Middle East and North Africa
Morocco
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Still current at: 03 December 2008
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Updated: 30 October 2008
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This advice has been reviewed and reissued with an amendment to the Health section (revised HIV/AIDS statistics). The overall level of the advice has not changed.
(see travel advice legal disclaimer)
Travel advice for this country
- Travel Summary
- Safety and security
- Local laws and customs
- Entry requirements
- Health
- Natural disasters
- General
See entire profile
Travel Summary
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There is a high threat from terrorism in Morocco. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers. See the Terrorism section of this advice for more details.
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Morocco has a poor road safety record. Accidents are frequent, especially on busy major routes. The main road from Agadir to Marrakesh via Imi’nTanoute and Chichaoua has been reported as particularly hazardous. See the Road Travel section of this advice for more details.
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419,000 UK tourists visited Morocco in 2007 (Source: Moroccan Ministry of Tourism). Most visits are trouble-free. The main types of incident for which British nationals required consular assistance in Morocco in 2007 were for: replacing lost and stolen passports; arrests or detentions, mostly for drugs offences; and deaths, mostly from natural causes. There are occasional incidents involving theft at knifepoint in the major cities and along beaches, and violent crime, though not a major problem in Morocco, is growing.
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We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake. See the General (Insurance) section of this advice and Travel Insurance for more details.
Safety and security
Terrorism
There is a high threat from terrorism in Morocco. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers. 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 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 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.
For more general information see Victims of Crime Abroad.
Political Situation
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 your 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.
Local laws and customs
Local laws reflect the fact that Morocco is a Muslim country. You should respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions at all times and be aware of your actions to ensure that they do not offend other cultures or religious beliefs, especially during the holy month of Ramadan or if you intend to visit religious areas.
Women, especially when travelling alone, will attract attention. To minimise hassle, you should dress inconspicuously and avoid wearing clothes that could be regarded as provocative (eg short skirts and low-necked strappy tops), except on the beach.
Homosexuality is considered a criminal offence in Morocco. Sexual relations outside marriage are also punishable by law and there were a number of arrests in 2007.
British nationals travelling to Morocco with a view to marrying a Moroccan should, before they travel, contact either the British Consulate in Tangier or the Consular Section of the British Embassy in Rabat to enquire about the documentation they will need to provide.
The penalties for possession of even small amounts of drugs are severe: up to 10 years’ imprisonment, with no remission for good behaviour, heavy fines and confiscation of your vehicle/vessel. If you travel through the Rif Mountains, a major cannabis growing area, you may be harassed by drug dealers.
It is against the law to carry bibles in Arabic, to attempt to distribute any non-Muslim/evangelical literature or be involved in any such activity.
For more general information for different types of travellers see Travel Advice Relevant to You.
Entry requirements
Visas
British nationals do not require entry visas to Morocco for the purpose of tourism.
Passport validity
Your passport will need to be valid for at least six months after your entry into Morocco. When entering the country, particularly during the busy summer months, you should ensure that your passports are stamped. You will then be able to stay in Morocco for up to three months. Some tourists have experienced difficulties leaving the country because their passports bear no entry stamp.
Travelling to Western Sahara
British nationals do not require entry visas to Morocco for the purpose of tourism.
Passport validity
Your passport will need to be valid for at least six months after your entry into Morocco. When entering the country, particularly during the busy summer months, you should ensure that your passports are stamped. You will then be able to stay in Morocco for up to three months. Some tourists have experienced difficulties leaving the country because their passports bear no entry stamp.
Travelling to Western Sahara
If you intend to travel to the disputed territories to the South of Morocco, you should consult our separate Travel Advice for Western Sahara.
Border closure
Border closure
You should also be aware that the border between Algeria and Morocco is closed, and no attempt should be made to cross it at any point.
Travelling with children
Single parents or other adults travelling alone with children should be aware that some countries require documentary evidence of parental responsibility before allowing lone parents to enter the country or, in some cases, before permitting the children to leave the country. For further information on exactly what will be required at immigration please contact the Moroccan Embassy in London.
When arriving by private boat, you must enter the country by a recognised port of entry. Entry through other ports will be considered illegal.
Health
In the 2008 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic the UNAIDS/WHO Working Group estimated that around 21,000 adults aged 15 or over in Morocco were living with HIV; the prevalence rate was estimated at around 0.1% of the adult population. This compares to the prevalence rate in adults in the UK of around 0.2%. You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. For more general information on how to do this see HIV and AIDS.
You should seek medical advice before travelling to Morocco and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up-to-date. For further information on vaccination requirements, health outbreaks and general disease protection and prevention you should visit the websites of the National Travel Heath Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) and NHS Scotland's Fit For Travel or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.
For more general health information see Travel Health.
Natural disasters
Morocco is in an earthquake zone and earthquakes, usually minor ones, occur occasionally. But a strong earthquake hit northern Morocco around the port town of Al Hoceima on 24 February 2004, killing more than 600 people. You should familiarise yourself with general safety procedures in the event of an earthquake and take note of any earthquake-related instructions, eg in hotel rooms.
General
Insurance
We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake.
We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake.
When insuring your vehicle, it is advisable to choose a company with a local representative. For more general information see Travel Insurance.
If things do go wrong when you are overseas then this is How We Can Help.
Registration
Register with our LOCATE service to tell us when and where you are travelling abroad or where you live abroad so our consular and crisis staff can provide better assistance to you in an emergency. More information about registering with LOCATE can be found here.
Money
You should bring sufficient funds for the visit in cash, travellers' cheques or credit cards. There is no limit on the amount you can import. Most major credit cards are accepted in the larger urban centres throughout Morocco. However, it is not possible to change Scottish or Irish bank notes. The Moroccan Dirham is non-convertible and its export is prohibited. ATMs are widely available in cities and most main towns. If you enter Morocco with a vehicle, the registration number will be entered in the immigration computer. If you are not in possession of the same vehicle when leaving Morocco, you will be refused exit and detained.
You should bring sufficient funds for the visit in cash, travellers' cheques or credit cards. There is no limit on the amount you can import. Most major credit cards are accepted in the larger urban centres throughout Morocco. However, it is not possible to change Scottish or Irish bank notes. The Moroccan Dirham is non-convertible and its export is prohibited. ATMs are widely available in cities and most main towns. If you enter Morocco with a vehicle, the registration number will be entered in the immigration computer. If you are not in possession of the same vehicle when leaving Morocco, you will be refused exit and detained.
Contact Details for the British Consulate-General, Consulates and Honorary Consuls
British Consulate - TANGIERS
British Consulate - TANGIERS
Georgina BUTLER, HM Consul
Trafalgar House
9 Rue Amerique du Sud
Tangiers 90000 - BP. 1203
Morocco
Tel: 00 212 39 93 69 39/40
Fax: 00 212 39 93 69 14
Email: uktanger2@menara.ma
British Honorary Consul - AGADIR
Mrs Lesley SANCHEZ
Complet Tours
26 Immeuble Oumlil - 3rd Floor
Avenue Hassan II
Agadir
Morocco
Tel: 00 212 28 84 04 69
Fax: 00 212 28 84 04 67
British Honorary Consul - MARRAKECH
Mr Mohamed ZKHIRI
Residence Taib
55 Boulevard Zerktouni - Gueliz
Marrakech
Morocco
Tel: 00 212 24 42 08 46
Fax: 00 212 24 43.52.76
British Consulate-General - CASABLANCA
36 Rue de la Loire, Polo
Casablanca
Morocco
Tel: 00 212 22 85 74 00
Fax: 00 212 22 83 46 25
Email: british.consulate2@menara.ma
Travel advice for this country
- Travel Summary
- Safety and security
- Local laws and customs
- Entry requirements
- Health
- Natural disasters
- General
See entire profile
Change country
contacts
Morocco, Rabat, British Embassy
Address:
British Embassy
28 Avenue S.A.R. Sidi Mohammed
Soussi
Rabat
Telephone:
+212 (0)37 633333
Fax:
+212 (0)37 75 87 09
Email: Rabat.Consular@fco.gov.uk
Email: Rabat.visa@fco.gov.uk
Office hours:
08:00 - 16:15 Monday - Thursday
08:00 - 13:00 on Fridays
Consular Section: 08:00 - 13:00 Monday - Friday
Visa applications: 08:00 - 10:30 Monday - Friday
