{"metadata":{"generated":{"timestamp":1710874876,"date":"2024-03-19 15:01:16"}},"data":{"country-iso":"MA","advisory-state":1,"has-advisory-warning":0,"has-regional-advisory":1,"has-content":1,"update-metadata":"Editorial change","eng":{"name":"Morocco","url-slug":"morocco","geo-group":"Africa","flag":null,"friendly-date":"March 13, 2024 14:43 EDT","advisory-text":"Exercise a high degree of caution (with regional advisories)","recent-updates":"The Health section was updated - travel health information (Public Health Agency of Canada)","advisories":"
Exercise a high degree of caution<\/a> in Morocco due to the threat of terrorism.<\/p><\/div> Avoid all travel<\/a> to the following areas: <\/p><\/div>","security":" Protests related to the situation in Israel, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip<\/b><\/p><\/h3> Since October 13, 2023, protests have been taking place in Rabat, Casablanca and other cities near government buildings. The current protests are related to the ongoing situation in Israel, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.<\/p> Additional protests are expected in Rabat, Casablanca, Marrakesh, Fez, Tangier and several other cities across the country.<\/p> Moroccan authorities may employ enhanced measures to respond to demonstrations, including:<\/p> If you are near an affected area:<\/p> A militarized boundary, known as the Berm, separates the Moroccan-controlled part of Western Sahara from the rest of the Saharan territory, which borders Algeria and Mauritania. There are fatalities involving unexploded ordnance in this zone each year.<\/p> Morocco’s border with Algeria is closed. Don’t attempt to cross into Algeria by land or water. Avoid boating close to the maritime border in order not to cross it.<\/p> Western Sahara is a non-autonomous territory whose political and legal status has yet to be determined through the United Nations. It’s a former area of conflict that’s still littered with unexploded landmines, particularly in remote regions and the militarized zone.<\/p> We may be extremely limited in our ability to provide assistance to Canadians in Western Sahara.<\/p> When you travel to a remote area:<\/p> There’s a threat of terrorism, and attacks have targeted foreigners. In December 2018, 2 Scandinavian tourists were found dead in a mountainous area of \u200b\u200bsouthern Morocco, 10 km from Imlil, a village in the High Atlas. Moroccan authorities have described the killing as a terrorist act. Terrorist attacks could occur at any time.<\/p> Targets could include:<\/p> For your safety:<\/p> There’s a threat of kidnapping against Westerners in remote regions of Morocco and in areas bordering Algeria and Mauritania.<\/p> Demonstrations take place from time to time, most often in Rabat. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.<\/p> Mass gatherings (large-scale events)<\/a><\/p> Petty crimes notably pickpocketing, purse snatchings (sometimes by motorcyclists), scams and other thefts take place, most frequently in medinas, market areas, parks and on beaches but can also occur in all types of neighbourhoods.<\/p> To limit your risks:<\/p> While Moroccans are generally very friendly and hospitable, you should always exercise common sense and travel wisely.<\/p> Armed robberies with knives have occurred and have resulted in injuries and in some cases, deaths. Don’t resist robbers.<\/p> Thefts occur around ATMs.<\/p> Credit card fraud is also frequent.<\/p> Tourists have been forcibly taken to stores and intimidated into making purchases.<\/p> Women travelling alone may be subject to certain forms of harassment and verbal abuse.<\/p> Advice for women travellers<\/a><\/p> Road conditions and road safety vary greatly throughout the country, depending on location and weather (for example, in the mountains or during the rainy season).<\/p> Not all drivers respect traffic regulations. Pedestrians, scooters and animals on roadways can also pose risks.<\/p> National roads are generally in good condition but are narrow and heavily congested.<\/p> Driving is generally easier on the highways.<\/p> Be extremely careful when driving on the Rabat-Casablanca highway and on certain national highways because of high traffic volume.<\/p> Accidents causing fatalities are common.<\/p> If an accident occurs and only involves material damage, the police won’t usually intervene. The parties involved should complete an accident report (joint report), which can be purchased at newsstands. If the accident involves casualties, avoid moving the vehicles before the police arrive.<\/p> Checkpoints are frequent. Carry your identification and vehicle documents at all times.<\/p> We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.<\/p> Information about foreign domestic airlines<\/a><\/p> Exercise caution if travelling to Morocco for romance, especially in cases of relationships initiated on the Internet.<\/p> Find out beforehand about the country’s customs and laws on conjugal relations and marriage.<\/p> Ensure that you retain possession of your return plane ticket, your money and your passport in case problems arise.<\/p> While swimming conditions in tourist areas are generally safe and problem-free, public beaches in major cities are often polluted and unfit for swimming.<\/p> Swimming at some beaches on the Atlantic coast is dangerous due to strong currents and tides. Only swim at designated beaches and exercise caution.<\/p> Fondation Mohammed VI pour la protection de l’environnement<\/a> - a list of beaches that meet international standards<\/p> Women and girls can be the subject of harassment when wearing swimsuits. Exercise caution and opt for tourist beaches rather than the public ones.<\/p>","entry-exit":" Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.<\/p> We have obtained the information on this page from the Moroccan authorities. It can, however, change at any time.<\/p> Verify this information with the Foreign Representatives in Canada<\/a>.<\/p> Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.<\/p> Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.<\/p> Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you expect to leave Morocco.<\/span><\/p> Different entry rules may apply.<\/p> Official travel<\/a><\/p> While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.<\/p> Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.<\/p> Tourist visa: not required for stays of less than 90 days You must secure proper authorization if you plan to extend your stay in Morocco beyond 90 days. Contact the Service to Foreigners Section (Section du service aux étrangers) at the local police station at least 15 days prior to the expiry of the 90-day limit.<\/p> If you remain in Morocco beyond the 90-day limit, you’ll be forced to remain there until seen by a prosecutor and fined.<\/p> To enter Morocco by private boat, you must do so at a recognized port of entry.<\/p> If you enter Morocco with a vehicle, you must exit with it or you will be denied exit.<\/p> Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever <\/a>(vaccines section).<\/p> Learn more about travelling with children<\/a>.<\/p>","health":" This section contains information on possible health risks and restrictions regularly found or ongoing in the destination. Follow this advice to lower your risk of becoming ill while travelling. Not all risks are listed below.<\/p> Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic preferably 6 weeks before you travel to get personalized health advice and recommendations.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div> Be sure that your routine vaccinations<\/a>, as per your province or territory<\/a>, are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination.<\/p>\n Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary. <\/p> Yellow fever<\/a> is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.<\/p>\n Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.<\/p>\n Risk<\/strong><\/p>\n Country Entry Requirement*<\/strong><\/p>\n Recommendation<\/strong><\/p>\n * It is important to note that country entry requirements<\/a> may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office<\/a> of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements.<\/p>\n About Yellow Fever<\/a><\/p>\n Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres in Canada<\/a><\/p><\/details> There is a risk of hepatitis A<\/a> in this destination. It is a disease of the liver. People can get hepatitis A if they ingest contaminated food or water, eat foods prepared by an infectious person, or if they have close physical contact (such as oral-anal sex) with an infectious person, although casual contact among people does not spread the virus.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Practise safe food and water precautions<\/a> and wash your hands often. Vaccination is recommended for all travellers to areas where hepatitis A is present. <\/p><\/details> Measles<\/a> is a highly contagious viral disease. It can spread quickly from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.<\/p>\n Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of being infected with it when travelling internationally.<\/p>\n Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are fully protected against measles.<\/p><\/details> Hepatitis B<\/a> is a risk in every destination. It is a viral liver disease that is easily transmitted from one person to another through exposure to blood and body fluids containing the hepatitis B virus. Travellers who may be exposed to blood or other bodily fluids (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) are at higher risk of getting hepatitis B.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all travellers. Prevent hepatitis B<\/a> infection by practicing safe sex, only using new and sterile drug equipment, and only getting tattoos and piercings in settings that follow public health regulations and standards.<\/p><\/details> Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) <\/a><\/span>is an infectious viral disease. It can spread from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.<\/span><\/p>\n It is recommended that all eligible travellers complete a COVID-19 vaccine series along with any additional recommended doses in Canada before travelling. Evidence shows that vaccines are very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. While vaccination provides better protection against serious illness, you may still be at risk of infection from the virus that causes COVID-19. Anyone who has not completed a vaccine series is at increased risk of being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 and is at greater risk for severe disease when travelling internationally. <\/span><\/p>\n Before travelling, verify your destination’s COVID-19 vaccination entry\/exit requirements. Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are adequately protected against COVID-19. <\/span><\/p><\/details> The best way to protect yourself from seasonal influenza<\/a> (flu) is to get vaccinated every year. Get the flu shot<\/a> at least 2 weeks before travelling. <\/p>\n The flu occurs worldwide. <\/p>\n The flu vaccine available in one hemisphere may only offer partial protection against the flu in the other hemisphere.<\/p>\n The flu virus spreads from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Clean your hands often and wear a mask if you have a fever or respiratory symptoms.<\/p><\/details> If you are bitten or scratched by an animal while travelling, immediately wash the wound with soap and clean water and see a health care professional. Rabies treatment is often available in this destination. <\/p>\n Before travel, discuss rabies vaccination with a health care professional. It may be recommended for travellers who are at high risk of exposure (e.g., occupational risk such as veterinarians and wildlife workers, children, adventure travellers and spelunkers, and others in close contact with animals). <\/p><\/details> Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.<\/p>\n <\/p> Travellers' diarrhea<\/a> is the most common illness affecting travellers. It is spread from eating or drinking contaminated food or water.<\/p>\n Risk of developing travellers' diarrhea increases when travelling in regions with poor standards of hygiene and sanitation. Practise safe food and water precautions.<\/p>\n The most important treatment for travellers' diarrhea is rehydration (drinking lots of fluids). Carry oral rehydration salts when travelling.<\/p><\/details> Typhoid<\/a> <\/span>is a bacterial infection spread by contaminated food or water. Risk is higher among children, travellers going to rural areas, travellers visiting friends and relatives or those travelling for a long period of time.<\/p>\n Travellers visiting regions with a risk of typhoid, especially those exposed to places with poor sanitation, should speak to a health care professional about vaccination. <\/p><\/details> Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. When travelling to areas where infected insects may be present:<\/p>\n To learn more about how you can reduce your risk of infection and disease caused by bites, both at home and abroad, visit our insect bite prevention<\/a> page.<\/p>\n Find out what types of insects are present where you’re travelling, when they’re most active, and the symptoms of the diseases they spread.<\/p> Some infections, such as rabies<\/a> and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. Certain types of activities may increase your chance of contact with animals, such as travelling in rural or forested areas, camping, hiking, and visiting wet markets (places where live animals are slaughtered and sold) or caves.<\/p>\n Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating undercooked wild game.<\/p>\n Closely supervise children, as they are more likely to come in contact with animals.<\/p>\n <\/p> Stay home if you’re sick and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette<\/a>, which includes coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu<\/a> and other illnesses by:<\/p>\n Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)<\/a>, HIV<\/a>, and mpox are spread through blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise safe sex, and limit your number of sexual partners. Check with your local public health authority<\/a> pre-travel to determine your eligibility for mpox vaccine. <\/p> Tuberculosis<\/a> is an infection caused by bacteria and usually affects the lungs.<\/p>\n For most travellers the risk of tuberculosis is low.<\/p>\n Travellers who may be at high risk while travelling in regions with risk of tuberculosis should discuss pre- and post-travel options with a health care professional.<\/p>\n High-risk travellers include those visiting or working in prisons, refugee camps, homeless shelters, or hospitals, or travellers visiting friends and relatives.<\/p><\/details> The quality of medical care varies greatly throughout the country. Casablanca, Marrakesh and Rabat have good, private medical facilities for non-emergencies. Care in public health facilities is not up to Canadian standards.<\/p> Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment.<\/p> Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.<\/p> Travel health and safety<\/a><\/p> <\/p> The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.<\/p>\n Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a <\/span>travel health kit<\/a>, especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.<\/p>","laws-culture":" You must abide by local laws.<\/p> Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad<\/a>.<\/p> Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are strict, and judgment is expeditious.<\/p> Alcohol consumption outside of licensed bars, hotels and restaurants is prohibited. Offenders may be punished by detention or other penalties. Alcohol can also be purchased from licensed stores for private consumption.<\/p> Drugs, alcohol and travel<\/a><\/p> Unauthorized importation of bibles or other non-Islamic religious material is prohibited, except for personal use. Religious preaching is forbidden.<\/p> Sending identity papers, such as passports, by mail is forbidden in Morocco and authorities may confiscate them.<\/p> Extramarital sexual relations are illegal. Hotels may refuse to allow couples to stay in the same room, if they’re unable to prove that they’re married. Foreigners, however, are almost always exempt from having to provide proof.<\/p> Possession of pornographic material is illegal.<\/p> Don’t take photographs of military or security installations.<\/p> Drones and surveillance equipment are prohibited and will be confiscated by the authorities upon entry.<\/p> The Moroccan constitution states that the person of the King is inviolable and respect is due to him. It is expected that people avoid any criticism of the monarchy.<\/p> The laws of Morocco prohibit sexual acts between individuals of the same sex. <\/span><\/p> 2SLGBTQI+ travellers should carefully consider the risks of travelling to Morocco.<\/span><\/p><\/p> Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics<\/a><\/p> Children of Moroccan fathers automatically acquire Moroccan citizenship at birth, regardless of where they were born. Children of Moroccan mothers may submit a request for their citizenship.<\/p> Under Moroccan law, parents may prevent their children from leaving Morocco.<\/p> Entry and exit requirements when travelling with children <\/a><\/p> Dual citizenship is legally recognized in Morocco. According to Moroccan law, however, Moroccan citizenship takes precedence over any other citizenship.<\/p> Airport authorities regularly ask dual citizens to produce their Moroccan national identification card.<\/p> If you’re a citizen of Canada, but also a citizen of Morocco, our ability to offer you consular services may be limited in Morocco. You may also be subject to different entry\/exit requirements.<\/p> General information for travellers with dual citizenship<\/a><\/p> The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. The convention applies between Canada and Morocco.<\/p> If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Morocco, and if the applicable conditions are met, you may apply for the return of your child to the Moroccan court.<\/p> If you are in this situation:<\/p> If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.<\/p> Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country’s judicial affairs.<\/p> Islamic practices and beliefs are adhered to in Morocco’s customs, laws and regulations. Dress conservatively, behave discreetly and respect religious and social traditions to avoid offending local sensitivities.<\/p> Public displays of affection are frowned upon.<\/p> In 2024, the lunar month of Ramadan is expected to begin on or around March 10.<\/p> In public, between sunrise and sunset, refrain from:<\/p> The currency in Morocco is the Moroccan dirham (MAD). The dirham cannot be exchanged outside of the country. Exchange only as much money as needed, as it is illegal to take dirhams out of Morocco.<\/p> Unused dirhams can be converted at the airport exchange counter upon departure, with proof of your initial currency purchase.<\/p> Credit cards and traveller’s cheques are accepted in certain stores and restaurants in urban centres and in major hotels.<\/p>","disasters-climate":" Earthquake in the Marrakesh-Safi region<\/p><\/h3> On September 8, 2023, a 6.8 magnitude earthquake struck near the city of Marrakesh, in the Marrakesh-Safi region. The tremors were felt in several cities across the country.<\/p> <\/p> There was significant damage to infrastructure and many casualties, especially in the villages located in the area of the High Atlas. Emergency services continue to provide assistance to the affected populations and recovery efforts are underway.<\/p> <\/p> If you are in or near the affected areas:<\/p> Morocco is located in an active seismic zone.<\/p> The rainy season usually extends from November to March, during which flash floods can occur frequently. These can be especially dangerous in the High Atlas valleys.<\/p> Monitor regional weather forecasts and plan accordingly<\/p>","offices-help-abroad":{"opening-text":"","closing-text":""},"offices-html":" In case of emergency, dial:<\/p>Border regions of Western Sahara - Avoid all travel<\/h3>
Border regions<\/h3>
The Berm (border regions of Western Sahara)<\/h4>
Border with Algeria<\/h4>
Western Sahara<\/h4>
Travel in remote areas<\/h4>
Terrorism<\/h3>
Kidnapping<\/h3>
Demonstrations<\/h3>
Crime<\/h3>
Petty crime<\/h4>
Armed robbery<\/h4>
ATMs<\/h4>
Credit card fraud<\/h4>
Forced purchases<\/h4>
Women’s safety<\/h3>
Road safety<\/h3>
Risks<\/h4>
National roads<\/h4>
Highways<\/h4>
Accidents<\/h4>
Checkpoints<\/h4>
Air travel<\/h3>
Internet romances<\/h3>
Useful links<\/h4>
Public beaches<\/h3>
Passport<\/h3>
Regular Canadian passport<\/h4>
Passport for official travel<\/h4>
Passport with “X” gender identifier<\/h4>
Other travel documents<\/h4>
Useful links<\/h4>
Visas<\/h3>
Business visa: not required for stays of less than 90 days
Student visa: not required for stays of less than 90 days<\/p>Extending your stay beyond 90 days<\/h4>
Entering by private boat<\/h3>
Entering with a private vehicle<\/h3>
Yellow fever<\/h3>
Children and travel<\/h3>
Relevant Travel Health Notices<\/h3>
Routine vaccines<\/h3>\n
Pre-travel vaccines and medications<\/h3>\n
Yellow Fever - Country Entry Requirements <\/summary>
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Hepatitis A<\/summary>
Measles <\/summary>
Hepatitis B<\/summary>
COVID-19<\/summary>
Influenza<\/summary>
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Rabies <\/summary>
In this destination, rabies<\/a> is carried by dogs and some wildlife, including bats. Rabies is a deadly disease that spreads to humans primarily through bites or scratches from an infected animal. While travelling, take precautions<\/a>, including keeping your distance from animals (including free-roaming dogs), and closely supervising children.<\/p>\nSafe food and water precautions<\/h3>\n
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Travellers' diarrhea<\/summary>
Typhoid <\/summary>
Insect bite prevention<\/h3>\n
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Animal precautions<\/h3>\n
Person-to-person infections<\/h3>\n
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Tuberculosis<\/summary>
Medical services and facilities<\/h3>
Keep in Mind...<\/h3>\n
Drugs<\/h3>
Alcohol<\/span><\/h4>
Non-Islamic religious materials<\/h3>
Mailing identity papers<\/h3>
Extramarital sexual relations<\/h3>
Pornography<\/h3>
Photography<\/h3>
Drones and surveillance equipment<\/h3>
Monarchy<\/h3>
2SLGBTQI+ travellers<\/h3>
Children<\/h3>
Children and citizenship<\/h4>
Children and travel<\/h4>
Dual citizenship<\/h3>
International Child Abduction<\/h3>
Useful links<\/h4>
Dress and behaviour<\/h3>
Ramadan<\/h3>
Money<\/h3>
Rainy season<\/h3>
Local services<\/h3>
Emergency services<\/summary>
Consular assistance<\/h3>
Rabat-Souissi<\/strong> - Embassy of Canada<\/summary>