Morocco Travel Guide

• Experience the amazing North African culture in the ancient medinas, souks and winding streets of Morocco’s incredible cities, such as Marrakech, Fez and Meknes.
• Head into the breathtaking beauty of the Atlas Mountains, visit Berber villages and see spectacular mountain scenery.
• Go on a camel safari in the awe-inspiring Sahara Desert and sleep overnight in a traditional Bedouin tent. 
• Experience the beauty of Morocco’s coastal area in the port town of Essaouira.
• See ancient Kasbahs, historical city walls, fantastic fortresses, Roman ruins and imperial splendour in this culture and history-laden land.
• Go shopping mad in the markets of the medinas, in the unique Moroccan souks.
• Feast on delicious Moroccan cuisine such as tagine, sip mint tea and pick up tasty treats in Marrakech’s legendary market square, the colourful Djemaa el-Fna.
• Hear the call to prayer echo through city streets as you soak up the sights, sounds and sensations of Morocco’s amazing cities. 

Moroccan cuisine is spicy, delicious and varied and there are lots of local treats to be tried while travelling. Spices are frequently used in Moroccan cooking and popular spices include turmeric, saffron, coriander and cinnamon. A typical Moroccan meal would begin with a hot or cold salad, which often includes tomatoes or peppers, followed by a classic Moroccan one-pot dish called a tagine, which is cooked in a cone-shaped clay pot, and usually consists of a mix of spices with meat, chicken or fish combined with vegetables. Other ingredients can include olives or preserved lemons. Another popular dish is couscous, a dish that is traditionally cooked by the Berber people, and usually topped with meat or vegetables. A pastilla is a meat pie which is also available and makes for a tasty treat. Meals are usually rounded off with a cup of sweet mint tea for a refreshing finish!

Morocco can fluctuate from extremes of climate, from searing heat in the Sahara Desert to snowy winters in the cold Atlas Mountains. The best times to visit are during springtime, from mid-March to May, and during the autumn (September-November). Winters are generally milder than in the UK, apart from in the freezing mountain areas, but if you visit in winter, be prepared for very cold nights.

Visa Assistance

Visas may be required depending on your nationality, travel plans, and length of stay. Below are the FCDO travel advice for British travellers. Entry rules can change at any time, so always check with the relevant embassy before travelling.

To make things easier, we’ve partnered with The Travel Visa Company, a UK-based visa specialist. Their team can guide you on requirements and, for a fee, apply for visas on your behalf.

Entry Requirements for UK Travellers

This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Morocco’s current rules for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Morocco set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Moroccan Consulate General in the UK. 

Passport validity requirements

To enter Morocco, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 3 months after the date you arrive.

Make sure your passport is not damaged. The Moroccan authorities have denied entry to some travellers with damaged passports. Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.  

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

Dual nationals

When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.

Visa requirements  

You can visit Morocco without a visa for up to 90 days for tourism.

To stay longer than 90 days, you must request an extension at a Moroccan police station.

If you’re going to Morocco for reasons other than tourism, check visa requirements with the Moroccan Consulate General in the UK.

Make sure the border official stamps your passport. Some travellers have had difficulties leaving Morocco because their passport has no entry stamp.

Arriving by private boat

If you arrive by private boat, you must enter at a recognised port of entry. It is illegal to enter through other ports.

Vaccine requirements

To enter Morocco, you must have a certificate to prove you’ve had a polio vaccine if you’re coming from a polio-affected country.

For full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Morocco guide.

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Morocco (in French). You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

Taking money into or out of Morocco

You can take up to 2,000 Moroccan dirham into or out of Morocco. The dirham is ‘non-convertible’ – it cannot be easily exchanged for other currencies .

You must declare foreign currency worth 100,000 Moroccan dirham or more (about 10,000 US dollars) when you enter or leave the country. There is no limit on the amount of foreign cash you can carry.

Morocco is an Islamic country, so you should be aware of and respect local laws, especially during the month of Ramadan. Women should dress modestly, especially as women travelling alone may attract more attention. The penalties for possession of drugs are severe. Alcohol is not consumed by the Muslim population, so although alcohol is available for travellers, you should be sensitive to the Moroccan culture and drink responsibly. Please also note that homosexuality is still illegal in Morocco. 

Tipping is widely used and is expected on any goods or service, around 5-10% on average. Haggling is also an expected process in many of the markets and souks in Morocco. Expect to be hassled by souk market sellers trying to tempt you with their latest bargain. 

In the Muslim culture, praying happens five times a day - at dawn, noon, afternoon, sunset, and evening. Friday is a holy day and most things will be closed. During the holy month of Ramadan Muslims fast from dawn to dusk and are only permitted to work six hours per day. Each night at sunset, families and friends gather together to celebrate the breaking of the fast (iftar). Many businesses operate on a reduced schedule during Ramadan. 

The traditional method of eating a meal in Morocco is by using your hand or using a piece of bread as a utensil, something you might try if you take part in a traditional meal.

Health

You should check with your GP at least 8 weeks before your visit if you will require any vaccinations. Please note that the popular Henna tattoos offered in Morocco often contain a chemical which can cause an allergic skin reaction in some people.

Safety

Morocco is a generally safe destination, although in the larger towns and cities there is some petty crime, pickpocketing and theft, as in any major urban area. Persistent sellers in the souks and some touts can be a nuisance, but if you don’t engage in conversation, it rarely becomes a problem. 

Women, especially those travelling alone, may find themselves attracting some unwanted sexual attention, but this is generally not dangerous. Avoid eye contact, dress modestly and don’t walk alone at night and it should not pose a problem. 

We do not recommend hiring motorbikes, scooters, ATV vehicles, quad bikes or other types of motorised vehicles whilst abroad. Safety and quality of vehicles vary considerably and the traffic conditions can be much more dangerous than what UK travellers are used to. Should you wish to go against this advice, you should ensure you are hiring from a reputable company and that your travel insurance covers you for such activities.