23 March 2021
There's a ban on overseas travel from Australia. You can’t leave Australia unless you have an exemption from the Department of Home Affairs, or are travelling to a destination that is exempt from the ban.
Our global travel advice remains at 'Do not travel' due to the health risks from the COVID-19 pandemic and the significant disruptions to global travel. Some destinations were already set at Do Not Travel prior to COVID-19 due to the extreme risk to your safety.
If you’re overseas and wish to return to Australia, be prepared for delays and read our advice on trying to get home.
When you arrive in Australia you must quarantine for 14 days at designated facilities in your port of arrival, unless you have an exemption or are travelling on a quarantine-free flight from a green zone destination. At this time, vaccination against COVID-19 does not change this quarantine requirement. You may be required to pay for the costs of your quarantine. View State and Territory Government COVID-19 information for information about quarantine and domestic borders.
If you're staying overseas, make plans to stay for an extended period. Follow the advice of local authorities and minimise your risk of exposure to COVID-19. Stay in touch with family and friends so they know you're safe.
Our network of embassies and consular posts around the world will provide you with up-to-date local advice and support throughout this difficult period. Be aware consular services may be limited due to local measures.
For the latest information, read and subscribe to our news and travel advice. Also see our COVID-19 information pages.
Call 190.
Call 190, or go to the nearest hospital.
Call 190, or visit the nearest police station.
Do not travel to Morocco.
Do not travel overseas due to the health risks from the COVID-19 pandemic and the significant disruptions to global travel.
Do not travel to all areas south and east of the Berm.
Do not travel to all areas south and east of the Berm because of the risk of armed conflict. Western Sahara's status as part of Morocco is disputed. An active, militarised independence movement operates to the east of the Berm. See Safety.
Full travel advice: Safety
Full travel advice: Health
Full travel advice: Local laws
Full travel advice: Travel
Full travel advice: Local contacts
Terror attacks are a risk in Morocco.
Past attacks targeted locations that are popular with tourists.
Terrorists murdered two 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.
Various terror groups target 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:
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:
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:
Kidnapping is a threat to Westerners across North Africa.
In Morocco, the risk of kidnapping is higher in:
The Australian Government's longstanding policy is that it doesn't make payments or concessions to kidnappers.
To reduce your risk of kidnapping:
More information:
Petty crime is common, including:
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:
Women may be the subject of unwanted attention, particularly:
To help keep yourself safe from crime:
More information:
Common scams and fraud include:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
Morocco is in an earthquake zone. Minor earthquakes sometimes occur.
To protect yourself in case of an earthquake:
Flash flooding can occur. Risk of flooding is higher:
Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave. A ban on overseas travel from Australia remains in place. You can’t leave Australia unless you get an exemption from the Department of Home Affairs.
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:
Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition. Consider whether you may be in a vulnerable category for COVID-19.
See your doctor or travel clinic to:
Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.
More information:
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:
More information:
COVID-19 remains a risk Morocco.
For information on Morocco’s COVID−19 vaccination program, refer to www.liqahcorona.ma (in French and Arabic only). You should consult your local health professional for advice on vaccine options, including assistance that may be available locally. The Australian Government cannot provide advice on the safety, quality and efficacy of vaccines that have been approved for use outside of Australia's regulatory process.
More information:
Insect-borne diseases are common in Morocco, including:
Malaria is less common.
To protect yourself from disease:
Consider taking medication to prevent malaria.
Get medical advice if you develop a fever, muscle pain, a rash or a bad headache.
More information:
Some waterborne, foodborne and other infectious diseases are common.
To protect yourself from illness:
Get medical advice if you have a fever or diarrhoea.
Avoid temporary black henna tattoos. They often contain a dye that can cause a serious skin reaction.
Major cities generally have good medical facilities.
Services can be extremely limited in:
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.
Penalties for drug offences are severe and can include long prison terms.
More information:
The death penalty can apply for serious offences such as:
Sexual activities that are against the law in Morocco include:
In Morocco, it's illegal to:
Authorities may question or detain you if you:
Drone use is controlled in Morocco. Seek approval from the Moroccan Government before you enter the country with a drone.
More information:
If you want to get married in Morocco, you'll need to present:
You can organise these documents through:
Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you’re overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.
More information:
Morocco recognises dual nationality.
Under Moroccan law, Moroccan citizenship takes priority. This can affect your rights and responsibilities, including:
If you're a dual national, even if your second nationality is not Moroccan, the Australian Embassy may be restricted in 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:
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:
Couples may need to provide proof of marriage to get accommodation.
Take care not to offend. If in doubt, seek local advice.
Respect local laws and customs during Ramadan.
Under Moroccan law, Muslims aren’t allowed to eat and drink in public during Ramadan unless they meet special requirements where they don't need to fast (such as illness, travelling or pregnancy). This doesn't apply to non-Muslim tourists. However, you should avoid eating, smoking and drinking in public or around those who are fasting.
Please see 'other formalities' below for details on how COVID-19 has affected visas.
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.
Do not overstay your visa.
If you overstay your visa you won’t 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, contact your nearest police prefecture. Once you have regularised your visa status, make sure you obtain an exit permit from the police prefecture to present at your point of departure.
Without a printed exit permit, you can’t travel out of Morocco.
Some tourists report having trouble leaving the country without a stamp in their passport.
Get your passport stamped when you enter Morocco.
The land border between Morocco and Algeria is closed.
Don't attempt to cross into Algeria by land.
Moroccan authorities have eased entry restrictions depending on the country you're travelling from. Countries have been divided into two lists.
These measures can change at short notice. Monitor the Moroccan Ministry of Health (French) for the latest information and contact the Moroccan Embassy at your point of departure for further advice.
If you're allowed entry you must present a completed ‘Passenger Health Form’ upon arrival in Morocco.
Contact local Moroccan authorities and the travel provider at your location for confirmation on entry and/or exit requirements. Where possible, obtain such confirmation in writing.
A limited number of airlines are flying from Morocco. There are no direct flights to Australia, but some airlines fly to destinations from which you can book your onwards travel to Australia. Australian citizens and permanent residents are eligible to take flights departing Morocco.
Some countries have suspended their flights following the emergence of a new strain of COVID-19. Check with your travel provider for the latest information and monitor the travel advice of the country you are planning to transit in. Travel restrictions may apply at short notice.
Australians returning home from Morocco have to transit through a third country.
Before you book:
With current international passenger arrival caps, be prepared for late cancellations for your return flight to Australia. Make sure you have a plan to stay in your transit country for an extended period.
Morocco is under a state of emergency to limit the spread of COVID-19. There is a nationwide nightly curfew in force from 11pm to 4:30am. Only those carrying a vaccination digital passport issued by Moroccan authorities can travel freely and are not subject to curfew restrictions.
Police checkpoints are frequent and can be installed at random locations. If stopped, comply with directions and follow the advice of local authorities.
Large public and private gatherings are restricted. This includes funerals and weddings.
There are restrictions on inter-regional travel. Only those carrying a vaccination digital passport issued by Moroccan authorities can travel freely and are not subject to movement restrictions. Local travel conditions, including whether you can travel to or from certain neighbourhoods, cities and regions, can change at short notice. Ensure you have the latest information.
Take care to protect yourself from exposure to COVID-19. It's mandatory to wear a face mask in public. When entering public places, you may be asked to undergo a temperature check, and use hand sanitizers.
If you're in Morocco on a 90-day visa and haven't been able to leave due to border closures, seek advice from your nearest police prefecture about a visa extension as soon as you can.
Keep in contact with family and friends so they know you're safe and well.
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.
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:
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:
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.
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:
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:
If you don't have access to safety equipment, use another provider. See Safety
To drive in Morocco you must have both:
You must get your IDP before you leave Australia.
The death toll from road accidents in Morocco is high.
Hazards include:
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:
If you plan to drive in Morocco:
Be alert on mountain roads and major highways.
Always carry personal ID and vehicle documents, including an accident report form.
More information:
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.
Only use registered taxis and limousines, preferably booked through your hotel.
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.
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:
Depending on what you need, contact your:
Call 190.
Call 190, or go to the nearest hospital.
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.
66, Avenue MehdiBen Barka
10105 Souissi-Rabat
Morocco
Phone: +212 537 543366
Fax: +212 537 656046
Email: 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.
In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:
Be the first to know official government advice when travelling.