Middle East and North Africa

• Travel Summary
• Safety and security
• Local laws and customs
• Entry requirements

• Health
• Natural disasters
• General
 

Safety and security

Terrorism

There is a general threat from terrorism in Morocco.  Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.  You should also be aware that there is a threat of kidnapping in the immediate and wider regions and particular care should be taken in remote regions and border areas. You should have confidence in your individual security arrangements and maintain a high level of vigilance. For more general information see Terrorism Abroad.

Recent significant events include:

• On 13 August 2007 a man attempted to explode a small device near a tourist coach in the city of Meknes.  No-one apart from the bomber was injured.
• On 14 April 2007 two suicide bombers killed themselves and slightly injured one passer-by near to an American Language Centre and the US Consulate in Casablanca. It is suspected that the bombers were targeting US interests.
• On 10 April 2007 three others blew themselves up, killing one policeman and injuring another, during police raids in Casablanca and another suspected terrorist was shot and killed during one of the raids.
• On 11 March 2007 a suicide bomber killed himself and injured four others at an internet cafe in Casablanca.  Moroccan police have greatly enhanced security and made a number of arrests but continue to hunt for further suspected terrorists.
• In August 2006, the Moroccan authorities arrested a number of individuals allegedly plotting to attack a number of targets, including noticeably Western interests.
• In May 2003, 45 people were killed in a series of terrorist attacks in Casablanca. These attacks were against relatively soft targets, including hotels and restaurants frequented by foreigners or those with Jewish links. The Moroccan authorities arrested and imprisoned a number of those considered to be responsible for the attacks, there is a high threat of further attacks.

You should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which could be against civilian targets, including places frequented by foreigners.

Crime

Violent crime is not a major problem in Morocco, but it is growing.  There are occasional incidents involving theft at knifepoint in the major cities and along beaches. Since March 2008 a number of Europeans, including British citizens, have been attacked and robbed  at knifepoint, mainly late at night, near the centre of Tangier in the area from Blvd Pasteur/Mohammed V leading down to the beach, and in and around the Kasbah/Medina. You are advised to avoid those areas late at night and not to carry valuables with you at any time in those parts of town. A British tourist was injured in an apparent knife attack at a hotel in Marrakech on 9 May 2007. There has also been an increase in reports of other violent attacks, including some shootings, and of car jacking in Casablanca. Whilst driving, you should avoid stopping at the side of the road and drive defensively, with vehicle doors locked and windows closed at all times. Do not attempt to escape from hijackers or resist their demands.

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, continues to increase. Crime and aggressive begging near ATM machines are increasing. Credit card fraud and scams such as substituting inferior goods for those that were actually purchased are common. Intimidation is sometimes used to force customers to purchase goods. You should remain vigilant and alert to potential confidence tricks.

You should avoid run down areas and badly lit streets in areas such as the medina. If offered the services of a guide, you should ensure that the guide is authorised by or operating with the agreement of the local tourist authorities, and displays an official badge. Harassment of tourists by men posing as official tourist guides is common. There have also been reports of tourists being harassed on Moroccan trains.

For more general information see Victims of Crime Abroad.

Political Situation

Morocco Country Profile

Travellers to Morocco should be aware of the impact that the situation in Iraq, as well as the violence between Israelis and Palestinians, has had across the Arab world and the risk of public disturbance in response.  You should follow news reports and be alert to developments in the Middle East that might trigger public disturbances.  In addition, demonstrations against rising food and fuel prices across the region have on occasion turned violent.  You should take sensible precautions for your personal safety and avoid public gatherings and demonstrations.  Any increase in regional tension might affect Travel Advice.

Road Travel

Morocco has a poor road safety record. According to the Moroccan Ministry of Equipment and Transport, road accidents claimed the lives of 3,600 people in 2006 (over 4% increase on 2005) and seriously injured more than 12,000.Over 56,000 accidents were recorded during the same period (an increase of over 5% on 2005). Accidents are especially frequent on busy major routes but also on narrower secondary roads. All drivers should take extra care when overtaking, particularly where there are no hard shoulders. You are advised to leave plenty of time to reach your destination and to stay well within speed limits.

If you are involved in a road accident resulting in a fatality and the Moroccan authorities consider you responsible, you may be detained pending a trial hearing.

If you are involved in a minor accident, you should complete a 'Constat Amiable' form, to be signed by both parties.  The blank forms are available upon arrival at the Tangier port from the insurance company booths, or can be purchased from tobacconists in all cities.

For more general information see Driving Abroad.