Morocco🇲🇦
Morocco is located in North Africa, bordering the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. Neighboring countries include Algeria, Western Sahara, and across the Strait of Gibraltar, Spain. Morocco is known for its rich history, diverse culture, captivating landscapes, and flavorful cuisine. The historic cities of Marrakech, Fes and Meknes boast beautiful architecture, vibrant markets or 'souks', and an array of traditional arts and crafts. The Atlas Mountains present stunning, diverse landscapes, with opportunities for trekking and exploring local Berber culture. There is also the vast expanse of the Sahara Desert with its captivating dunes and star-filled night skies. Moroccan cuisine, like the world-renowned couscous, and traditional tea ceremony are integral parts of the cultural fabric.
⚠️Things you should avoid⚠️
- Avoid drinking tap water. It may be safe for locals but often causes stomach problems in foreigners.
- Avoid beach swimming when red flags are present. Moroccan coastline can have strong currents.
- Avoid discussing sensitive topics such as the monarchy, Islam, and Western Sahara.
- Avoid feeding or petting stray animals. Rabies can be present.
- Avoid public displays of affection, particularly between same-sex couples.
- Avoid displaying wealth in busy areas. Flashy jewellery or expensive devices can draw pickpockets.
- Avoid off-road driving without expert guidance. Terrain can be challenging and potentially dangerous.
- Avoid for women to walk alone late at night especially in less touristy regions or quiet streets.
- Avoid isolated areas in the desert without a guide.
- Avoid accepting or buying drugs. Penalties for drug offences can be harsh.
Overall
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Crime 🔫
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Petty crime like pickpocketing and bag snatching are common in crowded places such as markets, particularly in major cities like Marrakech and Casablanca. There have been reported cases of scams targeting tourists. Violent crime is relatively low but has increased slightly in recent years. However, Morocco maintains a generally safe environment when compared to many other countries.
Terrorism 💣
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The rate of terrorism in Morocco is relatively low. The Moroccan government has implemented strong counter-terrorism measures, including an efficient intelligence service. The last significant terrorist attack occurred in 2011 in Marrakech, killing 17 people. Since then, terrorist activities have significantly declined, but the threat still exists, primarily from small groups aligning themselves with larger international terrorist networks.
War ⚔️
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Morocco is not involved in any active war. However, it has a longstanding territorial dispute with the Polisario Front, an independence movement in Western Sahara. This conflict has been mostly non-violent for the past few decades, with occasional escalating tensions.
Natural Disasters 🌊
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Morocco is susceptible to a variety of natural disasters, including earthquakes, floods, and droughts. However, the frequency and intensity of these disasters are relatively low. The last major earthquake was in 2004 near the northern city of Al Hoceima.
Medical Care 🏥
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Medical facilities in major cities and towns in Morocco are adequate but can be limited elsewhere. Private clinics and hospitals generally offer a higher standard of care than public ones. Health care providers in rural areas may not have equipment or supplies to handle serious illness or injury.
Tap Water Quality 💧
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Tap water in major cities and towns is generally considered safe for local residents. However, it may cause stomach upsets for visitors due to differences in water purification standards. Bottled water is advised for travelers.
Disease Burden 🤒
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Common diseases in Morocco include food and waterborne diseases like diarrhoea. Vaccination against hepatitis A and B and rabies is recommended. Mosquito-borne diseases such as West Nile virus and leishmaniasis are present but the risk to travellers is generally low.
Corruption 💸
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There's a moderate risk of corruption in Morocco. Despite government efforts, bribery, abuse of power, and nepotism persist. Sectors particularly affected include public procurement, land administration, and taxation.
Safety for Women ♀️
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Women traveling alone may experience harassment such as catcalling and unwanted attention. Risk is usually higher in less touristy areas and marketplaces. However, Moroccan authorities treat harassment seriously and recent laws aim to increase women's safety.
Safety for Queer People 👬
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Homosexuality is criminalized in Morocco. Consequently, LGBTQ+ travellers may face legal consequences, discrimination, and harassment.
Censorship 📺
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Morocco has a mixed record on press freedom. While many subjects can be openly discussed, criticism of the monarchy, Islam, and the status of Western Sahara can carry legal repercussions. Internet access is generally unrestricted.
Public Transportation 🚌
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Morocco has a reasonably well-developed transportation network, with buses, trains, and taxis widely available. However, overcrowding can be an issue, especially in urban buses and shared taxis. Safety measures have improved significantly in recent years, though accidents can occur.
Other useful information
🔒 How safe is it?
While Morocco is generally safe for travelers, common sense precautions should be taken, especially against petty crime in busy areas. Public displays of wealth can attract unwanted attention, and women especially could face catcalling or harassment in busy marketplaces. Drink bottled water, ensure food is well cooked and be mindful of the severe penalties for drug offences.
🏰 Embassies in this Country
Many countries have embassies in the capital, Rabat, and consular services in the major cities like Marrakech, Casablanca and Tangier.
💉 Recommended Vaccinations
Recommended vaccinations for travellers to Morocco include Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, Rabies, and Tetanus-Diphtheria. Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is required only from the travelers coming from a region where the disease is present.
🐍 Dangerous Animals
Common potentially dangerous animals in Morocco include scorpions, snakes such as the venomous horned viper and puff adder, and feral dogs that may carry rabies.
🛂 Visa Requirements
For many countries, visas are not required for stays up to 90 days. Beyond this period a visa can be obtained from the Embassy of the Kingdom of Morocco.
💲 Currency
The official currency is Moroccan Dirham (MAD). ATMs are widely available and credit cards accepted in many establishments in cities and tourist areas.
💳 Credit Card Acceptance
In urban areas, most hotels, restaurants, and larger shops will accept credit cards. In small businesses and in the countryside, cash is the most common form of payment.
🧑🏭 Is it possible to work and travel in this country?
As per Moroccan labor laws, foreigners can work in Morocco with a valid work permit. Many foreigners find work in the education and language instruction sector, tourism, and non-profit or development work.
💵 Cost of Travel and Living
The cost of travel and living in Morocco is generally lower than many European countries and North America. Costs in major cities and touristy areas are higher compared to the countryside.