Essentials

Safety and scams

Morocco is a safe country to visit for most travellers. What most visitors meet is hassle and small scams, not danger, and they are easy to handle once you know them.

• Is it safe right now? Yes, for normal travel, with the same care as any big tourist country. The US rates Morocco Level 2 of 4, "exercise increased caution", because of the risk of terrorism; the UK says attacks could target transport hubs, tourist sites and crowds. Neither advises against travel.
• Emergency numbers (UK government list): police 190, gendarmerie 177 (outside cities and on highways), ambulance and fire 150. Pharmacies are open round the clock in every city (a "pharmacie de garde").
• Most trouble is hassle, not danger: touts, fake guides, pushy sellers. A smile and "la, shukran" (no, thank you) ends most of it.
• Women travelling alone: thousands do, and most say the hassle is verbal: comments, "hello, where are you from?", someone walking beside you. It is strongest in the Marrakech and Fes medinas and around busy squares, lighter in Chefchaouen, Essaouira, Rabat and the modern parts of cities. Loose clothes covering shoulders and knees draw less of it. Don't answer, keep walking; if someone persists, step into a shop or a café or ask a woman nearby. After dark, stay on busy lit streets and take a taxi back to the riad; ask the riad to meet you at the medina gate the first night.
• Fake guides, what to say: someone tells you a street is closed, the square is the other way, or offers to show you your riad. Say "la, shukran, ana mrigel" (no thanks, I'm fine), don't stop, and keep your direction. If he keeps following, walk into a shop, café or your riad, or ask a policeman or a shopkeeper. Never let a stranger lead you to a "cooperative" or a tannery. Licensed guides carry an official badge; your riad can book one.
• Petty theft: keep phones and wallets in front pockets in crowds, and carry a copy of your passport.

Food, water and health

• Water: neither the UK nor the US health agencies say tap water is safe for visitors. Drink bottled or filtered water, and go easy on ice and salads at first.
• Street food: it is one of the joys of Morocco. Eat where it is busy with locals, cooked hot in front of you; skip anything that has sat out.
• Vaccines: the US CDC recommends routine vaccines plus hepatitis A and typhoid for most travellers; yellow fever is not required. Ask your doctor.
• Animals: rabies is present; don't touch stray dogs, cats or the monkeys on the squares.
• Rivers and lakes: the CDC advises against swimming in fresh water.

Laws visitors trip over

• Drones: flying one needs permission from Morocco's civil aviation authority (DGAC); without it you risk a fine and losing the drone, and undeclared drones are often held at the airport. Leave it at home unless you have the permit.
• Alcohol: drink only in licensed bars, restaurants and hotels; drinking in the street is illegal. The UK warns of deaths from methanol in drinks: buy from licensed places only.
• LGBT+ travellers: same-sex relations are illegal in Morocco and public displays of affection can lead to prosecution, according to the UK government. Dating apps carry legal and safety risks.
• Cash: declare foreign currency worth 100,000 MAD or more on arrival and departure.