Morocco

Terror attacks are a risk in Morocco.

Past attacks targeted locations that are popular with tourists.

Terrorists murdered 2 foreign nationals in December 2018. They were hiking in a remote mountain area near Mount Toubkal.

You could get caught up in attacks directed at others.

Terror group Daesh targets the Maghreb region for attacks. This includes Morocco.

Authorities believe many Moroccans sympathise with or belong to terrorist groups that operate in Syria and Iraq.

Moroccan authorities regularly arrest suspected terrorists and people associated with terror groups. However, the threat remains.

Possible targets for future terror attacks include:

• places where foreigners go, such as hotels, clubs, restaurants and bars, and where alcohol is served or consumed
• schools, embassies and places of worship
• markets and outdoor recreation events
• transport
• casinos, cinemas and other tourist areas
• places and institutions associated with Western interests

In planning your activities, consider the kind of areas known to be terrorist targets and the level of security provided.

To reduce your risk of being involved in terrorism:

• always be alert to possible threats
• report any suspicious items or activities to police
• monitor the media for any new or emerging threats
• take official warnings seriously
• follow the instructions of local authorities

If there's an attack, leave the affected area immediately, if it's safe to do so.

Avoid the affected area after an attack due to the risk of secondary attacks.

Terrorism is a threat worldwide.

More information:

• Terrorism

Kidnapping is a threat to Westerners across North Africa.

In Morocco, the risk of kidnapping is higher in:

• remote mountain areas
• southern and border areas

The Australian Government's longstanding policy is that it doesn't make payments or concessions to kidnappers.

To reduce your risk of kidnapping:

• don't hike alone in remote mountain areas
• be alert if you travel to southern and border areas of Morocco
• seek professional security advice
• organise effective personal security measures

More information:

• Kidnapping

Petty crime

Petty crime is common, including:

• pickpocketing
• bag snatching

Theft at knifepoint and other violent crime sometimes happens.

Muggings have occurred when travellers were walking on deserted beaches and poorly lit streets at night.

Aggressive begging near ATMs is frequent and robberies occur.

Intimidation is sometimes used to force customers to buy goods. Tourists are aggressively harassed, often by men posing as official tourist guides.

Hotspots for crime include popular tourist areas, such as:

• Tangier
• Fez
• Marrakech
• Agadir
• Essaouira

Women may be the subject of unwanted attention, particularly:

• when travelling on their own
• in markets, beaches and around tourist sites

To help keep yourself safe from crime:

• always keep your personal belongings close
• avoid walking in isolated areas or along dark streets at night
• take care when using ATMs
• secure your hotel room against intruders, even when you're in it
• if you're female, avoid walking or travelling alone

More information:

• Advice for women travellers

Scams and fraud

Common scams and fraud include:

• charging a credit card twice
• replacing lower quality goods for those you purchased

Commercial internet fraud is common and often originates in West African countries. Some victims who then travel to that country are killed.

Criminals may seek the details of 'safe' bank accounts overseas to use for a large transfer. They may tell you this is a donation or ask for a percentage of the amount involved.

As part of scams, they may also:

• provide fake cashier cheques for 'urgent' shipments of large quantities of goods
• request sizeable fees for a fake government contract
• extort money from people they have convinced to travel to Africa for a business opportunity

Fake internet friendship, dating and marriage schemes operate from West Africa. These scams typically start with a relationship through an internet dating site or chat room.

Your 'friend' or prospective marriage partner will ask you to send money to help them to travel to Australia.

In some cases, the relationship will then end with very little chance of recovering any money.

In other cases, foreigners are lured to Africa to meet the person. When they arrive, they become the victim of crimes such as kidnapping, assault and robbery.

To avoid becoming a victim of a scam:

• keep your credit card in sight during all transactions
• check goods carefully when you make purchases
• be wary if approached by people you don't know from Morocco or other West African countries

Don't send money to anyone in Morocco until you can make proper checks.

If you're the victim of a scam, get legal advice. Don't travel to Morocco to seek restitution.

More information:

• Scams

Demonstrations and protests

Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent.

Domestic and regional issues can incite protests at any time. Large-scale demonstrations can occur at short notice across the country.

Most gatherings are peaceful but isolated incidents of vandalism and looting occur.

Sporting events can attract large crowds, and tensions may lead to security incidents.

Western Sahara's status as part of Morocco is disputed. A mostly sand wall, 'the Berm', separates:

• areas occupied and controlled by Morocco
• areas controlled by the independence movement

Armed conflict has occurred. A ceasefire is currently in place. However, local or more widespread conflict could resume with little warning.

To protect yourself during periods of unrest:

• monitor the media for reports of possible activity
• avoid affected areas
• follow the instructions of local authorities
• take care on days of national or commemorative significance
• be extra careful on weekends, including the period around Friday prayers

Be ready to change your travel plans in case of disruptions.

If you're affected by transport disruptions, contact your airline, travel agent or insurer.

More information:

• Demonstrations and civil unrest

Earthquakes

Morocco is in an earthquake zone. Minor earthquakes sometimes occur.

To protect yourself in case of an earthquake:

• know the evacuation plan for your hotel
• secure your passport in a safe, waterproof location
• monitor local media and other sources such as the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System
• follow the advice of local authorities
• keep in contact with your friends and family

Flooding

Flash flooding can occur. Risk of flooding is higher:

• in the mountains or near rivers
• during the rainy season from November to March

Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave. Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won’t pay for these costs.

If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.

You may need a special insurance policy for 'do not travel' destinations. Some Australian insurance policies may not cover you for travel to 'do not travel' destinations.

If you're not insured, you may have to pay many 1000s of dollars up-front for medical care.

Confirm:

• what activities and care your policy covers
• that your insurance covers you for the whole time you’ll be away

Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition.

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

• have a basic health check-up
• ask if your travel plans may affect your health
• plan any vaccinations you need

Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.

More information:

• General health advice
• International travel and health

Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.

If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in Morocco. Take enough legal medication for your trip.

Carry a copy of your prescription or a dated letter from your doctor stating:

• what the medication is
• how much you'll take
• that it's for personal use

More information:

• Medication

Insect-borne diseases

Insect-borne diseases are common in Morocco, including:

• leishmaniasis
• typhus fever

Malaria is less common.

To protect yourself from disease:

• make sure your accommodation is insect-proof
• use insect repellent
• wear long, loose, light-coloured clothes

Consider taking medication to prevent malaria.

Get medical advice if you develop a fever, muscle pain, a rash or a bad headache.

More information:

• Infectious diseases

Other health risks

Some waterborne, foodborne and other infectious diseases are common.

To protect yourself from illness:

• drink boiled water or bottled water with sealed lids
• avoid ice cubes
• avoid raw and undercooked food, such as salads
• don't swim in fresh water

Get medical advice if you have a fever or diarrhoea.

Henna tattoos

Avoid temporary black henna tattoos. They often contain a dye that can cause a serious skin reaction.

Medical facilities

Major cities generally have good medical facilities.

Services can be extremely limited in:

• smaller cities
• rural and remote areas

You may need to pay cash before private hospitals will admit you. Not paying up-front may delay your treatment.

You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.

If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter. But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

Drugs

Penalties for drug offences are severe and can include long prison terms.

More information:

• Carrying or using drugs

Death penalty

The death penalty can apply for serious offences such as:

• high treason
• terrorism
• multiple murder
• rape

Other laws

Sexual activities that are against the law in Morocco include:

• same-sex sexual acts
• sexual acts outside marriage
• possessing pornographic material

In Morocco, it's illegal to:

• preach a religion other than Islam or import religious materials that don't relate to Islam
• perform acts or make statements that criticise or denigrate the monarchy
• drink alcohol in public places
• buy pirated or counterfeit items
• present a cheque without sufficient funds
• send a passport through the mail

Authorities may question or detain you if you:

• aren't Muslim and try to enter a mosque that isn't open to the general public
• take photos of official buildings, government or military buildings, other sensitive facilities or areas near these locations

Drone use is controlled in Morocco. Seek approval from the Moroccan Government before you enter the country with a drone.

More information:

• Advice for LGBTI travellers

Marriage requirements

If you want to get married in Morocco, you'll need to present:

• a Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage (CNI)
• an Attestation of Citizenship

You can organise these documents through:

• the consular section of the Australian Embassy in Rabat
• your nearest DFAT office in Australia

Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you’re overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.

More information:

• Staying within the law and respecting customs

Morocco recognises dual nationality.

Under Moroccan law, Moroccan citizenship takes priority. This can affect your rights and responsibilities, including:

• military service
• parental custody
• access to consular services

If you're a dual national, this limits the consular services we can give if you're arrested or detained.

Always travel on your Australian passport.

Moroccan citizenship is automatic for the children of Moroccan fathers. Moroccan women who are married to foreigners can also pass on their Moroccan citizenship to their children.

Local law applies to child custody decisions. This may affect whether you can leave Morocco with your children.

If you're a dual national, seek legal advice on child custody disputes.

More information:

• Dual nationals

Standards of dress and behaviour are conservative in many parts of Morocco.

Public displays of affection can cause offence.

In some parts of Morocco, women should wear loose clothing covering the arms and legs.

Take care in or around:

• rural and traditional areas
• mosques
• religious shrines
• religious schools

Couples may need to provide proof of marriage to get accommodation.

Take care not to offend. If in doubt, seek local advice.

Religious festivals

The Islamic holiday month of Ramadan will be from late April to late May in 2020. Respect religious and cultural customs and laws at this time.

Avoid eating, drinking and smoking in public or around people who are fasting.

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders.

Make sure you meet all entry and exit conditions. If you don't, the Australian Government can’t help you.

Visa-free travel for short stays

You won't need a visa to visit Morocco for less than 3 months.

In other situations, you'll need a visa.

Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. You can contact the Embassy of Morocco for the latest details. They will tell you about visas, currency, customs and other travel requirements.

Passport stamps

Some tourists report having trouble leaving the country without a stamp in their passport.

Get your passport stamped when you enter Morocco.

Closed borders

The land border between Morocco and Algeria is closed.

Don't attempt to cross into Algeria by land.

Validity

Some countries won’t let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you’re just transiting or stopping over.

Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.

You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.

The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport’s expiry date before you travel. If you’re not sure it’ll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport.

Lost or stolen passport

Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who want to use your identity to commit crimes.

To protect your passport, always keep it in a safe place.

Be aware of people trying to trick you into giving them your passport.

If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:

• In Australia, contact the Australian Passport Information Service.
• If you're overseas, contact the nearest Australian embassy or consulate.

The local currency is the Moroccan Dirham (MAD).

You must declare all amounts in foreign currency over MAD100,000 when you arrive and depart.

Only exchange currency at:

• commercial banks
• licensed exchange bureaus

Access to money

Credit cards are accepted in larger towns and tourist centres.

ATMs are widely available in cities and most large towns.

Contact your bank to make sure your cards will work in Morocco.

Landmines

Unexploded landmines are an ongoing risk in the Western Sahara territory. This risk is higher within 30km of the Berm, but also closer inland.

To protect yourself against landmines:

• don't travel to areas within 30km of the northern or western side of the Berm
• don't travel south or east of the Berm
• stick to formed roads and paths in any areas where landmines are a risk

Tours

Transport and tour operators don't always meet the safety and maintenance standards you might expect. This includes adventure activities, such as diving and desert excursions.

Safety equipment, such as life jackets and seatbelts, may not be provided.

To reduce your risks while taking a tour in Morocco:

• make sure the activity is covered by your travel insurance
• check the operator's credentials and safety equipment, including communications, before you book
• ask about and insist on minimum safety requirements
• always use available safety equipment, even if others don't
• avoid hiking alone in remote mountain areas

If you don't have access to safety equipment, use another provider. See Safety

Driving permit

To drive in Morocco you must have both:

• a valid Australian driver's licence
• an International Driving Permit (IDP)

You must get your IDP before you leave Australia.

Road travel

The death toll from road accidents in Morocco is high.

Hazards include:

• unsafe driving practices
• poor lighting and road quality in rural areas
• pedestrians and animals on rural roads

Driving on rural roads at night is particularly dangerous.

Drivers must carry an unfilled 'accident report' (constat à l'amiable) in the vehicle. You can buy these forms at local newsstands.

The police don't usually intervene in minor road accidents where no one is injured. All parties involved need to complete an accident report.

If the accident involves injuries, you must wait for police to arrive before moving your vehicle.

Checkpoints are common. You must be able to show:

• personal identification (ID)
• vehicle-related documents

If you plan to drive in Morocco:

• learn local traffic laws and practices
• be alert to possible hazards, especially at night
• avoid road travel at night outside urban areas

Be alert on mountain roads and major highways.

Always carry personal ID and vehicle documents, including an accident report form.

More information:

• Driving or riding

Motorcycles

Your travel insurance policy may not cover you if you have an accident while driving a motorbike, quad bike or similar. Check before you drive.

Always wear a helmet. Make sure your passenger does too.

Taxis

Only use registered taxis and limousines, preferably booked through your hotel.

Public transport

Several fatal bus crashes on intercity routes have occurred.

Morocco's rail network is relatively safe and reliable, but accidents happen.

In October 2018, a train derailed between the cities of Sale and Kenitra. Many passengers were injured or died.

Pickpocketing and petty theft on trains occurs. Stay alert and don't leave luggage unattended.

Air travel

DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

Check Morocco's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.

More information:

• Air travel

Depending on what you need, contact your:

• family and friends
• travel agent
• insurance provider
• employer
• airline

Fire and rescue services

Call 190.

Medical emergencies

Call 190, or go to the nearest hospital.

Police

Call 190, or visit the nearest police station.

Most emergency phone operators don't speak English.

Always get a police report when you report a crime.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

Contact your provider with any complaints about tourist services or products.

Read the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.

You can access some passport services and consular help at the Australian Embassy in Rabat.

You'll need to make an appointment for passport services. Book online through the Australian Embassy in Rabat website.

This embassy can't issue emergency passports.

Australian Embassy, Rabat

28, Rue Emir Sidi Mohammed
10105 Souissi-Rabat
Morocco
Phone: +212 0 537 63 33 33 (British Embassy reception, Extension Number 6)
Email: rabat@dfat.gov.au
Website: morocco.embassy.gov.au

Check the Embassy website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
• 1300 555 135 in Australia