From the Saharan dunes of the south to the snow-capped peaks of the Atlas Mountains, Morocco never fails to enthral. If you’re planning a visit to this captivating North African country, you probably have a few questions in mind...and I’m here to help! With a bit of preparation and equipped with all the right answers, you’re sure to have an incredible time.
Read on to discover the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about travelling to Morocco, from currency and visas to safety issues on the ground.
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Travelling to Morocco FAQs
Do I need a visa to visit Morocco?
If you hold a passport from countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the UK, the European Union, China, Malaysia or Singapore, you are not required to obtain a visa prior to visiting Morocco. This streamlines the entry process and eliminates the need to navigate the sometimes complex and time-consuming visa application procedures.
Travellers hailing from nations not included in this list may or may not need to secure a visa, so it's always advisable to double-check with your local consulate office to determine the precise entry regulations. Remember, visa requirements are subject to change, so it's best to be prepared.
Regardless of whether a visa is needed or not, Morocco has its own set of specific passport requirements that all visitors must fulfil. Namely, your passport must have at least 6 months of validity remaining before the expiration date in order to be accepted for entry. Additionally, there must be at least one blank page available in the passport to accommodate the Moroccan entry stamp.
Travelling to Morocco FAQs
Do I need specific vaccinations to enter Morocco?
While Morocco does not have any mandatory vaccination requirements for travellers, it's always wise to consult with your doctor or physician before embarking on your travels to get their advice. Depending on your individual health history and the specific regions you plan to visit within Morocco, your doctor may recommend certain immunisations to ensure you are fully protected during your trip.
For example, routine vaccines like measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis and varicella are generally advised for all travellers and your physician may suggest vaccines for hepatitis A and typhoid, which are more common in developing countries like Morocco.
The risk of contracting certain illnesses can also vary based on the time of year and your planned activities, so an in-depth discussion with your doctor is crucial. They can provide personalised guidance on the appropriate vaccinations, as well as any necessary boosters or medications to prevent other travel-related diseases.
Is it safe to drink the water in Morocco?
While Morocco has made significant strides in improving its water infrastructure and treatment processes in recent years, the quality and safety of drinking water can still vary widely depending on location and source. In many urban centres, the water that comes through the taps is generally considered safe for consumption, having undergone thorough filtration and disinfection.
However, in more rural or remote areas, water sources may be more vulnerable to contamination from agricultural runoff, industrial waste or inadequate treatment. Additionally, the age and condition of a community's water pipes can impact the safety of the final product, with older, corroded pipes potentially leaching harmful minerals or bacteria.
I would advise you to err on the side of caution, sticking to bottled water or other treated sources rather than consuming tap water.
Travelling to Morocco FAQs
What languages are spoken in Morocco?
Morocco is a diverse country with a rich linguistic landscape. The primary language spoken throughout the country is Moroccan Arabic, also known as Darija. This colloquial Arabic dialect is the mother tongue of the majority of the population and serves as the lingua franca for everyday communication.
Amazigh languages, including Tashelhiyt, Tamazight and Riffian, are also widely spoken, particularly in the rural, mountainous regions of the country. These Afro-Asiatic languages have a long and storied history, predating the arrival of Arabic in North Africa. My husband's family (based in Agadir) speak Tashelhiyt as their main language at home and with their local community.
Additionally, French maintains a strong presence as an administrative language, a vestige of Morocco's colonial past under French rule. Many Moroccans, especially those educated in urban centres or working in government and business, are fluent in French and utilise it regularly. Spanish is spoken in the northern regions of the country that were once under Spanish colonial influence and can often be heard in cities like Tangier and Tetouan.
In many tourist areas, English is increasingly spoken, particularly by the younger generations. If you’re travelling solely with English in your language arsenal, you can usually find someone to help translate, unless you’re venturing into remote rural areas.
Is Morocco safe to visit?
While Morocco is generally considered a safe destination for tourists, it's important to exercise reasonable precautions and be aware of potential risks. Like any travel destination, you should stay vigilant and informed about local conditions, rather than put yourself in potentially risky situations.
Politically, the country has been relatively stable in recent years, but travellers should still monitor any evolving security situations or advisories from their home governments. Petty crime such as pickpocketing does occur, especially in crowded tourist areas, so keeping valuables secure and being aware of your surroundings is advised.
Travelling to Morocco FAQs
Is Morocco safe for solo female travellers?
Morocco can be a safe and rewarding destination for solo female travellers, though it does require some additional precautions and cultural awareness. As a predominantly Muslim nation, Morocco may have more conservative attitudes towards women's independence than what you are accustomed to and a stronger emphasis on traditional gender roles, which can manifest in unwanted attention. Catcalling can be an issue, although I found it was more prevalent in big urban centres than in rural towns and villages.
It's advisable for solo women to dress modestly, avoid isolated or poorly-lit areas at night and be cautious about accepting invitations or drinks from strangers. Cultivating a confident, assertive demeanour and learning some basic Arabic phrases can also help deter unwanted advances. For more advice about travelling to Morocco as a solo female, check out my detailed article here.
How should I dress in Morocco?
No matter how you identify, it’s important to dress conservatively and respectfully in many parts of Morocco in order to be mindful of the local culture and customs. That being said, many of the beach resorts and surf towns are accustomed to tourists in their regular beach getup and won’t bat an eyelid. However, once you step away from the sand and head to a local market, for instance, it’s best to cover up.
For men, the appropriate attire typically consists of long-sleeved shirts paired with full-length pants, rather than shorts and singlets. Similarly, women should cover their shoulders and knees, as well as their arms and legs when visiting religious sites like mosques and shrines. Anything see-through, short or overly revealing is generally not considered respectful attire and is best left at home. I recommend bringing along a lightweight scarf that can be used to cover up further if and when you need - it can also be used to shield your face if a sandstorm blows through.
As a guest in Morocco, it's courteous to be mindful of local norms and dress in a way that shows respect for the Moroccan people and their cultural traditions. By making the effort to cover up and dress modestly, you won’t inadvertently cause offence (particularly to the older generation) or draw unwanted attention.
Travelling to Morocco FAQs
Is it safe for LGBTQ+ travellers in Morocco?
While Morocco has long attracted LGBTQ+ travellers, navigating the country as a non-heteronormative individual requires a heightened awareness of the legal and societal realities. Homosexuality remains illegal in Morocco under Article 489 of the Penal Code, though enforcement is not always strictly applied, particularly when both partners are foreign visitors.
Still, LGBTQ+ travellers must exercise a degree of caution, as public displays of affection - even mild ones - are widely seen as culturally unacceptable (even amongst heteronormative couples) and could draw unwanted attention or even more serious consequences.
It’s also advised against seeking out the country's underground LGBTQ+ community, as this could inadvertently put local individuals at risk. While there are pockets of acceptance and tolerance, particularly in more cosmopolitan urban centres, there are still ingrained biases and prejudices. As societal attitudes continue to evolve, the landscape for LGBTQ+ visitors may shift, but for now, a measured, cautious approach is best.
What is the currency in Morocco?
The currency used in Morocco is the Moroccan dirham (MAD), which has been the primary medium of exchange since it was first introduced in 1959 (replacing the Moroccan franc). The dirham is subdivided into 100 centimes and is issued by Bank Al-Maghrib, the central bank of Morocco. Banknotes come in denominations ranging from 20 dirhams up to 200 dirhams, while coins span from 5 centimes to 10 dirhams.
The dirham has a fluctuating exchange rate that is pegged to a basket of major international currencies, primarily the Euro and USD. This provides stability for the Moroccan currency, which is widely accepted throughout the country for all financial transactions, from purchasing goods and services to making payments and withdrawing cash. It’s worth keeping in mind that dirhams can’t be exchanged outside of Morocco, so make sure you spend or exchange what you have before leaving the country.
Travelling to Morocco FAQs
Can I use USD, Euros and Pounds in Morocco?
While Morocco is not a member of the European Union and primarily uses its own currency, the Moroccan dirham, it’s sometimes possible to use US Dollars, Euros or Pounds in transactions. Many hotels, restaurants and tourist-oriented shops in popular destinations like Marrakech, Fes and Casablanca will readily accept payment in USD, EUR or GBP, often displaying the exchange rates they offer.
That being said, I’d advise you to carry some amount of dirhams, as this will allow you to easily shop at local stores and pick up essentials like water and snacks. You can either exchange USD, Euros or Pounds on arrival or withdraw dirhams directly from an ATM at the airport.
Can I pay with credit and debit cards in Morocco?
While credit card usage is becoming more widespread in the larger cities and tourist hubs of Morocco, it is still not as widely accepted as it is in many Western countries. In the souks, at small shops and at local restaurants, cash is still very much king. Merchants in these more traditional settings may not have the necessary point-of-sale terminals or may simply prefer to avoid the transaction fees associated with credit card payments.
However, larger hotels, upscale restaurants and major retail chains are far more likely to accept credit and debit cards, as are many guesthouses and resorts. If you are travelling with cards, I’d recommend notifying your credit card provider of your travel plans to avoid any issues with your cards being temporarily frozen due to suspected fraud - this can be annoying trying to rectify while abroad.
Travelling to Morocco FAQs
Is tipping customary in Morocco?
Tipping customs in Morocco can be a bit variable, depending on the specific situation and service being provided. In general, tipping is expected and considered customary, though the expected amount may differ from what is typical in North America or Europe.
For many standard service encounters, like at a restaurant, it is common to leave a tip of around 10-15% of the total bill, though some establishments may include a service charge instead. When taking taxis, a small tip of 5-10% of the fare is usually appropriate. For guided tours or other services, a tip of 50-100 Moroccan dirhams per person is often appreciated by the service provider.
However, tipping can also be more flexible and many Moroccans will simply round up a bill to the nearest whole number or leave a few extra dirhams as a gratuity. If you’re self-driving, it’s customary to tip the parking attendants around 5 dirhams for an hour or up to 20 dirhams if you’re leaving your vehicle overnight. It's also worth noting that some higher-end hotels or restaurants may have a fixed service charge included, in which case additional tipping is not necessarily expected.
What electrical plugs are used in Morocco? Do I need an adapter in Morocco?
In Morocco, the electrical plugs and sockets used throughout the country are primarily of the European-style two-round-pin variety, specifically the type C and type E plugs. If you’re visiting from continental Europe, you won’t need to bring an adapter. Visitors travelling from the United States, United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand will need to bring an adapter if they want to use their electronic devices in Morocco.
Can I drink in Morocco?
While the consumption of alcohol is acceptable amongst tourists in Morocco, the local cultural and religious norms do place certain restrictions on drinking that you should be mindful of. As a predominantly Muslim country, the sale and public consumption of alcoholic beverages is heavily regulated, with alcohol only available in licensed establishments like hotels, restaurants and a limited number of specialty shops. However, most major cities and tourist hubs will have places where tourist can enjoy a drink, although the selection is often more limited than what you might find back home. It's important to note that the legal drinking age in Morocco is 18 and public intoxication or disorderly conduct can result in fines or even arrest. So if you want to drink in Morocco, I'd recommend doing so responsibly and with respect to local customs.
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