Morocco

Terrorism is a threat worldwide. Terrorist attacks could occur anywhere and at any time. Be alert to possible threats, especially in public places. 

Past attacks targeted locations that are popular with tourists. You could get caught up in attacks directed at others.

Various terrorist groups target the Maghreb region of northern Africa, including Morocco, for attacks. 

Moroccan authorities regularly arrest suspected terrorists and people associated with terrorist groups. 

Possible targets for future terrorist attacks include:

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

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 affected by terrorism:

• monitor the media for any new or emerging threats
• take official warnings seriously
• always be alert to possible threats
• report any suspicious items or activities to police
• don't hike alone in remote mountain areas
• be alert if you travel to southern and border areas of Morocco

If there’s a terrorist incident, leave the area if it’s safe to do so and follow the instructions of local authorities. 

More information:

• Terrorism

Demonstrations and protests

Domestic and regional issues can incite demonstrations and protests at any time. 

There is an increased risk of political demonstrations and protests occurring around the country. Public protests and events that draw large crowds can turn violent. Demonstrations have occurred in most major cities in proximity to public buildings. 

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

Sporting events can attract large crowds, and tensions may lead to security incidents. Traffic can be disrupted at the start and end of large sporting events. 

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

• areas controlled by Morocco
• areas controlled by an independence movement known as the Polisario Front.

Armed conflict has occurred since the ceasefire collapsed in November 2020. Local or more widespread conflict could resume with little warning.

To protect yourself during periods of unrest:

• check 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

Petty crime is common, including pickpocketing and bag snatching. 

Theft at knifepoint and other violent crime sometimes happen. Muggings have occurred when travellers were walking on deserted beaches and poorly lit streets at night.

Aggressive begging near ATMs is frequent and robberies can occur.

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

Women may be the subject of unwanted attention, particularly when travelling on their own and at markets, beaches and tourist sites.

To stay safe:

• 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
• 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
• fake internet friendship or relationship

Australians have fallen victim to fake internet friendship, dating and marriage schemes in Morocco. These scams typically start with a relationship through an internet dating site, chat room or social media.

You may be asked to send money to help them cover travel expenses to Australia or assist in a faked medical emergency.

In most cases, the relationship will end with little chance of recovering any money.

In other cases, Australians are lured to Morocco to meet the person. When they arrive, they become victims 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 online you don't know from Morocco or other West African countries
• don't send money to anyone in Morocco until you 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

Drink Spiking

Methanol poisoning

Kidnapping

Kidnapping can happen anywhere, even in places that seem safe.

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

More information: 

• Kidnapping

Cyber security

Earthquakes

Morocco is in an earthquake zone. Earthquakes sometimes occur.

In September 2023, an earthquake of magnitude 6.8 struck Morocco, southwest of Marrakesh.

 To protect yourself in case of an earthquake:

• know the evacuation plan for your hotel or accommodation
• secure your passport in a safe, waterproof location
• monitor local media and other sources
• 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

More information:

• Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System

Insect-borne diseases

Insect-borne diseases are common in Morocco, including:

• leishmaniasis
• typhoid 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

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

More information:

• Infectious diseases

Rabies

Rabies is potentially fatal if you don't get vaccinated or receive quick treatment.

Rabies is found in infected dogs, cats and other mammals.

To reduce your risk of rabies, don't go near dogs, cats and other mammals.

If you're bitten or scratched, seek medical help immediately.

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

Black henna tattoos contain a dye that can cause a serious skin reaction in some people.

There’s no agreement between Australia and Morocco for free healthcare. Tourists must pay for all medical care, even if they need to stay in hospital or be evacuated. This can be very expensive. Make sure your travel insurance covers you. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.

Major cities generally have adequate medical facilities.

Services can be extremely limited in:

• smaller cities
• rural and remote areas

Most private hospitals require up-front payment before admitting patients, including in an emergency. Not paying up front may delay your treatment.

Most ambulance services are privately operated.

Drugs

Penalties for drug offences are severe and can include long-term prison sentences.

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 relationships
• sexual acts outside marriage

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
• consume drugs, even in small quantities
• possess pornographic material

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

More information:

• If you are arrested or detained overseas
• LGBTQIA+ travellers

Marriage requirements

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

• a Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage (CNI)
• a copy of your passport with a valid Moroccan entry stamp or valid residency documents

You can organise these documents through:

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

Morocco recognises dual nationality.

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

• military service
• parental custody
• access to consular services

If you're a dual national, even if your second nationality is not Moroccan, the Australian Embassy may be restricted in the consular assistance we can provide you if you're arrested or detained.

Always travel on your Australian passport if possible.

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.

If you're a single parent travelling with children, you may need to carry a letter from the second parent authorising the children’s travel plans. Always carry your children’s birth certificates or have copies on hand.

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 consider wearing loose clothing covering the arms and legs.

Take care in or around:

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

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

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

Religious festivals

Ramadan is a holy month of fasting for Muslims around the world. Respect local laws and customs during this period. 

Check the start and end dates of Ramadan prior to your travel, as these change every year. Under Moroccan law, Muslims aren’t allowed to eat, drink or smoke in public during Ramadan unless they meet requirements for a dispensation (such as illness, travel or pregnancy). 

While this doesn't apply to non-Muslims, if you are non-Muslim you should still avoid eating, drinking or smoking in public or around those who are fasting, so as not to cause offence, and not attract attention or questioning by police.

Most restaurants, cafés, eateries, and delivery services do not operate during the day, and some tourist attractions might be closed.

Visa-free travel for short stays 

Australians generally don't need a visa to visit Morocco for less than 90 days. In other situations, you'll need a visa.

Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. You should contact your nearest Embassy of Morocco for the latest details.

Moroccan embassies or tourist and travel offices can inform you about visas, currency, customs and other travel requirements.

Visa overstays

Do not overstay your visa.

If you overstay your visa, you may not be able to leave Morocco until you regularise your immigration status. You could be subject to a fine, a deportation order or a ban from re-entering.

If you have overstayed your visa, or are unable to leave due to border closures, contact your nearest police station. Once you have regularised your visa status, make sure you obtain a written exit permit from the police station to present at your point of departure.

Without a written permit, you may not be able to travel out of Morocco.

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

Lost or stolen passport

Passport with 'X' gender identifier 

The local currency is the Moroccan dirham (MAD).

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

Access to money

The Australian dollar is not on the Moroccan Government's approved exchange currencies list. You will not be able to exchange cash denominated in Australian dollars while in Morocco. Prior to arriving, you should exchange Australian dollars into US dollars or euros, which Moroccan exchange bureaus accept.

Alternatively, you could use money transfer services, such as Western Union or MoneyGram, to send yourself funds that you can collect in Moroccan dirhams using your passport. 

Only exchange currency at:

• commercial banks
• licensed exchange bureaus

Australian credit cards are generally accepted in larger cities 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.

It's illegal to take Moroccan dirhams out of the country. Convert any unused dirhams before you leave Morocco.

Landmines

Unexploded landmines are an ongoing risk in Western Sahara. 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

If, despite our advice, you travel to these areas, seek professional security advice and 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 (digital driver's licences may not be accepted)
• 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. It is also a legal requirement to carry a traffic cone and a reflective vest, in case of an accident or an emergency stop.

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.

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

Air travel

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. Contact your travel insurer’s 24-hour emergency number as soon as you can.

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.

The Australian Government aims to provide high quality consular assistance. There are limits to what we can do. Read the Consular Services Charter to understand how we can assist you overseas.

You can access passport, notarial and consular services at the Australian Embassy in Morocco.

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

Australian Embassy, Morocco

66, Avenue Mehdi Ben Barka
10000 Souissi-Rabat
Morocco
Phone: +212 537 543366
Email: consular.rabat@dfat.gov.au 
Website: morocco.embassy.gov.au
Facebook: Australian Embassy Morocco

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 the embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

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