Quick answers to common questions about Morocco, with links to the full guides.
Before you go
Do I need a visa? Most Western nationalities do not, and can normally stay up to 90 days. Some nationalities, such as Indian passport holders, can use Morocco’s online eVisa; others, such as Nigerian passport holders, normally need a visa, though some may qualify for the eVisa through a residence permit or visa they already hold. Confirm your situation with Accès Maroc, Morocco’s official service, before booking. See Morocco Visa and Entry Requirements.
Is Morocco safe? Broadly yes, with the usual caveats about petty crime in crowded places and persistent sales pressure in tourist areas, which is annoying rather than dangerous. Road safety deserves more caution than street crime. See Is Morocco Safe?
When should I go? April to May and September to October are the best all-round months. July and August are punishing inland and excellent on the coast. See Morocco Month by Month.
How long do I need? Three days is enough for one city done properly. Seven covers a realistic loop. Anything involving the Sahara needs more time than people expect, because Merzouga is nine to ten hours from Marrakech. See A 3-Day Itinerary or the 7-Day Itinerary.
What should I pack? Layers, and more modest clothing than a beach holiday. Evenings are cold in the desert and mountains even when days are hot. See What to Wear in Morocco.
Money
Cash or card? Both, but carry cash. Cards work in hotels and larger restaurants. Souks, taxis and small cafes are cash only. See ATMs and Exchanging Money.
Can I get dirhams before I fly? Not really. The dirham is a closed currency, so change money after you arrive and do not try to leave with a large amount.
How much should I tip? Small amounts, often. Round up taxi fares, a few dirhams for a coffee, more in restaurants. See A Guide to Tipping in Morocco.
Am I supposed to haggle? In souks, yes. In shops with marked prices, no. Agree a price before you touch merchandise or get into an unmetered taxi.
On the ground
Is the tap water safe? Water quality can vary by location and building. If you are unsure, choose sealed bottled water or properly treated water. See Is Morocco Safe?
Can I drink alcohol? Yes, in licensed restaurants, bars and hotels, and from licensed alcohol retailers and some supermarkets. It is not served or sold everywhere, and availability is more restricted during Ramadan.
What language will I need? Darija is the everyday language, but French is what Morocco runs on administratively and commercially. French takes you much further than English outside tourist areas. See the Darija Phrasebook.
Do I need a local SIM? Almost certainly. Most foreign plans do not cover Morocco, and maps and ride-hailing are considerably more useful than a paper map in a medina. See SIM Cards and Mobile Data.
Can I photograph people? Ask first. Some will refuse, some will expect payment, and photographing children without a parent’s permission is not acceptable. See A Photography Guide to Morocco.
What are the emergency numbers? Police: 19 from a landline, 190 from a mobile. Ambulance, fire and civil protection: 15 from a landline, 150 from a mobile. Gendarmerie in rural areas and on highways: 177 either way. From a mobile, 112 also works and usually reaches the police. Other home emergency numbers, such as 911, 999 or 000, will not work. See Embassy and Emergency.
Travelling as
Is it comfortable for women travelling alone? Many women travel solo in Morocco without difficulty, though street harassment is more common than most European destinations and requires a different set of habits rather than avoidance. See Solo Female Travel in Morocco.
What about visiting during Ramadan? Entirely possible and for some travellers a highlight, but the rhythm of the day changes substantially. Reduced hours, many daytime restaurant closures, and a very different evening atmosphere. Plan for it rather than discover it. See Ramadan in Morocco for Non-Muslims.
Is it good with children? Yes, and Moroccans are notably welcoming to families. The practical challenges are heat, distances and medina navigation with a pushchair. See Traveling in Morocco with Children.
Living here
How much does it cost to live in Morocco? Considerably less than western Europe, though this varies sharply by city and lifestyle. Use the Cost of Living Calculator rather than a single national figure.
Can I stay longer than 90 days? Possibly, through an extension or a residence permit, both granted by the Moroccan authorities. Start the process early rather than relying on border runs. See How to Get Your First Carte de Séjour.
How does healthcare work? Public coverage runs through the AMO system, with eligibility depending on your situation. If you use private insurance, check which clinics it covers and whether the insurer pays directly or you pay first and claim reimbursement. See Health and Healthcare in Morocco for Expats.
Can I work remotely from Morocco? Tourist entry does not by itself establish permission to work. Check the appropriate status for your activity with the Moroccan residence service; professional activities requiring authorisation need the relevant approval. See the Digital Nomad Guide.
Still not answered?
Everything here is covered in more depth in the guides. If something is missing, or wrong, tell us.