Entry Requirements
Visa requirements for Morocco depend on which passport you hold. Check the Traveller visa tool to see whether your passport needs a visa and, if so, how long you can stay.
Check if you need a visa for MoroccoEmergency Numbers
- General
- 112
- Police
- 19
- Ambulance
- 15
- Fire
- 15
Currency
- Name
- Moroccan Dirham
- Code
- MAD
- Symbol
- MAD
ATMs widely available in cities and tourist areas. EUR, USD, and GBP exchanged at banks. Cards accepted at upmarket hotels and riads. Cash preferred in medinas, markets, and for tips. The dirham is a non-convertible currency — spend or exchange leftover dirhams before leaving.
Power Outlets
- Outlet types
- Type C, Type E
- Voltage
- 220V
- Frequency
- 50Hz
Time Zone
WET (UTC+0) — WEST (UTC+1) in summer
Best Time to Visit
March–May (spring) and October–November (autumn) are ideal — mild temperatures for Marrakech (Djemaa el-Fna, souks, gardens), Fez (the world's largest car-free urban area), Chefchaouen (the Blue City), the Todra Gorge, and the Erg Chebbi dunes near Merzouga. June–August is very hot (40°C+ in Marrakech). December–February is cold in the mountains but beautiful.
Tipping Customs
| Venue | Typical | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Restaurants | 10% | — |
| Guides | 50–100 MAD per half day | — |
| Riad staff | 20–50 MAD per night of stay | — |
| Hammam attendants | 20–30 MAD | — |
Dress Code
- Modest dress throughout — Morocco is a Muslim-majority country
- Women: cover shoulders and knees in medinas and in rural areas; a light scarf is useful
- More liberal at coastal resorts (Agadir, Essaouira)
Social Etiquette
- Morocco's medinas are UNESCO World Heritage Sites and genuinely labyrinthine — getting lost in Fez's medina (the world's largest car-free urban area) is part of the experience
- Mint tea (atay) is the national drink — refusing it is mildly impolite; it is always sweet and always three glasses
- Bargaining in souks is not optional — it is a cultural ritual; always start at 30–40% of the initial asking price
- During Ramadan, eating/drinking in public during daylight hours is disrespectful — be especially mindful in residential areas
Local Laws
Laws change. Verify current rules with your country's official travel advisory before departure.
- LGBTQ+ same-sex activity is illegal with up to 3 years imprisonment — exercise extreme caution
- Cannabis: Morocco produces much of the world's hashish (in the Rif Mountains), but it is technically illegal — possession is prosecuted
- Photography of military and royal palaces prohibited
Common Phrases
| English | Local | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Hello (Darija — Moroccan Arabic) | Labas? | lah-BAHS — the casual 'how are you?' / 'all good?' |
| Thank you (Darija) | Shukran / Barak Allahu fik | SHOO-krahn / BAH-rahk ah-LAH-hoo FEEK |
| No problem (Darija) | Mashi mushkil | MAH-shee MOOSH-keel |
| How much? (Darija) | Bshhal? | bih-SHHAHL — the most useful word in the souks |
| Cheers! (Darija) | Bssaha! | bih-SAH-hah — 'to your health' |
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