Travel advice and tips for visiting Morocco

Tips and recommendations for traveling to Morocco

When planning your trip, there are several factors to consider, ranging from safety issues to budgeting to selecting the ideal time to visit. This article answers your questions about Morocco, a country in North Africa, by compiling travel advice from our specialists. We’ll go over how to get about, what to eat, what to wear, and other travel tips.

Is Morocco a secure country?

Although Morocco is usually thought to be safe, it is important to keep your possessions safe. Although Morocco has a low crime rate, it is still advisable to avoid carrying significant sums of money or valuables, particularly in Tangier and Casablanca, and to a lesser extent in Fez and Marrakesh.

Stealing usually happens through scams or stealth, and mugging occurrences are uncommon. Be on the lookout for pickpockets in crowded locations and at transportation hubs. Be careful when using your card and pay attention to ATMs because credit card fraud is also rather frequent.

Avoid fraud by following official guides, which may be recognized by their enormous brass “sheriff’s badge.” Although unofficial guides might be authentic, it is more difficult to confirm their qualifications.

Respecting regional conventions, laws, and religions is crucial since Morocco adheres to Islamic law and customs. To avoid offending anyone, be careful what you do, particularly during Ramadan or when you visit places of worship.

For additional details, visit the US Department of State’s travel advice or the UK Government’s overseas travel advice page.

Morocco for female tourists

Morocco can be a very fulfilling destination for female travelers, but there are certain things to keep in mind. Traveling alone as a woman may provide additional difficulties and risks, especially in places like Fez and Casablanca, where street harassment is regrettably widespread. But places like Marrakech and Chefchaouen usually provide marginally better experiences.

It may be better to schedule a group trip for individuals who are less accustomed to traveling alone to improve safety and ease of navigation.

Although not required, headscarves may be appreciated, particularly when visiting places of worship, by non-Muslim women in Morocco. It’s kind and useful to carry a thin scarf that you can pull over your head when necessary.

Morocco for Travelers Who Identify as LGBTQ+

Morocco can offer LGBTQ+ tourists both chances and difficulties. LGBTQ+ tourists are still drawn to Morocco, but it’s important to understand the social and legal reality.

Morocco doesn’t have any official “gay hot spots” or LGBTQ+ events because homosexuality is prohibited. The difficulties LGBTQ+ people experience are exacerbated by hate speech from public figures and religious leaders. However, there are a few LGBT-friendly places in cities like Marrakech and Casablanca, where there is a comparatively more accepting environment than in rural areas.

In Morocco, transgender and gender-nonconforming people can face even more discrimination. Although transgender persons are not specifically targeted by any laws, conservative social views regarding gender identity may result in violence, harassment, or discrimination.

LGBTQ+ travelers can still have a fantastic trip to Morocco in spite of these obstacles. It is crucial to take the proper safety precautions and to be aware of local laws and customs.

How to travel to Morocco

The majority of visitors must fly into one of Morocco’s international airports to reach the country. The busiest airport in Morocco, Mohammed V International Airport, is close to Casablanca and receives flights from major cities across the globe. Meanwhile, Marrakesh’s Menara Airport provides easy access to the southern region of the nation.

In addition to around Christmas and the New Year, prices are highest in the summer months of June and August.

How to travel from the UK and Ireland to Morocco

If you’re traveling from the UK or Ireland, direct flights are easily accessible from major airports like London Heathrow, Gatwick, and Dublin. Airlines such as British Airways, Royal Air Maroc, and Ryanair provide frequent flights to Casablanca and Marrakesh. If your travel dates are variable, keep an eye out for offers that fit your budget.

Alternatively, you might fly into mainland Europe, especially France, Spain, or Gibraltar, if you want a slower trip. From here, you can embark on a picturesque Mediterranean Sea tour on a cruise ship.

How to travel from the United States and Canada to Morocco

Direct flights to Morocco are offered by numerous major airlines from major cities like Toronto, Los Angeles, and New York City. Be aware that depending on your departure city, these flights might be quite long, averaging 7 to 10 hours. Consider scheduling a flight with a layover in a European city, such as London, Paris, or Amsterdam, if you want to save money. Although it may take a little longer to get there, this frequently results in substantial airfare savings.

How to travel in Morocco

Once in Morocco, using public transportation is usually simple. The nation’s railway network effectively links key cities including Fez, Marrakech, and Casablanca. Buses travel through both well-known tourist locations and less-traveled areas for a more affordable way to get about. You have the utmost flexibility to explore Morocco as you see fit when you rent a car. Having your own wheels allows you to explore much of the country that would otherwise be missed, whether you’re navigating the Atlas Mountains or chasing sunsets along the coast.

However, if you’re really interested in learning about Moroccan culture, you might choose to hire a local tour.

Does Morocco cost a lot of money?

Moroccan food, accommodation, and travel costs are generally less expensive than those in North America and Europe. Trekking across the Atlas Mountains, touring ancient sites, or exploring medinas won’t break the bank. However, bear in mind that some activities, like camel rides or desert tours, could cost more. Morocco offers a variety of lodging options, from luxurious hotels and riads to inexpensive hostels. Location can impact prices. Expect higher pricing for needs in remote places where products must be brought from a distance.

While premium dining experiences can cost up to £70 (USD 95), you can find cheap meals at neighborhood restaurants for about £8 (USD 10).

Daily expensive

The bare minimum you would need to make ends meet would be £280 (or USD 350) each week if you slept in the less expensive hotels (or camped out), ate local food, and shared rooms and expenditures with someone else. It is more reasonable to spend £370 (or USD 499) per person per week. With this budget, you may live a more comfortable lifestyle and indulge in a few extra luxuries without having to worry about money too much. Aiming for a weekly budget of £1250–1800 (or $1700–2300 USD) per person should provide a comfortable experience with plenty of opportunity for indulgence if comfort is your first concern and you’re ready to spend a little.

Remember to factor in extra costs for mementos like handicrafts, carpets, and rugs. Additionally, be ready to experience poverty while traveling. Tipping is an example of a little act of charity that can have a significant impact on individuals in need, even while systemic problems cannot be solved.

The ideal time of year to travel to Morocco

Choose spring (March to May) or fall (September to November) for beautiful weather. Compared to other times of the year, these seasons have milder temperatures and less precipitation. Summer (June to August) is a popular time to visit coastal regions like Casablanca or Essaouira, but be ready for hot weather. The Sahara Desert and Marrakech are examples of inland areas that can get extremely hot in the summer. Winter (December to February) offers a flavor of Moroccan culture without the extreme heat, as well as milder weather and less tourists.

See our guide to the ideal time to travel to Morocco for a more thorough examination.

In Morocco, how many days are required?

You should plan for at least seven days in Morocco to acquire a sense of the country. You may visit the main attractions, such as Marrakech and Fez, during this time range. You can even fit in a day excursion to the Sahara Desert. Extending it to ten days will probably allow you to travel at a more leisurely pace. This lets you take your time exploring the souks. Perhaps even a day in Essaouira on the sea.

However, if you want to really explore Morocco, you should aim for a full two weeks. You have fourteen days to travel slowly, see Morocco in its entirety, hike the Atlas Mountains, and discover hidden treasures like Chefchaouen. There will be plenty of time for activities, such as touring historical locations like the old Roman remains of Volubilis or spending the night beneath the stars on a camel ride in the Sahara. Check out our Morocco itineraries for ideas.

Is a visa required?

You can enter Morocco as a tourist for up to 90 days without a visa if you are a citizen of the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the UK, Ireland, or any other EU nation. Your passport must, however, be valid for at least six months after the date of entrance. Additionally, as circumstances can change, make sure you are aware of the conditions for your visa before you leave. Those who require a visa include South Africans; applications should be sent to the Moroccan embassy or consulate in your home country.

Taking children on a trip to Morocco

A trip to Morocco with young children can be an experience of a lifetime. Families are central to Moroccan society, and children are frequently welcomed with open arms.  However, there can be certain obstacles in your path as a parent. It’s crucial to remember, for example, that facilities like baby changing rooms might not always be easily accessible in hotels, restaurants, or airports. It can be useful to have your own materials on hand. Furthermore, Morocco’s cultural experience can be very different from what your kids are used to. To avoid any possible overwhelm, it’s a good idea to educate children to the idea of accepting new sights, noises, and customs in advance.

Remember that while older children may have to pay the full adult cost, youngsters small enough to share your seat on buses and grands cabs usually travel for free. Children under a specific age can frequently receive discounts on trains. Your journey might be improved by looking for family-friendly lodging. Spacious rooms and facilities like swimming pools are features that many hotels and riads provide, making it simpler for families to have a comfortable stay.

What to Dress in Morocco

It’s crucial to wear modest clothing when in conservative neighborhoods or when visiting places of worship like mosques or medinas. It’s a good idea for both men and women to cover their knees and shoulders. Choose clothing that fits loosely so that it offers coverage without compromising comfort. Long-sleeved shirts, loose-fitting slacks, and flowy maxi dresses are all excellent options for staying cool during the summer. It is courteous to cover oneself when walking to and from beaches and resorts, even when a swimsuit is permitted there. When you’re not by the water, wear a sarong or cover-up over your swimwear. Wear comfortable shoes because Morocco’s streets can be dirty and uneven. Click for More Info About What to Drees in Morocco

Remember that cultural standards of modesty might differ between Moroccan communities and between urban and rural areas.

Foods to Eat in Morocco

Moroccan cuisine is renowned for its blend of savory and sweet flavors. Msemen, a flaky, square-shaped pastry, is a typical Moroccan breakfast that you should have first thing in the morning. It is frequently consumed with a cup of mint tea and honey or jam.

Try a traditional Moroccan lunch of couscous, which is cooked from steamed semolina grains and paired with either meat or veggies. Another option is bastilla, a savory-sweet pie with layers of flaky pastry, and spiced meat, with cinnamon and powdered sugar on top.

Don’t pass up the opportunity to enjoy a Moroccan mezze dish for supper, which includes tart preserved lemons and Moroccan baba ganoush.

The local baklava, or sfenj, is another must-try when in Morocco.