Practical information for travelling to Morocco

Entry requirements and visas

Citizens of many countries — including the EU, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Australia and Japan — can enter Morocco without a visa for up to 90 days for tourism. Some nationalities are allowed 30 or 60 days.

Nationals of other countries need a visa; many can apply online for an e-Visa. A few nationalities need an electronic travel authorisation (AEVM) before departure. Rules change: always check the official consular portal consulat.ma or a Moroccan embassy.

• Your passport must be valid for the whole stay; many airlines and authorities recommend at least 6 months of validity.
• Keep proof of accommodation and a return or onward ticket.
• To stay longer than 90 days you must apply to the police for an extension or a residence card (see Live in Morocco).

Money and payments

The currency is the Moroccan dirham (MAD), a closed currency: you can only buy it in Morocco. You may carry up to 2,000 dirhams in cash in or out of the country.

You can bring foreign currency freely, but amounts above the equivalent of 100,000 dirhams must be declared at customs. Keep exchange receipts if you want to convert dirhams back when you leave.

• ATMs are common in cities and towns; carry cash for souks, taxis and small towns.
• Cards are accepted in most hotels, large shops and many restaurants.
• Tipping: about 10% in restaurants; small tips for guides, drivers and porters are appreciated.

Getting around

• Trains (ONCF): comfortable and punctual between Tangier, Rabat, Casablanca, Fes, Meknes and Marrakech. Al Boraq, Africa’s first high-speed train, links Tangier and Casablanca in about 2 hours.
• Buses: CTM and Supratours cover the whole country, including Chefchaouen, Essaouira, Agadir and Merzouga.
• Petits taxis (city, small cars with a colour per city) should use the meter; grands taxis (intercity, often shared) have fixed fares per seat.
• Car hire: driving is on the right; motorways are tolled; respect speed limits (frequent police checks and radar).
• Domestic flights connect Casablanca with Dakhla, Ouarzazate, Errachidia and other cities.
• Trams run in Casablanca and Rabat–Salé.

Safety and emergency numbers

Morocco is generally a safe destination. The most common problems are petty theft in crowded areas and persistent touts or false guides. Use official guides, keep valuables discreet and agree prices in advance.

Tourist police units operate in the main tourist cities. Save your embassy’s number before you travel.

Health and insurance

• Take travel insurance that covers medical treatment and repatriation: private clinics usually require payment upfront.
• Many visitors prefer bottled water; avoid ice in very basic places.
• Pharmacies (green cross) are well stocked; a night-duty pharmacy ("pharmacie de garde") is open in every town.
• Use sun protection: the sun is strong, especially in the mountains and the desert.

Phone, internet and electricity

• Buy a local SIM card (Maroc Telecom, Orange or inwi) at the airport or in town with your passport; data is inexpensive.
• Wi-Fi is common in hotels, riads and cafés.
• Electricity: 220 V, European plugs (types C and E).
• Time zone: Morocco usually uses GMT+1 and switches to GMT during Ramadan.

Climate and when to go

Etiquette and good to know

• Dress modestly in medinas and rural areas (shoulders and knees covered); swimwear is fine at the beach and pools.
• Ask before photographing people.
• Most mosques are closed to non-Muslims (the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca is a notable exception).
• During Ramadan many cafés close during the day; avoid eating and drinking in public in daylight out of respect. Ramadan moves about 11 days earlier each year.
• Languages: Arabic and Amazigh (Tamazight) are official; Moroccan Arabic (Darija) is spoken daily; French is widely used; Spanish in the north; English is increasingly common in tourism.