccan Foreign Ministry’s website at w diplomatie.ma (in “Missions diplomatiques et consulaires du Maroc” under “Les Ambassades”).

Algeria 12 Rue Branly, al-Mouradia, 12070 Algiers ( t 021 697094, e [email protected]); 26 Av Cheikh Larbi Tebessi, 31000 Oran ( t 041 411627, e [email protected]); 5 Av De l’ANP, Sidi Bel Abbes ( t 048/543470, e [email protected]).

Australia 17 Terrigal Crescent, O’Malley, Canberra, ACT 2606 ( t 02 6290 0755, e [email protected]).

Canada 38 Range Rd, Suite 1510, Ottawa, ON K1N 8J4 ( t 1 613 236 7391, e [email protected]); 2192, Bd Lévesque Ouest, Montreal, PQ H3H 1R6 ( t 1 514 288 8750, w www.consulatdumaroc.ca ).

Ireland (Chargé d’Affaires) 39 Raglan Rd, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4 ( t 01 660 9449, e [email protected]).

Mauritania Av Général de Gaulle, Tevragh Zeina 634, BP621, Nouakchott ( t 525 1411, e [email protected]); Av Maritime, Nouadhibou BP233 ( t 574 5084, e [email protected]); formalities for entering Morocco (by car, for example) can only be completed in Nouakchott, not Nouadhibou.

Spain c/Serrano 179, 28002 Madrid ( t 915 631 090, w embajada-marruecos.es ); c/Teniente Maroto 2, first floor, 11201 Algeciras ( t 956 661 803, e [email protected]); Palmera Bldg, Suite 178, 3rd floor, Av del Mediterraneo (corner Sierra Alhamilla), 04007 Almería ( t 95 020 6179, e [email protected]); also in Seville, Barcelona, Tarragona, Valencia, Bilbao, Burgos and Las Palmas.

South Africa 799 Schoemaan St (corner Farenden), Arcadia, Pretoria 001 ( t 012 343 0230, e [email protected]).

UK Diamond House, 97–99 Praed St, London W2 1NT ( t 020 7724 0719, w www.moroccanembassylondon.org.uk ).

US 1601 21st St NW, Washington DC 20009 ( t 1 202 462 7979, e [email protected]); 10 E 40th St, 24th Floor, New York, NY 10016 ( t 1 212 758 2625, w moroccanconsulate.com ).

As a result of sexual segregation, male homosexuality is relatively common in Morocco, although attitudes towards it are a little confused. Few Moroccans will declare themselves gay – which has connotations of femininity and weakness; the idea of being a passive partner is virtually taboo, while a dominant partner may well not consider himself to be indulging in a homosexual act. Private realities, however, are rather different from public show (on which subject, note that Moroccan men of all ages often walk hand in hand in public – a habit that has nothing to do with homosexuality and is simply a sign of friendship).

Gay sex between men is illegal under Moroccan law. Article 489 of the Moroccan penal code prohibits any “shameless or unnatural act” with a person of the same sex and allows for imprisonment of six months to three years, plus a fine. There are also various provisions in the penal code for more serious offences, with correspondingly higher penalties in cases involving, for example, corruption of minors (under-18s). Despite this, a gay rights association called Kif-Kif has now been formed, and there’s even a gay magazine, ( w mithly.net , in Arabic only).

A certain amount of information on the male gay scene in Morocco (gay bars, meeting places and cruising spots) can be found in the annual Spartacus Gay Guide ( spartacus.gayguide.travel ). Tangier’s days as a gay resort are long gone but a tourist-oriented gay scene does seem to be emerging, very discreetly, in Marrakesh, and to a lesser extent Agadir, though pressure from religious fundamentalists makes it difficult for the authorities to ease up, even if they wanted to, and arrests of tourists for having gay sex are not unknown.

There is no public perception of lesbianism in Morocco, and as a Western visitor, your chances of making contact with any Moroccan lesbians are very small indeed. Moroccan women are under extreme pressure to marry and bear children, and anyone resisting such pressure is likely to have a very hard time of it.

For minor health complaints, a visit to a pharmacy is likely to be sufficient. Moroccan pharmacists are well trained and dispense a wide range of drugs, including many available only on prescription in the West. If pharmacists feel you need a full diagnosis, they can recommend a doctor – sometimes working on the premises. Addresses of English- and French-speaking doctors can also be obtained from consulates and large hotels.

If you need hospital treatment , contact your consulate at once and follow its advice. If you are near a major city, reasonable treatment may be available locally. State hospitals are usually OK for minor injuries, but for anything serious, a private clinic is generally preferable. Depending on your condition, repatriation may be the best course of action.

The latest advice on health in Morocco can be found on the US government’s travel health website at w cdc.gov/travel.

Inoculations

No inoculations are required but you should always be up to date with polio and tetanus. Those intending to stay a long time in the country, especially if working with animals or in the healthcare field, are also advised to consider vaccinations against typhoid, TB, hepatitis A and B, diphtheria and rabies, though these are not worth your while if just going on holiday.

A very low level of malaria does exist in the form of occasional cases between May and October in the region to the north of Beni Mellal and Khenifra, between Chefchaouen and Larache, and in the province of Taza, but local strains are not life-threatening and malaria pills are not normally considered necessary unless you actually fall ill with it (in which case they are easy enough to get at any pharmacy). More importantly, avoid bites; use mosquito repellent on all exposed areas of skin, especially feet, and particularly around dusk. Repellents containing DEET are usually recommended for adults.

Water and health hazards

Tap water in most of Morocco is generally safe to drink, though in the far south and Western Sahara it’s best to stick to bottled mineral water.

A more serious problem in the south is that many of the river valleys and oases are infected with bilharzia , also known as schistosomiasis , caused by a tiny fluke worm that lives part of its life cycle in a freshwater snail, and the other part in the blood and internal organs of a human or other mammal which bathes in or drinks the water. The snails only live in stagnant water, but the flukes may be swept downstream. Staying clear of slow-flowing rivers and oasis water is the best way to avoid it. If infected while bathing, you’ll probably get a slightly itchy rash an hour or two later where the flukes have entered the skin. Later symptoms may take several months to appear, and are typified by abdominal pains, and blood in faeces or even urine. If you suspect that you might have it, seek medical help. Bilharzia is easily cured, but can cause permanent intestinal damage if untreated. Care should be taken, too, in drinking water from mountain streams . In areas where there is livestock upstream giardiasis may be prevalent and is a common cause of travellers’ diarrhoea. Other symptoms include nausea, weight loss and fatigue which usually last no more than two weeks and settle without treatment. If they continue for longer, then a course of metronidazole (Flagyl) generally leads to effective eradication, but always finish the course, even after symptoms have gone, and even though this antibiotic will probably make you feel nauseous and precludes consumption of alcohol. Using iodine water purification tablets, or boiling any drinking or cooking water (remember that you’ll have to boil it for longer at high altitudes, where the boiling point is lower) is the simplest way to avoid putting yourself at risk from either of these illnesses.

At some stage in your Moroccan travels, it is likely that you will get diarrhoea . As a first stage of treatment it’s best simply to adapt your diet. Plain boiled rice is your safest bet, while yoghurt is an effective stomach settler and prickly pears (widely available in summer) are good too, as are bananas, but other fruit is best avoided, along with greasy food, dairy products (except yoghurt), caffeine and alcohol. If you have diarrhoea, it’s important to replace the body fluids and salts lost through dehydration (this is especially the case with children); dissolving oral rehydration salts ( sels de réhydratation orale in French) in water will help. These are available at any pharmacy, but if you can’t get any, a teaspoon of salt plus eight of sugar per litre of water makes a reasonable substitute. Water (at least two litres per adult daily) should be drunk constantly throughout the day, rather than all in one go.

If symptoms persist for several days – especially if you get painful cramps, or if blood or mucus appear in your stools – you could have something more serious (see Water and health hazards) and should seek medical advice.

Other hazards

There are few natural hazards in northern Morocco, where wildlife is not very different from that of Mediterranean Europe. If you venture into the Sahara, however, be aware of the very real dangers of a bite from a snake or scorpion . Several of the Saharan snakes are deadly. Bites should be treated as medical emergencies.

Certain scorpions are very dangerous; their sting can be fatal if not treated. Avoid going barefoot or in flip-flops (thongs) in the bush, or turning over stones. In the desert, shake out your shoes before putting them on in the morning. All scorpions sting, which can be extremely painful, especially if you are allergic, but not many are life-threatening. Most snakes are non-venomous and, again, few are life-threatening, but one or two species can be dangerous, most notably the horned viper.

If you do get bitten by a snake or stung by a scorpion, don’t panic – even in the case of life-threatening species, actual fatalities are rare, and you should be in no danger if treated in a reasonable time. Sucking out the poison only works in movies, and tourniquets are dangerous and ill-advised. The important thing is to relax, try not to move the affected part of your body, and seek medical help as quickly as possible. Try to remember what the creature looked like, and if it’s possible to kill or catch it without danger, then do so, so that you can show it to doctors or paramedics.

Never underestimate Morocco’s heat , especially in the south. A hat – preferably light in both weight and colour – is an essential precaution and, especially if you have very fair skin, you should also take sunblock cream with a very high screening factor, as the sun really is higher (and therefore stronger) in Morocco than in northern latitudes. Resulting problems include dehydration – make sure that you’re drinking enough (irregular urination such as only once a day is a danger sign) – and heatstroke , which is potentially fatal. Signs of heatstroke are a very high body temperature without a feeling of fever, but accompanied by headaches, nausea and/or disorientation. Lowering body temperature, with a tepid shower or bath, for example, is the first step in treatment, after which medical help should be sought.

Contraceptives and tampons

Poor quality and rather unreliable condoms ( préservatifs ) can be bought in most pharmacies, and so can the pill (officially by prescription, but this isn’t essential).

Tampons can be bought at general stores, not pharmacies, in most Moroccan cities. Don’t expect to find them in country or mountain areas.

It’s frankly reckless to travel without insurance cover. Home insurance policies occasionally cover your possessions when overseas, and some private medical schemes include cover when abroad. Bank and credit cards often have certain levels of medical or other insurance included and you may automatically get travel insurance if you use a major credit card to pay for your trip. Otherwise, you should contact a specialist travel insurance company. A typical travel insurance policy usually provides cover for the loss of baggage, tickets and – up to a certain limit – cash or cheques, as well as cancellation or curtailment of your journey. Most of them exclude so-called dangerous sports unless an extra premium is paid: in Morocco this could include mountaineering, skiing, water rafting or paragliding. Read the small print and benefits tables of prospective policies carefully; coverage can vary wildly for roughly similar premiums. Many policies can be chopped and changed to exclude coverage you don’t need. For medical coverage, check whether benefits will be paid as treatment proceeds or only after returning home, and whether there is a 24-hour medical emergency number. When securing baggage cover, make sure that the per-article limit – typically under £500/$1000 – will cover your most valuable possession. If you need to make a claim, you should keep receipts for medicines and medical treatment, and in the event you have anything stolen, you must obtain an official statement from the police (called a papier de déclaration ).

Cybercafés ( cybers , pronounced “sea-bear”, with a little French gargle at the end) are widespread, and usually charge around 5dh per hour, though some places charge double that, and hotels with internet services often charge even more; conversely, some places in small towns in the south charge as little as 3dh per hour. Note that Moroccan cybercafés are rife with malware, so think twice before sticking your USB stick into one of their machines, and always scan it with a good anti-virus and anti-malware program afterwards.

For unlimited Wi-Fi on the go whilst travelling Morocco, buy a Skyroam Solis , which works in 130+ countries at one flat daily rate, paid for on a pay-as-you-go basis. You can connect up to five devices at once. Prices start from as little as €5 a day.

In the larger towns, laundries will take in clothes and wash them overnight, but you’ll usually find it easier to ask at hotels – even in cheap hotels without an official laundry service, the cleaning lady will almost certainly be glad to make a few extra dirhams by taking in a bit of washing.

You can deposit baggage at most train stations, but it will have to be locked or padlocked (unlockable rucksacks will not be accepted); if you are catching a late train, make sure that the office will be open on your return. There are similar facilities at the main bus stations, CTM offices and ferry stations. Where no left- luggage facilities are available, café proprietors may agree to look after baggage for you, sometimes for a small fee, more often for free in out-of-the-way places.

Your best chance of paid work in Morocco is teaching English . The schools listed here will require reasonable spoken French and an EFL qualification, and usually do their recruiting at home, but they sometimes advertise jobs online, and they may be able to direct you to smaller schools in Casablanca, Rabat and other Moroccan towns.

It is also possible to volunteer for a work camp . Most are open to anyone over eighteen. You pay travel costs but generally receive free accommodation (take a sleeping bag) and meals.

Letters between Morocco and Western Europe generally take around a week to ten days, around two weeks for North America or Australasia. There are postboxes at every post office ( La Poste ) and on the wayside; they seem to get emptied fairly efficiently, even in out-of-the-way places.

Stamps can sometimes be bought alongside postcards, or from some tabacs as well as at the post office, where there is often a dedicated counter (labelled timbres ), and where stamps may also be sold in the phone section, if there is one. At major post offices, there is a separate window for parcels , where the officials will want to examine the goods you are sending. Always take them unwrapped; there is usually someone to supply wrapping paper, string and tape.

Post office hours are typically Monday to Friday 8am–4.15pm; larger offices may stay open until 6pm, and may also open Saturday 8am–noon, for stamps, money changing and money transfer, but not for parcels or poste restante. During Ramadan, offices open Monday to Friday 9am–3pm, larger ones also Saturday 9am to noon.

Poste restante

Receiving letters poste restante (general delivery) can be a bit of a lottery, as Moroccan post office workers don’t always file letters under the name you might expect. Ask for all your initials to be checked (including M for Mr or Ms, etc) and, if you’re half-expecting anything, suggest other letters as well. To pick up your mail you need your passport. To have mail sent to you, it should be addressed (preferably with your surname underlined) to Poste Restante at the central post office of any major city.

The maps of Moroccan towns in this book should be sufficient for most needs, though commercial plans of greater Rabat or Casablanca may be useful if you need to visit the suburbs, and detailed maps of the Medinas in Marrakesh and Fez may help to navigate tortuous Medina alleyways.

Reasonable road maps are sometimes available at ONMT tourist offices, and these are adequate if you are not driving or going far off the beaten track. The best is the Rough Guide Map, on a scale of 1:1,000,000 (1cm to 1km). Among the alternatives, a good choice is GeoCenter or IGN’s 1:800,000 map, with the Western Sahara on a 1:2,500,000 inset. Also good are the Bay-Foldex Morocco map, on a scale of 1:800,000, with the Western Sahara on a 1:5,000,000 inset, and Michelin’s Morocco map (#959), on a scale of 1:1,000,000. Maps (or guidebooks) which do not show the Western Sahara as part of Morocco are banned and liable to confiscation.

Trekking maps and guides

Topographical maps used by trekkers, climbers, skiers, etc (1:50,000 and 1:100,000) are difficult to find in Morocco. You may have to go in person to the Division de la Cartographie, Avenue Hassan II, Km4, Rabat t 0660 102715 (near the gare routière bus station, ask for Résidence Oum Kaltoum ); for some maps, you have to show your passport and submit an order which may then be available for collection two working days later – if the request is approved, which is far from certain, although maps of Toubkal and some others will be served over the counter. Trekking maps are also sporadically available at the Hôtel Ali , Marrakesh, or in Imlil, the trailhead for treks in the area. However, if you are planning to go trekking, it is best to try and get maps through a specialist map outlet before you leave home. Look for 1:100,000 (and if you’re lucky 1:50,000) maps of the Atlas and other mountain areas. Stanfords in London (online orders worldwide at w stanfords.co.uk) has several trekking maps covering the High Atlas and in particular the Jebel Toubkal area.

AMIS produces brief map-guides to the Asni-Toubkal, Western High Atlas (Taroudant) and Sirwa (Taliouine), Anti-Atlas (Tafraoute), Aklim (Igherm) and Jebel Bou Iblane/Bou Naceur (Middle Atlas) areas, which are useful complements to the coverage in this guide. AMIS offer mail order worldwide, and are definitely the best place to try for Moroccan maps that are unobtainable elsewhere.

More detailed trekking guidebooks are also available in both English and French. The most useful are Hamish Brown’s The High Atlas: Treks and Climbs on Morocco’s Biggest and Best Mountains (Cicerone Press, 2012), and – though now dated – Robin Collomb’s Atlas Mountains (West Col, 1980), Michael Peyron’s Grand Atlas Traverse (2 vols, West Col, 1990), Karl Smith’s Atlas Mountains: A Walker’s Guide (Cicerone Press, 1998), and Richard Knight’s Trekking in the Moroccan Atlas (Trailblazer Publications, 2000). Also useful if you can find it is West Col’s map guide to the Mgoun Massif at 1:100,000, which covers a wide region, second only to Toubkal in popularity. For climbing, a modern reproduction of the 1942 Dresch–Lépiney Le Massif du Toubkal , available at some bookshops, is useful. These can sometimes be found in Marrakesh’s Librairie Chatr.

Though the easiest way to carry your money is in the form of plastic, it is a good idea to also carry at least a couple of days’ survival money in cash, and maybe some travellers’ cheques as an emergency backup.

Morocco’s basic unit of currency is the dirham (dh). The dirham is not quoted on international money markets, a rate being set instead by the Moroccan government. The present rates are approximately 14dh to £1, 8.80dh to US$1, 11dh to €1. As with all currencies there are fluctuations, but the dirham has roughly held its own against Western currencies over the last few years. A dirham is divided into 100 centimes , and you may find prices written or expressed in centimes rather than dirhams. Confusingly, centimes may also be referred to as francs or, in former Spanish zones of the country, as pesetas . You may also hear prices quoted in rials , or reales . In most parts of the country a dirham is considered to be twenty rials, though in Tangier and the Rif there are just two rials to the dirham. Coins of 10, 20 and 50 centimes, and 1, 5 and 10 dirhams are in circulation, along with notes of 20, 50, 100 and 200 dirhams.

In Algeciras, you can buy dirhams at poor rates from travel agents opposite the port entrance, and at slightly better rates from those inside the ferry terminal. You can also buy dirhams at similar rates from agents near the ferry terminals in Ceuta and Melilla. In Gibraltar, moneychangers will usually give you a very slightly better rate than in Morocco itself. When you’re nearing the end of your stay, it’s best to get down to as little Moroccan money as possible. You can change back dirhams at the airport on departure (you can’t use them in duty-free shops), but you may be asked to produce bank exchange receipts – and you can change back only fifty percent of sums detailed on these. You’ll probably be offered re-exchange into euros only. You can also change dirhams (at bad rates) into euros in Ceuta, Melilla and Algeciras, and into sterling in Gibraltar. It is illegal to import or export more than 1000dh.

Banks and exchange

English pounds and US and Canadian dollars can all be changed at banks, large hotels and some travel agents and tourist shops, but by far the most widely accepted foreign currency is the euro , which many people will accept in lieu of dirhams, at time of writing for the (bad) rate of €1 to 10dh. Gibraltarian banknotes are accepted for exchange at a very slightly lower rate than English ones, but Scottish and Northern Irish notes are not negotiable in Morocco, and nor are Australian and New Zealand dollars, South African rand, Algerian dinars or Mauritanian ouguiya, though you should be able to change CFAs. Moroccan bank clerks may balk at changing banknotes with numbers scrawled on them by their counterparts abroad, so change any such notes for clean ones before leaving home.

BMCE tends to be the best bank for money changing. Usually at banks, you fill in forms at one desk, then join a second queue for the cashier, and you’ll usually need to show your passport as proof of identity. Standard banking hours for most of the year are Monday to Friday 8.15am to 3.45pm. During Ramadan, banks typically open 9.30am to 2pm. BMCE and Attijariwafa Bank sometimes have a separate bureau de change open longer hours and at weekends, and there are now private foreign exchange bureaux in most major cities and tourist destinations, which open longer hours, often on Sundays too, change money with no fuss or bureaucracy, and don’t usually charge commission. Many post offices will also change cash, and large hotels may change money out of banking hours, though their rates may not be good.

There is a small currency black market but you are recommended not to use it: changing money on the street is illegal and subject to all the usual scams, and the rate is not particularly preferential.

Credit and debit cards

Credit and debit cards on the Visa, Mastercard, Cirrus and Plus networks can be used to withdraw cash from ATMs at many banks, but not the ones outside post offices. Otherwise, banks may advance cash against Visa or Mastercard. By using ATMs, you get trade exchange rates, which are better than those charged by banks for changing cash, but your card issuer may add a transaction fee, sometimes hefty. There is a daily limit on ATM cash withdrawals, usually 3000dh.

You can pay directly with plastic (usually with Mastercard, Visa or American Express, though the latter cannot be used in ATMs) in upmarket hotels, restaurants and tourist shops.

Travellers’ cheques and prepaid cards

Travellers’ cheques are as secure as plastic but nothing like as convenient. Some banks won’t change them, and staff often find spurious reasons not to do so: they may demand to see the original receipt for the cheques, though of course you are not supposed to carry that and the cheques together (if you do show it, don’t let the bank keep it). Travellers’ cheques have now generally been superseded by prepaid cards , such as those issued by Visa, which you can load up with credit before you leave home and use in ATMs like a debit card.

American Express and wiring money

American Express is represented by S’Tours at 2 Av Hassan Souktani, 4th floor, apt 10, Casablanca ( t 0522 203552), and at Residence Nadia, 22 Rue Moulay Ali Cherif, Guéliz, Marrakesh ( t 0524 437469), but these are only agents: they can issue Amex travellers’ cheques, but they cannot receive mail or wired money, nor cash personal cheques.

For wiring money, Western Union is represented at every post office. MoneyGram’s local agents include branches of Crédit du Maroc and Banque Centrale Populaire.

Opening hours follow a reasonably consistent pattern: banks (Mon–Fri 8.15am–3.45pm); museums (daily except Tues 9am–noon & 3–6pm); offices (Mon–Thurs 8.30am–noon & 2.30–6.30pm; Fri 8.30–11.30am & 3–6.30pm); Ville Nouvelle shops (Mon–Sat 8.30am–noon & 2–6.30pm); Medina shops (Sat–Thurs 9am–6pm, Fri 9am–1pm). These hours will vary during Ramadan, when banks, for example, open 9.30am to 2pm, and everything will close before nightfall, when those observing the fast – which is to say, nearly everybody – have to stop and eat.

The easiest way to call within Morocco or abroad is to use a public phone booth ( cabine ), which takes a phonecard ( télécarte ) issued by Maroc Télécom. The cards are available from some newsagents and tabacs , and from post offices, and come in denominations of 10dh, 20dh, 50dh and 100dh. Cardphones are widespread, and you can usually find a number of them by a town’s main post office if nowhere else. Unfortunately, they are not very well maintained, and often don’t work. Not infrequently, they dock a unit from your card and fail to connect you, but they are still the best and most convenient way to make calls.

An alternative is to use a téléboutique , common everywhere. Some use coins – 5dh and 10dh coins are best for foreign calls (you’ll probably need at least 20dh) – others give you a card and charge you for the units used. International calls from a hotel are pricey and may be charged in three-minute increments, so that if you go one second over, you’re charged for the next period.

Morocco now has about ninety percent mobile coverage. Calls are expensive if using your own SIM card from home, and you pay to receive as well as make them; in addition, you can’t top up in Morocco, so bring enough credit with you. Depending on how long you are spending in Morocco, it may be worth signing up with Maroc Télécom or Meditel, using their SIM card and getting a Moroccan number.

Instead of a dialling tone, Moroccan phones have a voice telling you in French and Arabic to dial the number. When calling a Moroccan number, the ringing tone consists of one-and-a-half-second bursts of tone, separated by a three-and-a-half-second silence. The engaged tone is a series of short tones (pip-pip-pip-pip), as in most other parts of the world. A short series of very rapid pips may also indicate that your call is being connected.

Phone numbers

Maroc Télécom seem to change all their numbers every couple of years. Moroccan numbers are now ten-digit, and all ten digits must be dialled, even locally. All mobile numbers now begin with 06, all ordinary landline numbers with 05. If the number you have doesn’t start with either of these, you’ll need to convert it (see International dialling codes).

The Spanish enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla have nine-digit numbers, incorporating the former area codes (956 for Ceuta, 952 for Melilla), and all nine digits must be dialled, even locally. To call from mainland Spain, you will only need to dial the nine-digit number. Calling Ceuta or Melilla from abroad, or from Morocco proper, dial the international access code (00 from Morocco), then 34, then the whole nine-digit number. To call Morocco from Ceuta or Melilla, dial 00 212, then the last nine digits of the number, omitting the initial zero.

International calls

To call Morocco from abroad , you dial the international access code (00 from Britain, Ireland, Spain, the Netherlands and New Zealand; 0011 from Australia; 011 from the US and most of Canada), then the country code (212), then the last nine digits of the number, omitting the initial zero. To call Ceuta or Melilla , dial the international access code, then 34, then all nine digits of the number, beginning with 956 for Ceuta, 952 for Melilla.

For an international call from Morocco, Ceuta or Melilla, dial 00, followed by the country code (1 for North America, 44 for the UK, etc), the area code (omitting the initial zero which prefixes area codes in most countries outside North America) and the subscriber number.

To reverse call charges, a good policy is to phone someone briefly and get them to ring you back, as collect (reverse charge) calls are hard to arrange.

Photography needs to be undertaken with care. If you are obviously taking a photograph of someone, ask their permission – especially in the more remote, rural regions where you can cause genuine offence. In Marrakesh’s Jemaa el Fna, taking even quite general shots of the scene may cause somebody in the shot to demand money from you, sometimes quite aggressively. Also note that it is illegal to take photographs of anything considered strategic, such as an airport or a police station, so be careful where you point your camera – if in doubt, ask. On a more positive front, taking a photograph of someone you’ve struck up a friendship with and sending it on to them, or exchanging photographs, is often greatly appreciated.

Morocco is on Greenwich Mean Time, with daylight saving (GMT+1) from the beginning of June to the end of September. Ceuta and Melilla keep Spanish time, which is GMT+1 in winter and GMT+2 in summer. The difference should be borne in mind if you’re coming from Morocco to catch ferries out of Ceuta or Melilla, or trains out of Algeciras, especially when Spain is on summer time but Morocco isn’t, as there’s then a two-hour time difference.

Morocco’s national tourist board, the Office National Marocain de Tourisme (ONMT; w visitmorocco.com ) maintains general information offices in several Western capitals, where you can pick up pamphlets on the main Moroccan cities and resorts, and a few items on cultural themes.

In Morocco itself, you’ll find an ONMT office ( délégation de tourisme ) or a locally run office called a Syndicat d’Initiative bureau in all towns of any size or interest – often both (addresses detailed in the guide). They can of course answer queries, though the délégation ’s main function is promoting tourism and gathering statistics. Both offices should also be able to put you in touch with an officially recognized guide.

In addition, there is quite a bit of information available online, and plenty of books on Morocco. The Maghreb Society, based in the UK at the Maghreb Bookshop, 45 Burton St, London WC1H 9AL ( t 020 7388 1840, w maghrebreview.com ), publishes the Maghreb Review , the most important English-language journal on the Maghrebian countries.

Facilities for people with disabilities are little developed in Morocco, and, although families are usually very supportive, many disabled Moroccans are reduced to begging. Despite this, able-bodied Moroccans are, in general, far more used to mixing with disabled people than their Western counterparts, and are much more likely to offer help without embarrassment if you need it.

Blindness is more common than in the West, and sighted Moroccans are generally used to helping blind and visually impaired people find their way around and get on and off public transport at the right stop.

There is little in the way of wheelchair access to most premises. In the street, the Ville Nouvelle districts are generally easier to negotiate than the often crowded Medinas, but don’t expect kerb ramps at road crossings or other such concessions to wheelchair users. Medina areas in cities like Rabat and even Marrakesh should not be too hard to negotiate at quiet times of day, but in Fez and Tangier, where the streets are steep and interspersed with steps, you would need at least one helper and a well-planned route to get around.

Bus and train travel will be difficult because of the steps that have to be negotiated, but grands taxis are a more feasible mode of transport if you can stake a claim on the front seat (maybe paying for two places to get the whole of it) – if you don’t have a helper travelling with you, and you require assistance, the driver or other passengers will almost certainly be happy to help you get in and out.

Accommodation at the lower end of the market is unlikely to be very accessible. Cheap city hotels tend to have small doorways and steep, narrow staircases, and often no elevator, though many will have ground-floor rooms. Beach hotels are more able to cater for visitors with mobility difficulties. Some package hotels, especially in Agadir, make an attempt to cater for wheelchair-users, with ramps, for example, but no accessible toilets. It is at the very top end of the market, however, that real changes are being made: new five-star hotels usually have a couple of rooms specifically adapted for wheelchairs. Obviously these need to be booked well in advance, and this also confines you to very expensive places, but it is at least a start.

You’ll probably find a package tour much easier than fully independent travel, but contact any tour operator to check they can meet your exact needs before making a booking. It’s also important to ensure you are covered by any insurance policy you take out.

Hotels with rooms specially adapted for wheelchair users include the Mövenpick in Tangier, the Tryp in Melilla the Palais Jamaï in Fez, the Sofitel in Rabat, the Sheraton and Hyatt Regency in Casablanca, the Médina in Essaouira, and the Atlas Medina and Ryad Mogador Menara among other Hivernage hotels in Marrakesh. The Ibis Moussafir chain ( w ibishotel.com ) has adapted rooms at several of its hotels, including those in Tangier, Fnideq, Meknes, Casablanca, El Jadida, Essaouira and Ouarzazate. Auberge Camping Toubkal in Talioune also has rooms adapted for wheelchair users. Other hotels, such as the Agadir Beach Club and Royal Atlas in Agadir, claim to be accessible, and to cater for wheelchair users, but do not have specially adapted rooms. Obviously, you should always call ahead to check whether any particular hotel can meet your specific needs.

British dailies and the International Herald Tribune are available at some newsstands in city centres and tourist resorts.

Newspapers and magazines

The Moroccan press has a range of papers in French and Arabic, but news coverage, especially of international news, is weak. Of the French-language papers, the most accessible is the pro-government daily, Le Matin . Others include L’Opinion (Istiqlal party), Maroc Soir (pro-government evening daily), L’Economiste , (independent), and Al Bayane (communist).

Periodicals include Maroc-Hebdo , La Vie Eco , and the Time/Newsweek-style news magazine Tel-Quel . There’s also an independent online English-language news magazine, Morocco Newsline . The most widely read Arabic daily newspapers are Assabah, the sister paper to L’Economiste, and the more sensationalist Al Ahdath Al Maghribia, which is independent but left-leaning.

In addition to these, Morocco has a number of football magazines, women’s magazines and other publications in French, as well as the excellent Francophone African news magazine, Jeune Afrique .

The BBC have cut World Service short-wave broadcasts to North Africa, but with a deft twiddle of the dial you may be able to pick up short-wave broadcasts for West Africa, or MW broadcasts to Europe; programme listings can be found online at BBC World service . You can also pick up Voice of America, currently in the afternoon, on 11840 or 13570 KHz and in the evening on 7470 or 9490 KHz, but these sometimes change.

Most of the pricier hotels receive satellite TV – CNN, the French TV5, and occasionally UK Sky channels. In the north of the country you can also get Spanish TV stations and, in Tangier, English-language Gibraltar TV. The independent Qatari news channel Al Jazeera is a major source of news for people in Morocco (many cafés show it), and you may even be able to get it in English if you have access to cable or satellite, but it is unfortunately not obtainable on terrestrial TV.

Morocco’s own two TV channels broadcast in Arabic, but include some French programmes – plus news bulletins in Arabic, French, Spanish and, more recently, Berber.

Armed with this book, you shouldn’t need a guide, but some people like to hire one to negotiate the Medinas of larger cities. Official guides, identified by a large, brass “sheriff’s badge”, can be engaged through tourist offices or large hotels. They charge around 150–200dh for half a day, twice that for a full day, plus sustenance. The rate is for the guide’s time, and can be shared by a group (though you‘d then be expected to give a good tip).

Young Moroccans may also offer their services as unofficial guides, which is illegal, and subject to occasional police clampdowns. Be very careful in making use of unofficial guides. Some are indeed genuine, usually unemployed youths hoping to make a few dirhams by showing tourists around, and they should be cheaper than official guides, less formal, offer a more street-level view, and perhaps show you things that official guides would not – indeed, many tourists end up making lasting friendships with people who‘ve approached them as unofficial guides – but some will be aiming only to get you into shops or hotels which pay them commission, or they may be confidence tricksters. If you do decide to hire an unofficial guide, be sure to fix the rate in advance (make it clear that you know the official rates), as well as the itinerary (so that it does not include shops, for example – this also applies to official guides).

In general, never agree to a guide showing you to a hotel, and never go shopping with a guide, official or otherwise, as they will only take you to places which pay them a commission, meaning a higher bill for you – often as much as fifty percent higher. Hotels that pay commission to guides for bringing tourists to them are also likely to be dubious in other ways. On the other hand, letting someone guide you to a café or restaurant won’t increase the price of a meal (although waiters will generally make a small tip to the guide).

Conmen and scams

Hustlers and conmen have been largely cleaned off the streets, and those who remain are less persistent, but tourists are the obvious target for them. However, it’s important not to treat every Moroccan who approaches you as a hustler – many (though not usually in tourist hot spots) are just trying to be friendly. However, forewarned is forearmed, so a few notes on the most common scams follow:

• Most hustlers (and guides, official or not) hope to earn money by steering you, sometimes with the most amazing deviousness, into shops that will pay them a commission, most commonly carpet shops where you will be subjected to hours of hard-sell. Never be afraid to walk away from such as situation, even if (as is quite likely) you are then subjected to abuse, and never buy anything from a shop that you are taken to by a guide or hustler.
• If a hustler guides you into the Medina till you have no idea where you are, and then demands a large fee to take you back out, don’t be afraid to appeal to people in the street, and if you feel genuinely menaced or harassed, threaten to go to the police: hustlers tend to vanish fast at the prospect of police involvement.
• Hustlers may attach themselves to you using the excuse of a letter (“Could you help translate or write one?”), or by pretending to be someone you have met but forgotten – so if someone you don’t remember says, “Hey, remember me?” it’s probably a hustler trying to practise some scam on you. Another trick is to tell you that a site that you are on your way to visit is closed and that they can show you something else instead, or they may tell you that there is a Berber market taking place and this is the only day of the week to see it. If you ignore these people or turn them down, they may accuse you of being paranoid, angry or racist – and such an accusation is a sure sign that you were right.
• Con merchants, working alone or in couples, may befriend tourists, and then, after a day or two, tell some sad tale about needing money to get a passport or for a sick relative, or some such.
• On trains, especially at Tangier, hustlers sometimes pose as porters or railway staff, demanding an extortionate fee for carrying baggage or payment of supplements. Genuine rail staff wear beige overalls and have ID cards, which, if suspicious, you should ask to see.
• Drivers should beware of hitchhiking hustlers, who spend all day hitching between a pair of towns and can get highly obnoxious in their demands for money when you approach one or other destination. Alternatively, they may wish to thank you for the lift by taking you home for a cup of tea – except that “home” turns out to be a carpet shop, where you are then subjected to hours of hard-sell. A variation on this is the fake breakdown, where people on the road flag down passing tourists and ask them to take a note to a “mechanic”, who turns out to be a carpet salesman. This one is particularly common on the N9 between Marrakesh, Ouarzazate and Zagora, and the N10 between Ouarzazate and Tinerhir.

Dealing with children

In the countryside especially, children may demand a dirham, un cadeau (present) or un stylo (a pen/pencil). Working out your own strategy is all part of the game, but be sure to keep good humour: smile and laugh, or kids can make a serious nuisance of themselves. Faced with begging from children, we recommend not obliging, as this ties them to a begging mentality, and encourages them to harass other visitors.

Travelling with small children, you may well find that people will frequently come up to admire them, to compliment you on them and to caress them, which may be uncomfortable for shyer offspring. In Moroccan families, children stay up late until they fall asleep and are spoiled rotten by older family members. The streets are pretty safe and even quite small children walk to school unaccompanied or play in the street unsupervised.

As a parent, however, you will encounter one or two difficulties. For example, you won’t find baby changing rooms in airports, hotels or restaurants, and will have to be discreet if breastfeeding – find a quiet corner and shield infant and breast from view with a light cloth over your shoulder. Beach resort and package tour hotels may have facilities such as playgrounds, children’s pools and a babysitting service, but mid-range city hotels are far less likely to cater for children, though many allow children to share their parents’ room for free.

You may want to try a holiday with Club Med , whose purpose-built holiday resorts at Agadir and Marrakesh feature kids’ club, entertainment and sports facilities on site. Attractions that should appeal to small people include Magic Park in Salé, Oasiria in Marrakesh, and the tourist train in Agadir.

Disposable nappies (diapers) are available at larger supermarkets, and sometimes city pharmacies, at prices similar to what you pay at home, but off the beaten track, you may need to stock up, or take washables. You may also want to take along some dried baby food; any café can supply hot water.

On buses and grands taxis, children small enough to share your seat will usually travel free, but older kids pay the full adult fare. On trains, travel is free for under-fours, and half price for four- to eleven-year-olds.

Among hazards that you’ll need to bear in mind are traffic and stray animals. Dogs can be fierce in Morocco, and can also carry rabies, and there are a lot of feral cats and dogs about. Children (especially young ones) are also more susceptible than adults to heatstroke and dehydration, and should always wear a sunhat, and have high-factor sunscreen applied to exposed skin. If swimming at a beach resort, they should do so in a T-shirt, certainly for the first few days. The other thing that children are very susceptible to is an upset tummy. Bear in mind that antidiarrhoeal drugs should generally not be given to young children; read the literature provided with the medication or consult a doctor for guidance on child dosages. For more tips, see The Rough Guide to Travel with Babies & Young Children.

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Home » Africa » Morocco » 30 Tips to Know Before Traveling to Morocco

30 Tips to Know Before Traveling to Morocco

By Author Laura Longwell

Posted on Last updated: April 2, 2020

We were first drawn to visit Morocco by the photos. How could we not be? The bright blue doors of Chefchaouen, the ochre waves of desert sand, the multi-colored medinas—there are so many spectacular things to see in Morocco. We discovered that it was all of that and much more. Morocco travel is indeed alluring and thought-provoking, but it’s not without its challenges.

If much of your travel experience has been in the US or Europe, some things about North Africa may come as a surprise. From the multiple languages spoken to the traditions of a Muslim-dominant country, traveling to Morocco is different from traveling to England or Italy . And with every travel experience, setting expectations and being informed are important parts of having a great time.

Tips to Know Before Traveling to Morocco

These are just a few of the Morocco travel tips we learned from our trip.

Morocco is huge

Morocco is enormous. Wrapping around the northwestern coastline of Africa, it touches the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic and includes a huge swath of the Western Sahara Desert. Long and thin like many of the Scandinavian countries, Morocco is actually bigger than Norway . Only nine miles of ocean separate Morocco from Spain, which is how we visited Morocco the first time on a day trip to Tangier .

All this means that Morocco has soaring desert sand dunes, oases, a long coastline with magnificent beaches, thriving cities, and more.

Many things in Morocco are definitely not close together, especially with the Altas Mountains running through the heart of the country. Don’t expect to be doing a day trip from Marrakech to Chefchaouen. Of course, your itinerary will dictate the distances you cover, and Morocco may not feel large at all. We had short trips like Casablanca to Rabat and really long trips like our seven-hour drive from Fez to Merzouga. Luckily, there’s lots to see everywhere in Morocco.

See how much ground we covered in our detailed two-week Morocco itinerary

Mosques are off-limits unless you’re Muslim

Mosques around the world are often highly decorated with gorgeous scrollwork, mosaics, and beautiful carpets. From Albania to Turkey and beyond, we have been to a handful of Muslim-dominant countries and always marveled at the mosques we visited. Often, they required special coverings and removing your shoes was always mandatory, but we were allowed in, even as non-Muslims. That’s not the case in Morocco, with one exception.

The only mosque tourists can visit on a trip to Morocco is Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, the 5th largest mosque in the world. Built in 1993 on land that used to be part of the ocean, the mosque is grand and open to non-Muslims for guided tours every day. While Hassan II is huge, its decorations are minimal compared to other famous mosques. If you’ve never visited a mosque before or find yourself with free time in Casablanca, it is worth a visit.

No vaccines or visas are required to travel to Morocco

For Americans, the requirements for traveling to Morocco are easy. No visas are needed, and no vaccines are specifically required. The CDC does recommend Hepatitis A and Typhoid shots, but they’re not a must. We’re a little fanatical about getting what’s best for us, and luckily we were covered from a previous trip to Africa.

Morocco is gorgeous

The landscape of Morocco has so many different natural features. There are miles of beaches and mountains that rise up over 13,000 feet high. There are dramatic desert sand dunes and palm tree-filled oases. The variety is astounding.

The cities of Morocco are a cacophony of colors, smells, and sounds. Artisans crafts shoes in the colors of the rainbow, food stands cook up the local specialty, and hawkers hawk…well, just about anything.

It all blends together to make Morocco one stunning place.

Morocco makes wine

As a Muslim-dominated country, alcohol is somewhat scarce throughout Morocco. It is found in riads and some restaurants, but you generally won’t find alcohol in stores unless you’re going to the French supermarket Carrefour. Outside of larger cities, you can pretty much forget it.

That’s why we were stunned to learn that Morocco actually makes wine. If you think about the geography—not terribly far from the European wine powerhouses of Greece , Spain, and Italy—it makes a lot of sense. Culturally, however, it is unexpected.

There are a couple of wineries in Morocco producing red, white, and rose wines, and they’re very good. We enjoyed the Cuvee du President brand and the Sauvignon from Les Celliers de Meknès in restaurants and in one small wine store seemingly in the middle of nowhere (there are big benefits to having a Moroccan guide). Wine in Morocco—who knew?!

Bread is king

Bread is a staple in Morocco. It’s at every meal, covered in argan paste, used to mop up sauce from tanjia, or even used as a replacement for cutlery.

In Morocco, families often bring their dough to neighborhood bakeries to be baked during the day and picked up before dinner time. There’s a constant stream of loaves going in and coming out of the large ovens.

You’ll also see vendors rolling their carts full of hot loaves through the streets. Don’t be afraid to stop one of them for an inexpensive snack.

Fridays are holy days

Muslims observe holy days on Fridays, which means that almost everyone goes to the mosques to pray. As a result, business hours may vary from other days of the week, especially in the afternoons. Souks will certainly be quieter and many businesses will be closed.

In the evenings, however, things can get quite busy—especially in places like Jemaa el-Fna square in Marrakech —after prayers are over.

Many main tourist attractions remain open on Friday, but it is worth planning ahead if you have a must-see sight or experience on your Morocco itinerary.

You won’t be alone in the desert

Before traveling to Morocco, I read lots of flowery accounts of people saying that visiting the desert in Merzouga was one of the best things they’d ever done—a once-in-a-lifetime highlight. My expectations were set very high for a magical experience.

What happened was a little more down-to-earth. Don’t get me wrong—we had a great time. The sand dunes were spectacular, and our desert camp was luxurious and exactly what we’d hope for.

But what we didn’t properly anticipate was that our camel ride out to our desert camp would come with dozens–if not hundreds–of other people. As we plodded our way out into the desert (just a couple of miles), there were numerous other caravans alongside us. As we waited at the top of the dunes for sunset, other visitors popped up in our photos and laughed and played music nearby. I was annoyed.

While getting to camp wasn’t the serene experience we’d anticipated, being in camp was amazing. And getting up for sunrise—which is totally NOT the norm for us—couldn’t have been better. Watching the sun cast its first rays on the ruddy dunes as we walked silently through the sand was marvelous.

We had a wonderful experience but wished we had set our expectations appropriately.

Moroccans’ language skills are extraordinary

There are two official languages in Morocco—Arabic and Berber. They’re both spoken widely, though you will probably hear more Arabic in the cities. Although French is not an official language, it seems to be everywhere, in spoken and written communication. You’ll find many people speak at least two of the three languages.

Some Moroccans even switch easily between Berber, Arabic, French, Spanish, and English. It’s mind-blowing.

Since most western tourists aren’t likely to have a good command of Berber or Arabic, knowing just a little bit of French can take you very far. English is spoken in many of the more touristy spots, but a knowledge of even a few phrases of French could be helpful.

On our trip, we encountered many restaurants that did not have English menus, and the proprietors of our riad in Marrakech didn’t speak English. The little bit of college French I remember a decade later—supplemented with some help from Google translate—was essential when ordering at restaurants and asking for simple things like a hair dryer at our riad. Our travel advice for Morocco? A basic phrase book and memorizing a handful of basic words are good ideas.

Expect to see storks

Stray cats, donkeys, and even monkeys are expected in different places in Morocco. But one animal that completely surprised us were the storks.

Considered holy animals in Morocco, storks are often found nesting in the tops of minarets and other buildings. We saw them first in the ancient site of Chellah in Rabat, but they’re fairly common in Marrakech, too.

If you see one of the huge birds building a nest or hanging around, steer clear—disturbing a stork comes with a three-month jail sentence in Morocco.

Taking photos can be a no go

Be careful about what photos you take when visiting Morocco. Some people—especially women—will not want their photo taken at all and will shield their faces. Others will expect some baksheesh (a tip).

The same can be said at shops. Don’t expect that everyone will be OK with you taking photos of their stands or shops, even in the souks. It’s always a good idea to ask before taking pictures of a person or their merchandise. And if they want some coins, establish the price before you take the photo.

It’s also worth noting that photographing many of the royal palaces, guards, and police is off-limits. It can be very tempting for photographers because of the colors of the flags flown and the variety of uniforms, but make sure you know what’s legal. When in doubt, address one of the guards, point to your camera, and wait for an affirmative response. Being cautious is always better than getting in trouble.

Each city has a specialty

Many people visit Morocco with the intention of shopping because of the unique hand-crafted products. While it’s true that most things are available in most places, each city has something it’s particularly known for.

For instance, you only have to look at the famous tanneries of Fez and Marrakech to imagine that they have high-quality leather goods. Find a shop that only sells leather or that is an actual leather workshop for the best items (and usually the best prices).

When it comes to pottery, the city of Safi on the Atlantic coast is the top place to shop. If Safi is not on your itinerary, Fez is a great option. We visited a factory there where we watched the ceramics and mosaics coming to life in front of us—truly impressive!

If you’re after argan products, be selective in your purchasing. This golden oil can be replaced by olive oil or other less expensive oils that don’t hold the same benefits as argan. Head to a pharmacy in one of the big cities. Better yet, stop at the women’s collective just outside of Essouira where you can watch the product being made to know what you’re getting is authentic. We came home with some delicious argan paste (tastes like out-of-this-world peanut butter) and cosmetic argan oil.

Whatever you’re in the market for, do a little research ahead of time so you can be prepared to get the best souvenir to remember your trip.

Immodium may come in handy

Most tap water in Morocco is generally safe to drink, especially in Marrakech. Food standards at restaurants and street food stands are also high, although we were warned against the carnival of food that is Jemaa el-Fnaa (Marrakech’s main square) at night because meat can sit out for a long time in warm temperatures.

Still, we usually stick to bottled water out of an abundance of caution. And, after a few incidents in Peru and Egypt, we’re always prepared with Immodium just in case. Vacation is a bad time to find out you’re more sensitive to certain foods (and microbes) than you thought.

Not everywhere has mint tea

Mint tea isn’t just a drink in Morocco. It’s a welcome, a ritual, and a sign of hospitality. In a country where alcohol isn’t widely consumed, the bright—and usually very sweet—beverage is as prevalent as wine in France or beer in the US.

But typical mint tea isn’t the only kind you’ll find in Morocco. When we were served plain green tea in our guest house near the desert, we learned that mint tea is less common in some areas, especially among Berbers. You may find plain tea (sweetened or unsweetened) or Berber tea, which often has a mix of herbs like thyme, geranium, sage, lemon verbena, or wormwood that vary depending on the time of year.

Chefchaouen really is that blue

Photos of brilliant blue Chefchaouen were one of the reasons we became interested in visiting Morocco. When we finally planned our trip to Morocco, I didn’t care one bit that Chefchaouen wasn’t the easiest place to get to, I was determined that it would be on our itinerary. I also thought that maybe there was a chance it wasn’t really that blue all the time. It is.

The stories vary about why Chefchaouen is blue, but it’s 100% true that most of this lovely town is painted in hues of royal, aqua, or baby blue throughout the year. It’s completely mesmerizing (maybe partially because our favorite color is blue). The best part of visiting Chefchaouen is getting lost in the medina and traversing the lanes up and down the hills while watching the colors change in front of you.

Unwanted attention is basically a sure thing

I hope it’s obvious by now just how lovely Morocco is. Most people also want to know if it’s safe to travel to Morocco and if women traveling in Morocco should be comfortable. The answer to both those questions is “yes,” but there are some caveats. A big one is that female travelers are likely to receive a lot of unwanted attention.

When we visited Egypt several years ago, my sister and I got yelled at in markets and followed through squares, and someone even offered to buy her. After that, I felt prepared for anything Morocco might bring.

While I certainly got catcalled in Fez and Marrakech, it wasn’t significantly worse than what I’ve experienced in any big city in the US. Being catcalled in Morocco is inevitable regardless of what you’re wearing or who you’re with, so do your best keep your head down, ignore it, and keep walking. And, above all, don’t let it ruin your trip.

Dressing modestly is a good idea

Everyone has a different idea of what “appropriate dress” is. When we travel, we try to respect local customs, so we dress and behave accordingly.

The truth is, you can wear whatever you want in Morocco. Wearing tank tops and short shorts isn’t a crime, but it’s likely to draw a lot of attention you definitely don’t want, and you’ll probably feel more uncomfortable in the end. Your best bet for feeling comfortable is dressing modestly, covering shoulders, legs, and cleavage.

The juice is unbelievable

Fruit is unbelievably cheap throughout Morocco. Don’t hesitate to indulge in the fruit juice stands whenever they’re available. We found them most often in Chefchaouen and Jemaa el-Fnaa in Marrakech, but I’m sure they can be found elsewhere.

For less than $1USD, stands will juice just about any fruit you can think of right in front of you. And, my goodness, is it delicious. It’s even cheaper if you stand there to drink it than if you take away.

For the sake of comparison, we paid $1 in Chefchaouen for the same portion of fresh-squeezed orange juice that we paid nearly $5 for in southern Spain. It was so good that we had two glasses in one day. Heaven!

Traditional Moroccan food is fabulous

Food in Morocco is plentiful and super affordable. In many places, you can get delicious main dishes for about $8USD, and the portions are large enough to feed a small army. Once you add in bread and a starter to share, you’ll be looking to take the long way back to your riad to walk off a little of dinner.

Dishes vary across restaurants and cities, but there are four dishes you’ll find in most places—tagine, kefta, pastilla, and couscous.

Tagine is both the clay pot cooking vessel and the name of the dish that includes a variety of different vegetables and usually lamb, chicken, or beef. Kefta is seasoned ground beef meatballs (sometimes served on skewers). One of the best meals we had in Morocco was kefta at a roadside stop. SO good.

Pastilla is a Moroccan pie with a flaky crust that can be filled with fish, chicken, or squab (occasionally awkwardly translated as “dove”). It also has a layer of ground almonds, cinnamon, and sugar. Couscous—cooked semolina with vegetables and other accompaniments—is a regular on Moroccan tables, and particularly on Fridays to celebrate the holy day.

You’re going to get lost

The bigger medinas in Morocco have hundreds of shops, workshops, and food stands not to mention thousands of residents and visitors going about their daily lives. To say there is a lot of activity is an understatement.

At the same time, the alleys and streets twist and turn leading to squares, dead ends, and whole new sections of the medina you didn’t know existed. Even smaller medinas have an organization that is likely to confuse most visitors. Did I mention that many of the alleys are also quite dark?

The reality of visiting medinas and souks in Morocco is that you will probably get lost. It’s basically proof that you’ve had a real Morocco experience. It can be quite fun, but it can also be a little bit scary if you’re out at night. One of our top Morocco travel tips is to always carry a card with your hotel or riad’s address in case you need help finding your way back. Assume that a tip will be expected.

Having cellular or wifi access is really helpful

Having cellular or wifi access requires planning for people traveling to Morocco from abroad, but it’s a helpful thing to have. While many people like to disconnect on vacation, a smartphone is a valuable tool in a country where you may not always speak the language, or where you need directions or other information.

Cell coverage is generally good other than in the most remote areas, and 4G is available in most cities and many towns. But how do you access it?

The two best solutions for online access when you visit Morocco are to travel with an unlocked phone or to rent a wifi hotspot. If your phone is unlocked, buying a local SIM card can keep you connected very cheaply. If that’s not an option for you, consider a wifi hotspot. A hotspot will keep you connected when out and about and will come in handy if your riad or hotel has weak wifi, which we experienced several times. We wrote in more depth about our experience using a wifi hotspot in Morocco here .

You won’t find toilet paper everywhere

It’s easy to take for granted that restrooms will have toilet paper, but that’s simply not the case everywhere in the world. The best plan is to have a stash of your own with you at all times.

Americans are generally not used to paying to use the toilet—much less not having toilet paper—although that’s common in many places in the world. In Morocco, you often get lucky and find someone manning the restrooms. Usually a few dirham will get you a relatively clean restroom and a few pieces of paper. But sometimes you encounter a place without any. That’s when you’ll be glad you’re prepared.

Bargaining is part of the culture

Haggling is practically a national sport in Morocco, so be ready if you’re planning to head home loaded down with souvenirs. It can be a little uncomfortable, but if you look at it as a game instead, haggling can actually be fun.

Here’s the thing: prices at souks in Morocco are dramatically marked up. The shopkeepers expect haggling. And since no one wants to feel like they paid four times too much for an item, it’s a good idea to get comfortable with the fact that there’s going to be a good deal of back-and-forth before you walk away with your purchase.

Most Morocco travel guides advise starting your bargaining at 1/3 of the price you’re quoted, So, if you’re quoted 1000 dirham, offer 300 in return. Most of the time, you should reach an agreement at about 50-60% of the original price. Never seem too interested, and be prepared to walk away.

There are goats! In trees!

It’s hard not to be a sucker for goats. I mean, they’re adorable. And there’s a place in western Morocco between Marrakech and Essouira where you’re likely to see them in trees.

In the past, farmers coaxed the goats into the argan trees to gnaw on the tough seeds that hang from the branches. The goats ate and— shall we say, “processed”—the seeds, making it easier for farmers to extract the valuable contents inside the seeds.

Nowadays, there’s machinery to process the argan in an easier way, so the goats-in-trees thing is done for tourists who are suckers for these cuties. Although it’s not as authentic as it once was, there’s no question that it makes for an amazing photo. And, if you’re lucky, you might just get to hold a kid.

There are awesome Roman ruins

The influence of ancient Rome stretched far and wide, all the way to Morocco and beyond. Few visitors to Morocco make it to the country’s Roman ruins because of their locations, but these 2000-year-old sites are worth a detour. On this trip, we made it to two of the three sites–Chellah in Rabat and Volubilis, about two hours away.

Volubilis , located at the foot of the Atlas Mountains, was at the western edge of the Roman Empire. The footprints of its buildings, its triumphant arch, and the intricate mosaics tell the tales of its wealth even 2000 years later. All this thanks to money made from olive oil.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is dominated by the remains of buildings around the forum, with arches of the basilica in front of pillars of the Temple of Jupiter. Nearby, the Arch of Caracalla is visually striking in its size and completeness. The city that was once home to 20,000 residents now seems to be in the middle of nowhere, but its large number of beautifully-restored mosaics testifies to its importance.

Scammers abound

Marrakech is known as “scam city.” In the tourist areas, there are lots of people just waiting to hassle you a little bit in hopes of separating you from your money.

There are lots of “nice guys” trying to be your friend and offering to assist you in some unwanted way. They’ll ask what language you speak or where you’re from, maybe compliment you, and then offer you a tour, to show you where to buy the best rugs, or something else you’re not in the market for. Then, there are the people who come up and immediately put an animal on your back or in your hands.

This practice not limited to men, though. When we looked a bit confused walking back to our riad at night, two different boys gave us wrong directions we didn’t ask for. Once, a woman came up to me and grabbed my hand to start doing henna, unprompted. I don’t respond well to being grabbed by strangers.

Our best Morocco travel safety tip: don’t let your desire to be polite guide you into interacting with any of these kinds of scams. Use common sense and a definitive “no” (“la” in Arabic) and keep on walking.

Tanneries look—but do not smell—beautiful

Photos of the tanneries were one of the first things that intrigued me about visiting Morocco. The circles filled with dozens of colors and the people wandering among them make for an amazing mosaic when seen from above. Not to mention that the dyers are doing something most people have never seen before in a manner that hasn’t changed much since medieval times.

The thing that may not initially be obvious about the tanneries, though, it that some of those vats hold urine, water mixed with pigeon poo, and other unsavory solutions in order to prepare the hides. In the sweltering cities of Fez and Marrakech where you’ll find the tanneries, the vats and hides get hot. And they stink.

The tannery viewing experience will come with a sprig of mint to dull the tannery scent. We even saw some people who had shoved the mint up their noses. Our best Morocco travel tip: visit Morocco outside of the summer, if you can. During our visit in April, the scent was totally bearable.

It’s not always hot in Morocco

Lots of areas in Morocco get very warm during the day. In the spring and summer, temperatures in Marrakech range from 80-100 degrees. It’s even warmer in the desert, though it cools down substantially at night. Just three hours from Marrakech on the coast, Essouira is often 30 degrees cooler and windy. Before your visit, check the weather, and always pack a jacket just in case.

Having cash is necessary

One of the first things you do on your trip to Morocco should be to get cash. Morocco has a closed currency, which means it’s generally not available outside the country, but you’ll need plenty of it. Your first opportunity will likely be in the airport when you arrive.

Few places other than more expensive restaurants and supermarkets take credit or debit cards. You’ll need cash for most meals, buying most items in the souk (outside of a high-cost rug or leather good), taxis, and tipping. Finding an ATM in larger cities is relatively easy, but planning ahead is always a good idea.

Hectic Marrakech has a garden oasis

In the middle of Marrakech is a sprawling garden complex that feels a world away from the activity of the city. Jardin Majorelle is home to hundreds of varieties of plants plus fountains, ponds, and other peaceful additions.

The brilliant garden was built by French Orientalist artist Jacques Majorelle over 40 years beginning in 1923 and was revived in the 1980s after being purchased by fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé. Jardin Majorelle is now the top attraction in all of Morocco.

Visitors can walk among plants from five continents, lose themselves in the splashing fountains, and gaze at the art deco bright blue (known as Marjorelle blue) buildings. During our visit, Saint Laurent’s private garden was also open to visitors, which is a rare occurrence.

It is worth noting that the line to get into Jardin Majorelle can be long. Plan ahead and leave plenty of time for your visit. It’s worth it.

Laura Longwell is an award-winning travel blogger and photographer. Since founding Travel Addicts in 2008, she has written hundreds of articles that help over 3 million people a year get the most out of their travel. In that time, she has visited nearly 60 countries on 5 continents, often returning to favorite destinations over and over again. She has a deep love of history, uncovering unexpected attractions, and trying all the good food a place has to offer.

In addition to Travel Addicts, Laura runs a site about her hometown of Philadelphia—Guide to Philly—which chronicles unique things to do and places to see around southeastern Pennsylvania. Her travel tips and advice appear across the web.

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Wednesday 2nd of March 2022

We are going to Morrocco very soon and have never been there. Unfortunately we have limited time.....only 2-1/2 days at the end of a European trip. Right now, we are staying in Casablanca for the 2-1/2 days, but could cut one of the days out for a day trip to Marrakech. What would you advise?

Laura Longwell

I think you would be very disappointed to spend that amount of time in Casablanca. It's the business center and has minimal attractions compared to other cities. I would definitely recommend going to Marrakesh.

Monday 5th of July 2021

Thank you for your detailed information and recommendations. We are going to Morocco in a few days and I appreciate all of your advice.

That's great! I hope you have a fantastic time.

Friday 16th of August 2019

Came across your site! Thank you for the great insight! Did you arrange your private transportation offshore or once you arrived in Morocco? Did you use any specific service.

Thursday 30th of May 2019

the goats on the trees are really unbelievable!!!!

Wednesday 19th of September 2018

Great list! I visited Morocco two years ago and it was quite an experience. It's so different to anywhere else I have been. You're very right that visitors to Marrakesh should be wary of scammers, we were a little ignorant of this when we visited and a man tried to charge us for giving us directions in the souks...

My favourite place in Morroco though was Imlil, a Berber village, in the Atlas Mountains. The people were so sweet and we even managed to hike Toubkal! I recommend it if you haven't been.

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23 Travel Tips for Morocco – Everything You Need to Know Before You Go

What are the best travel tips for Morocco? In this article, I’ll tell you a few things that you should know before visiting Morocco. I’ll also explain some key points that make Morocco stand apart and I’ll give you travel advice that will help you enjoy your trip to Morocco even more.

Morocco is a country that attracts people from all over the world and this all year round thanks to its exotic landscapes and gorgeous traditional cities. It’s a country that has charmed our hearts with its waterfalls , port cities , and huge sand dunes .

There is definitely a lot to do in Morocco but what should travelers know before visiting this North-African country? What are the best travel tips for Morocco?

Travel tip for Morocco #1: You should definitely visit the waterfalls

Read more to find out what you should know before visiting Morocco. These are useful travel tips and small everyday life details that we couldn’t help but observe while visiting this beautiful country.

Morocco is not just a huge desert…

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Our top travel tips for Morocco

1. a lot of shops and restaurants in morocco are closed on fridays.

Morocco is a Muslim country and as such, Fridays are sacred days. A bit like Sundays for Christians. In Morocco, Fridays are usually the days when families and friends gather, stay at home and share a hearty Couscous.

Because of this a lot of cafes, stores, and restaurants are not open on Friday until the late afternoon.

Things are quiet on Friday mornings in Morocco…

Imagine walking out of your hostel in Morocco one morning with a super hungry belly just to find out that nothing is open. Not a single open restaurant in sight and no shop where you can buy some snacks.

That has happened to us on quite a few occasions and for some reason, we always forget to prepare for this ahead of time!

A quick tip: If you’re backpacking around Morocco and you’re in a small town on a Thursday night, buy food for the next morning.

In rural areas, you might not find any shop open on Friday mornings…

2. People generally get up late and stay up late

In the north of Morocco and especially in Tangier, life starts rather late in the morning. If you’re an early bird, you might have trouble finding a place open for a coffee before 10 AM.

By the same token, people stay up super late. When we were staying in a hostel in the old medina of Tangier , we could hear people talking and howling with laughter in the streets until 2 AM. Needless to say, we didn’t get much rest that night.

Two happy travelers in the old Medina of Tangier…

People in Morocco also stay up very late during Ramadan . Since they’re only allowed to eat after sunset, a lot of restaurants are opened during that month until one in the morning.

For those who enjoy a midnight snack, Ramadan will be the perfect time to travel to Morocco.

People stay up late in big touristic cities and especially during Ramadan…

3. It’s easy to travel around Morocco by bus, by train or even by hitchhiking

Trains in Morocco are super cheap and cozy. They’re also a great way to see the Moroccan countryside in comfort.

Their only downside is that they aren’t very fast except for the new high-speed train linking Tangier , Casablanca , and Rabat . That’s OK for me though since I love studying languages and long train rides in Morocco meant I had more time to study Moroccan Arabic .

Trains in Morocco are very comfortable…

In Morocco, it’s very easy to buy your train tickets in person directly at the train station. There is no need to try to buy them online ahead of time.

All the information on prices and timetables can be found on the ONCF website, once you know which train you will take you can head over to the train station to buy your ticket.

Make sure to bring cash to buy your ticket as it’s not always possible to pay by debit or credit card.

Every town or city has a bus station making it really easy to travel around the country…

It’s also equally easy to get around Morocco by bus. My advice though would be to buy a ticket from a bus company called CTM . Their buses are super comfortable, they take you directly to your destination and they don’t stop to pick people along the way.

Getting around Morocco by train or by bus is easy but hitchhiking wins the prize for the easiest means of transport around the country.

Hitchhiking in Morocco is not only possible, but it’s also super easy. We hitchhiked as a couple and almost never had to wait for more than an hour to get a ride. We also hitchhiked with two friends and our waiting time was similar, despite being 4 people and having an equal amount of big backpacks.

Hitchhiking in Morocco is super easy…

A lot of people giving us rides in Morocco invited us in their homes for a meal and they were super happy to hear our stories and talk with us. Learning a few words in Moroccan Arabic would be of tremendous help if you hitchhike around Morocco.

We sometimes got rides in pick-up trucks…

Another great tip is to ask someone to write down your destination on a piece of cardboard in Arabic.

This is a lovely family who hosted us in their home when we were hitchhiking in Morocco…

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Read our Travel Guide to Backpacking in Morocco

for mo info on how to get around the country

4. Moroccans speak so many languages!

I love learning languages and often pride myself in the fact that I speak quite a few of them. One day I was on the square of Jemma al Fenaa in Marrakesh and I was talking with two youngsters about my language skills. They didn’t seem very impressed and they quickly put me to shame by speaking in more than eleven different languages!

In Marrakesh, you’ll meet people who speak many different languages…

And that didn’t happen only once while I was in Morocco. All over Tangier, Rabat, and Meknes, I met young Moroccans who were absolute language masters.

This is a reflection of Morocco’s diverse influences. Berber, Arab, French and Spanish speaking groups of people have shaped what is now a very unique culture. It’s not uncommon to meet people who speak all of these different languages in Morocco.

Moroccans are language masters…

Want to learn Arabic?

Read: Tips and tricks to learn Moroccan Arabic

5. Morocco isn’t a party country

Morocco isn’t really the place to come and party. Although alcohol is sometimes allowed in certain hostels, generally it isn’t. Drinks in bars are also more expensive in Morocco than what you would typically pay in Europe.

Alcohol is not impossible to get though and most cities will have a few liquor stores. Because Cynthia and I are wine lovers, we continued buying our traditional weekly bottle whenever we were staying in apartments we had booked online.

Parties and drinking however always happen behind closed doors. Drinking in public in Morocco is prohibited. In general, being drunk outside is never a great idea in this Muslim country and is bound to get you in trouble.

Morocco is a Muslim country and not really the place to come and party…

6. Healthy and cheap food everywhere

Fruits and veggies in Morocco are some of the best I had in my whole life. They are plentiful, easily accessible all year round and they are super fresh. Morocco could be a very good travel option for Vegans .

Bigger Moroccan cities usually have an open-air fruit and vegetable market or they will have fruits and vegetables for sale in the old city.

Fresh fruit and veggies all year round…

My favorite fresh produce market in Morocco was the one in Tangier. It has everything you could imagine and some of the lowest prices I have seen in my life.

Apart from finding delicious food there, the place is a photographer’s paradise. Cynthia went there a few time to snap amazing pictures of the market’s atmosphere.

So many different kinds of olives…

Curious about the price of food in Morocco?

Read: Morocco on a budget

7. In Morocco always ask before taking pictures

Photographing people in Morocco is much harder than in other countries.

The Moroccans are very nice, friendly and talkative people. They usually smile, offer their help and are interested in who you are and where you come from. But the moment you aim your camera at them, their attitude changes.

Some people will suddenly cover their faces and firmly object having their photo taken, others might even scream at you.

This happened to Cynthia when she was in Chefchaouen . She had her camera in her hand and was waiting for a woman and her child to pass by so she could take a photo of the blue street. The woman thought she was going to photograph her and made a huge scene.

In this North-African country, people are rarely very keen on having their picture taken. It’s always better to approach people first and engage in conversation with them for a while to break the ice before asking to take their portrait.

approached the right way, people will gladly let you photograph them…

Taking pictures of people in Morocco is a real challenge. After a few months in the country though, Cynthia became really good at it. She wrote a cool guide in which she explains the techniques she used to approach and take pictures of people there.

With the right techniques, taking pictures of people in Morocco is not as hard as it sounds…

Read: How to photograph people in Morocco

8. Buy and register your Sim card in a shop, not on the streets

If you’re planning to stay in Morocco for a long period of time, you might be wondering how to get a good internet connection whilst in the country.

The best way to have fast, decent and reliable internet in Morocco is to buy a sim card and use your mobile data as a hotspot for your laptop.

Moroccans often sell sim cards directly on the streets…

What we recommend is that you go to an official agency to register for a sim card instead of buying one from a street vendor. You’ll need your passport to register but at least you’ll know that the number is and stays yours.

When you buy a sim card on the streets, the sim card might stop working after a couple of weeks. The agency, on the other hand, will explain how to recharge your mobile data on a weekly or monthly basis.

Read also: Surfing in Morocco – A Guide to the Best Surfing Spots in the Country

9. If you’re not Muslim you won’t be allowed to enter most of the mosques in Morocco

Unless you’re a Muslim, most mosques around the country will be off-limits. If you’d really love to see the inside of one, however, you could always visit the mosque Hassan II in Casablanca . A ticket to visit this mosque costs 120 MAD.

A mosque open to the public I highly recommend visiting is an old abandoned mud-brick mosque called Mosque Ikalane. It’s located in the small town of Tinerhir near the Todra gorges in the south of Morocco.

Mosque Ikelane in the small town of Tinghir is open to the public…

This mosque is usually guarded by a very friendly old man who will be happy to tell you about its history and the current restoration projects.

The caretaker of the mosque will be very happy to tell you about the history of the place…

Mosque Ikalane looks like a simple mud-brick building with a brown pointy cupola and is one of the few mosques you’ll be allowed to visit when in Morocco. There are no official entrance fees but if you give a small donation to the old man for the restoration work, it will be very welcome.

This is what the inside of the mosque looks like now…

10. Moroccans have the best mint tea in the world

You know how certain tastes can trigger emotions and memories? Whenever I taste mint, I can’t help but think of Morocco.

Moroccans have adopted mint tea as their national drink and they consume loads of it.

They are so fond of this sweet drink that they call it the “Moroccan Whiskey”. It is served with almost every meal and tastes absolutely delicious. I just couldn’t stop ordering this sweet drink while I was traveling in the country and it’s one of the 13 things that made me fall in love with Morocco .

Moroccans sure love mint tea…

11. Morocco has a lot of rooftop terraces

In the old Medinas of popular Moroccan cities, the streets between buildings are usually very narrow. Because of this most of the buildings have rooftop terraces and this is where women will hang their laundry and where they will socialize.

Riads in popular towns like Chefchaouen also have terraces but these are usually used by tourists to admire the sunset after a long day of hiking in the Rif mountains.

One recommendation I can give you before you visit Morocco is to take advantage of the rooftop terraces as much as you can while you’re there. They are the perfect place to see the cities from above and to get really cool views of the medinas.

The rooftop terraces in Chefchaouen are the perfect place to admire the sunset…

Tons of restaurants in cities like Meknes and Marrakesh also have rooftop terraces where you can eat while you admire the central square of the city.

Restaurant terraces will give you a cool view of the city…

12. Couscous Fridays

In Morocco, Fridays are days when families gather together and eat couscous. You’ll see this dish in every restaurant but Friday in Morocco is when it’s traditionally eaten with the families and loved ones.

I find it beautiful to see family and friends gather for that special meal. Moroccan families will also sometime put a plate of couscous with some spoons on a stall in the street for the poorest of the community or the homeless.

Nothing beats a good dish of couscous, meat, and vegetables…

When I was living in Tangier, my neighbors would always invite me for couscous on Fridays and it felt great to share that traditional moment with Moroccan friends.

Some of the different spices used with couscous…

13. Hashish is everywhere!

Hashish is absolutely everywhere in Morocco. When Cynthia and I were in Chefchaouen , we would be approached by guys who would ask us first if we were looking for a restaurant and then almost inevitably if we wanted some hashish.

This started happening so often that every time someone approached us, we knew he’d be offering us hashish at one point. Cynthia and I got offered some hashish by local dealers at least 8 times per day.

Most of the hashish is produced in the Rif mountains near Chefchaouen…

Hashish is commonly and casually offered in the streets of Morocco and you shouldn’t be alarmed by this.

I can’t tell you how much the hash costs as we don’t smoke it but apparently it’s very cheap and you won’t likely get in trouble for buying and smoking it in your hostel in Chefchaouen . However, I wouldn’t recommend smoking it openly anywhere else, you could get into pretty serious trouble.

Chefchaouen is a place where you’re not likely to get in trouble for smoking hashish…

14. Moroccan men love to sit in Cafes

Cafes are the place where Moroccan men typically socialize. Cafes are found in every popular street and they’re usually filled to the brim with middle-age men drinking coffee, and mint tea while they watch football or have long conversations about politics and the weather.

Cafe Hafa is one of the most popular cafes in Tangier…

15. Houses and hotels can be cold in winter

Because most houses in Morocco are poorly insulated, they get quite cold in winter. Most Moroccan families will have electrical heaters though but some hostels and hotels won’t.

If you plan to travel to Morocco in winter, I suggest bringing a good warm sleeping bag . Very often hostels provide very few blankets to their guests. I can assure you that I would have been cold very often in Moroccan hostels if it wasn’t for my sleeping bag.

If your hostel doesn’t have a heater or warm blankets, you can always use it for extra warmth or as an extra comfy pillow.

16. When you buy things, always bargain

If you visit Morocco, you’ll have to learn to haggle prices. Moroccans love to haggle and bargain and it’s a big part of their culture. If you’re patient enough and don’t accept the initial deal, you can lower the price by a huge amount.

Moroccans love haggling prices and some would consider it the national sport…

Another point to consider is that there are usually tons of shops in the souks selling exactly the same things. If you can’t get a good deal with one seller, don’t despair and pay the neighboring stand a visit. You’ll probably end up getting a better offer.

If you learn how to haggle, you’ll be able to reduce the price of things by a lot…

I would suggest learning a few helpful words in Moroccan Arabic before hitting the markets.

17. Juices! So many good fruit juices everywhere

Morocco is the land of fresh fruits. Every Moroccan city has a type of fresh fruit juice stores called Makshada. You can simply walk in, look at the menu and ask for a blend of your favorite fruits.

They’re filled with vitamins and they’re the perfect way to start the day. My personal favorite juice is a mix of strawberries and orange juice. I’m crazy about it, and at one moment, it was an essential part of my daily Moroccan routine.

You can buy fresh fruit juice everywhere!

18. In hammams, strangers will gladly wash your back

Visiting a Hammam is the quintessential Moroccan experience. In Essaouira, just like in most major Moroccan cities, you will have two options when it comes to visiting Hammams. You can either go to the popular local hammam where the majority of the locals go to or you could visit a spa type hammam.

I would personally recommend the first type over the latter. Popular cheap local hammams are a great part of the Moroccan culture.

All you need to do before you go is grab some natural Argan soap and your scrubbing cloth. Once there, you’ll be handed a bucket and you have to undress in the midst of locals scrubbing each other’s back while chatting about their daily life.

This is how the soap used in hammams is made…

It’s not uncommon for strangers to offer each other a good back scrub in traditional hammams. If someone offers to wash your back, they’ll probably expect the same thing in return.

Hammams in Morocco are separate for men and women. Women will typically strip down to their panties and not wear any bra while men will wear some underpants.

19. Lookout for bedbugs in hostels

Because of the temperate climate and the steady stream of travelers, Moroccan hostels can be plagued with bedbugs.

Whenever you book a hostel in Morocco, double-check the reviews. If you see mention of bedbugs, you should avoid the place unless you want to give the little fellas a free snack and carry the bugs on your trip with you.

20. Morocco is not a huge desert and its landscapes might surprise you

Before I visited Morocco, I was expecting the country to be very arid and a huge desert. I was actually surprised and blown away by how varied the landscapes are here.

You can find everything in Morocco, from green valleys, wild-flowing waterfalls, serene lakes, snow-capped mountains and beautiful coastlines to subtropical palm groves, spectacular canyons, arid mars-like landscapes and desolate sand dunes stretching as far as the eye can see.

Morocco has some gorgeous waterfalls…

When Cynthia and I were traveling from region to region, we sometimes felt like we were traveling from one country to another.

Morocco also has some beautiful snow covered mountain peaks…

If you love nature and hiking as much as we do, you definitely won’t be disappointed in Morocco! I would suggest reading our hiking guides to Morocco:

• The Complete Guide to Imlil and Hiking Mount Toubkal in Morocco
• Rock climbing and other fun things to do in the Todra Gorges and Tinerhir
• How to get to the Akchour Waterfalls from Chefchaouen

If you love mountain hikes, you’ll have a lot of fun near the Todra gorges…

21. Morocco has a very varied culture

Morocco is a mix of cultures and ethnic groups. I love to say that the Moroccan culture is a rich tapestry that weaves tons of different influences and traditions together.

Morocco is a mix of Berber, Arabian and European cultural influences. This also reflects itself in the language. Moroccan Arabic blends words of Berber origin with classical Arabic. French and Spanish words are also assimilated in the colloquial language.

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When we were traveling through the villages of the Atlas Mountains, we saw elderly women who wore the traditional Berber facial tattoos, a rich heritage of the Berber traditions that were widespread around the country before the invasion of the Arabs.

Morocco is a melting pot of ethnicities so it’s not uncommon to meet people with blue eyes and blonde or ginger hair in the Rif mountains.

The Moroccans living in the desert near Merzouga have a very different culture than those living in big cities…  

22. Morocco doesn’t have a tipping culture

If you’re worried about whether or not you should leave a tip to your waiter in Morocco, don’t be. Moroccans don’t have a tipping culture as it exists in America.

It will still be appreciated if you do though and you could always leave 10 or 20 MAD on the table if you enjoyed the service.

In cafes or restaurants, waiters won’t necessarily expect a tip…

23. Moroccans are very expressive and talk with their hands

Moroccans are some of the most expressive and passionate people I have met. They can sometimes talk very loudly and might swing their hands in the air while doing so. They might seem like they’re angry or arguing but they’re probably only having a casual everyday conversation.

Once, Cynthia and I were in our hostel in Essaouira when we heard a Moroccan lady shouting from the neighboring roof. Another woman popped her head from another rooftop terrace and they started shouting at each other while wildly swinging their hands in the air.

We asked the hostel owner what they were talking about with the most incredulous look on our faces. Oh them? They’re simply talking about fish he replied. I swear, I never laughed so hard!

These are just a few tips fo Morocco. Is there anything you would add to this list? What are the things you wished you knew before visiting Morocco? Let us know in the comments below.

*This article contains affiliate links. If you book a hotel/hostel or purchase one of the recommended products through our website, we’ll receive a small commission at no extra costs for you. This way you’re helping us writing more informative and awesome guides like this. Thank you!

Read the rest of our articles for more travel tips for Morocco:

• The Ultimate Travel Guide to Backpacking in Morocco
• The 17 best places to visit in Morocco
• Morocco Itinerary – Discover the best places in Morocco in 7 days
• Renting a Car in Morocco – Everything you Need to Know
• 23 Travel Tips for Morocco – Everything You Need to Know Before You Go
• Is Morocco Safe? – Safety Guide to Morocco
• Planning to travel to Morocco during Ramadan? Read this first:

       How is it to travel to Morocco during Ramadan?

• Morocco travel costs: Morocco on a budget – How much does it cost to travel and live in Morocco ?
• Everything you need to know about visiting the Ouzoud Waterfalls
• How to get to the Akchour Waterfalls from Chefchaouen (Morocco)
• How to plan a desert trip to Merzouga and other fun things to do in the Sahara
• Surfing in Morocco – A Guide to the Best Surfing Spots in the Country
• How to visit Paradise Valley Agadir
• FEZ: In Photos: Visiting the Leather Tanneries of Fez
• TANGIER: Top Things to Do in Tangier – The Ultimate City Guide
• ESSAOUIRA: An In-Depth Guide to Essaouira, Morocco’s windy city
• CHEFCHAOUEN: 12 Top Things to do in and around Chefchaouen, the Blue City of Morocco
• RABAT: 10 things to see and do in Rabat
• MEKNES: The honest guide to Meknes and Volubilis– What to see and what to skip
• MARRAKECH: What to do in Marrakech – A Complete Guide to Morocco’s Red City
• CASABLANCA: What to see in Casablanca in two days – Top Things To Do in Casablanca
• AGADIR: Top Things to Do in Agadir – Our Guide to the Surfing city

MOROCCO TRAVEL RESOURCES:

• Accommodation & Lodging in Morocco: Booking.com
• Car rental in Morocco
• Travel Insurance for Morocco: World Nomads   or SafetyWing  
• Best Books set in Morocco – 10 Great Novels about Morocco   
• Lonely Planet Morocco (Travel Guide)
• The Rough Guide to Morocco (Travel Guide with Free eBook) (Rough Guides)
• Lonely Planet Moroccan Arabic Phrasebook & Dictionary

8 thoughts on “23 Travel Tips for Morocco – Everything You Need to Know Before You Go”

Another really helpful article!

Thank you, happy to hear 🙂

Hey Cynthia As local guide from morocco, i found my self learning from this wonderful completable article, and comparing what i use to say to our guests to what you wrote. Thanks a lot for sharing this Regards Ibra

Thank you Ibra, I’m really glad to hear this! Best wishes, Cynthia

Incredibly interesting review, I love reading your blog! Thanks for the tips, it’s important to know that I need to ask permission before shooting. Good luck to you!

Thank you! And yes, the Moroccans don’t like it when you bluntly point your camera at them. They appreciate it if you first have a chat with them and then ask for their permission. Enjoy your trip to Morocco!

Having been to Morocco and planning another trip, I found your article both informative and very much a nostalgic reminder of things I saw. What bothered me a lot is that, among the mentions of all of the different cultures that contributed to the mosaic of Morocco, there was no mention of Jewish culture and sites. Nevertheless, Jews contributed greatly to the construction of a number of cities, are represented in a number of buildings, and are considered by Moroccans to be an important part of their heritage. Even though the present Jewish community is very small, evidence of their contributions remain and should not be ignored.

Hi Shoshana, we don’t ignore their contributions. We write about it in our city guides like f.eg. Chefchaouen. 🙂

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Morocco Travel Advice: Tips and Insights for Your Adventure

There are sometimes misconceptions about this stunning country, so here is some Morocco Travel advice to help you on your adventure.

Weather Wonders: Understanding Morocco’s Climate Throughout the Year

For example, many people believe that Morocco is always hot, however this is not always the case. Morocco is usually warm throughout the day from March to October, but it can get cold during the night and is extremely cold in the Sahara Desert during the winter months from December to February. In summer, Morocco’s heat during the day can reach very high temperatures but as you drive through the Atlas Mountains you could be passing through snow!   Make sure you pack for all weathers.  

morocco-travel-information-www.moroccanjourneys.com

Summer Heat and Coastal Breezes: Navigating the Seasons in Morocco

Summers in Morocco are seriously hot with temperatures around 40°C in July and August. Coastal spots like Agadir and Essaouira have sea breezes, which stop things from getting too unbearable. The heat in spring and autumn is very comfortable, with temperatures between 22°C and 28°C. Morocco’s winter is a great time to visit if you’re visiting the Sahara Desert or want to spend time seeing the sights or browsing the souks, with temperatures in the low 20s and rain showers pretty rare.

Exploring the Vibrant Cities: Rabat, Marrakech, Essaouira, Fes, and More

The capital of Morocco is Rabat, and Morocco has many fascinating towns and cities to explore such as Marrakech, Essaouira, Fes, Agadir and many more! Morocco is also connected to the Sahara Desert, a fantastic place to spend an amazing evening under a night sky full of stars.

Linguistic Diversity: Arabic, French, and Berber in Morocco

The population in Morocco is around 32 million people. Moroccans can speak up to 3 different languages – Arabic, French & Berber.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should i buy in marrakech.

Marrakech is a captivating city renowned for its unique souvenirs. Leather products, including bags, wallets, shoes, jackets, and belts, are highly recommended purchases. Traditional Moroccan pottery, ceramics, and glassware are also popular choices, showcasing intricate patterns that reflect Marrakech’s culture. Textiles, ranging from carpets and kilims to cushion covers and bedspreads, offer a vibrant and diverse selection. Additionally, indulging in delicious traditional cuisine by acquiring dried fruit, nuts, or sweet pastries is a delightful way to bring the flavors of Marrakech home. With an array of exceptional items to choose from, you’ll discover a special keepsake that will evoke cherished memories of your trip.

What is the Dress Code in Morocco?

When traveling to Morocco, particularly Marrakech, it’s essential for tourists to be mindful of the expected dress codes to demonstrate respect for local customs and avoid causing offense. Morocco, being an Islamic country, places importance on modesty and etiquette. Visitors should remember that attire considered acceptable at home might be deemed inappropriate in Morocco.

It is recommended for tourists to wear loose-fitting garments that cover the arms and legs as much as possible. While shorts and skirts that exceed knee length are acceptable, they should not be excessively tight. Tank tops, sleeveless shirts and blouses, low-cut tops, trousers with ankle splits, mini-skirts, and dresses above the knee should be avoided. Women should also refrain from wearing shorts, trousers, or jeans as they are considered inappropriate in Morocco.

Although headscarves and long robes are considered appropriate attire for women in Morocco, they are not mandatory. However, in some religious sites, wearing a headscarf as a sign of respect may be expected. Morocco is generally tolerant towards tourists, and there is flexibility regarding the dress code in Marrakech and other popular tourist destinations. Nevertheless, it is advisable for visitors to exercise caution and choose attire that aligns with local customs while visiting Morocco.

Are there Mosquitos in Morocco?

Mosquitoes are prevalent in Morocco and can bite throughout the year. To prevent mosquito bites and reduce the risk of mosquito-borne diseases like malaria or dengue fever, travellers should use mosquito repellent. Look for repellents containing DEET, a scientifically proven ingredient for effective mosquito repellency. Additionally, wearing light-colored clothing and avoiding areas with standing water, especially during dawn and dusk, can help minimise exposure to mosquitoes. Stay informed about the current mosquito activity in Morocco by consulting your local health authority for the latest information.

What should I wear in Morocco?

When visiting Morocco, it is common and suitable to wear pants and a shirt, as most locals dress this way. In rural areas, consider wearing long pants and a long-sleeved shirt to protect yourself from the sun and wind.

Pack essential items like a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and insect repellent. Comfortable shoes are a must for extensive walking. Additionally, consider these handy items:

• – Shawl or scarf: Useful as a wrap, headscarf, or sun shield.
• – Comfortable shoes and sandals: Have a pair for all-day wear and comfortable flip-flops or sandals.
• – Loose-fitting clothing: Opt for lightweight, breathable fabrics to stay cool. Avoid tight clothing and choose tops with short sleeves or sleeveless options.

Adapt your packing to the season, layering in winter and wearing light outfits in summer. For formal occasions or upscale dining, dress accordingly with a dress or suit. Enjoy your trip to Morocco!

Can I drink tap water in Morocco?

While Moroccans generally consume tap water without issues, there is a small inherent risk of illness. The chlorination process effectively eliminates most disease-causing germs and viruses; however, some individuals prefer to purify their water or opt for bottled water for added safety. It is crucial to inquire in advance and consult with your hotel regarding their recommendations.

Travellers venturing into remote areas of Morocco are advised to use bottled water due to potential bacterial presence. Moreover, boiling tap water is a common practice among many Moroccans as an extra precautionary measure. If you choose to drink tap water, ensure it is boiled first. It is essential to refrain from consuming water from rivers and streams at all times due to contamination risks.

Can you drink alcohol in Morocco?

Alcohol consumption in Morocco is permitted within licensed venues, such as hotels and restaurants. However, it is important to note that drinking alcohol in public places and transporting it across the border is prohibited by law. Morocco being a Muslim country, these restrictions are in place to adhere to local customs and regulations.

Do I still need a PCR test to travel to Morocco?

As of 30 September 2022, Morocco no longer requires a vaccine pass or PCR test for entry into the country. However, travellers are still required to complete a passenger health form to provide information and assist with monitoring within Morocco’s borders. It is important to note that wearing a face mask is mandatory in public spaces, and there may be additional local restrictions that vary across different regions of Morocco.

Morocco Summer & Winter Holidays

Sahara to the Sea Summer Holiday

8 day holiday.

Embark on the ultimate Morocco summer holiday experience with our Sahara Desert to the Sea Tour, designed to offer the perfect blend of adventure and culture. Starting from the energetic streets of Marrakech, the tour takes you on a journey through the rugged High Atlas Mountains and vast Sahara Desert, treating you to an immersive experience of tranquillity and serenity amidst the golden sands. The tour then takes a refreshing turn, leading you to the beautiful Atlantic Coast where you’ll discover the charming fishing port of Essaouira, with its stunning beaches and intriguing architecture. Our tour promises an unforgettable experience, full of natural beauty, cultural immersion, and adventure, making it the perfect way to explore the diverse beauty of Morocco. Book your tour today and embark on a journey of a lifetime!

Winter Sun Essaouira Morocco

6 day holiday.

Escape the winter blues and indulge in a luxurious Morocco winter holiday with our exclusive tour to Essaouira. This picturesque town is known for its stunning beaches, culture, and vibrant atmosphere. Our tour takes you beyond the popular tourist spots to explore the breathtaking natural beauty of Sous Massa National Park and the untouched splendor of the Southern Atlantic Coast. Embrace the tranquil surroundings and immerse yourself in a unique cultural experience. Our goal is to provide you with the perfect blend of relaxation, nature exploration, and cultural immersion. Join us for an unforgettable Moroccan experience with our luxury tour. Book your spot today and get ready to indulge in a winter retreat like no other.

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Morocco Guided Tours: Exploring Marrakech’s Hidden Gems

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Solo Travel Guide to Marrakech: Safety Tips and Cultural Etiquette

Explore the Vibrant Moroccan Souks on Your Morocco Tours

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18 Super Important Must Knows Before You Travel to Morocco

Last Updated: February 16, 2022

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Okay folks, it’s PSA time.

If you’re planning on visiting Morocco any time soon, I need to let you in on a not-so-sexy secret…

This crazy country is much more than a romantic Instagram playground of patterned plates, blue walls and glam camel selfies.

In fact, coming here can be just as challenging as it is magical, all the more so if you don’t do proper research.

See, in recent years, I’ve heard many travellers say that they disliked their travels in Morocco because it didn’t “live up to their expectations”.

But as a die hard fan of the country, I need to say this: yes, Morocco is gorgeous, and packed with stupidly photogenic sights, but it can also a really challenging place to visit, especially when you flail in blindly without getting your research on.

Luckily, that’s what I’m here for!

After two trips to Morocco – once to visit Marrakech and Essaouira, the second to gallivant around Fez and Chefchaouen, I’ve foolishly made buckets of mistakes and assumptions for you, all so you don’t fall into the same traps 😉

Yay me. *throws confetti*

In this post, my goal is to give you some practical info and takeaways so that you have some more  realistic expectations for your trip to Morocco – think of it as tips from one silly tourist to another 😉

So, without further ado – don’t travel to Morocco without knowing the following handy tips!

PS: As I mentioned, these tips are definitely valid for big touristy cities like Marrakech, Essaouira, Fez and Chefchaouen. I have no doubt though that other places around the country (especially smaller towns) will be different! Hopefully you’ll still find these tips helpful though 🙂

Travelling to Morocco soon? You might also find these posts helpful…

• My 14 Best Tips for Safety in Morocco + Common Scams
• A Guide on What to Wear in Morocco + a Free Packing List
• What to Wear in Marrakesh
• 1 Week in Morocco (Travel Diary)
• Fes to Chefchaouen Day Trip Guide
• Game of Thrones in Morocco Guide

Looking for the Cheapest Hotel Deals in Morocco?

One of the first questions I usually get about Morocco is where to stay, so let’s get that first point out of the way first.

Morocco is filled with amazing accommodation options, from hotels and hostels to gorgeous riads (which I highly recommend).

To find the best fit for you, I recommend using HotelsCombined , a great free site to use that lets you search prices from multiple sites like Expedia, Booking, etc. at once, securing you the best possible deal.

Click here to compare the best deals on accommodation in Morocco

Alright, now onto the good stuff…

My Travel Advice for Morocco: 18 Must-Knows

1. morocco is yuuuuuge (seriously though, it’s a big country).

Geography is not my thing, especially for places I’ve never been to.

Here’s the #1 mistake I see people making: a lot of folks (past me included) wrongfully assume that Morocco is small and that all the most insta-famous spots are closely clustered together.

I mean, if I had a nickel for each time someone asked “how can I do a day trip from Marrakech to Chefchaouen?”  Ohh yenno, just a casual night train and bus combo….

But yes, know this: if you want to travel Morocco, understand that it’s a pretty freaking massive country.

At first, it might be tempting to think that you can cover the entire country in a single trip, but unless you have a lot of time at your disposal, I wouldn’t recommend it.

Try to focus instead on one part of the country rather than waste time commuting from place to place.

I’m very glad I did separate trips for Marrakech/Essaouira and Fez/Chefchaouen, rather than brave night trains and long commutes just to “see it all”.

2. Brush up on your French (beyond oh la la and croissants)

As you travel in Morocco, you’ll quickly notice just how common French is.

While in big cities, you’ll encounter plenty of English speakers as well, most are much more comfortable in French, and nicer to you if you can speak it.

I can’t tell you the number of times a shopkeeper or taxi driver immediately cranked up the nice meter as soon as I busted out my rusty français.

Definitely get some basic travel terms under your belt like, “how much will this cost” or “how do I get to ____” – it’ll help you a ton.

For those extra prepared folks, consider buying a phrasebook in advance (they’re cheap – like less than $10!). Here’s one for Moroccan Arabic, or one for French .

3. Morocco IS safe… just be wary of scams

Often travellers (especially those going solo) wonder whether or not Morocco is safe.

After having been there twice (once with a group of girlfriends and the second time with my boyfriend), I will say that it’s definitely safe. 

Will you feel very uncomfortable at times? Probably.

Will people will stare at you, persistently follow you and randomly shout Asian ethnicities at you until they guess the right one? That last one was niche, but the answer is still YES!

All that said, at the end of the day, I wouldn’t be too concerned about your physical safety.

I have a full guide all about safety tips in Morocco that you can read here, but I’ll summarize some of the main points below.

(I’d recommend getting a nice, subtle brass whistle though just in case. They’re good for ease of mind and you can get them for under $10! This set comes with a leather necklace so you can wear it at all times.)

Anyways, there are naturally a few common sensical things that you should be mindful of – don’t walk around at night by yourself (especially as a solo female traveler).

The streets get very eerie after all the shops close, and you’ll likely encounter lots of “friendly” guys trying to help you find your accommodations. It’s super unsettling, so I wouldn’t recommend being alone in quiet areas like the souks after dark.

Besides that, I think you will be fine in terms of physical safety.

The #1 thing to be mindful of though is ALL the scams. Tourism drives a lot of business here, so many have become experts at taking advantage of naive tourists. Don’t be disheartened by it – just view it as a way of doing business 😉

A few tips for avoiding scams: 

Be wary of anyone that’s overly friendly. Someone offering to help you find where you need to go will want money for it after. Someone offering you a cool photo opp like a snake to hold will want money for it after. Nice women beckoning you to get henna will literally grab your hand and just start doing it…. and will demand money after. Unfortunately, these things are common.

Know that every price they give you is meant to be bartered down. I’ll discuss haggling more in a second, but shopkeepers often give sky high prices to start with because they assume you don’t know better.

If you plan to buy something (e.g. a tour, a certain good, etc.), ask for standard prices from your riad or hostel owner so you have a rough idea of how much it will cost. It’s better this way to have a rough gauge.

4. Get your haggle pants on

Alright, we all have that embarrassing aunty who haggles everything down and has a consistent surplus of useless crap for her exploits.

When shopping in Morocco , it is time for you to become that aunty.

Seriously though, don’t be afraid to haggle! I’ve been told it’s a part of the culture by a lot of shopkeepers, who will laugh off my stubborn hard assness.

One of my proudest moments was being told I was “haggling like a real Berber woman”. Why thanks. *flips hair* Someone just get me a Haggle Queen t-shirt already. (FYI, they exist. No joke. Here’s proof ).

If you feel weird about haggling, do note that prices they give you at first can literally be 7x what they actually want to sell it for, so it’s probably in your best interest to barter a little… it’s even quite fun.

FYI, shop owners can be SUPER pushy.

If you step inside their little stall, they will often stand by the entrance and low-key trap you in their store. I’m not saying this to scare you, it’s just something to be aware of. You’re not in actual physical danger, but it’s pretty uncomfortable to say the least.

At the end of the day, you’ll quickly notice that most stores will sell the same goods so feel free to shop around too! Nothing is more effective for haggling than “the walk away”. 😉

5. Mosques are a no-go unless you’re Muslim

Unlike some other Muslim-dominant countries like Turkey where you’re invited to visit the inside of moques, mosques in Morocco usually have closed door policy unless you’re Muslim yourself.

So, take all those ridiculous “top things to do in Morocco” lists with a grain of salt (PSA to my fellow bloggers, stop recommending these mosques when all you can do is peek at the courtyard from afar!)

I mean, are there loads of gorgeous mosques to see in Morocco? Totally, but you won’t really get to see any of them unless you’re Muslim. Just an FYI so you’re not too disappointed.

PS: If you’re staying longer in the country, consider getting a guidebook about customs/traditions. It might come in handy. I’ve heard great things about this one.

6. Bring stretchy pants (cuz you gon’ eat)

Nnngh, give me a second to wipe all the drool off my screen. I have to tell you – food in Morocco is THE best.

One of my Christmas gifts this year was literally a tagine cookbook and I’ve never felt more #blessed. Truly, when you travel to Morocco, one guarantee is that you’ll be well fed. Like royalty even, for highly affordable rates.

These are ubiquitous foods you’ll find at every single restaurant (yes, they are cliched, and touristy, but for a reason).

PS: Any Moroccan folks reading this, please holla in the comments with your favourite traditional foods… I need some more inspo!

BUT for now, you will 100% need to get…

Fresh fruit juice: MMMMMF. Available almost everywhere and so ridiculously good. NOTE: It’s always cheaper to drink it there from a glass rather than get it to take away. The stalls will often have a very cheap price (e.g. 4DH) listed in big letters, and that is usually the price for if you stand there and drink it on the spot. Don’t be surprised if you need to pay a bit extra to take it with you.

Mint tea:  You can get it anywhere and they love to serve it up with sugar. Their default sweetness is ridiculously sweet, so unless you love cavities, you should probably ask for sugar on the side.

Tagine: Slow cooked stew cooked in an awesome clay or ceramic pot (also called a tagine). There’s lots of different kinds, usually with meat. My personal favourite is the kefta tagine, which is meatballs in a tomato/onion sauce with eggs cracked on top. It will change your life, it is my favourite ever!

Couscous: Fluffy and plentiful. I’m not a big fan of it myself (I’m a die-hard rice girl) but you’ll find it everywhere with all kinds of pairings.

7. Don’t expect a booze & drugs kind of vacay

A LOT of people forget that Morocco is a predominantly Muslim country.

… and then they turn up ready to raaage.

That might be a problematic mindset.

You won’t find a ton of shops readily stocked with sweet alcoholz  for your bender. That said, despite having such a large Muslim population, alcohol and drugs (hash is especially popular) aren’t tough to come by in Morocco.

In major cities, you’ll find plenty of bars and of course, depending on where you’re staying (if it’s a big resort-y type hotel), you’ll have no trouble finding booze. So, if you need your fix, you’ll be fine.

In my opinion though, I wouldn’t prioritize scouring the streets for alcohol in Morocco.

There’s so many better things to do here than get drunk, and it’s much pricier than drinking your weight in fresh fruit juice and mint tea, which is infinitely better (in my humble food-obsessed opinion).

8. Don’t get run over by a donkey

I literally was having one of those “wow travel is so amazing and lifechanging” moments when I promptly was knocked off my pedestal by a donkey.

Like, an actual donkey.

This was in Fez, where there’s a lot of donkeys trotting around with stuff on their backs. So um, just a general PSA to keep an eye out for asses. 🙂

9. Despite what they say, not everyone is “your friend”

I alluded to this before, but you need to be wary of those who are overly friendly.

Of course, there are tons of genuinely hospitable Moroccans out there, but in major cities, especially when you’re out and about in touristy areas, those hollering at you “come with me, my friend!”, “I will show you, my friend!” etc. etc. are probably interested more in your money than your friendship.

This isn’t to say that they won’t actually help you – they probably will, but just know that it’s because they expect some money for it, not out of the genuine goodness of their hearts.

10. Morocco has a closed currency

I know this sounds scary but it basically just means that Morocco’s currency (the dirham, or DH) isn’t readily available outside of Morocco, so you will most likely need to just wait until you’re there to get any.

There will definitely a currency exchange at the airport, and there are loads of banks to visit in major cities too, so don’t worry!

11. Ladies, get ready for attention like you’ve never received

Often people ask whether or not it is safe to travel to Morocco, especially for female travelers.

So again, is it safe to travel to Morocco?

Yes, but there are certain things you need to be wary of (as a female).

Especially as a female that is noticeably foreign (my blonde friends, I’m lookin’ at you).

Morocco is such a wonderful country with so much to offer and I would hate for your impressions of it to be spoiled because you didn’t go in with the right expectations, so let me clear this up for you: LADIES, you will inevitably get catcalled.

It’s gonna happen.

It doesn’t matter what you’re wearing or who you’re with. If I could still get cat called while wearing a big doofus jacket while holding hands with my boyfriend, then you will also get some unwanted advances.

If you tend to sensitive about these things, remember just how common it is, and I beg you: don’t let it ruin your trip!

My approach is to just move on and ignore. Don’t make eye contact, don’t smile. If you smile, you’re essentially inviting them to talk to you… so don’t do it. Just keeping walkin’, cool as a cucumber.

12. Dress appropriately

So, a lot of girls wonder what is considered “appropriate” dress in Morocco… and luckily, I have a full guide on what to wear in Morocco , so check that out for more details.

But here’s a quick digest. The truth is it’s not really about what you can and can’t wear.

You CAN wear a spaghetti strap tank top and Daisy Dukes, I mean… nobody is going to arrest you, but you WILL feel terribly uncomfortable.

It’s true, many Moroccan women will wear what they want, but remember that you (as a foreigner) are already going to stick out like a sore thumb so it’s really a matter of dressing in a way that a) you’e comfortable and b) minimizes unwanted attention.

As a good rule of thumb, I would say to cover your legs and cover your shoulders.

In Marrakech, there was a MASSIVE difference for me when I wore a dress one day vs. pants on another. Even though it was a long-enough dress (around knee-length), the amount of eyes that began to slide down and focus on my calves was too damn high.

So, I would encourage dressing modestly, with an emphasis on covering shoulders, legs and cleavage.

You can read my full packing guide (and free packing list) for Marrakech here.

13. BYOT – Bring your own toilet paper

Seriously guys, bring your own toilet paper when you travel around Morocco.

Sometimes you’ll be lucky and there will be a cute lil woman at the front selling tissue for a small price (usually this is the case with rest stops) otherwise you’re on your own. #ShakeShakeBaby 😉

PRO TIP: I highly recommend just buying tissue packs in bulk. You can literally buy an entire case for less than $30 here . It’s always good to have them on hand, and buying in bulk is cheaper.

14. Cash is king

Trust me, you need to have cash on you when you travel around Morocco, in small bills if possible.

We encountered a few taxi drivers who told us he didn’t have any change for big bills (whether or not that’s truthful or just fishing for a larger tip, I’m not sure!)

BUT remember: you should always carry some change with you as well, whether for tipping or having exact change for cabs/services.

15. Fridays are holy days

Fridays are considered a holy day for Muslims, and so on Friday, you’ll find that the souks might be a little quieter and that the operating hours of certain shops might vary.

A lot of visitors get scared that everything will be closed on Fridays, but for us this wasn’t the case.

The major tourist attractions and main “tourist heavy” spots will remain open, but there were definitely a lot of noticeable shop closures as well. Just plan accordingly and don’t leave all your big shopping days to Friday and you’ll be fine.

16. No need to really book tours in advance, there are loads of tour operators and options once you arrive

A lot of people stress out about getting a tour booked for activities in advance.

I really don’t think this is necessary.

There are so many tour operators going to the same places every single day that you could easily (if you’re feeling spontaneous) just wait until you’re there to make any further plans.

If you are a very Type A planny type person though, you can also book online. I like using GetYourGuide for things like this because they have a low-price guarantee 🙂

17. It gets surprisingly cold

I know – usually when travellers think about Morocco, their minds go to this warm sepia-toned image of a sun-drenched country, of deserts, palm trees and warm balmy temperatures.

This can be the case yes, but temperatures really do drop at night, and it can get very windy by the coast.

Be prepared for the weather and do your research beforehand. Always pack a jacket!

18. You will inevitably get lost

See it as part of the fun!

Undoubtedly you’ll have already heard of how romantic and wonderful it is to “get lost in the dizzying labyrinth of Moroccan souks” – what most blog posts seem to glaze over is that it’s ALSO kind of scary. Maybe really scary – especially at night.

Know this: if you don’t get lost at some point, you haven’t had the real Morocco experience… just be careful, (again, especially at night).

And remember: worst comes to worst, if you’re really super lost, there will most likely be someone around willing to guide you back home…. for a small fee of course 😉

I hope you enjoyed these Morocco tips!

Alright, I hope you enjoyed this roundup of must-knows before you travel to Morocco, packed with travel tips and advice! If you have still have any Morocco-related questions, feel free to ask away in the comments.

My Go-To Travel Favourites:

🧳 Eagle Creek: My favourite packing cubes

💳 Wise: For FREE travel friendly credit cards

🍯 Airalo: My go-to eSIM

🏨 Booking.com: For searching hotels

📷 Sony A7IV: My (amazing) camera

✈️ Google Flights : For finding flight deals

🌎 WorldNomads: For travel insurance

🎉 GetYourGuide: For booking activities

56 thoughts on “18 Super Important Must Knows Before You Travel to Morocco”

“Your Gram will be lit” had me laughing! I love the way you write. 🙂 I actually really like that cash is king in Morocco. I always pay by cash anyway when I go to foreign countries, just easier to stick to my budget that way! 🙂 – Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog https://charmainenyw.com

hehe glad you enjoyed the post! <3

I have been wanting to visit Morocco for a while now and really want to share the experience with my boyfriend, but he’s not sold on the idea. Will definitely show him this post, so much great advice! I’m especially excited by the food 😀

It’s a very fun place if you go prepared 😉 Hope you get to see for yourself sometime soon!

Wow! Wow! I loved your post! Extremely informative as always. What I loved the most was that you encouraged people to accept Morocco for what it is rather than labelling it ‘unsafe’ etc. So many times, I tend to write off a place because people write such strongly worded articles! Kudos to you girl! 🙂

Great list for big cities 🙂 ! I’d add that tap water is not really safe to consume (or even brush your teeth with) and – fun fact – you won’t see any gyms 😉 :p

What a fantastic and descriptive cultural guide! I am going to Morocco soon (I hope, once I get my visa) and besides tips where to snap Instagram shots, there are hardly any advice on, you know, how to behave in Morocco and what to expect. Read it from core to core and pinned for my upcoming trip. Well done!

I really want to visit Morocco and been readin up a lot of posts on it recently. Wow these are great tips. I didn’t realize Chefcheoun and Marrakech are so far! And oh my better brush up on my Francais!

I love this! Chefchaouen is on my hit list. I love that you are straight up about the practical things, you’re writing style is great – I feel like in my head we would be friends 🙂 Thanks for a great read!

Awesome post! So much useful info wrapped in a funny way, hehe.

Very handy post! <3

https://carmelatte.co/dubai-tour-guide-firsttimers/

Such a great list, thanks for sharing! It’s a bit disappointing that non-Muslims can’t visit mosques, but that’s still something I’d prefer to know ahead of time. Great tips so I can set realistic expectations when I go =)

This is such a helpful post-Christina! Thanks for sharing such valuable advice 🙂 We were considering going to Morocco this year and will keep your advice about not being an overachiever in seeing everything lol Also I had no idea they spoke French there!

Love this post super helpful tips! I have been considering travelling to Morroco but like you mentioned have heard so many people say they hated it – I feel so much more confident that’ll I’ll love it after reading 🙂

Wow! Very well said! I wish I knew about the toilet paper before going to Morocco, it’s a serious problem! And it’s important to dress appropriately. They might be considered more open minded since they have plenty tourists but it’s still required to cover yourself to avoid creepy stares!

I LOVED Morocco. In addition to French, knowing a few basic words in Arabic, like hello and thank you will definitely win you some friendly smiles!

You should try Bastilla. It’s a perfectly amazingly delicious blend of savory and a little sweet (but not too much). So good!

Wonderful tips, and I love your sense of humour.

‘Nice one!

Thanks for reading, Victoria! <3

I was laughing throughout the whole post! Great tips for someone who is getting ready to go to Morocco in just a few days herself. The country looks amazing and I’ll have to learn some French and bust out the haggling skills for sure!

Haha glad you liked it! Hope your trip is amazing 🙂

This was an extremely helpful post. Thank you for sharing your advice. I can’t wait for my trip now 🙂

Yay! Have a great trip, Natalija! <3

SO well written and helpful. THANK YOU!

you’re welcome, Kimberly. Thanks for reading!

So beautiful post. This country is my favorite since i have been there in 2014.

So happy you enjoyed it!

Wonderful Article!! … Completely spectacular photos, thank you for involvement

Wow!! I love the way you write! You also put my mind at ease about quite a few things. I met an amazing Moroccan guy online and we have been talking for a little while now. Finally planning a trip to go and meet in person and cannot explain the anxiety I’ve had trying to research so much about this awesome country so as not to do anything to look foolish or heaven-forbid insult anyone while I am there. (I mean he wants me to meet his family and even stay there with them!! Yikes haha no pressure there!!) For the most part I am quite comfortable talking with him but there is just enough of a language barrier that finding answers to some of these basic questions is just much easier researching them on my own. Finding your blog helped SO much. I only have found 2 Moroccan restaurants in my city and as big of a nerd as I might seem, I am seriously planning to go and befriend anyone there who can help put my mind at ease further! I have so many questions!! Anyway, again, THANK YOU! Jess

Glad to hear that you had such great stay in Morocco, you are always welcome back 🙂

Hi, I loved your post ! Have been to Istanbul, I retained mostly : 1. Bringing a whistle 2. Toilette paper or kleenex 3. Small cash Thanks, great help Linda

super fun to read – thanks christina!!

Thank you for the information. Well written. I’m considering a trip there.

So helpful! And my fav tip, “You gon eat!”

Planning a girls trip and trying to convince everyone that this can be as fabulous a trip as other places we’ve gone! If not even moreso!

Will be sharng your post!

I have wanted to visit Morocco for a while now and really want to share the experience with my friends.

Thanks for this helpful article. It’s good to have these information.

Thanks for this advises but I guess your advise that say we need to fresh up our french language is a little bit hard but every problem has a solution when you have google on your smartphone.

Funny how many memories this post brought back. I went to Morocco 2 summers ago and was put off by the cat-calling, “konichiwa”s and “ni hao”s, and pushiness of people on the streets who were preying on tourists (“tour guides” following us to try and get us to go on a tour with them, street performers practically forcing themselves on you for money, etc). We knew it would happen but just weren’t expecting so much of it. It probably didn’t help that my whole family got food poisoning too but I think you really just need to be prepared for a different culture and attitude toward tourists and look beyond it to enjoy a trip in Morocco.

I am actually from Morocco, and reading your post is definitely educational, Thank you for sharing such valuable tips with us.

This is excellent! I’m going to travel to Morocco in September for about 12 days and your article is very useful! I cannot wait to be there and yes very much looking forward to try their delicious cuisine!

Thank you for the tips, a lot of the tips can be applied on other places.

Hi, Needless to say, Marrakech is outstanding amongst other travel puts in the entire of Africa. I have been to Marrakech several time. Everything looks so regular stuffed with culture, history and convention related with it. And in the Sahara desert, fascinating Mosque engineering, riads, Medinas, mint tea and some more, Marrakech is a very good place to visit.

was our first time visiting Morocco and we definitely made the right choice by choosing this tour. I picked this one specifically because I didn’t want a tour company that had seen so many tourists that they start to not care about taking people around their country. Where it’s more a money-making business, where you are part of a big group and you will not receive any sort of bespoke individual experience. We were so lucky to have ismail as our tour guide as he was a genuine and nice person, who loves his country.

From the very first email ismail was extremely polite and helpful, more than any other tour company I’d spoken to. We ended up travelling with just him, my husband and me. We went from Marrakech to Ait Ben Haddou, to the Todras, Atlas Mountains, several Oasis and obviously to the Sahara desert. It was still a whistle stop tour as we only had 3 days but it was definitely the way to go. Having stayed in Marrakech for 2 days I was very much ready to leave the hustle and bustle (and generally being harassed at the souks) to explore what Morocco was really about.

Todras gorge was really lovely. There had been some rainfall so you could walk into some of the water. Really nice. It was quite busy though, but no more than the other big landmarks like Ait Ben Haddou.

My favourite place was actually Skoura, one of the little Oasis on the first night. The place we stayed was run by a family business and you can really tell. It was remote, but stunning. Not at all touristy, and very authentic. The food was the best I’d had in Morocco, just divine! Just as an aside, although I love tagines, you do want some change, so this was the one that stood out as it felt a little more authentic. Most of the food you’ll get in Morocco (not just in the tour) is very similar — varying types of tagines, wraps or kebabs, with rice or salad. Not a huge amount of variety unless you really look for it. We loved Nomad in Marrakech, this restaurant has amazing food!

The trip to the Sahara was amazing, albeit short. We set off on camel when the sun was quite low, maybe 6–7pm and then arrived at the camp by nightfall. We had dinner with a few other people on the tour, and the locals did a song and dance for half an hour or so. We then ventured out to the desert to see the stars, and although we went back to the camp around 1am, the moon was so bright you could have slept under it for sure. The temperature was perfect. However we had to leave at about 5am to catch the sunset, so thought we’d better sleep in the bed. The camp was extremely clean and nice given it’s in the middle of nowhere, so if you’re a clean freak like me, you’ll have no problems! There’s good toilets and running water. You sleep in a type of metal room, which is probably ventilated but still quite warm. The beds aren’t exactly comfy, quite hard really, but there’s electricity and sheets, what else do you need!

You can see more of my adventures and what I experienced from my pictures. All in all, what you see is what you get. The tour speaks for itself. You visit all the places on the itinerary and you’re greeted with nice people and go to places that are really quite unique. On top of that, you’ll be with a guide who knows a good deal about Morocco and will work hard to make sure you have a good time. We were even privileged enough to see ismail home, meet his family (they were very shy!) But an insight into how Moroccan people actually live? That is something you can’t buy.

Really enjoyed my time in Morocco, so thanks to ismail and the team at Moroccodeserttour4x4.com recommend this tour company.

Hey Christina, I am Youssef from Morocco. Thank you si much for sharing such very useful info about Chefchaouen and travelling to Morocco in general. This is really amazing post with incredible pictures. Thanks a lot

good one thank you for sharing

First of all Thank you very much for awesome articles about Morocco, interesting with its great informations, we really appreciate your heart work to seat and to write this post about Morocco during your period touring around the country, it is not easy to travel from city to another for to share this important informations with other travellers. Thank you much very again.

Hi! Christina thanks you so for visiting Morocco. We are so happy to meet people like you….

That’s all amazing! waiting for another wonderful article!

Just amazing article about this wonderful city. I really enjoyed reading this blog and I appreciate your sharing. A huge wave to you!

Hello Christina, we are happy you had a great stay in our country, and you visited some of the most visited places… We appreciate you sharing this amazing article!

Hey Christina, your article made me speechless. Morocco is an outstanding and breathtaking country to visit… Your blog is very informative and helpful to everyone willing to visit this amazing country, and I appreciate your sharing with us!

Very informative blog… Lovely act of you to share this beautiful city!

Thank you for the input You got a fabulous blog!

Das ist verklich super danke

Incredible post, full of many info that will be helpful to any newcomers, thank you again for sharing with us.

Best article thank you for sharing it really amazing

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Travel warning for any British tourist heading to Egypt and Morocco with situation 'changing fast'

The Foreign Office has updated its travel advice for Brits heading to Egypt and Morocco following an attack by Iran on Israel last week. The warning says the situation is changing fast

• 20:57, 16 Apr 2024 Updated 09:26, 17 Apr 2024

Brits have been issued updated travel advice if they expected to visit Egypt or Morocco in the wake of serious events in the Middle East this weekend.

Egypt and Morocco,have gained popularity in recent years as holiday destinations boasting great value resorts, scorching weather . But the government has updated the travel advice for those travelling to either nation this year after an attack by Iran on Israel last week.

Egypt and Morocco were not included in the strike, but travel advice has been updated on the gov.uk website for both countries. The Foreign Office stated: "On 13 April 2024 Iran carried out military action against Israel. Monitor this travel advice and other media as the situation is changing fast. Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter , Facebook and Instagram ."

Egypt, which borders Israel by land, has a number of warnings attached to travel to and within the country. The government states: "FCDO advises against all travel to within 20km of the Egypt-Libya border, except for the town of El Salloum (where we advise against all but essential travel)."

It also wants British people to stay away from North Sinai, South Sinai, the Hala'ib Triangle, the Ismailiyah Governorate east of the Suez Canal and a number of regions in the Western Desert west of the Nile Valley and Nile Delta regions.

The authority adds: "There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. You should remain vigilant at all times. Terrorism is a risk across Egypt, particularly in North Sinai. Attacks could be indiscriminate."

"The authorities in Egypt have a significant security presence across the country, including armed security officers at important sites, critical infrastructure and road checkpoints. Extra measures are in place at tourist sites."

"There is a heightened threat of terrorism in and around religious sites and during religious festivals, such as the month of Ramadan and the Christmas period (including Coptic Christmas in January). Terrorist attacks have occurred over local holiday weekends."

It warned of a threat of kidnapping by terrorist groups near the border and remote desert areas saying: "British nationals are viewed as legitimate targets, including those engaged in tourism, humanitarian aid work, journalism or business sectors. If you are kidnapped, the reason for your presence is unlikely to serve as a protection or secure your safe release.

Have the tensions in the Middle East affected your travel plans? Vote in our poll HERE to have your say.

The Foreign Office also issued new warnings for visitors to Morocco. It highlighted: "On 13 April 2024 Iran carried out military action against Israel. Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Morocco. There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. You should remain vigilant at all times."

"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. While there have been no recent kidnappings of foreign nationals in Morocco, it cannot be ruled out."

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Foreign Office travel warning for anyone going to Egypt and Morocco as 'situation changing fast'

U K tourists planning to visit Egypt or Morocco have been alerted to a rapidly changing situation in the Middle East following serious events over the weekend.

The popularity of Egypt and Morocco as holiday destinations have surged recently thanks to their affordable luxury resorts and hot climate which is drawing in UK holidaymakers. However, in light of an attack by Iran on Israel last week, the UK government has revised its travel guidance for both countries.

Although Egypt and Morocco were not targets in the recent strike, the Foreign Office updated its advice on the gov.uk website, cautioning travellers: "On 13 April 2024 Iran carried out military action against Israel . Monitor this travel advice and other media as the situation is changing fast. Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram."

Egypt, which shares a land border with Israel, has specific advisories regarding certain areas. The government advises: "FCDO advises against all travel to within 20km of the Egypt-Libya border, except for the town of El Salloum (where we advise against all but essential travel)."

Additionally, British nationals are urged to avoid North Sinai, South Sinai, the Hala'ib Triangle, the Ismailiyah Governorate east of the Suez Canal, and various locations in the Western Desert west of the Nile Valley and Nile Delta regions, reports the Mirror .

The ministry warns: "There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. You should remain vigilant at all times. Terrorism is a risk across Egypt, particularly in North Sinai. Attacks could be indiscriminate.

"The authorities in Egypt have a significant security presence across the country, including armed security officers at important sites, critical infrastructure and road checkpoints. Extra measures are in place at tourist sites.

"There is a heightened threat of terrorism in and around religious sites and during religious festivals, such as the month of Ramadan and the Christmas period (including Coptic Christmas in January). Terrorist attacks have occurred over local holiday weekends."

It also cautioned about a threat of kidnapping by terrorist groups near the border and remote desert areas stating: "British nationals are viewed as legitimate targets, including those engaged in tourism, humanitarian aid work, journalism or business sectors. If you are kidnapped, the reason for your presence is unlikely to serve as a protection or secure your safe release."

The Foreign Office has also updated its travel advice for Morocco, issuing new cautions to British nationals. The update includes a stark warning: "On 13 April 2024 Iran carried out military action against Israel. Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Morocco. There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. You should remain vigilant at all times."

Additionally, the risk associated with local sympathies towards extremist groups was underlined: "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. While there have been no recent kidnappings of foreign nationals in Morocco, it cannot be ruled out."

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Middle East: Is it safe to travel to holiday destinations as tension escalates?

Are you going to Turkey, Egypt or Israel on holiday? The Foreign Office has warned travellers to several countries to monitor advice after an Iranian attack on Israel pushed tension in the Middle East up another notch.

Thursday 18 April 2024 08:13, UK

Tension in the Middle East has ratcheted up again after Iran's attack on Israel, as the world waits to see how Benjamin Netanyahu's government will respond. 

With the threat of widening conflict, people due to travel through or over the Middle East may be asking if their plans may be impacted.

On Saturday, flight data showed dozens of journeys that would have travelled over the Middle East turned back after Iran fired more than 300 drones and missiles into Israel .

Here is what airlines are saying and the latest safety advice to travellers.

EasyJet scraps Tel Aviv flights

EasyJet has suspended all flights to Tel Aviv over safety concerns.

The budget airline told Sky News it has grounded its flights until 27 October at the earliest "as a result of the continued evolving situation" in the region.

Wizz Air customers could see schedule changes

Wizz Air cancelled flights to Tel Aviv on Sunday 14 and Monday 15 April before resuming its schedule.

But it said customers could experience schedule changes as it closely monitors the situation.

British Airways operating as normal

British Airways - which operates four daily return flights per week between Heathrow and Tel Aviv - said its flights were continuing to operate as planned, but it too was monitoring the situation.

Is it safe to travel to Turkey?

Turkey is a popular holiday destination for people from the UK with the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism saying that last year 3.16 million Britons made the journey there, according to Travel Weekly.

Yet, it borders a number of countries that the Foreign Office advises against travel to.

The vast majority of the country is considered generally safe for tourists, with some exceptions.

The Foreign Office advises against all travel within 10km of the border with Syria , and all but essential travel to the Sirnak and Hakkari provinces.

Is it safe to travel to Israel?

Some parts of Israel are considered "red zones" by the Foreign Office, with the government advising against all travel there.

For the rest of the country - including East Jerusalem and Tel Aviv - the advice is to travel only if it is essential.

Tourist Israel says around 220,000 Britons usually go to the country every year and the Foreign Office is advising against travel close to the border with Gaza, within 5km of the border with Lebanon and within 500m of the border with Syria.

You can see the full updated list of "red zones" on the Foreign Office advice pages.

Occupied Palestinian territories

The Foreign Office advises against all travel to Gaza and the West Bank.

Don't travel to Iran, Iraq, Yemen, Lebanon or Syria - Foreign Office

The Foreign Office advises against all travel to Iran, Syria, Lebanon and Yemen.

It advises against all travel to Iraq except to the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI), where it advises against all but "essential travel".

Can I safely go on holiday in Egypt?

The main tourist areas in Egypt are generally considered safe, including the capital Cairo, cities along the Nile and Red Sea resorts.

Over 1.5 million British Nationals visit Egypt every year, according to analysts Gitnux, and the areas the Foreign Office warns not to travel to include the Governorate of North Sinai, where the Rafah crossing to Gaza is located, and within 20km of the border with Libya.

Read more: Are we heading for World War Three? Experts give their verdicts What are Iran's military capabilities - and where could it strike?

Keep up with all the latest news from the UK and around the world by following Sky News

Check advice on other Middle East states before you travel

Following Iran's attack on Israel, the Foreign Office issued a warning relating to several countries in the surrounding area, telling travellers to check for the latest information.

Included in this are popular destinations like Dubai (visited by more than a million Britons last year according to Travel Weekly) and Marrakech.

"On 13 April 2024 Iran carried out military action against Israel. Monitor this travel advice and other media as the situation is changing fast," the FCDO said in a statement.

The countries covered by the warning include Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Morocco, Tunisia, Saudi Arabia, Algeria, Bahrain, Kuwait, Libya, Jordan and Oman.

Anywhere else of concern?

Cyprus is near the region and has a large UK airbase but, as yet, there is no change in travel advice to the popular country.

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Holidaymakers given new warning for Egypt, Morocco and Tunisia - 'do not travel' to some parts of the countries

Israel attacks Iran: Middle East on edge after explosions heard

By Sarra Gray

Published: 22/04/2024

A fresh warning has been shared for Britons considering travel to Egypt, Morocco and Tunisia

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Egypt, Morocco and Tunisia are popular holiday destinations but Britons have been warned if they are planning to visit and there have been warned to avoid some areas altogether.

Holidaymakers were given advice following an attack on Israel earlier this month and the travel guidance has now been updated.

Guidance has been shared about the military action and holidaymakers are urged to be careful if visiting nearby countries.

The FCDO advised: "On 13 April 2024 Iran carried out military action against Israel. On 19 April, there have been reports of explosions in Iran, and unconfirmed reports of explosions in Syria and Iraq.

Advice has been shared for Morocco, Egypt and Tunisia

"Monitor this travel advice and other media as the situation is changing fast. Follow and contact FCDO Travel on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. You can also get email notifications when this travel advice is updated."

It shared areas in Egypt and Tunisia where Britons were urged not to visit.

"The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office advises against all travel to:

• the Chaambi Mountains National Park and the designated military operations zones of Mount Salloum, Mount Sammamma and Mount Mghila
• the militarised zone south of the towns of El Borma and Dhehiba
• within 20km of the rest of the Libya border area north of Dhehibathe town of Ben Guerdane and immediate surrounding area

"In addition and for security reasons, the FCDO advises against all but essential travel to:

• within 75km of the Libyan border, including Remada, El Borma and the town of Zarzis
• the governorate of Kasserine, including the town of Sbeitla
• within 10km of the border with Algeria south of Kasserine governorate
• within 30km of the border in El Kef and Jendouba governorates south of the town of Jendouba, including the archaeological site of Chemtou
• areas north and west of the town of Ghardimaou in Jendouba governorate, including El Feidja National Park
• within 10km of Mount Mghila
• Mount Orbata"

"Egypt-Libya border

FCDO advises against all travel to within 20km of the Egypt-Libya border, except for the town of El Salloum (where we advise against all but essential travel).

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Britons are warned if travelling to Egypt

North Sinai

"FCDO advises against all travel to the Governorate of North Sinai.

Northern part of South Sinai

"FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the northern part of the Governorate of South Sinai, beyond the St Catherine-Nuweibaa road, except for the coastal areas along the west and east of the peninsula.

The eastern part of Ismailiyah Governorate

"FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the Ismailiyah Governorate east of the Suez Canal.

Western Desert

"FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the area west of the Nile Valley and Nile Delta regions, except for:

• Luxor, Qina, Aswan, Abu Simbel and the Valley of the Kings
• the Governorate of Faiyum
• the coastal areas between the Nile Delta and Marsa Matruhthe Marsa Matruh-Siwa Road
• the oasis town of Siwa
• the Giza Governorate north-east of the Bahariya Oasisthe road between Giza and Farafra (but we advise against all but essential travel on the road between Bahariya and Siwa)
• Bahariya Oasis, Farafra, the White Desert and Black DesertHala’ib Triangle and Bir Tawil Trapezoid

"FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the Hala’ib Triangle and the Bir Tawil Trapezoid."

It added travel insurance could be invalidated for those who travel against FCDO advice.

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I am so stressed out .

But I don’t understand this closed currency ?I just want some simple do this advice

I want to change uo 700 pounds and use my debit/credit card if I run out of money

Do I take the 700 out in uk money and if so where do I change it

Do I take it out in a cash machine at the hotel or airport ?

I don’t have any idea if the currency at all so I’m quite sure I’m going to get over charged etc it is what it is but I want to make sure I have enough money for the week

I’ve had advice that I will get in trouble if I have money left over ? That I can only change money at the airport before taken to resort ?

It’s seriously putting me off and I’m thinking of paying to change my destination but my grandson would be upset

So if anyone can give me direct clear instructions I would appreciate it

Thank you in advance

5 replies to this topic

"I want to change uo 700 pounds and use my debit/credit card if I run out of money"

If you changed 700 pounds in the UK , you would only get maybe 550 pounds worth of Moroccan money back. Is it worth 150 Quid to you , to have money in advance?

Why not just use an ATM machine when you need Moroccan currency. ATM 🏧 machines are all over, easy to find.

There are ATM in the airport. There us also exchange places all over Agadir .

I recommend using the Al Barid bank’s ATM there as it is fee free.

If you were vacationing in the UK would you take all your traveling money in cash? Or just a little and use ATM machines when you get low in cash , to top you up.

Just take money out from an ATM, when you need money.

Do let you bank know you will be going to Morocco and check what your maximum withdrawal daily limit is. You might want to raise it.

"I’ve had advice that I will get in trouble if I have money left over ?"

You can change leftover Moroccan money back to Sterling at a bank or exchange booth easy enough.

"That I can only change money at the airport before taken to resort ?"

My advice is to take 2000 Dh out in the airport when you land and use ATM machines when you need more.

For the last paragraph of comicmans excellent post, I need to say that my UK bank actively discourages being advised of foreign holidays. Afaik most, if not all, UK banks are the same.

Thank you so much

My bank has the same line DD, but yet the 2 times I did not inform them in advance I ended up having problems.

My mind set is, what harm is there in informing them, when it might make a smoother process.

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