Travelling to Morocco FAQs: All Your Questions Answered
From visa requirements to vaccinations and safety issues, discover answers to some of the most common travelling to Morocco FAQs.
From the Saharan dunes to the snow-capped peaks of the Atlas Mountains, Morocco never fails to enthral.
If you’re planning a visit to this captivating North African country, you probably have a few questions in mind. So, I’m here to help!
With a bit of preparation and equipped with all the right answers, you’re sure to have an incredible time.
Read on to discover the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about travelling to Morocco, from currency and visas to safety issues on the ground. In this article, I’ll draw not only on my personal experience but also the latest travel advice from official sources.
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Travelling to Morocco FAQs
Do I need a visa to visit Morocco?
If you hold a passport from countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the UK, the European Union, China, Malaysia or Singapore, you are not required to obtain a visa prior to visiting Morocco.
If not, double check with your local Moroccan embassy about entrance requirements and get the ball rolling on your visa application well in advance of your proposed travel date.
Remember, visa requirements are subject to change. So no matter where you are from, double-check the latest regulations, just in case.
Regardless of whether a visa is needed or not, Morocco has its own set of specific passport requirements that all visitors must fulfil.
Namely, your passport must have at least 6 months of validity remaining before the expiration date in order to be accepted for entry. Additionally, there must be at least one blank page available in the passport to accommodate the Moroccan entry stamp.
Do I need specific vaccinations to enter Morocco?
Morocco does not have any mandatory vaccination requirements for travellers. However, it’s always wise to consult with your doctor or physician before embarking on your travels to get their advice.
Depending on your individual health history, your doctor may recommend certain immunisations to ensure you are fully protected during your trip.
For example, routine vaccines like measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis and varicella are generally advised for all travellers. Additionally, your physician may suggest vaccines for hepatitis A and typhoid, which are more common in some parts of the globe.
The risk of contracting certain illnesses can also vary based on the time of year and your planned activities, so an in-depth discussion with your doctor is crucial. They can provide personalised guidance on the appropriate vaccinations, as well as any necessary boosters or medications to prevent other travel-related diseases.
Is it safe to drink the tap water in Morocco?
Morocco has made significant strides in improving its water infrastructure and treatment processes in recent years. However, the quality and safety of drinking water can still vary widely, depending on location and source.
In many urban centres, the water that comes through the taps is generally considered safe to drink.
However, in more rural or remote areas, water sources may be more vulnerable to contamination from agricultural runoff, industrial waste or inadequate treatment.
Additionally, the age and condition of a community’s water pipes can impact the safety of the final product. Older, corroded pipes can potentially leach harmful minerals or bacteria.
Unless you are advised by your hotel/riad staff that the tap water is safe to drink, I would advise you to err on the side of caution. Bottle water is affordable to purchase and many accommodations provide filtered water to guests to help cut down on plastic waste.
What languages are spoken in Morocco?
The primary language spoken throughout the country is Moroccan Arabic, also known as Darija. This colloquial Arabic dialect is the mother tongue of the majority of the population and serves as the lingua franca for everyday communication.
Amazigh languages, including Tashelhiyt, Tamazight and Riffian, are also widely spoken, particularly in the rural, mountainous regions of the country. These Afro-Asiatic languages have a long and storied history, predating the arrival of Arabic in North Africa.
My husband’s family (based in Agadir) speak Tashelhiyt as their main language at home and with their local community.
Additionally, French maintains a strong presence as an administrative language, a vestige of Morocco’s colonial past under French rule. Many Moroccans, especially those educated in urban centres or working in government and business, are fluent in French and utilise it regularly.
Spanish is spoken in the northern regions of the country that were once under Spanish colonial influence and can often be heard in cities like Tangier and Tetouan.
In many tourist areas, English is increasingly spoken, particularly by the younger generations. If you’re travelling solely with English in your language arsenal, you can usually find someone to help translate, unless you’re venturing into remote rural areas.
Is Morocco safe to visit?
While Morocco is generally considered a safe destination for tourists, it’s important to exercise reasonable precautions and be aware of potential risks.
Like any travel destination, you should stay vigilant and informed about local conditions, rather than put yourself in potentially risky situations.
Politically, the country has been relatively stable in recent years. But travellers should still monitor any evolving security situations or advisories from their home governments. Protests occasionally take place, but these rarely impact tourist activities.
Petty crime such as pickpocketing does occur, especially in crowded tourist areas. So keeping valuables secure and being aware of your surroundings is advised.
Should I take a group tour in Morocco?
Generally speaking, Morocco is a safe country to explore independently. However, a group tour is ideal if you want all of the logistics taken care of for you and/or travel buddies to share the experience with.
While I would advise against large, impersonal bus tours, small group tours can provide the perfect balance of structure and flexibility. In my opinion, they allow you to enjoy a more tailored and intimate journey.
These trips typically cap their numbers at around 12 to 15 participants, creating a sense of camaraderie and allowing for a more personalised experience.
On a small group tour of Morocco, you can expect to receive attentive guidance from knowledgeable local guides. Most are often deeply embedded in the communities they showcase.
This allows you to delve deeper into Moroccan culture, customs and cuisine, often moving beyond what you could discover independently.
You can learn more about the difference between group tours and independent travel in Morocco in my detailed article here.
Is Morocco safe for solo female travellers?
Morocco can be a safe and rewarding destination for solo female travellers. However, it does require some additional precautions and cultural awareness.
As a predominantly Muslim nation, Morocco may have more conservative attitudes towards women’s independence than what you are accustomed to. Depending on where you are from, there may also be a stronger emphasis on traditional gender roles, which can manifest in unwanted attention.
Catcalling can be an issue, although I found it was more prevalent in big urban centres than in rural towns and villages.
It’s advisable for solo women to dress modestly, avoid isolated or poorly-lit areas at night and be cautious about accepting invitations or drinks from strangers.
Cultivating a confident, assertive demeanour and learning some basic Arabic phrases can also help deter unwanted advances. For more advice about travelling to Morocco as a solo female, check out my detailed article here.
Is Morocco safe for families?
Morocco is generally considered a safe and welcoming destination for families. In my opinion, it offers a rich cultural experience and a variety of activities to engage both children and adults.
Generally speaking, Morocco has a reputation for incredible hospitality and warmth towards visitors, including those travelling with young ones.
While travellers should always exercise reasonable precautions, the Moroccan people are generally very protective of children and families. In all likelihood, they will look out for your children as if they were their own.
How should I dress in Morocco?
No matter how you identify, it’s important to dress conservatively and respectfully in Morocco in order to be mindful of the local culture and customs.
That being said, many of the beach resorts and surf towns are accustomed to tourists in their regular beach getup and won’t bat an eyelid. However, once you step away from the sand and head to a local market, it’s best to cover up.
For local men, the appropriate attire typically consists of long-sleeved shirts paired with full-length pants, rather than shorts and singlets. For tourists, T-shirts and shorts are fine, although I would advise against wearing singlets.
Similarly, women should cover their shoulders and knees. If you’re visiting religious sites, you’ll also need to cover your arms and legs.
I recommend bringing along a lightweight scarf that can be used to cover up further if and when you need. It can also be used to shield your face if a sandstorm blows through.
Anything see-through, short or overly revealing is best left at home.
As a guest in Morocco, it’s important to be mindful of local norms and dress in a way that shows respect for the Moroccan people and their cultural traditions.
By making the effort to cover up and dress modestly, you won’t inadvertently cause offence (particularly to the older generation) or draw unwanted attention.
Is it safe for LGBTQ+ travellers in Morocco?
While Morocco has long attracted LGBTQ+ travellers, navigating the country as a non-heteronormative individual requires a heightened awareness of the legal and societal realities.
Homosexuality remains illegal in Morocco under Article 489 of the Penal Code. That being said, enforcement is rarely applied, particularly when both partners are foreign visitors.
In most cases, Moroccans are open-minded about same-sex partners and it’s unlikely you’ll experience any kind of discrimination.
Still, LGBTQ+ travellers should exercise a degree of caution. Public displays of affection – even mild ones – are seen as culturally unacceptable. However, this also applies to heteronormative couples.
It’s also advised against seeking out the country’s underground LGBTQ+ community, as this could inadvertently put local individuals at risk. While there are pockets of acceptance, particularly in more cosmopolitan urban centres, unfortunately there are still ingrained biases and prejudices.
What is the currency in Morocco?
The currency used in Morocco is the Moroccan dirham (MAD), which was first introduced in 1959 (replacing the Moroccan franc).
The dirham is subdivided into 100 centimes and is issued by Bank Al-Maghrib, the central bank of Morocco.
Banknotes come in denominations ranging from 20 dirhams up to 200 dirhams, while coins span from 5 centimes to 10 dirhams.
The dirham has a fluctuating exchange rate that is pegged to major international currencies, primarily the Euro and USD. This provides stability for the Moroccan currency.
Moroccan dirhams are widely accepted throughout the country for all financial transactions, from purchasing goods and services to making payments and withdrawing cash.
Please note:
Moroccan dirhams can’t be exchanged outside of Morocco. So make sure you spend or exchange what you have before leaving the country.
Can I use USD, Euros and Pounds in Morocco?
While Morocco is not a member of the European Union and primarily uses its own currency, it’s sometimes possible to use US Dollars, Euros or Pounds in transactions.
Many hotels, restaurants and tourist-oriented shops in popular destinations like Marrakech, Fes and Casablanca will readily accept payment in USD, EUR or GBP. Many stall owners in the souks will accept major foreign currencies too.
That being said, I’d advise you to carry some dirhams. This will allow you to easily shop at local stores and pick up essentials like water and snacks.
You can either exchange USD, Euros or Pounds on arrival or withdraw dirhams directly from an ATM at the airport.
Can I pay with credit and debit cards in Morocco?
Credit card usage is becoming more widespread in Morocco’s larger cities and tourist hubs. However, it is still not as widely accepted as it is in many Western countries.
In the souks, at small shops and at local restaurants, cash is still very much king.
Merchants may not have the necessary point-of-sale terminals or may just want to avoid the transaction fees associated with credit card payments.
However, larger hotels, upscale restaurants and major retail chains are far more likely to accept credit and debit cards.
Top tip:
If you are travelling to Morocco with credit/debitcards, I’d recommend notifying your provider of your travel plans ahead of time. This will help to avoid any issues with your cards being temporarily frozen due to suspected fraud. As I’ve experienced first-hand, this can be really annoying trying to rectify while abroad.
Is tipping customary in Morocco?
Tipping customs in Morocco can be a bit variable, depending on the specific situation and service being provided. In general, tipping is customary, though the expected amount may differ from what is typical in North America or Europe.
For many standard service encounters, like at a restaurant, it is common to leave a tip of around 10-15% of the total bill. That being said, some establishments may include a service charge instead.
When taking taxis, a small tip of 5-10% of the fare is usually appropriate. For guided tours or other services, a tip of 50-100 Moroccan dirhams per person is appreciated.
However, tipping can also be more flexible. Many Moroccans will simply round up a bill to the nearest whole number or leave a few extra dirhams as a gratuity.
If you’re self-driving, it’s customary to tip the parking attendants around 5 dirhams for an hour or up to around 30 dirhams if you’re leaving your vehicle overnight.
It’s also worth noting that some higher-end hotels or restaurants may have a fixed service charge included. In this case, additional tipping is not necessarily expected.
What electrical plugs are used in Morocco? Do I need an adapter in Morocco?
In Morocco, the electrical plugs and sockets used throughout the country are primarily of the European-style two-round-pin variety. These are the type C and type E plugs.
If you’re visiting from continental Europe, you won’t need to bring an adapter.
Visitors travelling from the United States, United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand will need to bring an adapter if they want to use their electronic devices in Morocco.
Can I drink alcohol in Morocco?
While the consumption of alcohol is acceptable amongst tourists in Morocco, the local cultural and religious norms do place certain restrictions on drinking that you should be mindful of.
As a predominantly Muslim country, the sale and public consumption of alcoholic beverages is heavily regulated. Alcohol is only available in licensed establishments like hotels, restaurants and a limited number of specialty shops.
However, most major cities and tourist hubs will have places where tourist can enjoy a drink. That being said, the selection is often more limited (and expensive) than what you might find back home.
It’s important to note that the legal drinking age in Morocco is 18. Public intoxication or disorderly conduct can result in fines or even arrest. So if you want to drink in Morocco, I’d recommend doing so responsibly and with respect to local customs.
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About Me
I’m Malika, an Australian-born travel writer with an intense love for Morocco. I first travelled here solo in 2014 and after meeting (and marrying) a local, I made this North African gem my home. Since that time, I have explored the country extensively, travelling to all corners with my partner, friends and on my own.
Morocco is an incredible destination and one that I think everyone who has the “travel bug” should experience. The scenery is spectacular, the medinas are enchanting and the locals are among the friendliest (and funniest) people I’ve ever met.
It’s no secret, however, that there a lot of questions and concerns voiced online about solo travel to Morocco, particularly from female travellers. So I wanted to create this resource filled with honest and up-to-date information. It’s designed to help solo travellers explore the country safely and have an amazing time along the way.
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