Risk level(s)

Safety and security

Border regions of Western Sahara (see Advisory)

A militarized boundary, known as the Berm, separates the Moroccan-controlled part of Western Sahara from the rest of the Saharan territory, which borders Algeria and Mauritania. There are fatalities involving unexploded ordnance in this zone each year. The eastern side of the Berm is sparsely populated and the Government of Canada is extremely limited in its ability to provide consular services there.

Western Sahara

Western Sahara is a non-autonomous territory whose political and legal status has yet to be determined through the United Nations. It is a former area of conflict that is still littered with unexploded landmines, particularly in remote regions and the militarized zone.

 The Government of Canada may be extremely limited in its ability to provide assistance to Canadians in Western Sahara.

Border with Algeria

The border with Algeria is closed. Do not attempt to cross into Algeria by land.

Travel in Remote Areas

Restrict travel to officially designated tourist areas if you choose to travel in remote areas. Seek local advice prior to travelling to the desert areas in the south and hire only official guides recommended by hotels, travel agencies or local tourist authorities. A four-wheel-drive vehicle and appropriate supplies are essential for off-road driving in the mountains or the desert.

Terrorism

There is a threat of terrorism in Morocco, and attacks have targeted foreigners. Terrorist attacks could occur at any time. Targets could include government buildings, places of worship, schools, transportation hubs and public areas frequented by foreigners (such as tourist attractions), restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets and hotels (specifically coastal beach resorts).

Be aware of your surroundings at all times in public places. Stay at hotels that have robust security measures; keep in mind, however, that even the most secure locations cannot be considered completely free of risk.

Kidnapping

There is a threat of kidnapping in remote regions of Morocco and in areas bordering Algeria and Mauritania. Maintain a high level of vigilance at all times, especially when travelling in the southern and border areas of Morocco.

Demonstrations

Demonstrations occur in Rabat and various parts of the country. Although demonstrations have been generally peaceful, they can lead to significant disruptions to traffic and public transportation and have the potential to suddenly turn violent.

Since October 2016, there have been regular demonstrations in northern Morocco, around Al Hoceima and in Tangier and Nador. These protests have been occurring daily since May 26, 2017, and some have led to minor acts of violence. There is a heightened security presence in the area.

Avoid all demonstrations and large gatherings, follow the advice of local authorities and monitor local media.

Crime

Petty crimes—notably pickpocketing, purse snatchings (sometimes by motorcyclists), scams and other thefts—take place most frequently in medinas, market areas, parks and on beaches but can also occur in all types of neighbourhoods. Armed robberies with knives have occurred and have resulted in injuries and in some cases, deaths. Do not resist robbers. Thefts occur around automated banking machines. Credit card fraud is also frequent. Panhandling is increasing and some panhandlers can be aggressive toward tourists. Ensure that your personal belongings are secure and do not show signs of affluence, particularly when walking at night. Avoid carrying a purse.

Do not accept food, drinks or invitations from strangers, or change your planned itinerary at their request. While Moroccans are generally very friendly and hospitable, you should always exercise common sense and travel wisely.

Tourists have been forcibly taken to stores and intimidated into making purchases. Stay on major roads, especially when in the medinas, and exercise caution.

Exercise caution in the mountainous Rif region, on the northern coast of Morocco, since drugs are produced in this area and tourists are occasionally tricked into unknowingly committing drug offences.

Women’s safety

Women travelling alone may be subject to certain forms of harassment and verbal abuse. Consult our publication entitled Her Own Way: A Woman’s Safe-Travel Guide for travel safety information for Canadian women.

Road safety

Road conditions and road safety vary greatly throughout the country, depending on location and weather (for example, in the high mountains or during the rainy season). National roads are generally in good condition but narrow and heavily congested. Driving is generally easier on the highways.

Accidents causing fatalities are common. Not all drivers respect traffic regulations. Pedestrians, scooters and animals on roadways can also pose risks. Avoid driving at night.

If an accident occurs and only involves material damage, the police will not usually intervene and the parties involved should complete an accident report (constat à l’amiable). Drivers should have an accident report form, which can be purchased at newsstands, in their vehicle at all time. If the accident involves casualties, avoid moving the vehicles before the police arrive.

Carry your identification and vehicle documents at all times, as checkpoints are frequent.

Be extremely careful when driving on the Rabat–Casablanca highway and on certain national highways because of high traffic volume. Accidents, which are numerous and often attributed to poor driving practices, have resulted in serious injuries and deaths.

If you enter Morocco with a vehicle, you must exit with it or you will be denied exit.

Rail Travel

The rail network is developed, reliable and safe.

Air travel

The Government of Canada does not assess foreign domestic airlines’ compliance with international aviation safety standards. See Foreign domestic airlines for more information.

Internet romances

Exercise caution if travelling to Morocco for romance, especially in cases of relationships initiated on the Internet. Find out beforehand about the country’s customs and laws on conjugal relations and marriage. Ensure that you retain possession of your return plane ticket, your money and your passport in case problems arise.

For more information, see Marriage Overseas and Overseas Fraud.

General safety information

While swimming conditions in tourist areas are generally safe and problem-free, public beaches in major cities are often polluted and unfit for swimming. Morocco’s environment agency, the Fondation Mohammed VI pour la protection de l’environnement, provides a list of beaches that are up to international standards.

Swimming at some beaches on the Atlantic coast is dangerous due to strong currents and tides. Only swim at designated beaches and exercise caution.

Entry/exit requirements

It is the sole prerogative of every country or territory to determine who is allowed to enter or exit. Canadian consular officials cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet entry or exit requirements. The following information has been obtained from the Moroccan authorities and is subject to change at any time. The country- or territory-specific entry/exit requirements are provided on this page for information purposes only. While every effort is made to provide accurate information, information contained here is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, express or implied. The Government of Canada assumes no responsibility, and shall not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided. It is your responsibility to check with the Embassy of the Kingdom of Morocco or one of its consulates for up-to-date information.

Passport

Canadians must present a passport to visit Morocco, which must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of expected departure from that country. Prior to travelling, ask your transportation company about its requirements related to passport validity, which may be more stringent than the country's entry rules.

Temporary passport holders may be subject to different entry requirements. Check with diplomatic representatives for up-to-date information.

Official (special and diplomatic) passport holders must consult the Official Travel page, as they may be subject to different entry requirements.

Visas

Tourist visa: Not required (for stays of less than 90 days)
Business visa: Not required (for stays of less than 90 days)
Student visa: Not required (for stays of less than 90 days)

You must secure proper authorization if you plan to extend your stay in Morocco beyond 90 days. Contact the Service to Foreigners Section (Section du service aux étrangers) at the local police station at least 15 days prior to the expiry of the 90-day limit. If you remain in the country beyond the 90-day limit, you will be forced to remain in Morocco until you are seen by a prosecutor and fined.

If you enter Morocco by private boat, you must do so at a recognized port of entry.

Dual citizenship

Airport authorities regularly ask dual citizens to produce their Moroccan national identification card. See Laws & culture for more information.

Children and travel

Children need special documentation to visit certain countries. See Children for more information.

Yellow fever

See Health to obtain information on this country’s vaccination requirements.

Health

Medical services and facilities

The quality of medical care varies greatly throughout the country. Casablanca, Marrakesh and Rabat have good, private medical facilities for non-emergencies. Standards of care in public health facilities are not up to Canadian standards.

Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment.

Keep in Mind...

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.

Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a travel health kit, especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.

Laws & culture

You are subject to local laws. See Arrest and detention for more information.

Illegal or restricted activities

Alcohol consumption outside of licensed bars, hotels and restaurants is prohibited. Offenders may be punished by detention or other penalties. Alcohol can also be purchased from licensed stores for private consumption.

The penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are strict and judgment is expeditious.

Unauthorized importation of bibles or other non-Islamic religious material is prohibited, except for personal use. Religious proselytizing is forbidden.

Sending identity papers, such as passports, by mail is forbidden in Morocco and authorities may confiscate them.

Extramarital sexual relations are illegal. Hotels may refuse to allow couples who are unable to provide proof that they are married to stay in the same room, although foreigners are almost always exempt from having to provide proof.

Possession of pornographic material is illegal.

Do not take photographs of military or security installations. Drones and surveillance equipment are prohibited and will be confiscated by the authorities upon entry.

The Moroccan constitution states that the person of the King is inviolable and respect is due to him. It is expected that people avoid any criticism of the monarchy.

LGBTQ2 travellers

The laws of Morocco prohibit sexual acts between individuals of the same sex. LGBTQ2 travellers should carefully consider the risks of travelling to Morocco.

See Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and two-spirit Canadians abroad for more information.

Children and custody

Children of Moroccan fathers automatically acquire Moroccan citizenship at birth, regardless of where they were born. Children of Moroccan mothers may submit a request for their citizenship.

Children must have both parents’ permission to travel, regardless of whether they are travelling on a foreign or Moroccan passport.

Under Moroccan law, parents may prevent their children from leaving Morocco. Adults travelling with children should always carry written permission from both parents, or a legal document granting them custody or allowing them to travel alone with the children.

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is not legally recognized in Morocco. If local authorities consider you a Moroccan citizen, they may refuse to grant you access to Canadian consular services, thereby preventing Canadian consular officials from providing you with those services. You should always travel using your valid Canadian passport and present yourself as Canadian to foreign authorities at all times to minimize this risk. You may also need to carry and present a Moroccan passport for legal reasons, for example to enter and exit the country (see Entry/exit requirements to determine passport requirements). Citizenship is determined solely by national laws, and the decision to recognize dual citizenship rests completely with the country in which you are located when seeking consular assistance. See Travelling as a dual citizen for more information.

Dress and behaviour

Islamic practices and beliefs are adhered to in the country’s customs, laws and regulations. Dress conservatively, behave discreetly, and respect religious and social traditions to avoid offending local sensitivities.

Public displays of affection are frowned upon.

During the lunar month of Ramadan (the ninth month of the Muslim calendar), refrain from drinking, eating, and smoking in public between sunrise and sunset. In 2018, Ramadan is expected to begin on or around May 15.

Money

The local currency is the Moroccan dirham (MAD), which cannot be exchanged outside of the country. Exchange only as much money as needed, as it is illegal to take dirhams out of Morocco. Unused dirhams can be converted at the airport exchange counter upon departure, with proof of your initial currency purchase. Credit cards and traveller’s cheques are accepted in certain stores and restaurants in urban centres and in major hotels.

Natural disasters & climate

The rainy season usually extends from November to March, during which flash floods can occur frequently. These can be especially dangerous in the High Atlas Valley area. Monitor regional weather forecasts and plan accordingly.

Morocco is located in an active seismic zone.

Assistance

Local services

Consular assistance

For emergency consular assistance, call the Embassy of Canada to Morocco in Rabat and follow the instructions. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.