Genvisec advises that all business and leisure travel should continue to Morocco. There are greater security concerns for the disputed region of the Western Sahara, please see the Western Sahara country profile.

 

Political situation

 

Since early 2011 there have been demonstrations and protests in a number of places across the country. In general, demonstrations have been peaceful but there have been isolated incidents of vandalism and looting. You should follow local and international developments in the media and take sensible security precautions. Avoid political gatherings and demonstrations. Always observe instructions given by the local security authorities.

 

Crime

 

Violent crime is not a major problem in Morocco, but there are occasional incidents involving theft at knifepoint in the major cities and along beaches. Avoid quiet areas after dark. Don’t carry large amounts of money or valuables around with you.

 

Petty crime is common, especially in tourist areas like the medina quarter of towns/cities and on beaches. Crimes include pick-pocketing, bag snatching and drive-by motorcycle theft of visible jewellery and handbags. Be vigilant when using ATMs as crime and aggressive begging can occur. Credit card fraud and scams like substituting inferior goods for those that were actually bought are common. You should remain vigilant and alert to potential confidence tricks.

 

When visiting the medina quarter of a town or city, make sure any guide you use is operating with the agreement of the local tourist authorities, and displays an official badge. Harassment of tourists by people posing as official tourist guides is common.

 

Exercise caution when travelling to Morocco for a relationship initiated via the internet. There have been incidents of marriage fraud and attempted extortion affecting foreign nationals. When travelling for a first visit, make sure you keep your return ticket, passport and personal belongings safe in case problems arise.

 

Road travel

 

Morocco has a poor road safety record. In 2013, nearly 4,000 people were killed and over 100,000 injured as a result of traffic accidents.

 

Drive carefully, especially in poor weather conditions, on secondary routes and on mountain roads. Driving at night can be particularly hazardous due to poor lighting. It’s common to encounter pedestrians crossing motorways. You should take extra care when overtaking, particularly where there is no hard shoulder. Leave plenty of time to reach your destination and respect speed limits.

 

If you’re involved in a road accident, you should complete a ‘Constat Amiable’ form, to be signed by both parties. Blank forms are available on arrival at Tangier port from the insurance company booths and from tobacconists in all cities.

 

If you’re involved in a road accident resulting in a fatality and the Moroccan authorities consider you responsible, you may be detained pending a trial hearing.

 

If you enter Morocco with a vehicle, the registration number will be recorded. If you’re not in possession of the same vehicle when leaving Morocco, you’ll be refused exit and detained. You’ll need to provide evidence of adequate motor insurance. You should always carry your insurance, licence and registration documents with you.

 

Local laws and customs

Morocco is a Muslim country which follows Islamic laws and customs. Be aware of your actions to ensure they don’t offend, especially during the holy month of Ramadan or if you intend to visit religious areas. You should respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions at all times.

 

In 2015, the holy month of Ramadan is expected to start on 18 June and finish on 18 July. See Travelling during Ramadan

 

Avoid public displays of affection, particularly outside the main tourist areas and near religious places.

 

Sexual relations outside marriage are punishable by law. It’s not uncommon for hotels to ask couples to show evidence of marriage at the time of check-in, and if such evidence is not available, to insist on separate rooms.

 

Homosexuality is a criminal offence in Morocco. Be sensitive to local laws and customs and avoid public displays of affection. Complaints can lead to prosecution.

 

Women, especially when travelling alone, may attract unwanted attention. To minimise hassle, you should dress modestly.

 

Alcohol is served in licensed hotels, bars and in tourist areas. However, drinking alcohol in the street and anywhere other than a licensed restaurant or bar isn’t allowed and can lead to arrest.

 

Possession, use or trafficking in illegal drugs is a serious offence and can result in a lengthy prison sentence and a heavy fine.

 

If you’re travelling to Morocco to marry a Moroccan national, make sure you have the correct documentation.

 

It’s illegal in Morocco to send passports through the post. British passports sent to or through Morocco by post or courier companies will be confiscated by the Moroccan authorities.

 

It is against the law to carry bibles in Arabic, to attempt to distribute any non-Muslim or evangelical literature, or to be involved in any such activity.

 

It’s illegal to possess pornographic material.

 

Money

Most major credit cards are accepted in the larger towns. ATMs are widely available in cities and most of the main towns. There is no limit on the amount of cash you can bring in to the country. It‘s very difficult to exchange travellers’ cheques.

 

The Moroccan Dirham (MAD) is non-convertible. You can import or export up to a maximum of 1,000 MAD to or from Morocco

 

Health

 

Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.

 

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

 

Henna tattoos are common in Morocco. Some henna tattoos contain the chemical para-phenylenediamine (PPD) which can cause a painful allergic reaction including swelling and an itchy rash in some people. 

 

Entry Requirements

Visas

 

EU nationals don’t need a visa to enter Morocco for the purpose of tourism for up to 3 months.

 

When entering the country, make sure your passport is stamped. Some tourists have experienced difficulties leaving the country because their passport bears no entry stamp.

 

Passport validity

 

Your passport should be valid for the proposed duration of your stay in Morocco. No additional period of validity beyond this is required.

 

The Moroccan authorities have confirmed they will accept British passports extended by 12 months by British Embassies and Consulates under additional measures put in place in mid-2014.

 

Emergency Travel Documents

 

Emergency Travel Documents are accepted for entry to, airside transit, and exit from, Morocco.

 

Medication

 

Moroccan Customs don’t have a list of prohibited products, but they do advise anyone travelling with prescription medication to make sure they have a copy of the doctor’s prescription which covers the medication and quantity carried.

 

Western Sahara

 

Please see our separate country profile for the disputed region of the Western Sahara.

 

 

Algerian border

 

The land border between Algeria and Morocco is closed. Don’t attempt to cross it.

 

Arriving by private boat

 

If you’re arriving by private boat, you must enter the country at a recognised port of entry. Entry through other ports will be considered illegal.

 

 

Terrorism

There is a general threat from terrorism in Morocco. The Moroccan authorities have warned of an increased threat linked to the growing number of Moroccans belonging to international terrorist organisations operating in Syria and Iraq. As a result, increased security measures, including additional security personnel may be visible in certain areas. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by foreigners. You should take sensible safety precautions and maintain a high level of vigilance at all times.

 

In April 2011, 17 people were killed and 25 injured in a large explosion in Marrakech at the Argana Restaurant in Jema el Fna Square.

 

The threat of kidnap by terrorist groups in Morocco is lower than in neighbouring countries.