Morocco Travel Advice

Threat level: Medium

The general travel advice for Morocco is to exercise caution and be wary at all times against petty crime in popular destinations. This is the main risk due to tourist being targeted, however there is, as with many North African countries, an underlying threat of terrorism.

There have been a small number of terror attacks in Morocco over the past decade including in December 2018, when two female hikers from Scandinavia were beheaded in the Atlas Mountains.

Intelligent Protection International Limited has for the past decade provided its clients with Security and Bodyguard services in Morocco. If you are interested in these services, please see our page: Bodyguard Services in Morocco.

Morocco has managed to evade most of the upheaval and terrorist affiliated attacks in nearby Algeria, Libya and Tunisia. However, intelligence services have been monitoring sleeper cells in the region and recently stopped a terrorist plot to use chemical weapons within four cities in Morocco.

COVID-19 Situation in Morocco

Amid a new strain of COVID-19 in the UK, Morocco has banned entry to travellers from the UK.

Due to the pandemic, Morocco is in a state of emergency since March 2020. To contain the virus the country has put a series of measures in place: closing air, sea and land borders, banning entry to foreign travellers unless in exceptional circumstances, imposing a nationwide curfew between 21:00 and 06:00, public and private gatherings are prohibited, public venues such as retail shops, supermarkets, restaurants, cafes and bar must close at 20:00 and the use of face masks is mandatory in public places. Travellers who are exempt from the entry ban must provide a negative COVID test result that must be obtained 72 hours prior to travelling. Movement restrictions are also in place in Tangier and Casablanca that limit travel in and out of the city. To avoid contracting the disease, wear a facemask, sanitise your hands regularly, maintain social distancing, avoid unnecessary travel and gatherings.

Security events

On the 15th of November 2020, the ceasefire between Morocco and the Polisario Front over the disputed territory of Western Sahara ended. The end of the ceasefire was declared by the leader of Polisario who accused Morocco to have breached the terms of the ceasefire, when civilians came under attack in Guerguerat while they were protesting peacefully against a road to Mauritania being built by Morocco.

The last major incident was in 2011, a bombing killing 17 people, targeting tourists in Marrakesh. The Government of Morocco blamed “Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb” (AQ-IM) for the bombing, but many intelligence experts think it more likely “The Moroccan Islamic Combatant Group” or “Moroccan Islamic Fighting Group” was responsible; a small Sunni Islamist terrorist organization affiliated with Al-Qaeda.

Morocco is generally a safe country with very little knife and gun crime. If possible, stay in main areas away from alleyways and remote locations. There is an issue with theft and fraud, scams and confidence tricks, and these issues are mostly focused on the tourist areas, such as resorts and beaches.

There is also a growing concern that kidnapping may become more prevalent, with terrorist groups from North Africa travelling across the borders with Morocco.

Harassment of individuals by themselves is prevalent, therefore it is advised you explore the country with an official tour guide. Females in particular can be subject to unwanted interest and physical sexual assault, such as groping.

You may be asked for proof of marriage, when travelling as a couple. If this is not provided, hotels will insist you have separate rooms. Homosexuality is illegal in Morocco, so discrete behaviour is advised.

Due to its strong religious influence in the country, the travel advice for Morocco is that you are respectful and follow laws and customs practiced by the local citizens. This includes dressing modestly and refraining from wearing expensive jewellery to avoid attracting unwanted attention.

It is advised to not walk around, outside of resort areas after dark. There have been some issues with muggings, but overall violent crime is not a major problem in Morocco.

On the 17th of December 2018, two Scandinavian tourists were killed while they were camping at night during a trek in an isolated area of the High Atlas mountains, two hours from Imlil. The killing is being considered by local authorities as an act of terror. Three suspected attackers have been arrested.

Morocco has good international ties with close relations with Saudi Arabia and the Persian Gulf states, Morocco is a majority Sunni country, of which at times has heightened diplomatic tensions with non-Sunni states. In previous years, there have been disputes with Morocco's administrative control of Western Sahara.

The country enjoys economic relations with France and Spain, both of which are key primary trade partners, creditors and foreign investors. France has supported Morocco in a number of ways, including helping their military with both equipment and training during times of need.

The roads systems are very good in Morocco on the whole, although some areas in the countryside do not achieve such high standards. Despite the adequate condition of the roads, the standard of driving is poor and fatal and severe road accidents are commonplace. There is poor street lighting in many areas and drivers often do not use lights at night and nor do they indicate when turning. Be aware at all times when operating a vehicle.

When travelling long distances by car, it is recommended that you ensure you have adequate supplies of fuel, food and water at all times, as well as carrying maps and a GPS in the vehicle. This will help to make sure that your journey is as smooth and trouble-free as possible.

If you are involved in a road accident in Morocco, you should complete a “Constat Amiable” form, to be signed by both parties. Forms are available from the insurance company booths and from tobacconists in all cities. If the road accident results in injury to the other part, you should contact your Embassy, as you could be liable for arrest and prosecution. It is important that you drive with caution and remain alert to the roads at all time to prevent the risk of this happening.

Morocco is known to occasionally experience small earthquakes. This can sometimes affect the condition of roads in more rural areas.

Flooding is also an issue in some areas of Morocco and should be taken into consideration during travel within the country.

Police emergency: 190 or in urban areas 177
Fire emergency: 150
Medical emergency: 150

Official languages: Arabic (Moroccan Arabic)
Religion: Islam (Sunni Islam)
Currency: Moroccan Dirham
Time now in Rabat:

U.S. Embassy Rabat
Km 5.7, Avenue Mohamed VI,
Souissi,
Rabat,
10170,
Morocco
Telephone: +212 5376 37200 (Rabat)
Telephone: +212 5222 64550 (Casablanca)
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +212 6611 31939
Email: nivcasablanca@state.gov
Email: acscasablanca@state.gov

British Embassy Rabat

28 Avenue S.A.R. Sidi Mohamed,
Rabat,
10105,
Morocco
Telephone: +212 5376 33333
Email: rabat.consular@fco.gov.uk

EU, UK and US visitors do not require a visa for a visit to Morocco of up to 90 days. Visitors from all other countries should check with their Embassy or Consulate.

It is advised that visitors to Morocco are up-to-date with primary boosters such as MMR. You should ensure that you have been further vaccinated against diseases, such as Tetanus, which is usually administered when you are a young baby. You may also want to consider Typhoid and Hepatitis A vaccinations. Check with your local health professional prior to travel, if you are unsure.

It is recommended against swimming in fresh water as Schistosomiasis can be contracted via a parasite that penetrate human skin when the water is contaminated.

If you require medical treatment in Morocco, you should be prepared to pay for the treatment at the point of receiving it in cash, not credit card.

The Holy month of Ramadan 2017 lasts from 27th May until the 25th of June.

Personal hygiene must be paramount, the local water supply avoided at all costs and bottled water inspected prior to consumption. There have been a number of cases of bottled water being refilled with tap water and re-sold.

Medical care varies greatly out of the main cities and large towns. All medical care must be paid for on the spot using cash payment - credit cards are not widely accepted. It is important that you ensure you have comprehensive medical and travel insurance, as healthcare can prove expensive.