Morocco

EXPLORE MOROCCO Your Comprehensive Destination Guide At a Glance Total area: 710,850 km² (274,460 sq miles) Capital: Rabat Religion: Predominantly Islam (Sunni) Population: 37 million Language: Arabic (Moroccan Darija dialect), Berber (Amazigh), and French are widely spoken. Currency: Moroccan Dirham (MAD)  Banking Hours: Sun–Thu, 8:30 am–3:30 pm; some banks open on Saturday mornings Telephone/Communication: The country code is +212; there is good mobile coverage and Wi-Fi in urban areas Climate: Mediterranean along the coast, arid inland; hot summers, mild winters   VAT in Morocco Morocco offers a VAT refund scheme for non-resident travelers only under certain conditions. Who qualifies? Non-resident foreign travelers Must have spent at least 2,000 MAD (~USD 200) in a single transaction at a participating store What Qualifies? You must purchase items from approved retailers that offer tax-free shopping. Look for stores displaying the “Tax-Free for Tourists” or “Premier Tax-Free” signage. How to Claim: At the time of purchase, ask the retailer for a VAT refund receipt and ensure the invoice is marked as tax-free. When you arrive at the airport (Casablanca, Marrakech, Rabat, etc.), Present your passport, boarding pass, unused goods, and VAT invoice at the customs desk. Get the form stamped and proceed to the tax refund counter to complete the process. Refund Method: Refunds are typically issued to your credit card or through a bank transfer. Authorized third parties, such as Global Blue or Premier Tax-Free, process the refund. Often, they deduct a handling fee (around 10–15%) from the total refund amount. Important Notes Refunds apply to goods only, not services (like meals or tours). Export unused goods in your luggage. Not all stores participate — always ask before you buy. Travel Requirements Entry & Visa Passport Validity: Your U.S. passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date from Morocco. Ensure your passport has at least two blank pages for entry and exit stamps. Visa Policy: U.S. citizens can enter Morocco visa-free for stays up to 90 days. For stays longer than 90 days, you must apply for an extension at a local police station. Proof of Return or Onward Travel: Immigration officials may request proof of a return or onward ticket to ensure you plan to leave Morocco within the allowed period. Financial Means: Be prepared to demonstrate sufficient funds to cover your stay. You can do this through recent bank statements, credit card limits, or a letter from a financial sponsor. Health & Safety Guidelines COVID-19 Restrictions: Morocco has lifted all COVID-19 entry requirements as of 2025. No vaccination certificates or PCR tests are needed. Vaccinations: No mandatory vaccinations are required for entry. However, we highly recommend the following vaccinations: Hepatitis A Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap) Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) Rabies (especially if you plan to visit rural areas or interact with animals) Travel Insurance: While not mandatory, comprehensive travel insurance is highly recommended. Ensure it covers: Medical emergencies Trip cancellations or interruptions Loss of baggage or personal belongings If you plan to undertake desert excursions or adventure activities, ensure your insurance explicitly covers them, as Morocco requires specific coverage. Additional Considerations Proof of Accommodation: It’s advisable to have confirmed hotel reservations or a letter of invitation if staying with friends or family. Customs Declarations: Be honest and accurate when declaring items upon arrival to avoid complications. Local Laws and Customs: Familiarize yourself with Moroccan laws and cultural norms. For example, Moroccan laws restrict alcohol consumption in public and value modest dress, particularly in rural areas. Getting there from the US Royal Air Maroc operates nonstop flights from New York (JFK), Washington, D.C. (IAD), and Miami (MIA) to Casablanca (CMN) United Airlines has introduced a nonstop route from Newark (EWR) to Marrakesh (RAK), operating three times weekly TAP Air Portugal offers connecting flights from New York/Newark (EWR) to Casablanca (CMN) and Marrakesh (RAK) Several airlines offer both direct and connecting flights from major U.S. cities to Morocco’s key destinations: United Airlines also provides flights from various U.S. cities to Marrakesh Nonstop flights from the East Coast to Casablanca take about 7–8 hours. Connecting flights may take 10–15 hours, depending on layovers. Travel Safety Tips   Before You Go: Stay Away from Busy Areas Pickpocketing can occur in crowded markets (souks), medinas, and transportation hubs—especially in cities like Marrakech and Fes. Wear a crossbody bag and keep valuables secure and out of sight. Respect Local Customs and Dress Modestly Morocco is a conservative country, particularly in rural areas. Modest clothing (covering shoulders and knees) is advised for both men and women. During Ramadan, avoid eating or drinking in public during daylight hours. Be Cautious of Scams In tourist areas, “friendly” strangers might offer unsolicited help or directions and later ask for money. If someone offers to guide you without being an official guide, politely decline. Only Use Registered Guides Hire official, government-certified guides for excursions or medina tours. Ask your hotel or riad for referrals. Use Reputable Transportation Use registered taxis (agree on the fare beforehand or ask for the meter to be turned on). For intercity travel, trains and buses like ONCF and CTM are generally safe and reliable. Avoid Political Discussions Avoid sensitive political discussions in public or with strangers. It’s also best to avoid demonstrations or political gatherings altogether. Watch for Traffic Hazards Be extra careful when walking—city traffic can be chaotic, and pedestrians don’t always have the right of way. If renting a car, be alert to erratic driving behavior, animals on roads, and unclear traffic signage. Mind the Sun and Hydration Morocco can get scorching, especially in desert regions. Carry water, wear sunscreen, and avoid strenuous activities during peak midday heat. Be Careful with Street Food While Moroccan street food is tempting and delicious, stick to busy stalls with high turnover to avoid foodborne illnesses. It is advisable to consume bottled or filtered water instead of tap water. Have Emergency Contacts Handy Save emergency numbers. Police: 19 (landline), 112 (mobile) Ambulance: 15 U.S. Embassy in Rabat: https://ma.usembassy.gov For Women Travelers Solo female