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Morocco as a couple

The rule on unmarried couples sharing a hotel room does not generally apply to visiting foreigners, particularly in popular tourist areas; with a Moroccan partner, the rules differ.

Places that suit you

  1. Rabat: Beaches, culture and green spaces in one city. source
  2. El Jadida: Listed by Visit Morocco for couples. source

Know before you go

  • Hotels may refuse to room couples who cannot prove they are married, though foreigners are almost always exempt. source
  • In 2024 a lawyer and the Justice Minister said no law requires hotels to ask for a marriage certificate; the law only requires hotels to register guests daily. source

Tips that help

  • Public displays of affection are frowned upon; holding hands is fine for married couples, kissing in public is best avoided. source
  • Avoid showing affection in public, particularly near religious sites and in tourist areas. source

The law, plainly

  • In law, Article 490 of the penal code applies to everyone in Morocco: it punishes sex outside marriage with prison (HRW). In practice, the UK FCDO describes it as illegal for Moroccan nationals and says the hotel-room rule does not generally apply to visiting foreign nationals. source 1 source 2
  • Article 491 punishes adultery with one to two years in prison. source
  • Using dating apps in Morocco may break the laws on sex outside marriage, the UK FCDO says; be aware of the legal and personal safety risks. source

With a Moroccan partner

  • The UK FCDO says sex between unmarried people is illegal for Moroccan nationals, and that this includes sharing a hotel room, particularly with foreign nationals. source
  • Practice still varies from hotel to hotel, so a couple with a Moroccan partner should ask the hotel before booking. source
  • If your partner also holds Moroccan citizenship, Canada says Moroccan citizenship takes precedence over any other, and airport authorities regularly ask dual citizens for their Moroccan ID card. source

Official advice

  • Visit Morocco couples page (ONMT). source

Do you need a visa? · Essentials

Checked 2026-11-15. Every line links to its source.

Next

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