Morocco

Use High Level of Caution

The Kingdom of Morocco is located in North Africa, bordering Western Sahara, Algeria and the North Atlantic Ocean. It has a population of nearly 32 million people. The largest city is Casablanca.

Morocco is a constitutional hereditary monarchy with the king as chief of state. A prime minister is head of government and appointed by the king after legislative elections. The King of Morocco holds extensive executive powers, including the ability to dissolve parliament.

In recent history, Morocco was a protectorate of France; and in 2006, Moroccans celebrated the 50th anniversary of independence from France. Arabs conquered the Berber region in the 7th century, bringing their civilization and Islam. The first Moroccan state was founded in the 8th century and became the first Islamic state separate from the Arab Empire. Therefore, this country has a strong sense of culture based on a long, ancient history. Visitors can enjoy the well-known cities of Casablanca, Tangier, and Marrakech with bazaars and medinas, as well as caves, tombs, Roman ruins, and museums.

Currency	MAD: Moroccan dirham
Language	Arabic. Also spoken are Berber, French and Spanish.
Capital	Rabat
Recent Alerts	2
Latest Alert	July 21, 2021 - COVID-19 Precautionary Measures in Morocco (21 July Update)

Diseases To Be Aware Of

The diseases listed below are those which occur most often in Morocco. Other, less frequently encountered diseases might be displayed within the Travel Alerts section if they have occurred recently.

Hepatitis A There is a significant risk for hepatitis A virus exposure in Morocco through contaminated food or water. Infection can still occur at tourist destinations and resorts.
Hepatitis B There is a significant risk for acquiring hepatitis B in Morocco.
Typhoid Fever Unvaccinated people can become infected through contaminated food and water in Morocco, especially when visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where food and water sources may be contaminated.
Leishmaniasis In Morocco, leishmaniasis usually occurs from June through September in the following provinces: Agadir, Boulemane, Er Rachidia, Marrakech, Ouarzazate, Tata, and Tiznit. Leishmaniasis is more common in rural than urban areas. The risk of acquiring this illness is increased in travellers who spend time outdoors in rural areas and at night when sand flies typically feed.
Tuberculosis Tuberculosis occurs in Morocco, including multi-drug resistant tuberculosis. Travellers are especially at risk if visiting sick friends or family, working in the health care field, or having close prolonged contact with the general population.
Rabies Rabies occurs in this country. Travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk.

Vaccinations to Consider

The following is a list of recommended vaccinations for travelling to Morocco.

Typhoid Fever Vaccine There is a risk of exposure to typhoid fever in this country through the consumption of unsafe food and water. Since exposure to unsafe sources is variable within this country, the vaccination against typhoid fever is generally recommended, especially when visiting smaller cities or rural areas, where food and water supplies may be contaminated.
Hepatitis A Vaccine There is a significant risk of exposure to hepatitis A for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.
Hepatitis B Vaccine There is a significant risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.
Rabies Vaccine Vaccination against rabies is recommended for travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) who may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk and should be vaccinated.

Medications to Consider

The following is a list of recommended medications for travelling to Morocco.

None required.

Safety and Security in Morocco

Emergency Numbers

190

177 Rural police

+212 37 673 918 Tourist Police Office in Rabat

Emergency operators rarely speak English. Most police and other officials speak Arabic; some may speak French.

Personal Safety

Most travellers to Morocco do not experience safety and security problems. Petty crime, such as pickpocketing, assaults, muggings, and scams occur frequently in Morocco. Credit card fraud and thefts around ATMs are common. Always ensure your travel documents, valuables, and personal belongings are kept secure. Avoid showing any signs of affluence, such as expensive clothing, particularly after dark.

Never accept food or drink, invitations, or rides from strangers.

Morocco is a Muslim country. Respect the local customs and religion.

Travel in groups if possible. Women travelling alone may experience harassment and verbal abuse. Women should be prepared for the possibility of propositions, suggestive comments or catcalls, and ignore them. Female travellers should take cues from the local women - avoid wearing provocative, form-fitting clothing and maintain a formal demeanour at all times.

Same-sex relations are against the law in Morocco, and penalties include fines and jail terms.

Morocco has a high incidence of road accidents that involve fatalities. Road conditions vary depending on the area and the location. Drivers may not follow standard rules of driving.

In late 2018, two female hikers were murdered while hiking near Mount Toubkal, North Africa’s highest peak and a popular hiking destination. If you plan to hike, exercise caution and join a group hike or hire a registered guide.

Areas To Avoid

The legal and political status of Western Sahara, a non-autonomous territory, is undetermined. If travellers need to visit Western Sahara, travel should be restricted to official tourist areas due to the risk of unexploded landmines from previous conflict. Do not travel in remote areas or in the desert areas in the south without an official guide recommended by a hotel or travel agency.

The border between Morocco and Algeria is closed. Do not attempt to cross into Algeria by land.

Political Unrest

Demonstrations and protests do occur in Morocco and are generally peaceful. Minimize safety risk by avoiding public and political gatherings and demonstrations since even peaceful protests can quickly and unexpectedly escalate and become violent.

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Updated: July 22, 2021