Entry Requirements & Visas
Visa-Free Entry for Many Nationalities in 2026
Citizens from over 70 countries, including the US, EU, UK, Canada, and Australia, can enter Morocco visa-free for up to 90 days for tourism. Always verify your eligibility based on your passport and purpose of visit to ensure smooth entry.
Passport Requirements
Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure from Morocco, with at least two blank pages for entry stamps and visas if required.
It's wise to carry a photocopy of your passport separately from the original, as loss or theft can complicate matters at checkpoints or hotels.
Visa-Free Countries
Travelers from the EU, US, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan, and many African nations enjoy visa-free access for stays up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
For longer stays or work purposes, registration with local authorities is mandatory, and overstaying can result in fines or deportation.
Visa Applications
Non-exempt nationalities should apply for a visa through a Moroccan consulate or the new e-visa system (introduced in 2024), with fees around €30-50 and processing times of 15-30 days.
Required documents include a valid passport, proof of accommodation, return ticket, and financial means (at least €50/day), plus yellow fever vaccination if coming from endemic areas.
Border Crossings
Major entry points like Casablanca and Marrakech airports offer efficient processing, while ferry crossings from Spain to Tangier or land borders with Algeria (limited) require patience for customs checks.
Expect questions about your itinerary and funds; having a hotel booking confirmation can speed up immigration at busier ports.
Travel Insurance
While not mandatory, comprehensive travel insurance is highly recommended, covering medical evacuations from remote areas like the Sahara and adventure activities such as camel trekking.
Policies should include coverage for trip delays due to sandstorms and start from €10/day; declare any pre-existing conditions to avoid claim denials.
Extensions Possible
Visa extensions for up to 90 additional days can be requested at a local police station or prefecture before your initial stay expires, with a fee of about 300 MAD and proof of onward travel.
Extensions are granted for valid reasons like health issues or extended tourism; always apply early to avoid penalties for overstaying, which can reach 1,000 MAD per day.
Money, Budget & Costs
Smart Money Management
Morocco uses the Moroccan Dirham (MAD). For the best exchange rates and lowest fees, use Wise to send money or convert currency - they offer real exchange rates with transparent fees, saving you money compared to traditional banks.
Daily Budget Breakdown
Money-Saving Pro Tips
Book Flights Early
Find the best deals to Casablanca or Marrakech by comparing prices on Trip.com, Expedia, or CheapTickets.
Booking 2-3 months in advance can save you 30-50% on airfare, especially during peak seasons like spring festivals.
Eat Like a Local
Dine at street stalls for affordable tagines and couscous under 50 MAD, avoiding tourist traps in Jemaa el-Fnaa to save up to 60% on meals.
Local markets like those in Fez offer fresh fruits, spices, and ready-to-eat dishes at bargain prices, perfect for picnics in historic sites.
Public Transport Passes
Opt for ONCF train passes for unlimited second-class travel between major cities like Rabat and Marrakech at 300 MAD for a week, slashing intercity costs.
City bus cards in Casablanca provide discounted rides and often bundle with ferry access to nearby attractions.
Free Attractions
Explore the labyrinthine medinas of Marrakech and Fez, public gardens like Majorelle, and sunset views over the Atlas Mountains without any entry fees.
Many mosques and riads offer free access on guided walking tours organized by local tourism boards, providing authentic cultural immersion.
Card vs Cash
Credit cards are accepted in hotels and larger shops, but carry cash in small MAD notes for souks, taxis, and rural areas where cards aren't an option.
Use ATMs in banks for the best rates, avoiding airport exchanges, and notify your bank of travel to prevent card blocks during transactions.
Site Combo Tickets
Purchase the Marrakech City Pass for bundled entry to Bahia Palace, Saadian Tombs, and museums at 200 MAD, which covers 5-7 sites and saves 40%.
Similar passes in Fez and Essaouira pay off quickly for history buffs visiting multiple UNESCO sites in one trip.
Smart Packing for Morocco
Essential Items for Any Season
Clothing Essentials
Pack modest, loose-fitting clothes like long sleeves, pants, and scarves to respect local customs in medinas and mosques, while including breathable fabrics for hot days.
Layer for variable climates: light cotton for coastal areas and warmer woolens for chilly Atlas Mountain evenings or Sahara nights.
Electronics
Bring a universal adapter for Type C/E plugs (220V), a portable power bank for long desert excursions, and a VPN-enabled device for secure Wi-Fi in cafes.
Download offline maps of cities like Rabat and translation apps for Darija Arabic, plus a camera to capture vibrant souk colors and landscapes.
Health & Safety
Carry comprehensive travel insurance docs, a basic first-aid kit with anti-diarrheal meds, rehydration salts, and any prescriptions, plus high-SPF sunscreen and hats.
Include insect repellent for rural hikes and a water purification tablet for remote areas; vaccinations like hepatitis A/B are advised for food-related risks.
Travel Gear
Pack a lightweight daypack for souk haggling, a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated in the heat, and a quick-dry travel towel for hammam visits.
Bring multiple copies of your passport and visa, a money belt for cash security in crowded markets, and a scarf for dust protection during camel rides.
Footwear Strategy
Choose comfortable walking sandals or closed-toe shoes for uneven medina paths and dusty trails, plus sturdy hiking boots for Atlas treks or Erg Chebbi dunes.
Waterproof options are useful for coastal Essaouira rains, and always pack extra socks to handle the heat and potential blisters from long explorations.
Personal Care
Include travel-sized toiletries like moisturizer for dry desert air, lip balm with SPF, and biodegradable soap for eco-friendly camping in national parks.
A compact umbrella or poncho for occasional showers, wet wipes for hygiene in areas with limited facilities, and argan oil samples to enhance your skincare routine inspired by Moroccan traditions.
When to Visit Morocco
Spring (March-May)
Mild weather of 15-25°C makes it perfect for hiking in the High Atlas Mountains, wildflower blooms in the Sahara, and exploring Fez without extreme heat.
Fewer crowds than summer allow for intimate riads and festivals like the Timitar Music Fest in Agadir, with lower flight prices.
Summer (June-August)
Hot temperatures up to 40°C in the interior suit beachgoers in Agadir or Essaouira, with cooling Atlantic breezes and vibrant Gnaoua music festivals.
Expect peak crowds and prices in Marrakech, but it's ideal for rooftop dining and early-morning market visits to beat the midday sun.
Autumn (September-November)
Comfortable 20-30°C days are great for road trips along the coast, olive harvests in Meknes, and camel treks in the dunes with golden light for photography.
Shoulder season means discounted riads and fewer tourists, perfect for immersive cooking classes or visits to ancient Roman ruins in Volubilis.
Winter (December-February)
Mild coastal temps of 15-20°C and snowy peaks in Ifrane offer skiing alongside cultural events like Marrakech's International Film Festival.
Budget-friendly for southern escapes to the Sahara for stargazing, with cozy tagine meals and off-peak pricing making it a serene time for reflection.
Important Travel Information
- Currency: Moroccan Dirham (MAD). Non-convertible outside Morocco; exchange at banks or ATMs. Cards accepted in cities but cash essential for souks.
- Language: Arabic and Berber official; French widely used in business. English common in tourist hubs like Marrakech and Casablanca.
- Time Zone: Western European Time (WET), UTC+1 (UTC+0 from last Sunday in March to last Sunday in October)
- Electricity: 220V, 50Hz. Type C/E plugs (European two-pin round)
- Emergency Number: 19 for police, 15 for ambulance, 14 for fire; 112 for EU-standard emergencies
- Tipping: Expected in restaurants (10%), taxis (round up), and for services like guides; small change (5-20 MAD) appreciated
- Water: Bottled water recommended; tap water unsafe in rural areas. Avoid ice in drinks outside reputable hotels
- Pharmacies: Easily found in cities (look for "Pharmacie" signs with green crosses); 24-hour options in major towns