An Australian's Guide to Morocco

For Australians, Morocco is a long-haul trip with a relatively simple short-stay entry rule. The useful nationality-specific details are healthcare, Australian-dollar cash and consular support.

Entry

Smartraveller says Australians generally do not need a visa for visits of less than 90 days. Entry conditions can change, so recheck before departure.

Make sure your passport is stamped when you enter. Smartraveller warns that some tourists have had difficulty leaving Morocco without an entry stamp.

For longer stays or travel outside the normal visitor rules, check the Moroccan authorities rather than assuming the visa-free rule applies.

Passport

Smartraveller does not present one Morocco-specific validity number as a substitute for checking the actual entry rules. It advises travellers to check passport validity requirements, including transit requirements, before travelling.

That is better advice than an invented “comfortable validity” rule. Check your passport, your transit countries and your carrier.

Money: the Australian-dollar detail

The useful Australian-specific point is not that the dirham is impossible to obtain abroad.

Smartraveller says Australian-dollar cash is not on the Moroccan Government’s approved exchange-currency list, so you will not be able to exchange AUD cash in Morocco. It suggests exchanging into an accepted currency before arrival if you intend to carry cash.

Cards and ATMs are another option. Fees depend on your Australian bank and the machine, so check your own account rather than relying on a generic withdrawal strategy.

Healthcare and insurance

Australia and Morocco do not have an agreement providing Australians with free healthcare in Morocco. Smartraveller says tourists must pay for medical care and notes that many private hospitals require upfront payment.

Get travel insurance that covers your actual trip, including medical evacuation if appropriate. Read the exclusions, particularly if you plan to ride a motorbike, trek, ski or do other activities that standard policies may restrict.

Consular help

Australia has an embassy in Rabat that provides consular, passport and notarial services. Use the embassy or Smartraveller for current contact details and appointment arrangements.

Moroccan winter during Australian summer

December and January are winter in Morocco. Coastal destinations can be mild, but mountain areas can be cold and snowy and desert nights can be cold.

Pack for the regions on your itinerary rather than for the image of Morocco as uniformly hot. See our best time to visit and packing guide.