WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
You’ve Got Questions - We’ve Got Answers
IS MOROCCO SAFE?
Morocco is one of the safest countries in the world. The USA, Europe and many other countries list Morocco as a safe destination for their citizens to visit. In fact the US government ranks Morocco above Europe in terms of safety. The Moroccan government values tourism very highly and puts a lot of measures in place to make sure that visitors to the kingdom are well protected and cared for. This is reflected in the warmth of welcome and hospitality shown to visitors by the Moroccan people.
DO I NEED A VISA TO VISIT MOROCCO?
Visas are the responsibility of the individual traveller. The visa requirements for your trip vary depending on where you are from and where you are going. As a general rule most countries expect that you will have at least 6 months' validity on your passport. On arrival visitors may be asked to present return tickets and evidence of means to cover your intended stay.
We keep the following information up to date as much as possible, but rules do change - it's important that you check for yourself. Residents from other countries must consult the relevant embassies or your travel agent.
Australia: Not required
Brazil: Not required
Canada: Not required
UK : Not required
USA: Not required
UE : Not required
Netherlands: Not required
New Zealand: Not required
South Africa: Yes - in advance (in general, visa processing can take approximately 20 working days)
Switzerland: Not required
Ireland: Not required
Those who do not require visas to visit Morocco as a tourist, are stamped in on arrival for 3 months.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT MOROCCO?
The climate in Morocco varies wildly according to the season and area of travel. In the lowlands, the cooler months from October to April are popular among visitors. This time of year is pleasantly warm to hot (around 30°C) during the day and cool to cold (around 15°C) at night. Winter in the higher regions often brings snow and can therefore get seriously cold, particularly at night. Tourists flock to the coastline from June to September for fun in the sun, with warm mostly rain-free days. Further inland it can get hot and rain is rare, which makes the best times to travel March to June and September to December.
Ramadan:
As a Muslim country, Morocco observes Ramadan. If you are planning to travel during Ramadan this does not affect tourist sights or businesses in most cases. Life goes on as usual but many people will be fasting from sunrise to sunset. If you are staying in a hotel or a Riad they will still provide breakfast for the guests. You can find restaurants serving food throughout the day in larger cities and around major tourist areas. People who are travelling during Ramadan are not required to fast, so you can also find open restaurants. In general before sun sets, the restaurants fill up with people, who eat ravenously as soon as they are able to and some restaurants provide a special “Iftar” Menu. You will always be able to buy food from shops at any time, and if you eat during daylight hours outside of the main tourist areas do so discreetly. Ramadan ends with a three-day holiday, with most museums and businesses being closed until at least noon on the first day of the holiday.
WHAT IS THE DRESS CODE IN MOROCCO?
Morocco is a modern country and dress is in general casual and comfortable. In the big cities including beachside resorts and major tourist centres you may dress as you like except when visiting mosques. Keep in mind that neither shorts/short skirts nor bare shoulders are allowed in the mosques, and that a head covering for women is greatly appreciated. You will be required to remove your shoes upon entering a mosque. We do recommend dressing more conservatively if you are visiting the villages in the south.
HOW EASY IS IT TO ACCESS INTERNET & PHONE SERVICES?
Morocco's cities have internet access available in internet cafes and hotel lobbies. Free Wi-Fi can be accessed in public places. Less internet access is available in rural areas, so be prepared to 'disconnect' when travelling out of Morocco's big cities.
Mobile phone coverage is generally very good in Morocco's cities and metropolitan areas, although expect limited coverage in remote or mountainous areas. Ensure you have global roaming activated with your carrier if you wish to use your phone while in Morocco.
CAN I USE CREDIT CARDS & ATMS IN MOROCCO?
Major credit cards are accepted by most large shops, hotels and restaurants, although smaller vendors and market stalls often only accept cash.
ATMs are easily found in all cities and airports, although are less common in rural and remote areas so be prepared by having enough cash, as ATMs aren't always an option.
IS THE WATER SAFE & ARE ALCOHOLIC DRINKS ALLOWED?
Drinking tap water isn't recommended in Morocco but bottled water is available everywhere.
Alcohol is widely available. In the modern part of the cities bars, restaurants and hotels owned by foreigners or attended by tourists will serve alcohol.
However, you are not allowed to drink alcohol in the streets and open public places. You are welcome to drink alcohol on our tours. Many clients are interested in taking beverages for their nights in the desert. Please let your driver knows and he will stop at one of the stores for you.