Morocco

Morocco

Most nationalities including those from the US, Canada and the UK do not need a visa to enter Morocco as a tourist. If your nationality is not on the following list, then you should contact a Moroccan Embassy and apply for a visa.

You do not need a tourist visa if you belong to one of the following countries: Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Bahrain, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Congo (Rep. of), Cote d'Ivoire, Denmark, European Union, Finland, Guinea, Hungary, Iceland, Indonesia, Korea (Rep. of), Kuwait, Libya, Liechtenstein, Mali, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, New Zealand, Niger, Norway, Oman, Peru, Philippines, Puerto Rico, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Singapore, Sweden, Switzerland, Tunisia, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States of America, and Venezuela.

Your passport must be valid for at least six months after you enter Morocco. You will get a stamp in your passport upon entry into the country (make sure you get it) which will allow you to stay for 90 days. No entry fees are charged.

Health and Safety

As with most destinations in Africa you have to careful about what you drink and eat in order to avoid stomach upsets. Buying food from street vendors carries some degree of risk and tap water should not be drunk. There is plenty of bottled water available throughout the country. Luckily Morocco is basically malaria-free. There are a few areas near the border with Mauritania that can harbor malaria but it's an unlikely destination even for the hardiest of travelers.

Immunizations

No vaccinations are required by law to enter Morocco but Typhoid and Hepatitis A are two vaccinations that are strongly recommended. It is also a good idea to be up to date with your polio and tetanus vaccines.

Terrorism

A series of terrorist attacks took place in Casablanca in May 2003, killing 45 people. The targets included hotels, cafes and other areas which tourists frequent. The Moroccan authorities claim to have caught the perpetrators, but there is still some risk of further attacks. Despite the unpopularity of the American presence in Iraq and its support for Israel, attacks against US citizens have not been reported. Most Moroccans, to their credit, do make a distinction between US Government policies and US citizens.

Crime

Violent crime is still quite rare in Morocco but getting harassed by "guides" and petty theft is fairly common. Avoid walking alone at night especially in unlit areas and on the beach. Take care of your valuables and don't flaunt your jewellery.

Drugs

Morocco has strict penalties for those caught purchasing or using drugs including "kif" as the local marijuana or hashish is called. That said, "kif" is smoked by a sizeable percentage of the Moroccan male population and many, young travelers in particular, visit Morocco with this in mind. Just be careful. The Rif mountains, where most of the marijuana is grown, is notorious for forcing their wares on unsuspecting tourists and the police are in on the scam. Do not buy "kif" from anyone who approaches you (and you will be approached) it is usually of inferior quality and you don't want to spend a lot of time with these folks. For more information I have an article about smoking hashish in Morocco.

Women Travelers

Morocco is an Islamic country so be modest in what you wear. No short skirts, shorts or tank tops. Wear a bikini or swimsuit only at a pool or on a beach. You'll attract attention regardless what you wear, just ignore it and move on, most of it is harmless. More information on women traveling alone in Africa.

Gay Travelers

Homosexuality is considered a criminal offence in Morocco (so are sexual relations outside of marriage for that matter). So just be careful of overt displays of public affection, although handholding between men is very common; you'll probably get fewer looks than if you were wandering around holding hands in some towns back home. Click here for more information.

When to Go to Morocco

As with many destinations the weather usually determines the best time to travel to Morocco. During the winter months, from November to March, it can get quite cold and rainy especially in the Atlas mountains. Click here for average temperatures for all major towns and tourist destinations in Morocco. If you are leaving soon, check today's temperatures in Rabat, Marrakech and Agadir.

The peak tourist season in Morocco is July and August. If you want to avoid the crowds and the heat, travel before or after this time. If you are traveling during these months then be sure to make some of your hotel bookings in advance especially along the coasts.

More Morocco Travel Information...

1. Marrakech

Situated at the foot of the Atlas mountains, the imperial city of Marrakech is large, noisy, full of history, and beautiful. There's a lot to see and do in Marrakech. Highlights include the central square of Djemma el Fna; the Saadian Tombs, Marjorelle Gardens, and the souqs (bazaars). Staying in a traditional Riad will really enhance your visit to this fascinating city.

More information about Marrakech ....

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2. Fes (Fez)

The most complete medieval city of the Arab world, Fes is a strange and appealing mix of middle ages meets the modern world. The extraordinary medina city of Fes El Bali is worth a few days walking in itself. Other highlights include the Merenid tombs, the Royal Palace and the Mellah (Jewish quarter). Fes was Morocco's capital for more than 400 years and is still considered the religious and cultural center of the country.

More travel information about Fes (Fez)...

3. Essaouira

Getty Images/Martin Child

A favorite with independent travellers, Essaouira is a great place to get away from the heat and bustle of the bigger cities. Jimi Hendrix and Bob Marley enjoyed the beach scene here in the 1960's. Highlights include strolling through the town's beautiful narrow streets filled with red and blue painted houses, the ramparts, the beach and listening to traditional music of the Gnawas.

More about Essaouira ....

4. Chefchaouen

Situated in the Rif mountains Chefchaouen is a small town in a big landscape. Popular with independent travellers (perhaps because it is the cannabis capital of morocco) but not yet spoilt by them. Highlights include hiking, swimming in streams, sipping a drink on the main square (Outa el Hammam) and enjoying the beauty of the white houses and their brightly painted doors.

More information about Chefchaouen ....

5. Merzouga

Eugene Reshetov

Merzouga is a desert town that lies a stone throw away from the impressive Erg Chebbi sand dunes, Morocco's largest dunes. From here you can organize camel treks into the desert and get a little taste of Bedouin life. The landscape around Merzouga evokes the classic images of the Sahara desert and won't disappoint. There are plenty of places to stay to suit all budgets.

More information about Merzouga ...

6. Jebel Toubkal

Jebel Toubkal, situated in the High Atlas Mountains, is North Africa's highest peak at 4,167m (13,667 ft). It's a challenging trek to the summit, but worth it for the spectacular views. While you can make it to the summit and back to the town of Imlil in a day, it's recommended you take at least 3 days to get the most out of it.

Companies that organize treks to the High Atlas Mountains include:

7. Meknes

Getty Images/Petr Svarc

Meknes is smaller and a little more laid back than Marrakech and Fez yet this imperial city has similar charms. Highlights include a wonderfully preserved medina filled with souqs which is easy to navigate without a guide. The Imperial City, built by the powerful Moulay Ismail in the 17th Century, is a showcase of Moroccan architecture complete with huge gates and impressive carvings. The nearby Roman ruins of Volubilis are also well worth a trip.

More information about Meknes ....

8. Dades Valley

Getty Images/Sylvester Adams

The Dades Valley runs in between the Jebel Sarhro and the High Atlas Mountains and offers some of Morocco's most spectacular scenery. The deep red cliffs on each side are lined with impressive Kasbahs, traditional Moroccan built forts. The best way to appreciate the valley and its Berber villages is to get out of your car and walk especially when you reach the Todra and Dades Gorges. Several Kasbahs in this region have been turned into hotels.

More information about the Dades Valley ...

9. Tangier

Getty Images/Simon Russell

Tangier is the gateway to Africa for many travelers. While the city doesn't have quite the charm it did in the 1940's and 1950's when you could rub shoulders with the likes of Truman Capote, Paul Bowles and Tennessee Williams there's still a lot to see. Highlights include the medina, the Kasbah and the Ville Nouvelle. Tangier is well known for its aggressive touts, but persevere and this unique city will grow on you.

More information about Tangier ...

10. Asilah

Getty Images/Simon Russell

Asilah is a wonderful beach town on Morocco's North Atlantic coast. Asilah is very popular with Moroccan vacationers who flock to its sandy beaches in the summer months. The city walls are covered in colorful murals and the houses are white-washed making this town look like it could be at home in Greece. A popular cultural festival is held here every summer. Other highlights include the beaches, small shops, the ramparts and medina.

More information about Asilah ...

More About Morocco

Other Related Resources & Guide Picks

Marrakech, Morocco Average Weather


Month	Average Sunlight (hours)	Temperature				Discomfort from heat and humidity	Relative humidity		Average Precipitation (mm)	Wet Days (+0.25 mm)
		Average		Record			Relative humidity
		Min	Max	Min	Max		am	pm

Jan	7	4	18	-2	28	-	90	63	25	7
Feb	7	6	20	-3	31	-	88	58	28	5
March	8	9	23	1	38	-	87	53	33	6
April	9	11	26	2	39	Moderate	83	47	31	6
May	9	14	29	7	44	Medium	77	42	15	2
June	11	17	33	9	46	High	74	41	8	1
July	11	19	38	12	49	Extreme	69	36	3	1
Aug	11	20	38	14	47	Extreme	69	37	3	1
Sept	10	17	33	11	45	High	74	40	10	3
Oct (Possible arrival)	8	14	28	4	38	Medium	77	45	23	4
Nov	7	9	23	1	35	-	80	49	31	3
Dec	7	6	19	-2	27	-	84	57	31	7

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