A Complete Guide to Traveling in Morocco
Morocco is the northernmost country in Africa. With Arabic influence, ornate architecture, and a rich history, there is so much to see and do there. Explore all over the country and you will see there is so much more than just desert.
In this guide we are going to cover everything from the basics of how to get there, things to look out for, and the best destinations to check out. Here is everything you need to know for traveling in Morocco.
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Where is Morocco?
Morocco is the northernmost country in all of Africa. Separated by just 7 nautical miles, it is very close to the South of Europe- particularly Spain. It borders Algeria to its East, and Western Sahara to the south.
Morocco is the northernmost country in Africa.
Traveling in Morocco: Getting There
The easiest way to get to Morocco is by flight. The main airports are Casablanca, Rabat, Tangier, Fes, and Marrakech. Ryanair has flights as low as 10 euros from Spain going to a great deal of the major cities.
Despite being in Africa, it is much cheaper traveling to Morocco from Europe, particularly from Spain and France.
If you don't want to fly however, there are ferries that go from Tarifa, Spain to Tangier, Morocco. For some time the ferries stopped running due to Covid, but they are supposed to be up and running again soon.
Flying into Morocco is easiest from Spain or France
Traveling in Morocco: Entry Requirements
Each country have different requirements for getting in. We're here to cover not just the requirements for getting in due to Covid, but those regarding to visas as well. Here is what you need to know for traveling in Morocco.
Covid Entry Requirements
When it comes to entry requirements due to Covid, all those entering Morocco need proof of vaccination. Everyone should carry their card on them for entry to establishments such as restaurants or hotels. For entry, there is also a system where Morocco divides citizenships as class A or class B.
Those countries that are in class A must present a valid record of vaccination. While those that are in class B must present a record of vaccination, as well as a negative PCR test within 48 hours of arrival.
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Class B
Class B includes: Afghanistan, Algeria, Angola, Argentina, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Benin, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, Colombia, Congo, Cuba, Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Eswatini, France, Germany, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Jamaica, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kuwait, Latvia, Lesotho, Liberia, Lithuania, Madagascar, Malaysia, Malawi, Maldives, Mali, Mauritius, Mexico, Namibia, Nepal, The Netherlands, Nicaragua, Niger, North Korea, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Portugal, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, South Sudan, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Syria, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, Uruguay, Venezuela, Vietnam, Yemen, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
Visa Requirements
Many countries can visit Morocco visa free for 90 days. Here is a list of countries that don't need a visa for traveling in Morocco.
Algeria, Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, China, Congo, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Gabon, Germany, Greece, Guinea, Hong Kong (30 day limited stay), Hungary (30 day limited stay), Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Ivory Coast, Japan, Kuwait, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macau, Malaysia, Mali, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, Netherlands, Zealand, Niger, Norway, Oman, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Tunisia, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, USA.
Note: Citizens from Congo, Guinea, & Mali in addition must fill an electronic authorization.
Local Adjustments
Going to a new country means that there are a ton of things that are different. The language, currency, and outlets are just a few. Here are some of the local adjustments in Morocco.
Language
The official language of Morocco is Arabic. However, French is widely spoken as a second language. The very north of the country is very close to Spain, so many people there (in cities such as Tangier) also speak Spanish.
Once you head further South you will find that many people only speak Arabic and French. People working in restaurants and hotels however usually have a certain level of English.
Currency
The official currency of Morocco is the dirham. Currently (as of October 2023) the USD is equivalent to 10.3 Dirham, and the Euro is equivalent to 10.9 dirham.
There are many hotels, restaurants, and shops that only accept cash. So make sure to take money out from an ATM upon arrival. The only other currency accepted is the Euro, which is mostly just in the north, particularly in Tangier.
Outlets
Morocco operates on a 220V supply voltage and 50Hz. The outlets are type C, which are the same that they use in Europe.
Water Potability
Generally speaking, the water is clean enough to drink in many areas of Morocco. However, if you are visiting smaller towns we suggest sticking to bottled water.
Another thing to note is to be wary of the meat you are eating. In many towns they have meat hanging in the heat without refrigeration. Restaurants and hotels in bigger cities like Marrakech and Casablanca are a little bit more reliable for hygiene standards in this sense.
Tipping Culture in Morocco
There isn't a real tipping norm in Morocco. If people are pleased with service it's normal to leave a few dirhams extra when in restaurants. If you really have excellent service you can leave between 5-10% which is more than enough.
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Traveling in Morocco: Best Places to Visit
Morocco is a diverse country and has tons of great places. Here are some of our favorites:
Marrakech
Marrakech is the most popular city to visit in all of Morocco. A powerful economic center, this bustling city is home to some of the best markets in the country. Browse the famous spice market, get lost in the shops of the busy medina, or stay in one of the luxurious riads.
The city of Marrakech is colorful and chaotic, and definitely a must-visit while traveling in Morocco.
Want to learn all about the best things to do in Marrakech? Make sure to check out our full article by clicking the link below!
Tangier
Tangier is the northern most city in Morocco, and is quite different than many of the other cities in the country.
With its close proximity to Spain, there is an interesting mix of cultures and architecture in this city. Get lost winding through the white walled streets, check out the bustling market, or visit one of the great beaches nearby.
Tangier has Mediterranean charm and is right across from Spain
Chefchaouen
This is hands down our favorite city we visited while traveling in Morocco. Chefchaouen is known as the blue pearl, as the town is covered from top to bottom in blue. You could get lost for hours in this city, as every corner you turn is more picturesque than the next.
Make sure to have plenty of room on your camera, as Chefchaouen is the most Instagrammable spot in Morocco.
Fez
Step back in time and visit one of the oldest cities in the entire world! Fez is truly stunning with its intricate architecture and hidden gems scattered throughout its busy medina.
Known for its great leather, make sure to not miss out on the famous tanneries in town. You can even get tours inside the tanneries and learn all about how the leather is made. Our personal favorite is the Chaoura Tannery.
Chaoura Tannery is a must see while in Fez
Rabat
Here is one of the cities that is located right on the coast. Rabat is characterized by white buildings and an impressively crowded cemetery sitting above the deep turquoise waters below.
Casablanca
Casablanca is the capital of Morocco, and another city that is right on the water. The most famous landmark is the Hassan II Mosque, where you will find everyone crowding for sunset and snacking on food from local street vendors.
Casablanca is the one pace where you will find skyscrapers and large chain hotels. It is a great place to keep as a home base in Morocco, as it is within just a few hours from most of the most popular spots in the country.
Hassan II is the famous mosque in Casablanca.
Essaouira
This picturesque coastal town sits right on the coast, and is perfect for a beach getaway. Make sure to head to the port to see all of the brightly painted blue boats sitting in the marina.
Essaouira has a nice relaxed vibe, and is a great getaway from the busier cities around Morocco. It is also a great place for shopping, and doing some fun watersports.
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Merzouga
Visiting the Sahara Desert is a must while traveling in Morocco! Merzouga is the main city to travel to in order visit here. You can find plenty of fun activities such as camel rides and ATV rides, or you can head to one of the desert camps to stay the night.
The Sahara is a must while traveling in Morocco.
Traveling in Morocco: Getting Around
Getting around a new country can be pretty intimidating. Each part of the world is different when it comes to traffic, laws, and how well things are connected. Here's what we learned about traveling in Morocco and getting around the country.
Public Transportation
The cities in Morocco are pretty chaotic and have lots to see. While most can be done on foot, getting to spots on the outskirts of the cities is easiest by taxi.
When going on public transportation from one city to the next, there are two options, The two main companies are Supratours and CTM. These are pretty affordable, but are also much slower when going from one place to another.
Note: Don't rely too much on timetables in Morocco, as the travel time caries greatly, and usually ends up being longer than expected.
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Renting a Car in Morocco
Traveling in Morocco by car is something we definitely recommend, as it gives you the freedom to go where you want when you want. We love this option, as we get to see more in less time.
However, If you plan to only base yourself in one city, then a car really isn't necessary, and may just add stress to your itinerary. Most of the major cities in Morocco are based around a medina, where cars usually aren't allowed at all. Not only that, but parking can be difficult in places like Marrakech and Tangier.
Driving in Morocco allows you to experience a variety of landscapes.
If you do plan on bouncing around the country though, than a car is a great way to go. Just measure how much you want to travel to see if renting a car in Morocco is the right choice for you.
Need a little more info? Simply check out the article below to see if renting a car in Morocco is the right choice for your trip.
Traveling in Morocco: Food & Drink
The country of Morocco is full of flavor! The cuisine is heavy on spices, aromatic, and tasty. Here are a few of our favorite dishes to try.
Tagine
This is our favorite dish in Morocco, and is an absolute must try. The Tagine actually refers to the food, but also the clay pot that it is cooked in. There are many different types of Tagines. Some are made with beef and some with chicken. They are slow-cooked and seasoned with a variety of spices including cumin, onion, garlic, cumin, & paprika.
Tagine is one of the most popular dishes in Morocco.
Tagine is cooked in a clay pot with the meat soaking in a tomato based sauce, and finished off with eggs cracked into the dish.
Couscous
Couscous is another very popular dish in Morocco. While it is served in many places as a side dish, couscous in northern Africa is a full plate. Many of them are served with thickly cut vegetables leaning up against the tower of fine wheat pasta, and finished off with raisins.
Moroccon Salads
The first time we stepped foot into a restaurant in Morocco they told us salad was included. We had no idea this meant an array of over 10 different small plates. From marinated olives to dips of vegetables, Moroccan Salad comes with a spread that might just fill you up before your meal even gets there.
Moroccan Salad is actually an array of small plates to start
Harira
Harira is a hearty tomato based soup with legumes such as chick peas or lentils. It is usually served as a starter, and also very popular during the month of Ramadan.
Chicken with Preserved Lemons & Olives
Despite being a rather simple dish, this Moroccan meal is full of flavor. Chicken baked in preserved lemons and fresh olives is healthy as well as super tasty.
Morocco has some of the best olives in the world.
Bastilla
Bastilla is for those that love a mix of sweet and savory. Baked in a light and flaky crust, this meat dish is flavored with onion, parsley, and coriander. The meal is then topped off with cinnamon and sugar. Originally made with pigeon years back, it is now more commonly made with chicken.
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Makouda
Makouda is a typical go to fast food in Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia. Potatoes made into pancakes and then perfectly fried until crispy brown.
Mint Tea
Mint Tea is an absolute must while traveling in Morocco, and is not only common to come by, by a staple in this north African country. You can find mint tea is sold widely throughout markets, and served in all restaurants, cafes, and even shops and restaurants.
It is a common form of hospitality for owners of businesses to welcome guests with a hot cup of mint tea. The tea is locally made, and some of the best you'll ever have. So make sure to accept the invitation whenever given to you.
Mint tea is given in shops and hotels as a welcome drink
Cocktails
These aren't the cocktails you're probably thinking of. Being a Muslim country, there is no alcohol served in Morocco (unless it is a super touristic venue like a resort). But go to restaurants and you will find an entire part of the menu dedicated to their own version of "cocktails".
Mixing tons of fresh juices, there are tons of different "cocktails" you can find. They are nutritious, delicious, and won't give you a hangover.
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Safety in Morocco
Generally, traveling in Morocco is pretty safe. However, there are quite a few things to keep an eye out for. Here is what you need to know:
People Will Always Expect Money
This is something that happens all day, everyday from too many people in Morocco. But what does this mean exactly?
Be very careful if you ask someone where something is. People will jump to help you. But this doesn't mean they are really trying to help. It is merely because it is an opportunity to potentially get money from you.
It happened to us many times where I would ask (and sometimes just be looking myself) for a location, and someone would pretty much force me to follow them to where the place was and then put their hand out. This is quite the skill Moroccans have built up to "offer help" but to expect much more in return.
Never Trust People's Recommendations
Now this sounds terrible to hear, but it's the sad truth. We asked many times for people to recommend us a restaurant or shop, and the recommendations were extremely disappointing. Here's why:
There is a weaving system of connections in each city. Locals have certain businesses that they support, as they get a small commission to bring people in. They will show you around and try to convince you that it's better than any other shop in the area. The truth? if that show was so great, they wouldn't need to be dragging people in.
Morocco has amazing shopping. It's better to browse on your own than to be dragged into one by a local.
Cops Expect Bribes
We've had this happen to us too many times while renting a car in Mexico, and we found it again while traveling in Morocco. As a tourist, you will be pulled over by police for absolutely no reason. Many times they will ask for your paperwork, or ask why you are there. Don't be surprised if they make up some bazaar reason for why you should give them money.
They may say they caught you speeding, or that you need a specific ticket. Whatever it may be, we suggest you don't just fork your money over. If you enable them to take advantage of tourists it only encourages them to keep doing it to others.
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Traveling in Morocco: Other Things to Keep in Mind
Now you know almost everything you need to know while traveling in Morocco. But don't go anywhere just yet! Here are a few other things you might want to know before going.
The Best Time to Visit Morocco
With it's desert heat, Morocco is a country that is warmer than it's northern neighbors in Europe. However, it also isn't always as hot as people may believe. The temperatures do get cooler in winter, but never cold enough to actually snow.
In our opinion, the best time to visit Morocco is in fall or spring, when temperatures are much cooler in most of the northern hemisphere, but still warm enough to enjoy in Morocco.
Weather in Morocco
Like we mentioned, a common misconception is that Morocco is hot year round. Temperatures are hot in the summer, but very pleasant in the fall and spring. The coldest it really gets is in January, when temperatures can dip down to the fifties Fahrenheit or teens Celsius.
Morocco experiences a lot of sunshine, and in the summer the sun can get pretty intense. The weather is pretty dry near the desert, but gets a bit more humid closer to the coast.
It's extremely hot in the summer in Morocco, but even throughout the year you can expect pool weather
Packing & How to Dress in Morocco
Being that there is a lot of sunshine in Morocco, we definitely suggest bringing a hat and good sunscreen. Definitely make sure to pack a swimsuit for one of the many beaches, or the pools in the many beautiful riads throughout the country.
As Morocco is a Muslim country, keep in mind that women will need to cover up in religious areas. Make sure to bring light shawls and long skirts or dresses. Since temperatures can get pretty high, make sure that you pack very light clothing for the daytime. Nights can get chilly in fall, spring, and winter so bring a sweater or light coat.
Packing List for Morocco
- Sunscreen
- Hat
- Sunscreen
- Reusable Water Bottle (we use this water bottle from Cafago because it holds the temperature)
- Flip Flops (we personally always get Havaiana flip flops, as they are comfy and long lasting)
- Sneakers (for the hikes)
- Zippered Bag or Backpack (to secure your belongings) - take a look at these backpacks for travelers!
- Power Bank (we use Anker power banks, as they are super long lasting and sturdy)
- Bathing Suits
- Shawls
- Long skirts/dresses
- Drone (We use the Mavic Mini Pro 3 because it's super light and doesn't sacrifice quality)
- Action Camera (we use the Insta 360 X3 because it's small & waterproof)
- Waterproof Phone Pouch (we use the Cafago Waterproof Phone Pouch)
- Travel Adapter (we use Tessan travel adapters as they are affordable and reliable)
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Now you are all ready for traveling in Morocco! We suggest spending at least a week or two to see all of the beauty that this country has to offer. Take a trip to the desert, bathe in the Atlantic, and pick a fancy riad to spend a night or two. Dive into the culture, shop in the busy markets, and search for the best mint tea out there.
Whatever you decide, we're sure you'll love your stay in Morocco and be yearning more. Just make sure to keep your wits about you and you'll have a fantastic journey in this rich country.
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