Morocco Travel Safety

Road safety

Road conditions and road safety vary greatly throughout the country, depending on location and weather (for example, in the high mountains or during the rainy season). National roads are generally in good condition but narrow and heavily congested. Driving is generally easier on the highways. Accidents causing fatalities are common. Not all drivers respect traffic regulations. Pedestrians, scooters and animals on roadways can also pose risks. Avoid driving at night. If an accident occurs and only involves material damage, the police will not usually intervene and the parties involved should complete an accident report (constat à l'amiable). Drivers should have an accident report form, which can be purchased at newsstands, in their vehicle at all time. If the accident involves casualties, avoid moving the vehicles before the police arrive. Carry your identification and vehicle documents at all times, as checkpoints are frequent. Be extremely careful when driving on the Rabat–Casablanca highway and on certain national highways because of high traffic volume.

Precautions

Ensure that your personal belongings are secure and do not show signs of affluence, particularly when walking at night. Avoid carrying a purse. Do not accept food, drinks or invitations from strangers, or change your planned itinerary at their request. While Moroccans are generally very friendly and hospitable, you should always exercise common sense and travel wisely. Tourists have been forcibly taken to stores and intimidated into making purchases. Stay on major roads, especially when in the medinas, and exercise caution. Exercise caution in the mountainous Rif region, on the northern coast of Morocco, since drugs are produced in this area and tourists are occasionally tricked into unknowingly committing drug offences.

Rail transportation

The rail network is developed, reliable and safe.

Women's safety

Avoid traveling alone and utilize "petit" taxis which vary by color in the major cities (Casablanca-Red, Rabat-Blue, Marrakech-Tan). Based on the crime situation of the Morocco, women should be vigilant all the time and aware of the surroundings. Avoid dark or non-tourist areas at night. Instead try to be around larger crowds, whether they are fellow tourists or local citizens. Females should be cautious while dealing with strangers and acquaintances. Women may be subject to unpleasant male attention, sexual harassment and verbal abuse. Avoid flash of money or valuables in public. Exercise a high degree of caution during travel.

Terrorism

There is a threat of terrorism in Morocco, and attacks have targeted foreigners. Terrorist attacks could occur at any time. Targets could include government buildings, places of worship, schools, transportation hubs and public areas frequented by foreigners (such as tourist attractions), restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets and hotels (specifically coastal beach resorts). Be aware of your surroundings at all times in public places. Stay at hotels that have robust security measures. Keep in mind, however, that even the most secure locations cannot be considered completely free of risk.

Crime

Armed robberies with knives have occurred and have resulted in injuries and in some cases, deaths. Do not resist robbers. Thefts occur around automated teller machines. Credit card fraud is also frequent. Panhandling is increasing and some panhandlers can be aggressive toward tourists. Petty crimes-notably pickpocketing, purse snatchings (sometimes by motorcyclists), scams and other thefts-take place most frequently in medinas, market areas, parks and on beaches but can also occur in all types of neighbourhoods.

Kidnapping

Maintain a high level of vigilance at all times, especially when travelling in the southern and border areas of Morocco. There is a threat of kidnapping in remote regions of Morocco and in areas bordering Algeria and Mauritania.

Dress and behaviour

Morocco customs, laws and regulations adhere closely to Islamic practices and beliefs. Exercise common sense and discretion in dress and behaviour. Dress conservatively: for women, knee-length or longer dresses and long sleeves are preferable, women should avoid clothing that could be construed as revealing, such as miniskirts, shorts and sleeveless or low-cut (front or back) blouses and tops., and men should not wear shorts outside tourist areas. Respect religious and social traditions to avoid offending local sensitivities. Overt public displays of intimate affection are frowned upon in Morocco culture. During the lunar month of Ramadan, use discretion when drinking, eating, and smoking in public between sunrise and sunset.

LGBT

Homosexuality is a criminal offence in Morocco. Be sensitive to local laws and customs and avoid public displays of affection. Complaints can lead to prosecution. Those convicted may face long imprisonment and fines.

Illegal or restricted activities

Sending identity papers, such as passports, by mail is forbidden in Morocco and authorities may confiscate them. Hotels may refuse to allow couples who are unable to provide proof that they are married to stay in the same room, although foreigners are almost always exempt from having to provide proof. Do not take photographs of military or security installations. Drones and surveillance equipment are prohibited and will be confiscated by the authorities upon entry.