Coronavirus - Morocco travel advice (2024)

Coronavirus travel health

Check the latest information on risk from COVID-19 for Morocco on the TravelHealthPro website.

See the TravelHealthPro website for further advice on travel abroad and reducing spread of respiratory viruses during the COVID-19 pandemic.

International travel

The Moroccan Government re-opened the borders for commercial flights into and out of Morocco on 7 February 2022.

The Moroccan government also re-opened its maritime borders for ferry services on 8 April 2022. See ‘Entry requirements’ for information about COVID-19 restrictions.

Anyone considering travel should be aware that COVID-19 restrictions are subject to change at short notice. All passengers should undertake proper research regarding transit/destination countries and carefully consider the need for travel at this time.

British nationals in Morocco requiring help should call the British Embassy on + 212 (0) 537 63 33 33 and select option 4 for consular assistance.

With effect from 3 January 2023, Morocco has imposed a ban on all travellers from China, whatever their nationality, until further notice. This ban does not apply to people who left China seven days before their arrival in Morocco. The Moroccan National Airports Office specifies that passengers who have left China seven calendar days before their arrival in Morocco will be admitted to the territory of the Kingdom of Morocco.

Entry and borders

See Entry requirements to find out what you will need to do when you arrive in Morocco.

Be prepared for your plans to change

No travel is risk-free during COVID-19. Countries may further restrict travel or bring in new rules at short notice, for example due to a new COVID-19 variant. Check with your travel company or airline for any transport changes which may delay your journey home.

If you test positive for COVID-19, you may need to stay where you are until you test negative. You may also need to seek treatment there.

Plan ahead and make sure you:

  • can access money
  • understand what your insurance will cover
  • can make arrangements to extend your stay and be away for longer than planned

Travel in Morocco

State of Health Emergency

A state of health emergency has been in place in Morocco since 20 March 2020.

On 30 September 2022, Morocco lifted the obligation to present a vaccine pass or a PCR test to enter Morocco. However, a passenger health form must be completed before entry.

The wearing of face masks in public spaces remains mandatory.

Further local restrictions may be applied by local authorities in cities/prefectures/provinces or in some cases in certain neighbourhoods.

Failing to respect the rules can lead to a prison sentence of up to three months or a fine of up to MAD 1300.

Healthcare in Morocco

If you think you have COVID-19 symptoms, you should contact the Moroccan hotline COVID-19 numbers: 0801004747 OR 141 OR 300. If you need help with translation, you should call +212 (0) 537 63 33 33

Local approach to testing:

  • if you were in contact with a suspected or confirmed C-19 case;
  • if you show any symptoms;
  • if your company requires it.

For contact details for English speaking doctors visit our list of healthcare providers .

Your emotional and mental wellbeing is important. Read guidance on how to look after your mental wellbeing and mental health

If you have a British issued medical prescription and would like to get medication in Morocco, you will need to contact the nearest pharmacy. If the medication does not exist in Morocco, the pharmacy will then ask you to get another prescription from local doctors to provide you with an alternative medication that exists in the country. Pharmacies are available in every city and district and can be accessed 24/7. To find out the pharmacy that is closest to your area, please consult the following website: http://dmp.sante.gov.ma/pharmacies

View Health for further details on healthcare in Morocco

See also the guidance on healthcare if you’re waiting to return to the UK.

Finance

For information on financial support you can access whilst abroad, visit our financial assistance guidance.

Help and support

If you need urgent consular assistance, contact your nearest British embassy, high commission or consulate. All telephone numbers are available 24/7.

The British Embassy Rabat is now open for consular appointments on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Coronavirus - Morocco travel advice (2024)

FAQs

Is it safe to travel to Morocco right now? ›

Yes, Morocco is safe to visit. But you do need to exercise increased caution due to the high risk of petty crime. Many foreign governments also warn their citizens about the likelihood of terrorist attacks, which can occur at any moment in Morocco.

Is Morocco asking for PCR test? ›

Corona test to be able to enter Morocco

Morocco requires a COVID-19 PCR test with a negative result.

Is it safe for Americans to travel to Morocco? ›

Pay close attention to your personal security and the current health situation. Monitor the media for new and existing risks. in Morocco overall. Exercise a high degree of caution in Morocco overall due to the high risk of terrorist attacks.

Has Morocco cancelled mandatory PCR tests for travelers? ›

A state of health emergency has been in place in Morocco since 20 March 2020. On 30 September 2022, Morocco lifted the obligation to present a vaccine pass or a PCR test to enter Morocco.

What is the COVID protocol to enter Morocco? ›

Entry and Exit Requirements

Moroccan authorities lifted COVID-related travel restrictions on September 30, 2022. Passengers must only complete the Public Health Passenger Form and present it upon arrival. Passports must also have at least six months of validity at time of entry.

Is Morocco open for tourism? ›

Welcome Back: Travel safely. Following the decision of the Moroccan authorities, the health restrictions ( PCR or Vaccinal Pass) at the entrance to Moroccan territory are lifted.

Is Casablanca safe for American tourists? ›

Generally, Casablanca is considered a safe city for tourists. You will not face any problems while traveling in Casablanca in most instances. Although we cannot rule out petty crimes, it has relatively low crime rates. One should always be aware of their surroundings and be vigilant all the time.

How is the pandemic in Morocco? ›

Currently one of the MENA's most impacted countries by the coronavirus pandemic in terms of contaminations and deaths, Morocco had initially successfully controlled the outbreak between March and May 2020 after declaring a national health emergency, closing its borders, and calling for mandatory confinement (see Figure ...

Do I need a negative Covid test to fly to Morocco? ›

Are COVID-19 tests required to travel to Morocco? There is no requirement for test results or vaccination certificate when arriving to Morocco.

Do Americans need visa for Morocco? ›

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.

Is it safe to go to Marrakesh? ›

It's definitely a cool place to visit. However, Marrakesh isn't always cool – far from it, in fact. And when it comes to safety, there are few things to be aware of. There's not a huge amount of risk for travellers who go to Marrakesh but there is definitely still a problem with petty theft and scams.

Is it safe to walk around Marrakech? ›

It's a beautiful city that captures the essence of Morocco. However, if you want to be perfectly safe in Marrakech, it's important to follow a few precautions and be very aware of your environment at all times. For example, it's not recommended to walk in the alleys of the medina at night (after 10 pm).

Can you hold hands in Morocco? ›

Moroccans are very loving – in private. It's very uncommon and frowned upon to show a lot of affection in public. Holding hands in Morocco is fine. A hug here or there, and a stolen kiss are all fine in most situations.

Can you drink Moroccan water? ›

In the major cities in Morocco, the tap water is chlorinated and will usually cause no harm, but it's still wise to either purify this water yourself or choose another water source, as your body may react to unfamiliar bacteria in the water, causing sickness or diarrhea.

Do you need a PCR test to enter Spain from Morocco? ›

-Negative COVID test: A negative Nucleic Acid Amplification test (PCR, TMA, LAMP, NEAR, etc.) taken within 72 hours of departure for Spain, or a negative rapid antigen test (RAT) taken within 24 of departure for Spain, will be accepted.

How long can an American stay in Morocco? ›

If you plan to stay in Morocco for more than 90 days, you will need to register with the police and apply for a residence permit, known locally as a Certificat d'Immatriculation.

What is the best city to stay in Morocco? ›

  • Marrakesh – The Overall Best Place to Stay in Morocco.
  • Fez – Best Place to Stay in Morocco for Families.
  • Casablanca – Where to Stay in Morocco for Couples.
  • Fez – The Coolest Place to Stay in Morocco.
  • Essaouira – Where to Stay in Morocco on a Budget.
  • Chefchaouen – One of the Most Unique Places to Stay in Morocco.
Apr 8, 2023

Can you drink alcohol in Morocco? ›

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.

Is Morocco cheap or expensive? ›

Morocco can be super cheap but if luxury travel is more your thing, the country also offers the most luxurious and lavish lifestyle money can afford.

Is Morocco out of the World Cup? ›

Morocco Bow Out At Qatar 2022 As Most Successful African Team In World Cup History.

Is Morocco safer than Italy? ›

According to the study, Morocco has a low crime rate and less terrorist threat than most European and American countries. Moreover, it is better ranked than Greece, Italy, France and the United States, which occupy respectively the 11th, 13th, 14th and 15th place of the top 20.

Is Casablanca better than Marrakech? ›

A cultural experience awaits you in whichever choice you make. Casablanca has a more modern feel and has many buildings significant in Morocco today. You will encounter fewer tourists than in Marrakech and are more likely to see the industrial side of the country.

What is the safest city in Morocco to visit? ›

The safest cities in Morocco are Marrakesh and Essaouira. While both have their own unique safety issues, they're overall very safe.

When did COVID hit Morocco? ›

The virus was confirmed to have spread to Morocco on 2 March 2020, when the first case COVID-19 case was confirmed in Casablanca.
...
COVID-19 pandemic in Morocco
Confirmed cases1,272,490 (9 March 2023)
Active cases325,958
Recovered930,236 (15 November 2021)
Deaths16,296 (9 March 2023)
9 more rows

Is COVID pandemic going away? ›

Since it first appeared in Asia, scientists have speculated that SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019), will not disappear. Similar to the seasonal influenza virus, it is expected to mutate over time—this has already become apparent as new “variants” of the virus have appeared.

What is a Morocco case? ›

Moroccan - Morocco Case, early 20th century

The front and back sides are stitched together. There is a slit-like opening at the top center of both pieces, where a long, narrow, knotted strip of leather passes through and can be used as a handle or to close the pouch.

Do you have to test negative for COVID to fly back to us? ›

On March 10, 2023, CDC removed the requirement for air passengers from China, Hong Kong or Macau to show a negative COVID-19 test or documentation of recovery before boarding a flight to the United States. You may have been exposed to COVID-19 on your travels.

Is Marrakech expensive to eat out? ›

While meal prices in Marrakech can vary, the average cost of food in Marrakech is MAD101 per day. Based on the spending habits of previous travelers, when dining out an average meal in Marrakech should cost around MAD40 per person. Breakfast prices are usually a little cheaper than lunch or dinner.

When to go to Morocco? ›

The best time to visit Morocco is Autumn (September-November) or early spring (March-April). The weather is warm, but you will avoid the extreme temperatures of the scorching heat and cold nights. Whatever time of year you choose to visit, there's something special about Morocco.

Does Morocco accept American money? ›

Morocco is still a cash-based economy. Euros, USD, and CAD – not Australian dollars, are always accepted in Morocco and you will save time bringing cash to convert, doing away with bank lineups or non-active cash machines to acquire dirhams.

How much is the e visa for Morocco? ›

How Much Does the Morocco e-Visa Cost?
Moroccan Transit visa (valid up to 72 hours)170 DH
Single-entry visa (less than 3 months)220 DH
Double-entry visa (less than 3 months)330 DH

How much is a visa from USA to Morocco? ›

The application fees are listed below and apply to one visa application. The application fee for the most common nonimmigrant visa types is US$160. This includes tourist, business, student, and exchange visas. Most petition-based visas, such as work and religious visas, are US$190.

What should you not wear in Marrakesh? ›

What not to wear in Marrakech – for women
  • Shorts. As tempting as it might be when it's the middle of the summer in an African country, shorts are a no-go in Morocco. ...
  • Bikini tops. ...
  • Crop tops. ...
  • High heels. ...
  • Tight-fitting clothes. ...
  • Anything expensive. ...
  • Good to have with you. ...
  • Spring:

Is it safe to eat street food in Morocco? ›

If there is a crowd of native Moroccans lined up at a stall, this is a vote of confidence that the food is both sanitary and fresh. Your safest (and tastiest) bet is to eat food that is either cooked in front of you or has been sitting out for less than a few (2-3) hours.

Do girls need to cover up in Marrakesh? ›

Women in particular are advised to dress modestly, covering shoulders and legs, particularly above the knee. Men can get away with dressing in shorts and a t-shirt, but women are advised to cover up a bit more. Here are a few recommendations on what to pack for your holiday in Marrakech.

Is Marrakesh a tourist trap? ›

Marrakech is not tourist friendly; much of the famous medina is dedicated to luring tourists into buying overpriced items. The city felt as if it was a representation of what foreigners wanted to see, and not how locals actually lived.

Do they speak English in Marrakech? ›

Morocco's official spoken language is Moroccan Arabic, which is slightly different from other forms of Arabic. Nevertheless, thanks to its varied historical influences, part of the population also speaks French. Those working in the tourism industry normally also know English and Spanish.

Should I bring toilet paper to Morocco? ›

Moroccan toilets almost always do not contain toilet paper and it is a necessity to carry toilet paper and/or hygiene wipes if you will be away from the hotel for an extended period of time. We recommend bringing travelers' gel for cleaning hands before eating.

Is it OK to wear short sleeves in Morocco? ›

Short sleeves are perfectly fine, but tank tops are not recommended, for modesty purposes. While it is definitely hot, I got comfortable wearing long pants in the heat pretty quickly. Sneakers are also perfectly acceptable.

Do you have to cover legs in Morocco? ›

Do you have to cover up in Morocco? Legally speaking, no, but for “respect' and your own personal comfort, I would suggest covering up when you're walking around in public in Morocco. You don't need to wear a hijab as a female or anything, but making sure your arms, legs and curves are covered is a good idea.

Can you eat salad in Morocco? ›

Food in Morocco is seasonal and so some salads only appear at specific times of the year. While it's not wrong to eat salads as “the meal” they are traditionally served alongside the main dish.

Is tipping customary in Morocco? ›

While tipping isn't mandatory in Morocco, rounding up the bill and leaving tips at restaurants and cafes is standard practice. If you're happy with the service provided by waiters, drivers and other service workers, leaving a small tip is a good way to show your appreciation.

What kind of adapter do I need for Morocco? ›

For Morocco there are two associated plug types, types C and E. Plug type C is the plug which has two round pins and plug type E is the plug which has two round pins and a hole for the socket's male earthing pin. Morocco operates on a 220V supply voltage and 50Hz.

Is it safe to go to Morocco right now? ›

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.

How long is the ferry from Morocco to Spain? ›

The fastest route between Morocco and Spain is Algeciras with a crossing duration of around 30 minutes. With so many routes on offer we make it simple by comparing all similar routes in one search so you can quickly find what you are looking for. Why use Direct Ferries?

Is Marrakech safe for American tourists? ›

It's definitely a cool place to visit. However, Marrakesh isn't always cool – far from it, in fact. And when it comes to safety, there are few things to be aware of. There's not a huge amount of risk for travellers who go to Marrakesh but there is definitely still a problem with petty theft and scams.

Is Marrakech safe for female travellers? ›

Most of it is completely harmless and just involves men calling out random things to get your attention. Overall, the men in Marrakech are harmless. If you're a female traveling alone, be smart about it. Walk with confidence, be assertive, and let people know you know how to handle yourself!

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