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The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ( FCDO ) provides advice about risks of travel to help British nationals make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice . 

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Is it safe to travel to Morocco right now? Latest travel advice

Morocco has a lot to offer travellers but there are some safety considerations to bear in mind. here’s what you need to know.

J ust three hours’ flight away with an hour’s time difference, Morocco is a short haul option that offers holidaymakers endless variety at often incredibly affordable prices. The earthquake in the Atlas Mountains in September 2023 has deterred some tourists, but there are still plenty of reasons to visit. In cities like Marrakesh and Rabat, magnificent examples of Arabic architecture can be found in mosques, schools and historic sites, while expansive souks offer up the equivalent of Aladdin’s cave, filled with trinkets, carpets and handmade furniture. A bohemian vibe permeates its west coast, especially in Essaouira, where surfers flock for the reliable waves and affordable hotels. And then there are the mountains and desert for those looking for adventure.

What’s the latest government advice about travelling to Morocco?

The UK Foreign Office does not currently advise against travelling to any part of Morocco. However, it does state that terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks. In particular, there is an increased threat linked to the number of Moroccans sympathetic or belonging to Daesh (formerly ISIL) and other extremist groups.

The places highlighted as being at heightened risk include crowded areas, government buildings, transport networks, businesses with Western interests, and areas where foreign nationals and tourists are known to gather. You should stay vigilant and follow the advice of local authorities, the Foreign Office advises.

• Best hotels in Morocco • Best hotels in Marrakesh

Has Morocco been affected by the Israel-Hamas conflict?

Geographically speaking Morocco is very far from Israel so it’s not directly affected by the Israel-Hamas conflict.

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At the end of December 2020, Israel and Morocco also signed a normalisation agreement, which means both nations recognise each other’s sovereignty and are committed to establishing normal diplomatic relations.

However, within Morocco there is significant support for Palestinians with rallies taking place in the capital Rabat. The Foreign Office advises avoiding any kind of political protests.

• Is it safe to travel to Jordan right now? • Is it safe to travel to Dubai right now? • Is it safe to travel to Israel right now? • Is it safe to travel to Cyprus right now? • Is it safe to travel to Turkey right now?

Is it safe to travel to Morocco right now?

There’s no reason not to travel to Morocco, but there are some safety considerations to bear in mind.

Although there have been no recent kidnappings of foreign nationals, the UK Foreign Office warns that this cannot be ruled out in advice that also applies to other countries in northern Africa. The threat comes from terror groups from Libya, Mauritania, and the Sahel, who use it for financial or political gain.

Petty crimes such as pickpocketing, bag snatching and drive-by motorcycle theft are common in Morocco, particularly in tourist areas such historic quarters and beaches. There have also been occasional reports of violent crime where weapons such as knives have been used against tourists in street attacks and burglary. The Foreign Office advises avoiding quiet areas after dark and not to carry large amounts of cash or valuables with you.

Which areas were affected by the 2023 earthquake?

Close to 3,000 people died in Morocco after a devastating earthquake hit a remote area of the Atlas Mountains on September 8, 2023. Most of the deaths and injuries occurred in the mountain villages, which are often remote and difficult to access.

In Marrakesh, the nearest tourist hub, some buildings collapsed or were damaged as a result of the earthquake. Most of the damage was in the medina, a Unesco world heritage site and the oldest part of the city. Many of the buildings here are historic, and were not built to withstand natural disasters like earthquakes.

Agadir and Essaouira also experienced some superficial damage to buildings but were otherwise unaffected by the earthquake.

The country is, however, open to tourism, and the income from tourism is certainly appreciated by those affected by the earthquake.

• Best riads in Marrakesh • Best villas in Morocco

What are Morocco’s entry requirements?

British passport holders do not need a visa to enter Morocco for the purpose of tourism, and they can stay for up to 90 days. To stay for longer than 90 days, request an extension at a local police station.

Your passport should be valid for at least three months on the day you enter Morocco. Your passport should not be damaged as otherwise you may be refused entry. You should also make sure your passport is stamped on entry, as you may experience difficulties leaving.

Is Morocco safe for female travellers?

Morocco is generally considered safe for female travellers, especially in holiday resorts. However, if you’re travelling alone, you may receive unwanted attention from men. The Foreign Office advises wearing loose-fitting clothing that covers the arms, legs and chest.

• What can women do to stay safe while abroad?

Is Morocco safe for LGBT travellers?

Homosexuality is illegal in Morocco, although it remains a popular destination for LGBT travellers. The Foreign Office advises against public displays of affection, which may cause offence and lead to prosecution.

• Is it safe to travel to Israel right now? Latest advice • Is it safe to travel to Egypt right now? Latest advice • Is it safe to travel to Jordan right now? Latest advice • Is it safe to travel to Dubai right now? Latest advice

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Morocco (Africa)

Advice for all destinations.

Read the information on the COVID-19: Health Considerations for Travel page for advice on travelling during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Vaccinations and malaria risk

Review both the Vaccination and Malaria sections on this page to find out if you may need vaccines and/or a malaria risk assessment before you travel to this country.

If you think you require vaccines and/or malaria risk assessment, you should make an appointment with a travel health professional:

• How to make an appointment with a travel health professional

A travel health risk assessment is also advisable for some people, even when vaccines or malaria tablets are not required.

• Do I need a travel health risk assessment?

Risk prevention advice 

Many of the health risks experienced by travellers cannot be prevented by vaccines and other measures need to be taken.

Always make sure you understand the wider risks at your destination and take precautions, including:

• food and water safety
• accident prevention
• avoiding insect bites
• preventing and treating animal bites
• respiratory hygiene
• hand hygiene

Our advice section gives detailed information on minimising specific health risks abroad:

• Travel Health Advice A-Z

Other health considerations

Make sure you have travel insurance before travel to cover healthcare abroad.

Find out if there are any restrictions you need to consider if you are travelling with medicines .

Know how to access healthcare at your destination: see the GOV.UK English speaking doctors and medical facilities: worldwide list

If you feel unwell on your return home from travelling abroad, always seek advice from a healthcare professional and let them know your travel history.

Vaccinations

• Confirm primary courses and boosters are up to date as recommended for life in Britain - including for example, seasonal flu vaccine (if indicated), MMR , vaccines required for occupational risk of exposure, lifestyle risks and underlying medical conditions.
• Courses or boosters usually advised: Hepatitis A; Tetanus.
• Other vaccines to consider: Rabies; Typhoid.
• Selectively advised vaccines - only for those individuals at highest risk: Hepatitis B.

No yellow fever vaccination certificate required for this country.

Notes on the diseases mentioned above

Risk is higher where personal hygiene and sanitation is poor.

Risk is higher for long stays, frequent travel and for children (exposed through cuts and scratches), those who may require medical treatment during travel.

• Tetanus :  spread through contamination of cuts, burns and wounds with tetanus spores. Spores are found in soil worldwide. A total of 5 doses of tetanus vaccine are recommended for life in the UK. Boosters are usually recommended in a country or situation where the correct treatment of an injury may not be readily available.
• Typhoid :  spread mainly through consumption of contaminated food and drink. Risk is higher where access to adequate sanitation and safe water is limited.
• Malaria not normally present unless the illness was contracted abroad.

Other Health Risks

Altitude and travel, dengue fever, schistosomiasis.

There is a risk of exposure to coronavirus (COVID-19) in this country.

Please be aware that the risk of COVID-19 in this country may change at short notice and also consider your risk of exposure in any transit countries and from travelling itself. 

• The 'News' section on this page will advise if significant case increases or outbreaks have occurred in this country.

Prior to travel, you should:

• Check the latest government guidance on the FCDO Foreign travel advice and country specific pages for travel to this country and the rules for entering the UK on return.
• Ensure you are up to date with UK recommendations on COVID-19 vaccination.
• You can check this in the FAQ's.
• If you are at increased risk of severe COVID-19 you should carefully  consider your travel plans  and consider seeking medical advice prior to making any decisions.

For further information, see  Coronavirus disease (COVID-19)  and  COVID-19: Health Considerations for Travel  pages.

• 44 additional items in the news archive for this country

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Morocco travel guide: what you need to know as the country reopens to tourists

The kingdom is welcoming international visitors for the first time since november last year.

Morocco is welcoming travellers again from February 7. Unsplash

Famed for its bustling markets, colourful riads and rolling Saharan sand dunes, Morocco has reopened to tourists on Monday.

Fully vaccinated travellers can now visit, after the commercial flight ban was lifted.

It is the second time the kingdom will welcome travellers, having originally opened to visitors in June last year.

Five months later, the country closed its airspace because of the spread of the Omicron variant of Covid-19.

Now, with travel once again an option, visits to the Atlas Mountains , days on Essaouira's beaches and evenings wandering through Casablanca's diverse architecture are back on the cards.

Here’s what you need to know before you go.

Do I need to be vaccinated to visit Morocco?

All travellers planning to visit Morocco must be fully vaccinated. The second dose of the vaccine must have been taken at least 14 days before travel.

There are 10 approved vaccines acceptable for travel to the kingdom, including Sinopharm. Children under 18 are exempt from vaccination before travel.

What do I need to do before I travel to Morocco?

Before flying, travellers must fill out this passenger locator form and have a printed, signed copy of it to hand to authorities on arrival.

Travellers will also need to take a PCR test no more than 48 hours before flight departure time. Results need to be in English, Arabic or French.

Travellers aged 6 and older will have an antigenic test upon arrival in Morocco and some travellers may be asked to take a second PCR test at airports.

All arriving passengers should also expect to undergo temperature screening and some may be asked to take an additional test at their hotel or residence.

Children under 6 do not need to take a PCR before flying to Morocco.

Which airlines are flying to Morocco?

Emirates is restarting its passenger services to and from Casablanca on Tuesday, February 8.

The Dubai airline 's flights to the city will depart at 7.30am, arriving at 1.15pm. Return flights depart Casablanca at 3.05pm, arriving in Dubai at 1.30am the next day.

Economy fares for flights in February start from Dh4,500.

Etihad Airways , the national airline of the UAE, will also recommence flights to Casablanca. The Abu Dhabi airline will fly to and from the northern city from March 3, with return fares for flights in March starting from Dh1,885.

What restrictions are in place in Morocco?

The kingdom of Morocco remains under a state of health emergency. This means there are limits on gatherings, with a maximum of 50 people and face masks in all public places are mandatory.

Hammams, public swimming pools, beaches and sports facilities are open, but have capacities capped at 5 per cent. Restaurants, cafes, shops and supermarkets must close by 11pm.

Travellers need a vaccine pass to enter most public places including hotels, restaurants, shops, etc. It’s important to note that penalties including fines and prison sentences are in place for those not following the rules.

When’s the best time to visit Morocco?

Parts of Morocco can be visited all year round, especially coastal regions and the Atlas Mountains. Spring and autumn are high season across much of the kingdom, as it's when temperatures are warm and pleasant.

If you're planning to fly to Casablanca, you can enjoy a Mediterranean summer with less hot temperatures than destinations in the south thanks to the city's cool Atlantic current.

UK Government Updates Travel Advice for Morocco

UK visitors can now use their NHS COVID Pass or a negative PCR test result before boarding their flight or ferry to gain entry into Moroccan territory

UK visitors can now use their NHS COVID Pass or a negative PCR test result before boarding their flight or ferry to gain entry into Moroccan territory. The result must show that the PCR test itself was undertaken no more than 48 hours before boarding. 

The Moroccan National Tourism Office (MNTO) is keen to promote Morocco as a COVID-safe destination based on the low covid rates and a successful vaccination programme that has seen over 19.2 million have been double jabbed out of a target population of 25 million. Currently, Morocco has a daily average of just 668 active cases.

Jamal Kilito, MNTO Director for UK & Ireland, said: “As we emerge from the pandemic, we are looking forward to welcoming travellers to the Kingdom of Morocco where they can enjoy a truly exceptional tourism experience with peace of mind. With secure health and safety measures in place, we are confident that we can rebuild our tourism industry and provide travellers with the warm Moroccan welcome they have always enjoyed and we encourage as many visitors as possible to rediscover this magnificent destination”.

Morocco offers authenticity and diversity, and provides travellers with an opportunity to experience a culture steeped in history. Beside the popular destinations of Marrakech, Agadir and Fes, the country offers visitors accessible desert experiences, hiking in the Atlas Mountains, numerous beaches and water sports, as well as relaxation and scenic landscapes, all with the backdrop of the best health and sanitary standards.

For more information on holidays in Morocco, visit www.visitmorocco.com  

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Morocco travel advice: Is it safe to travel to Marrakech right now?

Airports, including marrakech, are open, with flights operating normally, article bookmarked.

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The death toll is rising following a catastrophic earthquake in Morocco late at night on Friday 8 September. More than 2,800 people have been killed and injured after the 6.8-magnitude earthquake struck.

The epicentre was about 70km (43 miles) southwest of Marrakech – the fourth-biggest city in Morocco, and by far the most popular draw for international visitors.

Thousands of British holidaymakers are in the area, with many thousands more booked to go there in the coming weeks and monthsr. This is the travel picture.

How many British holidaymakers are in the vicinity?

The Independent calculates from flight data that around 5,000-8,000 UK holidaymakers are in the Marrakech area. Many are staying in the ancient heart of the city, or in modern hotels on the outskirts.

Trekking in the Atlas mountains is also popular, particularly in autumn when temperatures start to drop.

• Morocco earthquake – live: Race to find survivors as death toll tops 2,800
• ‘I’m lucky to be alive’: Morocco travel insider says country will rebuild tourism in wake of earthquake
• Will flights be affected by the earthquake in Morocco?

Is Marrakech airport still open and operating?

Yes: even in the immediate aftermath of the earthquake, Marrakech Menara airport continued to operate normally. A handful of flights were cancelled, and airlines including British Airways and easyJet deployed larger aircraft in order to accommodate passengers who wanted to come home early.

All other airports in Morocco are also running normally. The main holiday locations, including Agadir and Essaouira, are unaffected.

What does the Foreign Office advise?

The official travel advice from the UK government has not changed since the day after the earthquake. It says: “Travellers wishing to change their flight plans should liaise direct with their tour operators or airline companies.

“If you are planning to travel to Morocco imminently we advise you check with your accommodation provider/tour operator to confirm arrangements before departure in case of disruption or damage resulting from the earthquake.

“If you are trying to get in touch with a family member or a friend or the FCDO to share updates, be aware that telephone networks in Morocco are subject to outages. Should you require consular assistance please call the British Embassy Rabat +212 (0) 537 63 33 33 and select the menu option for consular services, or call the FCDO +44 (0) 207 008 5000.”

What are the options for British travellers who want to leave the area?

The general assumption is that they wlll travel home as planned. British Airways is allowing anyone booked to fly from Marrakech to London up to 24 September to travel earlier if they wish, and if space is available.

Passengers on easyJet are told: “If you are scheduled to travel to or from Morocco in the next few days and wish to discuss your booking please contact our customer service team.” The number to call is +44 330 551 5151.

I am booked to travel to the Marrakech area imminently. Can I cancel?

Many people are in this position: not wishing to put additional strain on a location enduring a humanitarian crisis; uncomfortable about going on holiday to a scene of such tragedy; or concerned about harm from aftershocks.

More seismic activity will continue. The US Geological Survey says: “It’s likely that smaller aftershocks in the region ... will continue to be felt for weeks to come. In some cases, there may be strong aftershocks.”

Yet in the aftermath of the earthquake, tourism is functioning normally. Tui is selling holidays in Marrakech for immediate departure.

British Airways is allowing postponements if you are booked to travel any day up to 24 September; customers booked on BA Holidays can switch destination subject to any price increase.

Booked easyJet passengers due to travel in the next few days may be be offered flexibility allowing them to postpone or to change destinations.

The presumption is that almost all other holidays will go ahead as normal.

But are all the hotels still open?

Almost all of them. The main exceptions: trips based at specific properties which are currently unable to receive guests due to the earthquakes, such as those in the Atlas Mountains.

Kasbah Tamadot, Sir Richard Branson’s property in the mountains, is telling guests: “Our primary concern at this time is ensuring the safety and welfare of our team, their families and our guests, as well as the local communities.

“We are currently assessing the impact of the earthquake on our beloved Kasbah Tamadot and we are temporarily closing the property whilst we inspect the damage and we will not be taking any new bookings until November 2023.

“Guests unable to stay have been offered alternatives stays at our other Virgin Limited Edition properties.”

Mike McHugo, founder of the luxury lodge Kasbah du Toubkal, has closed the property until further notice. But he told The Independen t that tourism will resume quickly in the region : “Life needs to go back to normal, which it will. They will rebuild and come back.”

I don’t believe I will be able to have a safe and enjoyable holiday. What are my rights?

If you are really concerned about your trip, the first line of action will be to contact your travel company and ask if you can switch or postpone it.

You are most unlikely to be able to claim on travel insurance. Travel insurers will treat a last-minute cancellation or a no-show as “disinclination to travel” and will not reimburse you for losses.

The only exception is if you can demonstrate the place you intended to stay and/or explore is inaccessible.

Is Morocco an earthquake-prone area?

Not especially, but when they occur they tend to be deadly. The most devastating was in Agadir in 1960, when between 12,000 and 15,000 people died. The town has now been rebuilt and is a popular resort.

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What's the latest Morocco travel news? Restrictions from the UK explained

By Sarah James

The Moroccan government is welcoming international travellers once more. Here’s what we know about the latest Morocco travel news.

Can I travel to Morocco from the UK?

Yes, the international travel ban was lifted as of Monday 7 February 2022 and now people can travel to Morocco. 

What are the entry requirements for Morocco?

Flights resumed to Morocco on Monday 7 February. To enter the country, passengers are required to present a valid vaccine pass, or for those who are not fully vaccinated, proof of a negative PCR test result, taken within 48 hours before boarding. Children under the age of six are exempt from the pre-travel PCR test requirement, and children under the age of 18 are exempt from the requirement to present a vaccine pass.

Proof of recovery from Covid will not be accepted as an alternative to a negative PCR test result. 

All passengers are required to download, print and sign a passenger health form before arrival in Morocco. Random rapid antigen tests will be conducted upon arrival for selected groups of passengers. Additional PCR tests may also be required after 48 hours of arrival for randomly selected passengers. Specific measures will be put in place for positive cases, including isolation at the passengers’ place of residence. More serious cases would be transferred to hospital. To leave Morocco, a valid vaccine pass is required for all passengers aged 18 and over.

Is Morocco on the UK's red list?

No. This means that those who are travelling back to the UK from Morocco do not have to quarantine on their return to the UK if they are fully vaccinated. Since Friday 18 March 2022, all travellers, vaccinated and unvaccinated, no longer need to take any tests to return to the UK or to fill out a passenger locator form. 

• Travel Tips Morocco for planning and on the go

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More travel information for Morocco

From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for traveling to Morocco

• Culture and Etiquette in Morocco
• Eating and drinking in Morocco
• How to get to Morocco
• How to get around in Morocco
• Shopping tips for Morocco
• Travelling with children in Morocco
• Best time to visit Morocco
• How to get a Morocco Visa

Costs for food, accommodation and travel in Morocco are low by European or North American standards. If you stay in the cheaper hotels (or camp out), eat local food, and share expenses and rooms with another person, £150/$250 each a week would be enough to survive on. On £300/$500 each you could live pretty well, while with £700–1000/$1000–1500 a week between two people you would be approaching luxury.

Crime and personal safety

Electricity, entry requirements, gay and lesbian travellers, left luggage, living in morocco, opening hours, photography, tourist information, travellers with disabilities, guides, hustlers, conmen and kids, travelling with children, tailor-made travel itineraries for morocco, created by local experts.

10 days  / from 2399 USD

Moroccan Cities and Ultimate Sahara

From the cities to the desert - follow the footsteps of Humphrey Bogart in Casablanca, discover the blue and whitewashed buildings of Chefchaouen before heading on to Fez and consequently the desert. Stay overnight in a luxurious desert camp before continuing to Marrakech.

8 days  / from 1899 USD

Highlights of Morocco

For those short on time, this trip allows you to visit the highlights of Morocco in little over a week: the cultural capital Fez, the beautiful city of Chefchaouen, sleeping in a deluxe tent in the desert, as well as discovering Marrakech - it's time to explore Morocco!

8 days  / from 2242 USD

Luxurious Morocco

Highlights include Rabat, Fes, Chefchaouen, and a luxury desert camp in Merzouga. Privately guided activities with expert local guides allow you to truly get to know Moroccan culture and cuisine. Combine it with the best hotels and riads in the cities and you have the perfect trip.

Tailor-made trips for   Morocco

Accommodation costs range from £10/$15 a night – sometimes even less – for a double room in a basic hotel to as much as £300/$450 a night in a top luxury hotel or riad. The price of a meal reflects a similar span, ranging from £4/$6 to around £25/$35 a meal. Alcohol is really the only thing that compares unfavourably with Western prices: a bottle of cheap Moroccan wine costs £3.50/$5, a can of local beer about £1/$1.50 in the shops, £2.50/$4 in a normal bar, or £5/$7.50 in clubs.

Inevitably, resorts and larger cities (Marrakesh especially) are more expensive than small towns with few tourists, but in remote parts of the country (including trekking regions in the High Atlas), where goods have to be brought in from some distance, prices for provisions can be high.ma

Beyond accommodation and food, your major outlay will be for transport – expensive if you’re renting a car (prices start at around £200/$300 a week plus fuel), but very reasonable if you use the local trains, buses and shared taxis (see Fares).

Youth/student ID cards can save you a small amount of money, entitling you to cheaper entry at some museums and other sights, and a small discount on some ferry tickets and domestic airfares. They’re not worth going out of your way to get, but if you have one you may as well bring it along.

In the Spanish enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla, prices for most things are the same as they are in mainland Spain (except that there is no duty on alcohol, tobacco and electronic goods), and around twice as expensive as in Morocco proper.

Hidden costs

You’ll probably end up buying a few souvenirs . Rugs, carpets, leather, woodwork, pottery and jewellery are all outstanding – and few travellers leave without something.

Harder to come to terms with is the fact that you’ll be confronting real poverty . As a tourist, you’re not going to solve any problems, but with a labourer’s wages often little more than 5dh (40p/60¢) an hour, even small tips can make a lot of difference to people. For Moroccans, giving alms to beggars is natural, and a requirement of Islam, especially since there is no social security here, so for tourists, rich by definition, local poverty demands at least some response. Do not, however, dispense money indiscriminately to children , which encourages pestering and promotes a dependence on begging.

Keep your luggage and money secure. Morocco does not have a high crime rate, but it is obviously unwise to carry large sums of cash or valuables on your person – especially in Casablanca and Tangier, and to a lesser extent Fez and Marrakesh. Mugging as such is pretty rare – those who fall victim to theft usually have things taken by stealth, or are subject to some kind of scam (see Guides, hustlers, conmen and kids). Be especially vigilant at transport stations (new arrivals are favourite targets, and just before departure is a favourite time to strike) and in crowd situations where pickpockets may operate. Credit card fraud is also relatively common, so don’t let the plastic out of your sight while using it, and keep an eye out when withdrawing money from ATMs.

Hotels , generally, are secure and useful for depositing money before setting out to explore; larger ones will keep valuables at reception and some will have safes. Campsites are considerably less secure, and many campers advise using a money belt – to be worn even while sleeping. If you do decide on a money belt (and many people spend time quite happily without), leather or cotton materials are preferable to nylon, which can irritate in the heat.

There are two main types of Moroccan police : the Gendarmerie (who wear grey uniforms and man the checkpoints on main roads, at junctions and the entry to towns), and the Police ( Sûreté ), who wear navy blue uniforms or plain clothes. Either may demand to see your passport (and/or driving papers). It is obligatory to carry official ID (in practice a passport), though you should not have any problems if you leave yours in a hotel safe while wandering around town, especially if you carry a photocopy of the important pages. You are unlikely to have any contact with the green-uniformed Force Auxiliaire , a backup force who wear berets and look more like the army.

The gendarmes have jurisdiction outside built-up areas, the police, within towns. Both are usually polite and helpful to visitors, and there is a Brigade Touristique in cities such as Marrakesh and Fez, specifically set up to protect tourists.

If you do need to report a theft , try to take along a fluent French- or Arabic-speaker if your own French and Arabic are not too hot. You may only be given a scrap of paper with an official stamp to show your insurance company, who then have to apply themselves to a particular police station for a report (in Arabic). If you cannot prove that a theft has taken place, the police may decline to make any report, especially if the theft is of money only. They will always give you a report, however, if you have lost any official document (passport, driving licence, etc).

Kif and hashish

The smoking of kif (marijuana) and hashish (cannabis resin) has long been a regular pastime of Moroccans and tourists alike, but it is nonetheless illegal, and large fines (plus prison sentences for substantial amounts) do get levied for possession. If you are arrested for cannabis, the police may expect to be paid off, and this should be done as quickly as possible while the minimum number of officers are involved (but offer it discreetly, and never refer to it as a bribe or even a cadeau ). Consulates are notoriously unsympathetic to drug offenders, but they can help with technical problems and find you legal representation.

Obviously, the best way to avoid trouble is to keep well clear – above all, of the kif -growing region of Ketama in the Rif mountains – and always reply to hustlers by saying you don’t smoke. If you are going to indulge, be very careful who you buy it from (definitely do not buy it from touts or hustlers), and above all do not try to take any out of the country, even to Spain, where attitudes to possession are relaxed but much harsher for importing. Searches at Algeciras and Málaga can be very thorough, with sniffer dogs, which also operate at Moroccan ports and airports, and you’ll get sometimes as many as four checks if travelling through Ceuta or Melilla.

The supply is 220v 50Hz. Sockets have two round pins, as in Europe. You should be able to find adaptors in Morocco that will take North American plugs (but North American appliances may need a transformer, unless multi-voltage). Adaptors for British and Australasian plugs will need to be brought from home.

If you hold a full passport from the UK, Ireland, the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand or any EU country, you don’t need a visa to enter Morocco as a tourist for up to ninety days. However, your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your date of entry, and always double check your visa requirements before departure as the situation can change. South African citizens are among those who need a visa; applications should be made to the Moroccan embassy or consulate in your country of residence (South Africans should be able to get one in London), with three passport photos, and a form that you can download from the websites of some Moroccan consulates (for example, London’s at w moroccanembassylondon.org.uk/Docs/VisaForm.pdf ).

Entry formalities are fairly straightforward, though you will have to fill in a form stating personal details, purpose of visit and your profession . In the past, Moroccan authorities have shown an occasional reluctance to allow in those who categorize themselves as “journalist”; an alternative profession on the form might be wise.

Customs regulations

You can bring in, without charge: one litre of spirits, or two litres of wine; 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 400g of tobacco; 150ml of perfume or 250ml of eau de toilette; jewellery; a camera and a laptop for personal use; gifts worth up to 2000dh (£150/$240). Prohibited goods include arms and ammunition (except for hunting), controlled drugs, and “books, printed matter, audio and video cassettes and any immoral items liable to cause a breach of the peace”.

Items such as electronic equipment and video cameras may occasionally be entered on your passport. If you lose them during your visit, they will be assumed “sold” when you come to leave and (unless you have police documentation of theft) you will have to pay one hundred percent duty. All goods entered on your passport should be “cleared” when leaving to prevent problems on future trips. Vehicles need a Green Card.

Carrying ID

It is in theory obligatory in Morocco to carry official ID at all times. In practice, a photocopy of the important pages of your passport will do, so long as the real thing is in your hotel in the same town. When travelling between towns, you should always have your passport on you.

Visa extensions

To extend your stay in Morocco you should – officially – apply to the Bureau des Étrangers in the nearest main town for a residence permit. This is, however, a very complicated procedure and it is usually possible to get round the bureaucracy by simply leaving the country for a brief time when your three months are up. If you decide to do this – and it is not foolproof – it is best to make a trip of at least a few days outside Morocco. Spain is the obvious choice and some people just go to Ceuta; the more cautious re-enter the country at a different post. If you are unlucky, you may be turned back and asked to get a re-entry visa . These can be obtained from any Moroccan consulate abroad.

Extending a stay officially involves opening a bank account in Morocco (a couple of days’ procedure in itself) and obtaining an Attestation de Résidence from your hotel, campsite or landlord. You will need a minimum of 20,000dh (£1500/$2400) in your account.

You then need to go to the Bureau des Étrangers in the central police station of a large town at least fifteen days before your time is up, equipped with: your passport and a photocopy of its main pages; four passport photos; two copies of the Attestation de Résidence ; and two copies of your bank statement ( Compte de Banque ). If the police are not too busy they’ll give you a form to fill out in duplicate and, some weeks later, you should receive a plastic-coated permit with your photo laminated in.

Foreign embassies and consulates in Morocco

Foreign embassies and consulates in Morocco are detailed in the “Directory” sections for Rabat, Casablanca, Tangier, Marrakesh and Agadir. Foreign representation in Morocco is detailed on the Moroccan Foreign Ministry’s website at w diplomatie.ma (in “Corps diplomatique et consulaire au Maroc” under “Les Ambassades”).

Ireland has honorary consuls in Casablanca and Agadir, but no embassy (the nearest is in Lisbon, t 00 351 1 396 9440). New Zealanders are covered by their embassy in Madrid ( t 00 34 915 230 226), but can use UK consular facilities in Morocco. Australians are covered by their embassy in Paris ( t 00 33 1 4059 3300), but can use Canadian consular facilities in Morocco.

Moroccan embassies and consulates abroad

A complete up-to-date list of Moroccan diplomatic missions around the world can be found on the Moroccan Foreign Ministry’s website at w diplomatie.ma (in “Missions diplomatiques et consulaires du Maroc” under “Les Ambassades”).

Algeria 12 Rue Branly, al-Mouradia, 12070 Algiers ( t 021 697094, e [email protected]); 26 Av Cheikh Larbi Tebessi, 31000 Oran ( t 041 411627, e [email protected]); 5 Av De l’ANP, Sidi Bel Abbes ( t 048/543470, e [email protected]).

Australia 17 Terrigal Crescent, O’Malley, Canberra, ACT 2606 ( t 02 6290 0755, e [email protected]).

Canada 38 Range Rd, Suite 1510, Ottawa, ON K1N 8J4 ( t 1 613 236 7391, e [email protected]); 2192, Bd Lévesque Ouest, Montreal, PQ H3H 1R6 ( t 1 514 288 8750, w www.consulatdumaroc.ca ).

Ireland (Chargé d’Affaires) 39 Raglan Rd, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4 ( t 01 660 9449, e [email protected]).

Mauritania Av Général de Gaulle, Tevragh Zeina 634, BP621, Nouakchott ( t 525 1411, e [email protected]); Av Maritime, Nouadhibou BP233 ( t 574 5084, e [email protected]); formalities for entering Morocco (by car, for example) can only be completed in Nouakchott, not Nouadhibou.

Spain c/Serrano 179, 28002 Madrid ( t 915 631 090, w embajada-marruecos.es ); c/Teniente Maroto 2, first floor, 11201 Algeciras ( t 956 661 803, e [email protected]); Palmera Bldg, Suite 178, 3rd floor, Av del Mediterraneo (corner Sierra Alhamilla), 04007 Almería ( t 95 020 6179, e [email protected]); also in Seville, Barcelona, Tarragona, Valencia, Bilbao, Burgos and Las Palmas.

South Africa 799 Schoemaan St (corner Farenden), Arcadia, Pretoria 001 ( t 012 343 0230, e [email protected]).

UK Diamond House, 97–99 Praed St, London W2 1NT ( t 020 7724 0719, w www.moroccanembassylondon.org.uk ).

US 1601 21st St NW, Washington DC 20009 ( t 1 202 462 7979, e [email protected]); 10 E 40th St, 24th Floor, New York, NY 10016 ( t 1 212 758 2625, w moroccanconsulate.com ).

As a result of sexual segregation, male homosexuality is relatively common in Morocco, although attitudes towards it are a little confused. Few Moroccans will declare themselves gay – which has connotations of femininity and weakness; the idea of being a passive partner is virtually taboo, while a dominant partner may well not consider himself to be indulging in a homosexual act. Private realities, however, are rather different from public show (on which subject, note that Moroccan men of all ages often walk hand in hand in public – a habit that has nothing to do with homosexuality and is simply a sign of friendship).

Gay sex between men is illegal under Moroccan law. Article 489 of the Moroccan penal code prohibits any “shameless or unnatural act” with a person of the same sex and allows for imprisonment of six months to three years, plus a fine. There are also various provisions in the penal code for more serious offences, with correspondingly higher penalties in cases involving, for example, corruption of minors (under-18s). Despite this, a gay rights association called Kif-Kif has now been formed, and there’s even a gay magazine, ( w mithly.net , in Arabic only).

A certain amount of information on the male gay scene in Morocco (gay bars, meeting places and cruising spots) can be found in the annual Spartacus Gay Guide ( spartacus.gayguide.travel ). Tangier’s days as a gay resort are long gone but a tourist-oriented gay scene does seem to be emerging, very discreetly, in Marrakesh, and to a lesser extent Agadir, though pressure from religious fundamentalists makes it difficult for the authorities to ease up, even if they wanted to, and arrests of tourists for having gay sex are not unknown.

There is no public perception of lesbianism in Morocco, and as a Western visitor, your chances of making contact with any Moroccan lesbians are very small indeed. Moroccan women are under extreme pressure to marry and bear children, and anyone resisting such pressure is likely to have a very hard time of it.

For minor health complaints, a visit to a pharmacy is likely to be sufficient. Moroccan pharmacists are well trained and dispense a wide range of drugs, including many available only on prescription in the West. If pharmacists feel you need a full diagnosis, they can recommend a doctor – sometimes working on the premises. Addresses of English- and French-speaking doctors can also be obtained from consulates and large hotels.

If you need hospital treatment , contact your consulate at once and follow its advice. If you are near a major city, reasonable treatment may be available locally. State hospitals are usually OK for minor injuries, but for anything serious, a private clinic is generally preferable. Depending on your condition, repatriation may be the best course of action.

The latest advice on health in Morocco can be found on the US government’s travel health website at w cdc.gov/travel.

Inoculations

No inoculations are required but you should always be up to date with polio and tetanus. Those intending to stay a long time in the country, especially if working with animals or in the healthcare field, are also advised to consider vaccinations against typhoid, TB, hepatitis A and B, diphtheria and rabies, though these are not worth your while if just going on holiday.

A very low level of malaria does exist in the form of occasional cases between May and October in the region to the north of Beni Mellal and Khenifra, between Chefchaouen and Larache, and in the province of Taza, but local strains are not life-threatening and malaria pills are not normally considered necessary unless you actually fall ill with it (in which case they are easy enough to get at any pharmacy). More importantly, avoid bites; use mosquito repellent on all exposed areas of skin, especially feet, and particularly around dusk. Repellents containing DEET are usually recommended for adults.

Water and health hazards

Tap water in most of Morocco is generally safe to drink, though in the far south and Western Sahara it’s best to stick to bottled mineral water.

A more serious problem in the south is that many of the river valleys and oases are infected with bilharzia , also known as schistosomiasis , caused by a tiny fluke worm that lives part of its life cycle in a freshwater snail, and the other part in the blood and internal organs of a human or other mammal which bathes in or drinks the water. The snails only live in stagnant water, but the flukes may be swept downstream. Staying clear of slow-flowing rivers and oasis water is the best way to avoid it. If infected while bathing, you’ll probably get a slightly itchy rash an hour or two later where the flukes have entered the skin. Later symptoms may take several months to appear, and are typified by abdominal pains, and blood in faeces or even urine. If you suspect that you might have it, seek medical help. Bilharzia is easily cured, but can cause permanent intestinal damage if untreated. Care should be taken, too, in drinking water from mountain streams . In areas where there is livestock upstream giardiasis may be prevalent and is a common cause of travellers’ diarrhoea. Other symptoms include nausea, weight loss and fatigue which usually last no more than two weeks and settle without treatment. If they continue for longer, then a course of metronidazole (Flagyl) generally leads to effective eradication, but always finish the course, even after symptoms have gone, and even though this antibiotic will probably make you feel nauseous and precludes consumption of alcohol. Using iodine water purification tablets, or boiling any drinking or cooking water (remember that you’ll have to boil it for longer at high altitudes, where the boiling point is lower) is the simplest way to avoid putting yourself at risk from either of these illnesses.

At some stage in your Moroccan travels, it is likely that you will get diarrhoea . As a first stage of treatment it’s best simply to adapt your diet. Plain boiled rice is your safest bet, while yoghurt is an effective stomach settler and prickly pears (widely available in summer) are good too, as are bananas, but other fruit is best avoided, along with greasy food, dairy products (except yoghurt), caffeine and alcohol. If you have diarrhoea, it’s important to replace the body fluids and salts lost through dehydration (this is especially the case with children); dissolving oral rehydration salts ( sels de réhydratation orale in French) in water will help. These are available at any pharmacy, but if you can’t get any, a teaspoon of salt plus eight of sugar per litre of water makes a reasonable substitute. Water (at least two litres per adult daily) should be drunk constantly throughout the day, rather than all in one go.

If symptoms persist for several days – especially if you get painful cramps, or if blood or mucus appear in your stools – you could have something more serious (see Water and health hazards) and should seek medical advice.

Other hazards

There are few natural hazards in northern Morocco, where wildlife is not very different from that of Mediterranean Europe. If you venture into the Sahara, however, be aware of the very real dangers of a bite from a snake or scorpion . Several of the Saharan snakes are deadly. Bites should be treated as medical emergencies.

Certain scorpions are very dangerous; their sting can be fatal if not treated. Avoid going barefoot or in flip-flops (thongs) in the bush, or turning over stones. In the desert, shake out your shoes before putting them on in the morning. All scorpions sting, which can be extremely painful, especially if you are allergic, but not many are life-threatening. Most snakes are non-venomous and, again, few are life-threatening, but one or two species can be dangerous, most notably the horned viper.

If you do get bitten by a snake or stung by a scorpion, don’t panic – even in the case of life-threatening species, actual fatalities are rare, and you should be in no danger if treated in a reasonable time. Sucking out the poison only works in movies, and tourniquets are dangerous and ill-advised. The important thing is to relax, try not to move the affected part of your body, and seek medical help as quickly as possible. Try to remember what the creature looked like, and if it’s possible to kill or catch it without danger, then do so, so that you can show it to doctors or paramedics.

Never underestimate Morocco’s heat , especially in the south. A hat – preferably light in both weight and colour – is an essential precaution and, especially if you have very fair skin, you should also take sunblock cream with a very high screening factor, as the sun really is higher (and therefore stronger) in Morocco than in northern latitudes. Resulting problems include dehydration – make sure that you’re drinking enough (irregular urination such as only once a day is a danger sign) – and heatstroke , which is potentially fatal. Signs of heatstroke are a very high body temperature without a feeling of fever, but accompanied by headaches, nausea and/or disorientation. Lowering body temperature, with a tepid shower or bath, for example, is the first step in treatment, after which medical help should be sought.

Contraceptives and tampons

Poor quality and rather unreliable condoms ( préservatifs ) can be bought in most pharmacies, and so can the pill (officially by prescription, but this isn’t essential).

Tampons can be bought at general stores, not pharmacies, in most Moroccan cities. Don’t expect to find them in country or mountain areas.

It’s frankly reckless to travel without insurance cover. Home insurance policies occasionally cover your possessions when overseas, and some private medical schemes include cover when abroad. Bank and credit cards often have certain levels of medical or other insurance included and you may automatically get travel insurance if you use a major credit card to pay for your trip. Otherwise, you should contact a specialist travel insurance company. A typical travel insurance policy usually provides cover for the loss of baggage, tickets and – up to a certain limit – cash or cheques, as well as cancellation or curtailment of your journey. Most of them exclude so-called dangerous sports unless an extra premium is paid: in Morocco this could include mountaineering, skiing, water rafting or paragliding. Read the small print and benefits tables of prospective policies carefully; coverage can vary wildly for roughly similar premiums. Many policies can be chopped and changed to exclude coverage you don’t need. For medical coverage, check whether benefits will be paid as treatment proceeds or only after returning home, and whether there is a 24-hour medical emergency number. When securing baggage cover, make sure that the per-article limit – typically under £500/$1000 – will cover your most valuable possession. If you need to make a claim, you should keep receipts for medicines and medical treatment, and in the event you have anything stolen, you must obtain an official statement from the police (called a papier de déclaration ).

Cybercafés ( cybers , pronounced “sea-bear”, with a little French gargle at the end) are widespread, and usually charge around 5dh per hour, though some places charge double that, and hotels with internet services often charge even more; conversely, some places in small towns in the south charge as little as 3dh per hour. Note that Moroccan cybercafés are rife with malware, so think twice before sticking your USB stick into one of their machines, and always scan it with a good anti-virus and anti-malware program afterwards.

For unlimited Wi-Fi on the go whilst travelling Morocco, buy a Skyroam Solis , which works in 130+ countries at one flat daily rate, paid for on a pay-as-you-go basis. You can connect up to five devices at once. Prices start from as little as €5 a day.

In the larger towns, laundries will take in clothes and wash them overnight, but you’ll usually find it easier to ask at hotels – even in cheap hotels without an official laundry service, the cleaning lady will almost certainly be glad to make a few extra dirhams by taking in a bit of washing.

You can deposit baggage at most train stations, but it will have to be locked or padlocked (unlockable rucksacks will not be accepted); if you are catching a late train, make sure that the office will be open on your return. There are similar facilities at the main bus stations, CTM offices and ferry stations. Where no left- luggage facilities are available, café proprietors may agree to look after baggage for you, sometimes for a small fee, more often for free in out-of-the-way places.

Your best chance of paid work in Morocco is teaching English . The schools listed here will require reasonable spoken French and an EFL qualification, and usually do their recruiting at home, but they sometimes advertise jobs online, and they may be able to direct you to smaller schools in Casablanca, Rabat and other Moroccan towns.

It is also possible to volunteer for a work camp . Most are open to anyone over eighteen. You pay travel costs but generally receive free accommodation (take a sleeping bag) and meals.

Letters between Morocco and Western Europe generally take around a week to ten days, around two weeks for North America or Australasia. There are postboxes at every post office ( La Poste ) and on the wayside; they seem to get emptied fairly efficiently, even in out-of-the-way places.

Stamps can sometimes be bought alongside postcards, or from some tabacs as well as at the post office, where there is often a dedicated counter (labelled timbres ), and where stamps may also be sold in the phone section, if there is one. At major post offices, there is a separate window for parcels , where the officials will want to examine the goods you are sending. Always take them unwrapped; there is usually someone to supply wrapping paper, string and tape.

Post office hours are typically Monday to Friday 8am–4.15pm; larger offices may stay open until 6pm, and may also open Saturday 8am–noon, for stamps, money changing and money transfer, but not for parcels or poste restante. During Ramadan, offices open Monday to Friday 9am–3pm, larger ones also Saturday 9am to noon.

Poste restante

Receiving letters poste restante (general delivery) can be a bit of a lottery, as Moroccan post office workers don’t always file letters under the name you might expect. Ask for all your initials to be checked (including M for Mr or Ms, etc) and, if you’re half-expecting anything, suggest other letters as well. To pick up your mail you need your passport. To have mail sent to you, it should be addressed (preferably with your surname underlined) to Poste Restante at the central post office of any major city.

The maps of Moroccan towns in this book should be sufficient for most needs, though commercial plans of greater Rabat or Casablanca may be useful if you need to visit the suburbs, and detailed maps of the Medinas in Marrakesh and Fez may help to navigate tortuous Medina alleyways.

Reasonable road maps are sometimes available at ONMT tourist offices, and these are adequate if you are not driving or going far off the beaten track. The best is the Rough Guide Map, on a scale of 1:1,000,000 (1cm to 1km). Among the alternatives, a good choice is GeoCenter or IGN’s 1:800,000 map, with the Western Sahara on a 1:2,500,000 inset. Also good are the Bay-Foldex Morocco map, on a scale of 1:800,000, with the Western Sahara on a 1:5,000,000 inset, and Michelin’s Morocco map (#959), on a scale of 1:1,000,000. Maps (or guidebooks) which do not show the Western Sahara as part of Morocco are banned and liable to confiscation.

Trekking maps and guides

Topographical maps used by trekkers, climbers, skiers, etc (1:50,000 and 1:100,000) are difficult to find in Morocco. You may have to go in person to the Division de la Cartographie, Avenue Hassan II, Km4, Rabat t 0660 102715 (near the gare routière bus station, ask for Résidence Oum Kaltoum ); for some maps, you have to show your passport and submit an order which may then be available for collection two working days later – if the request is approved, which is far from certain, although maps of Toubkal and some others will be served over the counter. Trekking maps are also sporadically available at the Hôtel Ali , Marrakesh, or in Imlil, the trailhead for treks in the area. However, if you are planning to go trekking, it is best to try and get maps through a specialist map outlet before you leave home. Look for 1:100,000 (and if you’re lucky 1:50,000) maps of the Atlas and other mountain areas. Stanfords in London (online orders worldwide at w stanfords.co.uk) has several trekking maps covering the High Atlas and in particular the Jebel Toubkal area.

AMIS produces brief map-guides to the Asni-Toubkal, Western High Atlas (Taroudant) and Sirwa (Taliouine), Anti-Atlas (Tafraoute), Aklim (Igherm) and Jebel Bou Iblane/Bou Naceur (Middle Atlas) areas, which are useful complements to the coverage in this guide. AMIS offer mail order worldwide, and are definitely the best place to try for Moroccan maps that are unobtainable elsewhere.

More detailed trekking guidebooks are also available in both English and French. The most useful are Hamish Brown’s The High Atlas: Treks and Climbs on Morocco’s Biggest and Best Mountains (Cicerone Press, 2012), and – though now dated – Robin Collomb’s Atlas Mountains (West Col, 1980), Michael Peyron’s Grand Atlas Traverse (2 vols, West Col, 1990), Karl Smith’s Atlas Mountains: A Walker’s Guide (Cicerone Press, 1998), and Richard Knight’s Trekking in the Moroccan Atlas (Trailblazer Publications, 2000). Also useful if you can find it is West Col’s map guide to the Mgoun Massif at 1:100,000, which covers a wide region, second only to Toubkal in popularity. For climbing, a modern reproduction of the 1942 Dresch–Lépiney Le Massif du Toubkal , available at some bookshops, is useful. These can sometimes be found in Marrakesh’s Librairie Chatr.

Though the easiest way to carry your money is in the form of plastic, it is a good idea to also carry at least a couple of days’ survival money in cash, and maybe some travellers’ cheques as an emergency backup.

Morocco’s basic unit of currency is the dirham (dh). The dirham is not quoted on international money markets, a rate being set instead by the Moroccan government. The present rates are approximately 14dh to £1, 8.80dh to US$1, 11dh to €1. As with all currencies there are fluctuations, but the dirham has roughly held its own against Western currencies over the last few years. A dirham is divided into 100 centimes , and you may find prices written or expressed in centimes rather than dirhams. Confusingly, centimes may also be referred to as francs or, in former Spanish zones of the country, as pesetas . You may also hear prices quoted in rials , or reales . In most parts of the country a dirham is considered to be twenty rials, though in Tangier and the Rif there are just two rials to the dirham. Coins of 10, 20 and 50 centimes, and 1, 5 and 10 dirhams are in circulation, along with notes of 20, 50, 100 and 200 dirhams.

In Algeciras, you can buy dirhams at poor rates from travel agents opposite the port entrance, and at slightly better rates from those inside the ferry terminal. You can also buy dirhams at similar rates from agents near the ferry terminals in Ceuta and Melilla. In Gibraltar, moneychangers will usually give you a very slightly better rate than in Morocco itself. When you’re nearing the end of your stay, it’s best to get down to as little Moroccan money as possible. You can change back dirhams at the airport on departure (you can’t use them in duty-free shops), but you may be asked to produce bank exchange receipts – and you can change back only fifty percent of sums detailed on these. You’ll probably be offered re-exchange into euros only. You can also change dirhams (at bad rates) into euros in Ceuta, Melilla and Algeciras, and into sterling in Gibraltar. It is illegal to import or export more than 1000dh.

Banks and exchange

English pounds and US and Canadian dollars can all be changed at banks, large hotels and some travel agents and tourist shops, but by far the most widely accepted foreign currency is the euro , which many people will accept in lieu of dirhams, at time of writing for the (bad) rate of €1 to 10dh. Gibraltarian banknotes are accepted for exchange at a very slightly lower rate than English ones, but Scottish and Northern Irish notes are not negotiable in Morocco, and nor are Australian and New Zealand dollars, South African rand, Algerian dinars or Mauritanian ouguiya, though you should be able to change CFAs. Moroccan bank clerks may balk at changing banknotes with numbers scrawled on them by their counterparts abroad, so change any such notes for clean ones before leaving home.

BMCE tends to be the best bank for money changing. Usually at banks, you fill in forms at one desk, then join a second queue for the cashier, and you’ll usually need to show your passport as proof of identity. Standard banking hours for most of the year are Monday to Friday 8.15am to 3.45pm. During Ramadan, banks typically open 9.30am to 2pm. BMCE and Attijariwafa Bank sometimes have a separate bureau de change open longer hours and at weekends, and there are now private foreign exchange bureaux in most major cities and tourist destinations, which open longer hours, often on Sundays too, change money with no fuss or bureaucracy, and don’t usually charge commission. Many post offices will also change cash, and large hotels may change money out of banking hours, though their rates may not be good.

There is a small currency black market but you are recommended not to use it: changing money on the street is illegal and subject to all the usual scams, and the rate is not particularly preferential.

Credit and debit cards

Credit and debit cards on the Visa, Mastercard, Cirrus and Plus networks can be used to withdraw cash from ATMs at many banks, but not the ones outside post offices. Otherwise, banks may advance cash against Visa or Mastercard. By using ATMs, you get trade exchange rates, which are better than those charged by banks for changing cash, but your card issuer may add a transaction fee, sometimes hefty. There is a daily limit on ATM cash withdrawals, usually 3000dh.

You can pay directly with plastic (usually with Mastercard, Visa or American Express, though the latter cannot be used in ATMs) in upmarket hotels, restaurants and tourist shops.

Travellers’ cheques and prepaid cards

Travellers’ cheques are as secure as plastic but nothing like as convenient. Some banks won’t change them, and staff often find spurious reasons not to do so: they may demand to see the original receipt for the cheques, though of course you are not supposed to carry that and the cheques together (if you do show it, don’t let the bank keep it). Travellers’ cheques have now generally been superseded by prepaid cards , such as those issued by Visa, which you can load up with credit before you leave home and use in ATMs like a debit card.

American Express and wiring money

American Express is represented by S’Tours at 2 Av Hassan Souktani, 4th floor, apt 10, Casablanca ( t 0522 203552), and at Residence Nadia, 22 Rue Moulay Ali Cherif, Guéliz, Marrakesh ( t 0524 437469), but these are only agents: they can issue Amex travellers’ cheques, but they cannot receive mail or wired money, nor cash personal cheques.

For wiring money, Western Union is represented at every post office. MoneyGram’s local agents include branches of Crédit du Maroc and Banque Centrale Populaire.

Opening hours follow a reasonably consistent pattern: banks (Mon–Fri 8.15am–3.45pm); museums (daily except Tues 9am–noon & 3–6pm); offices (Mon–Thurs 8.30am–noon & 2.30–6.30pm; Fri 8.30–11.30am & 3–6.30pm); Ville Nouvelle shops (Mon–Sat 8.30am–noon & 2–6.30pm); Medina shops (Sat–Thurs 9am–6pm, Fri 9am–1pm). These hours will vary during Ramadan, when banks, for example, open 9.30am to 2pm, and everything will close before nightfall, when those observing the fast – which is to say, nearly everybody – have to stop and eat.

The easiest way to call within Morocco or abroad is to use a public phone booth ( cabine ), which takes a phonecard ( télécarte ) issued by Maroc Télécom. The cards are available from some newsagents and tabacs , and from post offices, and come in denominations of 10dh, 20dh, 50dh and 100dh. Cardphones are widespread, and you can usually find a number of them by a town’s main post office if nowhere else. Unfortunately, they are not very well maintained, and often don’t work. Not infrequently, they dock a unit from your card and fail to connect you, but they are still the best and most convenient way to make calls.

An alternative is to use a téléboutique , common everywhere. Some use coins – 5dh and 10dh coins are best for foreign calls (you’ll probably need at least 20dh) – others give you a card and charge you for the units used. International calls from a hotel are pricey and may be charged in three-minute increments, so that if you go one second over, you’re charged for the next period.

Morocco now has about ninety percent mobile coverage. Calls are expensive if using your own SIM card from home, and you pay to receive as well as make them; in addition, you can’t top up in Morocco, so bring enough credit with you. Depending on how long you are spending in Morocco, it may be worth signing up with Maroc Télécom or Meditel, using their SIM card and getting a Moroccan number.

Instead of a dialling tone, Moroccan phones have a voice telling you in French and Arabic to dial the number. When calling a Moroccan number, the ringing tone consists of one-and-a-half-second bursts of tone, separated by a three-and-a-half-second silence. The engaged tone is a series of short tones (pip-pip-pip-pip), as in most other parts of the world. A short series of very rapid pips may also indicate that your call is being connected.

Phone numbers

Maroc Télécom seem to change all their numbers every couple of years. Moroccan numbers are now ten-digit, and all ten digits must be dialled, even locally. All mobile numbers now begin with 06, all ordinary landline numbers with 05. If the number you have doesn’t start with either of these, you’ll need to convert it (see International dialling codes).

The Spanish enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla have nine-digit numbers, incorporating the former area codes (956 for Ceuta, 952 for Melilla), and all nine digits must be dialled, even locally. To call from mainland Spain, you will only need to dial the nine-digit number. Calling Ceuta or Melilla from abroad, or from Morocco proper, dial the international access code (00 from Morocco), then 34, then the whole nine-digit number. To call Morocco from Ceuta or Melilla, dial 00 212, then the last nine digits of the number, omitting the initial zero.

International calls

To call Morocco from abroad , you dial the international access code (00 from Britain, Ireland, Spain, the Netherlands and New Zealand; 0011 from Australia; 011 from the US and most of Canada), then the country code (212), then the last nine digits of the number, omitting the initial zero. To call Ceuta or Melilla , dial the international access code, then 34, then all nine digits of the number, beginning with 956 for Ceuta, 952 for Melilla.

For an international call from Morocco, Ceuta or Melilla, dial 00, followed by the country code (1 for North America, 44 for the UK, etc), the area code (omitting the initial zero which prefixes area codes in most countries outside North America) and the subscriber number.

To reverse call charges, a good policy is to phone someone briefly and get them to ring you back, as collect (reverse charge) calls are hard to arrange.

Photography needs to be undertaken with care. If you are obviously taking a photograph of someone, ask their permission – especially in the more remote, rural regions where you can cause genuine offence. In Marrakesh’s Jemaa el Fna, taking even quite general shots of the scene may cause somebody in the shot to demand money from you, sometimes quite aggressively. Also note that it is illegal to take photographs of anything considered strategic, such as an airport or a police station, so be careful where you point your camera – if in doubt, ask. On a more positive front, taking a photograph of someone you’ve struck up a friendship with and sending it on to them, or exchanging photographs, is often greatly appreciated.

Morocco is on Greenwich Mean Time, with daylight saving (GMT+1) from the beginning of June to the end of September. Ceuta and Melilla keep Spanish time, which is GMT+1 in winter and GMT+2 in summer. The difference should be borne in mind if you’re coming from Morocco to catch ferries out of Ceuta or Melilla, or trains out of Algeciras, especially when Spain is on summer time but Morocco isn’t, as there’s then a two-hour time difference.

Morocco’s national tourist board, the Office National Marocain de Tourisme (ONMT; w visitmorocco.com ) maintains general information offices in several Western capitals, where you can pick up pamphlets on the main Moroccan cities and resorts, and a few items on cultural themes.

In Morocco itself, you’ll find an ONMT office ( délégation de tourisme ) or a locally run office called a Syndicat d’Initiative bureau in all towns of any size or interest – often both (addresses detailed in the guide). They can of course answer queries, though the délégation ’s main function is promoting tourism and gathering statistics. Both offices should also be able to put you in touch with an officially recognized guide.

In addition, there is quite a bit of information available online, and plenty of books on Morocco. The Maghreb Society, based in the UK at the Maghreb Bookshop, 45 Burton St, London WC1H 9AL ( t 020 7388 1840, w maghrebreview.com ), publishes the Maghreb Review , the most important English-language journal on the Maghrebian countries.

Facilities for people with disabilities are little developed in Morocco, and, although families are usually very supportive, many disabled Moroccans are reduced to begging. Despite this, able-bodied Moroccans are, in general, far more used to mixing with disabled people than their Western counterparts, and are much more likely to offer help without embarrassment if you need it.

Blindness is more common than in the West, and sighted Moroccans are generally used to helping blind and visually impaired people find their way around and get on and off public transport at the right stop.

There is little in the way of wheelchair access to most premises. In the street, the Ville Nouvelle districts are generally easier to negotiate than the often crowded Medinas, but don’t expect kerb ramps at road crossings or other such concessions to wheelchair users. Medina areas in cities like Rabat and even Marrakesh should not be too hard to negotiate at quiet times of day, but in Fez and Tangier, where the streets are steep and interspersed with steps, you would need at least one helper and a well-planned route to get around.

Bus and train travel will be difficult because of the steps that have to be negotiated, but grands taxis are a more feasible mode of transport if you can stake a claim on the front seat (maybe paying for two places to get the whole of it) – if you don’t have a helper travelling with you, and you require assistance, the driver or other passengers will almost certainly be happy to help you get in and out.

Accommodation at the lower end of the market is unlikely to be very accessible. Cheap city hotels tend to have small doorways and steep, narrow staircases, and often no elevator, though many will have ground-floor rooms. Beach hotels are more able to cater for visitors with mobility difficulties. Some package hotels, especially in Agadir, make an attempt to cater for wheelchair-users, with ramps, for example, but no accessible toilets. It is at the very top end of the market, however, that real changes are being made: new five-star hotels usually have a couple of rooms specifically adapted for wheelchairs. Obviously these need to be booked well in advance, and this also confines you to very expensive places, but it is at least a start.

You’ll probably find a package tour much easier than fully independent travel, but contact any tour operator to check they can meet your exact needs before making a booking. It’s also important to ensure you are covered by any insurance policy you take out.

Hotels with rooms specially adapted for wheelchair users include the Mövenpick in Tangier, the Tryp in Melilla the Palais Jamaï in Fez, the Sofitel in Rabat, the Sheraton and Hyatt Regency in Casablanca, the Médina in Essaouira, and the Atlas Medina and Ryad Mogador Menara among other Hivernage hotels in Marrakesh. The Ibis Moussafir chain ( w ibishotel.com ) has adapted rooms at several of its hotels, including those in Tangier, Fnideq, Meknes, Casablanca, El Jadida, Essaouira and Ouarzazate. Auberge Camping Toubkal in Talioune also has rooms adapted for wheelchair users. Other hotels, such as the Agadir Beach Club and Royal Atlas in Agadir, claim to be accessible, and to cater for wheelchair users, but do not have specially adapted rooms. Obviously, you should always call ahead to check whether any particular hotel can meet your specific needs.

British dailies and the International Herald Tribune are available at some newsstands in city centres and tourist resorts.

Newspapers and magazines

The Moroccan press has a range of papers in French and Arabic, but news coverage, especially of international news, is weak. Of the French-language papers, the most accessible is the pro-government daily, Le Matin . Others include L’Opinion (Istiqlal party), Maroc Soir (pro-government evening daily), L’Economiste , (independent), and Al Bayane (communist).

Periodicals include Maroc-Hebdo , La Vie Eco , and the Time/Newsweek-style news magazine Tel-Quel . There’s also an independent online English-language news magazine, Morocco Newsline . The most widely read Arabic daily newspapers are Assabah, the sister paper to L’Economiste, and the more sensationalist Al Ahdath Al Maghribia, which is independent but left-leaning.

In addition to these, Morocco has a number of football magazines, women’s magazines and other publications in French, as well as the excellent Francophone African news magazine, Jeune Afrique .

The BBC have cut World Service short-wave broadcasts to North Africa, but with a deft twiddle of the dial you may be able to pick up short-wave broadcasts for West Africa, or MW broadcasts to Europe; programme listings can be found online at BBC World service . You can also pick up Voice of America, currently in the afternoon, on 11840 or 13570 KHz and in the evening on 7470 or 9490 KHz, but these sometimes change.

Most of the pricier hotels receive satellite TV – CNN, the French TV5, and occasionally UK Sky channels. In the north of the country you can also get Spanish TV stations and, in Tangier, English-language Gibraltar TV. The independent Qatari news channel Al Jazeera is a major source of news for people in Morocco (many cafés show it), and you may even be able to get it in English if you have access to cable or satellite, but it is unfortunately not obtainable on terrestrial TV.

Morocco’s own two TV channels broadcast in Arabic, but include some French programmes – plus news bulletins in Arabic, French, Spanish and, more recently, Berber.

Armed with this book, you shouldn’t need a guide, but some people like to hire one to negotiate the Medinas of larger cities. Official guides, identified by a large, brass “sheriff’s badge”, can be engaged through tourist offices or large hotels. They charge around 150–200dh for half a day, twice that for a full day, plus sustenance. The rate is for the guide’s time, and can be shared by a group (though you‘d then be expected to give a good tip).

Young Moroccans may also offer their services as unofficial guides, which is illegal, and subject to occasional police clampdowns. Be very careful in making use of unofficial guides. Some are indeed genuine, usually unemployed youths hoping to make a few dirhams by showing tourists around, and they should be cheaper than official guides, less formal, offer a more street-level view, and perhaps show you things that official guides would not – indeed, many tourists end up making lasting friendships with people who‘ve approached them as unofficial guides – but some will be aiming only to get you into shops or hotels which pay them commission, or they may be confidence tricksters. If you do decide to hire an unofficial guide, be sure to fix the rate in advance (make it clear that you know the official rates), as well as the itinerary (so that it does not include shops, for example – this also applies to official guides).

In general, never agree to a guide showing you to a hotel, and never go shopping with a guide, official or otherwise, as they will only take you to places which pay them a commission, meaning a higher bill for you – often as much as fifty percent higher. Hotels that pay commission to guides for bringing tourists to them are also likely to be dubious in other ways. On the other hand, letting someone guide you to a café or restaurant won’t increase the price of a meal (although waiters will generally make a small tip to the guide).

Conmen and scams

Hustlers and conmen have been largely cleaned off the streets, and those who remain are less persistent, but tourists are the obvious target for them. However, it’s important not to treat every Moroccan who approaches you as a hustler – many (though not usually in tourist hot spots) are just trying to be friendly. However, forewarned is forearmed, so a few notes on the most common scams follow:

• Most hustlers (and guides, official or not) hope to earn money by steering you, sometimes with the most amazing deviousness, into shops that will pay them a commission, most commonly carpet shops where you will be subjected to hours of hard-sell. Never be afraid to walk away from such as situation, even if (as is quite likely) you are then subjected to abuse, and never buy anything from a shop that you are taken to by a guide or hustler.
• If a hustler guides you into the Medina till you have no idea where you are, and then demands a large fee to take you back out, don’t be afraid to appeal to people in the street, and if you feel genuinely menaced or harassed, threaten to go to the police: hustlers tend to vanish fast at the prospect of police involvement.
• Hustlers may attach themselves to you using the excuse of a letter (“Could you help translate or write one?”), or by pretending to be someone you have met but forgotten – so if someone you don’t remember says, “Hey, remember me?” it’s probably a hustler trying to practise some scam on you. Another trick is to tell you that a site that you are on your way to visit is closed and that they can show you something else instead, or they may tell you that there is a Berber market taking place and this is the only day of the week to see it. If you ignore these people or turn them down, they may accuse you of being paranoid, angry or racist – and such an accusation is a sure sign that you were right.
• Con merchants, working alone or in couples, may befriend tourists, and then, after a day or two, tell some sad tale about needing money to get a passport or for a sick relative, or some such.
• On trains, especially at Tangier, hustlers sometimes pose as porters or railway staff, demanding an extortionate fee for carrying baggage or payment of supplements. Genuine rail staff wear beige overalls and have ID cards, which, if suspicious, you should ask to see.
• Drivers should beware of hitchhiking hustlers, who spend all day hitching between a pair of towns and can get highly obnoxious in their demands for money when you approach one or other destination. Alternatively, they may wish to thank you for the lift by taking you home for a cup of tea – except that “home” turns out to be a carpet shop, where you are then subjected to hours of hard-sell. A variation on this is the fake breakdown, where people on the road flag down passing tourists and ask them to take a note to a “mechanic”, who turns out to be a carpet salesman. This one is particularly common on the N9 between Marrakesh, Ouarzazate and Zagora, and the N10 between Ouarzazate and Tinerhir.

Dealing with children

In the countryside especially, children may demand a dirham, un cadeau (present) or un stylo (a pen/pencil). Working out your own strategy is all part of the game, but be sure to keep good humour: smile and laugh, or kids can make a serious nuisance of themselves. Faced with begging from children, we recommend not obliging, as this ties them to a begging mentality, and encourages them to harass other visitors.

Travelling with small children, you may well find that people will frequently come up to admire them, to compliment you on them and to caress them, which may be uncomfortable for shyer offspring. In Moroccan families, children stay up late until they fall asleep and are spoiled rotten by older family members. The streets are pretty safe and even quite small children walk to school unaccompanied or play in the street unsupervised.

As a parent, however, you will encounter one or two difficulties. For example, you won’t find baby changing rooms in airports, hotels or restaurants, and will have to be discreet if breastfeeding – find a quiet corner and shield infant and breast from view with a light cloth over your shoulder. Beach resort and package tour hotels may have facilities such as playgrounds, children’s pools and a babysitting service, but mid-range city hotels are far less likely to cater for children, though many allow children to share their parents’ room for free.

You may want to try a holiday with Club Med , whose purpose-built holiday resorts at Agadir and Marrakesh feature kids’ club, entertainment and sports facilities on site. Attractions that should appeal to small people include Magic Park in Salé, Oasiria in Marrakesh, and the tourist train in Agadir.

Disposable nappies (diapers) are available at larger supermarkets, and sometimes city pharmacies, at prices similar to what you pay at home, but off the beaten track, you may need to stock up, or take washables. You may also want to take along some dried baby food; any café can supply hot water.

On buses and grands taxis, children small enough to share your seat will usually travel free, but older kids pay the full adult fare. On trains, travel is free for under-fours, and half price for four- to eleven-year-olds.

Among hazards that you’ll need to bear in mind are traffic and stray animals. Dogs can be fierce in Morocco, and can also carry rabies, and there are a lot of feral cats and dogs about. Children (especially young ones) are also more susceptible than adults to heatstroke and dehydration, and should always wear a sunhat, and have high-factor sunscreen applied to exposed skin. If swimming at a beach resort, they should do so in a T-shirt, certainly for the first few days. The other thing that children are very susceptible to is an upset tummy. Bear in mind that antidiarrhoeal drugs should generally not be given to young children; read the literature provided with the medication or consult a doctor for guidance on child dosages. For more tips, see The Rough Guide to Travel with Babies & Young Children.

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Travel Advisory July 13, 2023

Morocco - level 2: exercise increased caution.

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.

Exercise increased caution in Morocco due to  terrorism .

Country Summary : Terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in Morocco. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, and local government facilities.

Read the  country information page  for additional information on travel to Morocco.

If you decide to travel to Morocco:

• Stay alert in locations frequented by tourists.
• Avoid demonstrations and crowds.
• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on  Twitter  and  Facebook .
• Review the  Country Security Report  for Morocco.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest  Travel Health Information  related to your travel.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .

Embassy Messages

View Alerts and Messages Archive

Quick Facts

Must have at least six months of validity at time of entry

One page required for entry stamp

Not required for stays under 90 days

None  

Declare large quantities at entry

Export of Moroccan currency is prohibited

Embassies and Consulates

U.s. consulate general casablanca.

8 Boulevard Moulay Youssef, Casablanca, Morocco

Telephone:  +(212) (522) 642-099

Emergency After-Hours Telephone:  +(212)(661) 13-19-39

Fax:  +(212) (522) 29-77-01

[email protected]

The normal work week in Morocco is Monday through Friday.

U.S. Embassy Rabat

KM 5.7, Avenue Mohammed VI Souissi, Rabat 10170, Morocco

Telephone:  +(212)(537) 63-72-00

Emergency After-Hours Telephone:  +(212)(661)13-19-39

Fax:  +(212)(537) 63-72-01

Please note that U.S. Embassy Rabat does not offer consular services and does not have entry facilities for public visitors.

Destination Description

Learn about the U.S. relationship to countries around the world.

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

Passports and Visas:

• You must have a valid passport with at least one blank page.
• Visas are not required for visits lasting less than 90 days. Visit the  Embassy of the Kingdom of Morocco  website for the most current visa information.
• Overstays: If you remain in Morocco beyond 90 days without having requested an extension of stay, you will need to appear before a judge prior to departing Morocco. Please contact the immigration office at your local police station for details. Clearance may include the payment of a fine.
• Lost/Stolen Passports: Please obtain a police report for a lost or stolen passport in the area where the loss or theft occurred.  Recently, police have required evidence of U.S. citizenship prior to issuing the report of loss. In these cases, U.S. citizens may visit U.S. Consulate General Casablanca to obtain a temporary emergency passport prior to obtaining a report of loss.
• Travelers who plan to reside in Morocco must obtain a residence permit, (Certificat d’Immatriculation) Applications should be submitted to the Bureau des Etrangers of the Prefecture de Police or Commissariat Central in major cities, and to the Gendarmerie in remote areas and villages. Please see Residency Permits section under the Local Laws & Special Circumstances tab.
• Carry a copy of your U.S. passport with you at all times to have proof of identity and U.S. citizenship readily available, if needed.
• Children who possess U.S. passports and who are born to a Moroccan father may experience difficulty leaving Morocco without the father's permission, even if the parents are divorced and the mother has legal custody. Under Moroccan law, these children are considered Moroccan citizens.  
• U.S. citizen women married to Moroccans do not need their spouse's permission to leave Morocco.

HIV/AIDS:   The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Morocco. 

Find information on  dual nationality ,  prevention of international child abduction , and  customs regulations  on our websites.

Safety and Security

All countries in the region remain vulnerable to attacks from transnational terrorist organizations or individuals inspired by extremist ideology with little or no warning. The potential for terrorist violence against U.S. interests and citizens exists in Morocco. Long an important counterterrorism partner with the United States, Morocco’s capable security services have taken robust actions to guard against terrorist attacks. Moroccan authorities continue to disrupt groups seeking to attack U.S. or Western-affiliated and Moroccan government targets, arresting numerous individuals associated with international terrorist groups. Nevertheless, credible information indicates terrorist groups continue to plot potential attacks in the region, including Morocco. Lone wolf attacks are difficult to detect and disrupt and can occur without warning. In December 2018, two Scandinavian tourists were murdered by three Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) supporters in the Imlil Mountains near Marrakesh. U.S. citizens are reminded to remain vigilant with regards to their personal security.

Establishments that are identifiable with the United States are potential targets for attacks. These may include facilities where U.S. citizens and other foreigners congregate, including clubs, restaurants, places of worship, schools, hotels, movie theaters, U.S. brand establishments, and other public areas.  U.S. citizen campers should camp in guarded campgrounds rather than isolated campsites.

Demonstrations: Demonstrations occur frequently in Morocco, are typically focused on political or social issues, and are only rarely confrontational or violent.

• During periods of heightened regional tension, large demonstrations may take place in major cities.
• By law, all demonstrations require a government permit, but spontaneous unauthorized demonstrations, which have greater potential for violence, can occur. In addition, different unions or groups may organize strikes to protest an emerging issue or government policy.
• Travelers should be aware of current events in Morocco and stay informed of regional issues that could resonate in Morocco and create an anti-American response.
• Avoid demonstrations if at all possible.
• If caught in a demonstration, remain calm and move away immediately when provided the opportunity.
• Exercise increased vigilance in areas that attract large crowds, such as sporting events.

Western Sahara: From 1975 to 1991, Western Sahara was the site of armed conflict between Moroccan government forces and the POLISARIO Front, which continues to seek independence for the territory. Tensions along the border in Western Sahara heightened in November 2020 when Moroccan forces conducted an operation on the border to clear a blockade by the POLISARIO Front; both sides have since engaged in a low intensity conflict along the border. There are thousands of unexploded mines in the Western Sahara and in areas of Mauritania adjacent to the Western Saharan border. Exploding mines are occasionally reported and have caused death and injury. There have been instances in which U.S. citizens suspected of being participants in political protests or of supporting NGOs that are critical of Moroccan policies have been expelled from, or not been allowed to enter, Western Sahara.

Crime: Crime in Morocco is a serious concern, particularly in major cities and tourist areas.

• Use common sense and the same personal security measures you would normally use in a large U.S. city or tourist destination. 
• Do not leave bags unattended. Keep them in sight and avoid placing passports, cash, cell phones, or other valuables in the outer pockets of backpacks or purses, or on tables in public places. Do not leave bags slung over the backs of chairs, on hotel or store counters, on top of your suitcase or larger travel bag, or out of your physical control in hotel lobbies, train stations, restaurants, and other public locations.
• Aggressive panhandling, pick-pocketing, purse-snatching, theft from unoccupied vehicles, and harassment of women are the most frequently reported issues.
• Criminals use weapons, primarily knives, during some street robberies and burglaries. These crimes have occurred at any time of day or night, not only in isolated places or areas less frequented by visitors, but in crowded areas as well.
• Residential break-ins also occur and have on occasion turned violent, but most criminals look for opportunities based on stealth rather than confrontation.
• Travelers should avoid soccer stadiums and their environs on days of scheduled matches as large groups of team supporters have been known to become unruly and harass and assault bystanders. 
• Joggers should be mindful of traffic and remain in more heavily populated areas. It is always best to have a jogging companion, dress modestly, and avoid isolated areas or jogging at night.
• At night and when moving about unfamiliar areas, avoid traveling alone and utilize “petit” taxis which vary by color in the major cities (Casablanca-Red, Rabat-Blue, Marrakech-Tan, etc.).
• Taxis* in Morocco are generally crime-free during day time, although city buses are not considered safe.
• Trains are generally safe, but theft, regardless of the time of day, sometimes occurs.
• Avoid carrying large sums of cash and be particularly alert when using ATM machines. In the event you are victimized by crime or an attempted crime, please report the incident to the local police and the U.S. Consulate General in Casablanca as soon as possible.

* NOTE: Some popular web-based ride-sharing services have operated in Morocco; however, the French-based company Heetch is currently the only service legally authorized to operate by the Moroccan Government. Media report that drivers of web-based ride-sharing services have been harassed and assaulted by regular taxi drivers in the recent past.

Victims of Crime:  U.S. citizen victims of crimes should contact the local police at 19 from a land line or 190 from a mobile phone, and the U.S. Consulate in Casablanca at (212) 522 64 20 99. Remember that the local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes. See our webpage on  help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .

• help you find appropriate medical care;
• assist you in reporting a crime to the police;
• with written consent, contact your relatives or friends;
• explain the local criminal justice process in general terms;
• provide a list of local attorneys;
• provide information on  victim’s compensation programs in the United States;
• provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution;
• help you find accommodation and arrange flights home;
• replace a stolen or lost passport.

Tourism : The tourism industry is generally regulated in major tourist areas.  Hazardous areas/activities are identified with appropriate signage and professional staff is typically on hand in support of organized activities. However, outside of these areas, the tourism industry is unevenly regulated, and safety inspections for equipment and facilities do not commonly occur. Hazardous areas/activities are not always identified with appropriate signage, and staff may not be trained or certified either by the host government or by recognized authorities in the field.  In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is typically available only in/near major cities.  Outside of a major metropolitan center, it may take more time for first responders and medical professionals to stabilize a patient and provide life-saving assistance.  U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance.  See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage.

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties: You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. In some places you may be taken in for questioning if you don’t have your passport with you.

Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the U.S., regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on  crimes against minors abroad  and the Department of Justice  website.

Arrest Notification : If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Consulate immediately. See our  webpage  for further information.

• Crimes of fraud, including passing bad checks, non-payment of bills (including hotel bills), or breach of contract are considered serious in Morocco and can often result in imprisonment and/or fines.
• Bail generally is not available to non-residents of Morocco who are arrested for crimes involving fraud.
• Debtors can be held in prison until their debts are paid or until an agreement is reached between the parties. 
• Passports may be seized by the Moroccan government to guarantee that debtors settle their cases. 
• Debtors may be unable to work in Morocco without passports while still being held responsible for their debts. 
• Prior to entering into a contract, you may want to consider consulting an attorney.

Faith-Based Travelers : Islam is the official religion in Morocco. However, the constitution provides for the freedom to practice one's religion. The Moroccan government does not interfere with public worship by the country’s Jewish minority or by expatriate Christians. Proselytizing is, however, prohibited. In the past, U.S. citizens have been arrested, detained, and/or expelled for discussing or trying to engage Moroccans in debate about Christianity. In February 2014, several U.S. citizens were expelled from Morocco for alleged proselytizing. Many of those expelled were long-time Moroccan residents. In these cases, U.S. citizens were given no more than 48 hours to gather their belongings or settle their affairs before being expelled. See the  Department of State’s International Religious Freedom Report .

LGBTI Travelers: Consensual same-sex sexual relations are criminalized in Morocco. Penalties include fines and jail time. See   our  LGBTI Travel Information  page and section 6 of our  Human Rights report  for further details.

Travelers Who Require Accessibility Assistance: While in Morocco, individuals with disabilities may find accessibility and accommodation very different from what is customary in the United States. 

Students: See our  Students Abroad  page and  FBI travel tips .

Women Travelers : Women walking alone in certain areas of cities and rural areas are particularly vulnerable to assault by men. They should exercise caution when in public spaces, including nightclubs or other social establishments. Women are advised to travel with a companion or in a group when possible and to ignore any harassment. See our tips for  Women Travelers .

Customs: Travelers must declare large quantities of U.S. dollars brought into the country at the port of entry. The export of Moroccan currency (dirhams) is prohibited; however, Moroccan currency can be converted back into U.S. dollars prior to departure only if the traveler has a bank or money transfer receipt indicating he or she exchanged dollars for dirhams while in Morocco.

Moroccan customs authorities may enforce strict regulations concerning temporary importation into or export from Morocco of items such as firearms, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) or drones, religious materials, antiquities, business equipment, and large quantities of currency. It is advisable to contact the  Embassy of Morocco in Washington, D.C.,  or the  Moroccan Consulate General in New York  for specific information concerning customs requirements.

Please see our information on  Customs and Import Restrictions.

Citizenship : The Government of Morocco considers all persons born to Moroccan fathers to be Moroccan citizens. In addition to being subject to all U.S. laws, U.S. citizens who also possess the nationality of Morocco may be subject to other laws that impose special obligations on citizens of Morocco. Recently, Morocco has begun allowing Moroccan mothers of children born outside Morocco to petition for their children’s citizenship. For further information on that process, please contact the  Embassy of Morocco in Washington, D.C.,  or the  Moroccan Consulate General in New York .

Residency Permits: In order to obtain a residence permit, travelers must present (among other requirements) a criminal history record check. This record check can only be obtained in the United States. The U.S. Consulate and Embassy are unable to take fingerprints to send for FBI record requests. For specific information, individuals seeking residency should visit their local police station. 

The following documents must accompany a residency renewal application:

• Birth Certificate
• Copy of the current passport
• Copy of the current Moroccan residency card
• Medical certificate from a doctor stating that the requester is free from any contagious disease
• Court record (Casier Judiciaire) obtained from the Ministry of Justice in Rabat
• 100 MAD stamp

Individuals planning on residing in Morocco or relocating to the U.S. may be asked to provide a notarized change of residence form. This form is available at the U.S. Consulate by appointment.

Sending Passports through the Mail: According to Moroccan law, it is prohibited to send passports by mail across international borders. Passports sent to or through Morocco via Fedex, DHL, or other courier will be confiscated by Moroccan authorities. Confiscated U.S. passports are eventually sent to the U.S. Consulate General in Casablanca after being processed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. If your passport has been confiscated, you can contact the American Citizens Services section at  [email protected] to ask if it has been received.

Property: U.S. consular officers are prohibited by law and regulation from accepting personal property for safekeeping regardless of the circumstances involved. If there is concern over the protection of property left behind in Morocco due to confiscation or deportation for political, legal, or other reasons, U.S. citizens should take every precaution to ensure that available legal safeguards are in place either before, or immediately after, purchasing property in Morocco or taking up residence there. U.S. citizens are also encouraged to consider assigning a Power of Attorney, or Procuration, to be used in Morocco if necessary. More information and sample Power of Attorney forms are available on the  Consulate General of the Kingdom of Morocco in New York  website.

Photographing Sensitive Locations: Taking photographs of anything that could be perceived as being of military or security interest may result in problems with the authorities. As a general rule, travelers should not photograph palaces, diplomatic missions, government buildings, or other sensitive facilities and when in doubt should ask permission from the appropriate Moroccan authorities.

Professional Basketball in Morocco: The U.S. Consulate General in Casablanca is aware that there are local professional basketball teams who have made contracts with U.S. citizens to play on Moroccan teams. Some of these players have subsequently claimed they were not paid as stipulated per the terms of the contract.  Individuals considering playing basketball professionally in Morocco may wish to consult with a lawyer regarding the terms of their contract prior to signing. A  list of lawyers  can be found on the Embassy's webpage.

Adequate medical care is available in Morocco’s largest cities, particularly in Rabat and Casablanca, although not all facilities meet Western standards.

• Emergency and specialized care outside the major cities is far below U.S. standards and may not be available at all.
• Most medical staff will have limited or no English-speaking ability.
• Most ordinary prescription and over-the-counter medicines are widely available.
• Specialized prescriptions may be difficult to fill and availability of all medicines in rural areas is unreliable. 
• Travelers should not ask friends or relatives to send medications through the mail, FedEx, or UPS since Moroccan customs will impound the delivery and not release it to the recipient.
• Travelers planning to drive in the mountains and other remote areas may wish to carry a medical kit and a Moroccan phone card for emergencies.
• In the event of vehicle accidents involving injuries, immediate ambulance service is usually not available. The police emergency services telephone number is “190” (see Traffic Safety and Road Conditions section below).

The U.S. Mission in Morocco is unable to pay your medical bills. Be aware that U.S. Medicare does not apply overseas.

Medical Insurance: Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. You may also be required to pay a deposit before being admitted for treatment. See our webpage for more  information on insurance providers for overseas coverage . We strongly recommend  supplemental insurance  to cover medical evacuation.

If traveling with prescription medication, check with the  Government of Morocco Ministry of Foreign Affairs  to ensure the medication is legal in Morocco. Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription. 

Vaccinations: Be up-to-date on all  vaccinations  recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Further health information:

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  (CDC)

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety: Traffic accidents are a significant hazard in Morocco. Driving practices are very poor and have resulted in serious injuries to and fatalities of U.S. citizens. This is particularly true at dusk during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, when adherence to traffic regulations is lax, and from July to September when Moroccans resident abroad return from Europe by car in large numbers. 

• Drivers should exercise extreme caution when driving at night due to poor lighting systems along roads.
• Traffic signals do not always function, and are sometimes difficult to see.
• Modern freeways link the cities of Tangier, Rabat, Fez, Casablanca, and Marrakesh. Two-lane highways link other major cities.
• Secondary routes in rural areas are often narrow and poorly paved. Roads through the Rif and Atlas mountains are steep, narrow, windy, and dangerous.
• Pedestrians, scooters, and animal-drawn conveyances are common on all roadways, including the freeways, and driving at night should be avoided if possible.
• During the rainy season (November - March), flash flooding is frequent and sometimes severe, washing away roads and vehicles in rural areas.

Traffic Laws: In the event of a traffic accident, including accidents involving injuries, the parties are required to remain at the scene and not move their vehicles until the police have arrived and documented all necessary information. The police emergency services telephone number is “190”. Often Moroccan police officers pull over drivers for inspection within the city and on highways. 

Traffic Fines: Confiscation of a driver’s license is possible if a violator is unable or unwilling to settle a fine at the time of a traffic stop. 

If you are stopped for a speeding violation, you have the right to request the video footage documenting the infraction. Once the speeding violation is confirmed, you have three options: 

• Pay the fine on the spot and obtain a receipt of payment;
• Pay at the local city’s treasury (La Perception). The police/gendarme officer will issue you a ‘ticket’ indicating the amount of the fine and keep your driver’s license until you pay the fine.
• Should you wish to contest a violation, you may file a complaint at court; however, Moroccan authorities may keep your driver’s license and vehicle registration while this lengthy process takes place.

Foreign driver’s licenses are valid for use in Morocco for up to one year. After that, foreign residents must pass the Moroccan driver’s test and obtain a Moroccan driver’s license. The test is conducted in Arabic and French. Speakers of other languages are allowed to have a sworn translator with them when taking the test.

Public Transportation: While public buses and taxis are inexpensive, driving habits are poor, and buses are frequently overcrowded. City buses are not considered safe. The train system has a good safety record. Trains, while sometimes crowded, are comfortable and generally on time. See our  Road Safety page  for more information. Visit Morocco’s  National Tourism  website for additional information.

• Train Station Hotline: 0890 20 30 40
• Bus Station Hotline: 0800 09 00 30
• Directory Enquiry- 160

Web-based ride-sharing services are not legal in Morocco; however, some well-known companies (UBER and Careem) have attempted operations with limited success. Media reports of ride-sharing drivers being harassed and assaulted by regular taxi drivers were common.

Aviation Safety Oversight: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the Government of Morocco’s Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Morocco’s air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the  FAA’s safety assessment page .

Maritime Travel: Mariners planning travel to Morocco should also check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts at www.marad.dot.gov/msci . Information may also be posted to the U.S. Coast Guard homeport website (https://homeport.uscg.mil), and the NGA broadcast warnings website https://msi.nga.mil/NGAPortal/MSI.portal (select “broadcast warnings”).

For additional travel information

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
• Follow us on  Twitter  and  Facebook .
• See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in  Morocco . For additional IPCA-related information, please see the  International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act ( ICAPRA )  report.

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Travel advice for Tunisia and Morocco for UK tourists 2024 including passport rules

W ith passport rules in place, UK travelers planning trips to Tunisia and Morocco in 2024 need to be aware of the latest requirements and advice to ensure smooth travels in these North African destinations.

Those travelling from Heathrow and Gatwick will need to remind themselves of the latest travel advice. Getting on holiday safely and smoothly means you can finally relax, kick off your shoes, and enjoy some sunshine. And Tunisia and Morocco certainly have plenty of it, making for the ideal vacation. They are also pretty easy to get to, with a number of airlines flying there.

For Morroco for examples, Ryanair operates flights from London Stansted to Fez, Marrakech and Tangier. EasyJet offers budget flights from London Gatwick and London Luton to Marrakech. Royal Air Maroc operates direct flights from London Heathrow to Casablanca several times per day.

As for Tunisia, Tunisair - This is the main Tunisian airline and it operates direct flights from London Heathrow to Tunis, as does British AIrways and EasyJet.

READ MORE: Greece and Turkey travel advice 2024 from Heathrow and Gatwick including passport rules

Travel advice for Tunisia

Tunisia is a North African country with Mediterranean coastlines and a fascinating mix of European and Middle Eastern influences. The capital Tunis boasts a beautiful old city medina with winding streets, lively markets selling local handicrafts, and historic sites like the impressive Bardo Museum. Beyond the cities, Tunisia has stunning desert scenery, indigenous Berber villages, and popular island and beach destinations along its coasts.

Entry Requirements

When you arrive, you might be asked to share your contact details and travel plans with the authorities. You'll also need proof of a hotel booking to get into the country. Some people have been turned away or delayed because they couldn't show enough evidence of where they were staying. This doesn't happen all the time, and usually if you explain where you're staying, it's fine.

Some British people who are from South Asia have had problems getting into Tunisia at airports. This can be upsetting and inconvenient. The British Embassy say they have talked to the Tunisian authorities about this.

Your passport needs to be valid for the whole time you're in Tunisia. You don't need it to be valid for any longer than that. If you're a dual British-Tunisian citizen, you should use your Tunisian passport when you enter and leave Tunisia.

If you're planning a long stay in Tunisia, for more than 90 days, you'll need to get a visa. You can find out how to apply by getting in touch with the Tunisian Embassy in London. If you overstay your welcome and remain in Tunisia longer than allowed, you could end up having to pay a fine.#

Other rules

• The currency in Tunisia is dinars. It is strictly prohibited to take Tunisian dinars out of the country. To exchange any Tunisian dinars left over at the end of your stay into Sterling or other hard currency you will need to show the receipt from the bank where you first withdrew or bought the dinars.

Carry a form of photo ID at all times

Homosexuality is a criminal offence in Tunisia. See the government information and advice page for the LGBT+ community before you travel.

Areas to avoid

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advises against all travel to:

• the Chaambi Mountains National Park and the designated military operations zones of Mount Salloum, Mount Sammamma and Mount Mghila
• the militarised zone south of the towns of El Borma and Dhehiba
• within 20km of the rest of the Libya border area north of Dhehiba
• the town of Ben Guerdane and immediate surrounding area

In addition and for security reasons, the FCDO advises against all but essential travel to:

• within 75km of the Libyan border, including Remada, El Borma and the town of Zarzis
• the governorate of Kasserine, including the town of Sbeitla
• within 10km of the border with Algeria south of Kasserine governorate
• within 30km of the border in El Kef and Jendouba governorates south of the town of Jendouba, including the archaeological site of Chemtou
• areas north and west of the town of Ghardimaou in Jendouba governorate, including El Feidja National Park
• within 10km of Mount Mghila
• Mount Orbata

Since 1 July, the city of Sfax has witnessed several days of civil unrest, including reports of injuries, arrests and one death, related to heightened tensions between local residents and migrants from sub-Saharan Africa, the UK government said. The area is generally safe but there is a heightened risk level or terrorism.

A state of emergency is in effect in Tunisia, imposed after a suicide attack on a police bus in 2015. It has been extended a number of times, most recently in February 2022.

Travel advice for Morocco

Morocco is a magical kingdom in North Africa with a rich history and diverse landscapes. From the winding alleys and spice markets of Marrakech to the fishing ports and beaches of Essaouira, Morocco offers colorful culture and architecture.

Venture inland to the High Atlas Mountains, dotted with Berber villages, or go deeper into the desert where you'll find oasis towns, sand dunes, and majestic Kasbahs. The imperial cities of Fes and Meknes give a taste of Morocco's history as an important trading and cultural crossroads.

Entry requirements

The Moroccan embassy in the UK advises that your passport should be valid for at least three months from your date of entry to Morocco. If your passport doesn't meet this requirement, you might face problems and you should check with the Moroccan authorities and your travel provider before travelling. Ensure your passport isn't damaged. Some travellers have been turned away when travelling on damaged passports.

Moroccan citizens who live in the UK and travel to Morocco may not be allowed to return to the UK unless they show evidence of their UK immigration status. This can include their UK biometric residence permit card or a valid UK entry clearance.

British nationals don’t need a visa to enter Morocco for the purpose of tourism for up to 90 days. British nationals who stay longer than 90 days need to go to a local police station to request an extension.

The country is generally safe, however there is a high risk of terrorism. Places at higher risk of attack include:

• crowded areas
• government installations
• transportation networks
• businesses with Western interests
• areas where foreign nationals and tourists are known to gather

Petty crime is common, especially in tourist areas like the medina quarter (historical district) of towns/cities and on beaches. So it is important to remain vigilant. Crimes include:

pickpocketing

bag snatching

drive-by motorcycle theft of visible jewellery and handbags

• Drinking alcohol in the street and anywhere other than a licensed restaurant or bar is illegal and can lead to arrest.
• Homosexuality is illegal in Morocco. See the government information and advice page for the LGBT+ community before you travel.

It’s illegal to possess pornographic material.

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Canary Islands holiday warning: UK tourists issued travel warning as Morocco sends 'warships'

A Canary Island travel warning has been issued due to Moroccos’ military activities with warships sending a two-word warning.

Watch more of our videos on Shots! and live on Freeview channel 276

The Canary Islands are bracing for potential disruptions to their peace and tourism due to Morocco's military offensive.

In March 2023, Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares remarked on the strengthened ties between Morocco and Spain, citing a new pinnacle in their relationship.

In a recent speech to the Spanish Senate, Albares stressed the importance of maintaining Spain’s relationship with Morocco as a top priority in its foreign and state policies.

The manoeuvres come in the context of escalating regional tensions and increasing interest in maritime security, especially in areas of strategic importance such as the Strait of Gibraltar and the Canary Islands.

Lanzarote, Tenerife and other island holidaymakers have been warned over the military activities.

The president of the Cabildo of Gran Canaria, Antonio Morales, has voiced staunch opposition to Morocco's planned military manoeuvres off the coast of Western Sahara.

He said: "The area of northwest Africa and the Canary Islands in particular need actions of peace and to flee from any message of militarisation”.

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Five urgent travel warnings issued after Tenerife tourist 'selfie' death, gang shootings and Canary Island warships

Tenerife holiday warning: Officials warn holidaymakers to not risk their lives after tourist, 53, dies after swept out to sea while taking selfie

A 53-year-old tourist died in Puerto de la Cruz in Tenerife after he was swept out to sea while trying to take a selfie

A 53-year-old tourist died in Tenerife on Wednesday while taking a selfie. Tenerife officials have issued a warning to tourists to not to risk their lives for the ‘perfect’ holiday photo after the tourist died falling into the sea while he was trying to take a selfie.

Yesterday the Canary Islands was under an orange weather warning for strong waves and gusts of more than 90 kilometres per hour when the man was taking holiday photos. The man was swept out into the rough seas near the natural pools in Puerto de la Cruz, Tenerife. Officials at the Emergency and Services Coordination Centre (CECOES) were alerted to the fall at around 4.15pm yesterday.

A huge rescue operation was quickly launched which included a helicopter, ambulances, SUC medical personnel, as well as Maritime Rescue boats and agents from the Local Police, National Police, Guardia Civil, and the Fire Brigade. The Czech national was rescued by a helicopter which dragged him out of the sea.

Canary Islands emergency services shared a dramatic video showing the moment an emergency team official risked their life by descending from the helicopter and hoisting the man out of the water in the middle of a strong swell. However, paramedics found that the man was already in cardiac arrest with signs of drowning. The emergency crew on the helicopter performed valiant CPR during the flight to a hospital to try to save his life.

Spain holiday warning: Travel warning as police launch 'Operation Marbella' after gang shootings brand hotspots including Puerto Banus the 'Wild West'

UK holidaymakers issued Spain travel warning as police launch ‘Operation Marbella’ to crackdown on gang shootings in holiday hotspots such as Puerto Banus

UK holidaymakers have been issued with a Spain travel warning as police in the country launch “Operation Marbella” to crackdown on violence after recent gang shootings. The popular holiday destination in Spain, Costa del Sol, is increasingly becoming a hotspot for crime.

There were two terrifying shootings in March within the space of a week. One incident unfolded at a famous British-owned restaurant in the area, La Sala and no one was injured. The likes of Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua, Erling Harland, Jurgen Klopp and Harry Maguire have all visited the restaurant.

In the other incident just days prior a young man was seriously injured in a shoot-out in Puerto Banus. Yesterday (Thursday 11 April) it was reported that the victim of the shooting in Nueva Andalucia, a residential estate a five-minute drive from Puerto Banus, had been British. The 21-year-old was rushed to hospital with gunshot wounds to his knee and "pelvis area".

Police have warned locals and visitors they can expect to see more random stops and officer checkpoints in and the holiday destinations. They are understood to be increasing vigilance in residential areas as well as shopping centres and nightspots, including in Puerto Banus, known for attracting millionaires.

Canary Islands holiday warning: UK tourists issued travel warning as Morocco sends 'warships'

A Canary Island travel warning has been issued due to Moroccos’ military activities with warships sending a two-word warning.

The Canary Islands are bracing for potential disruptions to their peace and tourism due to Morocco's military offensive.

In March 2023, Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares remarked on the strengthened ties between Morocco and Spain, citing a new pinnacle in their relationship.

In a recent speech to the Spanish Senate, Albares stressed the importance of maintaining Spain’s relationship with Morocco as a top priority in its foreign and state policies.

The manoeuvres come in the context of escalating regional tensions and increasing interest in maritime security, especially in areas of strategic importance such as the Strait of Gibraltar and the Canary Islands.

Lanzarote, Tenerife and other island holidaymakers have been warned over the military activities.

The president of the Cabildo of Gran Canaria, Antonio Morales, has voiced staunch opposition to Morocco's planned military manoeuvres off the coast of Western Sahara.

He said: "The area of northwest Africa and the Canary Islands in particular need actions of peace and to flee from any message of militarisation”.

Yellow fever vaccine: Holidaymakers issued travel warning as fatal disease surges - symptoms and how to reduce risk

UK holidaymakers are being warned of a potentially fatal disease that is hitting some popular tourist hotspots.

Travel Health Pro, an official government advice site used by the Foreign Office, has highlighted the rise of yellow fever, a disease that became well known in the 18th century when it was frequently called ‘Yellow Jack’.

It caused huge fatalities among soldiers and sailors serving overseas, especially in the tropics. It is spread by mosquitos and can cause a serious haemorrhagic illness which can be fatal for humans.

Tourists heading to the Caribbean, parts of Africa, Central and South America are being warned to be vigilant. Countries which have experienced recent outbreaks include Trinidad in the Caribbean, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Guinea, Niger, Nigeria, South Sudan, Togo and Uganda.

Seven confirmed yellow fever cases included four fatalities in South America which were reported between January 1 and March 19 this year. There have also been three fatal cases in Colombia, two cases in Guyana and two cases in Peru - which included one death. Brazil has reported confirmed yellow fever in monkeys indicating it is circulating in the country.

Foreign Office travel advice: Eight countries added to 'do not travel' warning list for UK holidaymakers after declared 'too dangerous'

The Foreign Office has added eight countries to its “do not travel” warning list.

The government urges UK holidaymakers not to travel to the eight new countries added to the list as they have been declared “too dangerous”.

The Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) issues advice to holidaymakers and regularly updates its travel advisories based on how dangerous countries are perceived to be and what particularly to look out for when visiting them. In total, 66 countries - or parts of countries - have been declared "too dangerous" for British tourists by the FCDO.

Eight nations have been added to the list by FCDO, these are Russia, Ukraine, Iran, Sudan, Lebanon, Israel, Belarus and the Palestinian territories.

These nations are categorised as either on the 'red list' or 'black list' by experts in the UK Foreign Office.

The FCDO does not ban UK citizens from travelling to these countries but it says they may find themselves without any government support if something were to go wrong.

The advice given for each country is slightly different but the same warning is given that help may not be offered to those who travel.

The Belarus warning from the FCDO reads: "Russian military operations are taking place in Belarus.

"There is some risk that direct conflict linked to the war in Ukraine may spread to Belarus. If conflict starts, FCDO’s ability to offer consular assistance will be severely limited. Routes out of the country are limited, particularly by air."

Currently the Foreign Office is sternly advising against travel, or all but essential travel, to 24 destinations on the 'black list'.

These destinations are: Afghanistan, Belarus, Burkina Faso, Central African Republic, Chad, Haiti, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Lebanon, Libya, Mali, Niger, North Korea, Palestinian territories, Russia, Somalia, Somaliland, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Ukraine, Venezuela, and Yemen.

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