Morocco

Capital:                     Rabat
Official Language:    Arabic
Religions:                  99% Muslim and 1% other 
Currency:                 Dirham = 100 centimes 

Map

Background

Tangier, Casablanca, Marrakesh...just the names of these cities stir a hint of spice in the nostrils. Jostling crowds, the piquant tension of debate, space in perpetual motion - the minute you set foot in the country you know you've arrived somewhere very different.

Spend a weekend in a luxury riad in Marrakesh, Fès or Rabat, exorcise your shopping demons in some of the most colourful markets in the world, or indulge in some off-piste desert driving over sugar-soft dunes... And this fantastically varied destination is barely three hours flying time from Europe.

Special Events

Morocco is one of those religious frontiers where orthodoxy and local custom have met and compromised. The veneration of saints is frowned upon by orthodox Sunni Muslims but, in Morocco, mainstream Islam blends with the mystical practises of Sufism, which involves devotional dancing, poetry and trance. Because of this, the Moroccan calendar retains many moussems (non-Islamic 'holy' days), honouring holy men like Moulay Idriss. It's worth asking around for details of festival dates because they alter a little every year.

The two largest moussems in the Moroccan calendar are Moussem of Ben Aïssa, held in Meknès in June, and Moussem of Moulay Idriss II, held in Fès at the end of September when thousands gather to watch the processions to the saint's tomb.

Other, non-religious events, that pull in impressive crowds are the world-famous Gnawa and World Music Festival, held in Essaouira, and the Festival of World Sacred Music held in Fès in June. The Marrakesh Film Festival, held between September and December, is also growing in popularity and showcases Arab and African cinema to an often star-studded audience. Independence Day, one of five national secular holidays, is celebrated on 18 November.

Climate

On the Atlantic-Mediterranean coastline June to September are the most pleasant times to visit Morocco, offering mostly rain-free days and moderately humid and warm conditions, with the mercury lingering around the high 20°Cs (low 80°Fs) during the daytime. Further inland, rain is sparse the year round and it can get quite hot. More comfortable conditions on the central plateau will be found during March to June and September to December. Don't underestimate the extremes of heat and cold in the higher mountains, where some peaks can remain snow-capped from November to June.

Travel Info

With international airports at Casablanca, Tangier, Agadir and Marrakesh, Morocco is well linked to Europe, Africa and the Middle East. The introduction of new budget airline routes to most main Moroccan cities has also made flying to Morocco considerably cheaper. Taking your own vehicle to Morocco is straightforward. There's a variety of car ferries and jetfoils operating between Algericas and Ceuta in Spain and Morocco's Tangier.

The land border between Morocco and Algeria was closed in 1994 and that looks unlikely to change any time soon. Although a UN cease-fire has kept the Western Sahara quiet since late 1991, crossing the border into Mauritania is still a bit of a hassle although it's much easier that it used to be. In spite of this, hundreds of adventurous souls in 4WDs and on motorbikes do it every year. The route into Mauritania runs from Dakhla south along the coast for 367km (227mi) to Nouâdhibou on the border and then south along the coast to the Mauritanian capital of Nouakchott.

Visas

All visitors require a passport. Citizens of the UK, EU, US, Australia and New Zealand do not need visas. Three-month visitor's stamps can be extended by Immigration or Bureau des Etrangers in most large towns.

Safety

Terrorism

There is a high threat from terrorism in Morocco. Recent significant events include:

On 13 August 2007 a man attempted to explode a small device near a tourist coach in the city of Meknes. No-one apart from the bomber was injured. On 14 April two suicide bombers killed themselves and slightly injured one passer-by near to an American Language Centre and the US Consulate in Casablanca. It is suspected that the bombers were targeting US interests. On 10 April 2007 three others blew themselves up, killing one policeman and injuring another, during police raids in Casablanca and another suspected terrorist was shot and killed during one of the raids. On 11 March a suicide bomber killed himself and injured four others at an internet cafe in Casablanca. Moroccan police have greatly enhanced security and made a number of arrests but continue to hunt for further suspected terrorists. In August 2006, the Moroccan authorities arrested a number of individuals allegedly plotting to attack a number of targets, including noticeably Western interests. In May 2003, 45 people were killed in a series of terrorist attacks in Casablanca. These attacks were against relatively soft targets, including hotels and restaurants frequented by foreigners or those with Jewish links. The Moroccan authorities arrested and imprisoned a number of those considered to be responsible for the attacks, there is a high threat of further attacks.

You should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which could be against civilian targets, including places frequented by foreigners. Please read "Risk of Terrorism when Travelling Overseas" and "Security and General Tips" pages on the FCO website for further information and advice.

Crime

Violent crime is not a major problem in Morocco, but it is growing. There are occasional incidents involving theft at knifepoint in the major cities and along beaches. Two European residents were killed in their home in Rabat during the night of 17/18 September 2006, apparently during a break-in. A British tourist was injured in an apparent knife attack at a hotel in Marrakech on 9 May 2007 There has also been an increase in reports of other violent attacks, including some shootings, and of car jacking in Casablanca. Whilst driving, you should avoid stopping at the side of the road and drive defensively, with vehicle doors locked and windows closed at all times. Do not attempt to escape from hijackers or resist their demands.

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, continues to increase. Crime and aggressive begging near ATM machines are increasing. Credit card fraud and scams such as substituting inferior goods for those that were actually purchased are common. Intimidation is sometimes used to force customers to purchase goods. You should remain vigilant and alert to potential confidence tricks.

You should avoid run down areas and badly lit streets in areas such as the medina. If offered the services of a guide, you should ensure that the guide is authorised by or operating with the agreement of the local tourist authorities, and displays an official badge. Harassment of tourists by men posing as official tourist guides is common. There have also been reports of tourists being harassed on Moroccan trains.

Political Situation

Morocco Country Profile

Travellers to Morocco should be aware of the impact that the situation in Iraq, as well as the violence between Israelis and Palestinians, has had across the Arab world and the risk of public disturbance in response. You should follow news reports and be alert to developments in the Middle East that might trigger public disturbances. You should take sensible precautions for your personal safety and avoid public gatherings and demonstrations. Any increase in regional tension might affect Travel Advice. Road Safety

Morocco has a poor road safety record. According to the Moroccan Ministry of Equipment and Transport, road accidents claimed the lives of 3,600 people in 2006 (an increase of over 4% on 2005) and seriously injured more than 12,000. Over 56,000 accidents were recorded during the same period (an increase of over 5% on 2005). Accidents are especially frequent on busy major routes but also on narrower secondary roads. All drivers should take extra care when overtaking, particularly where there are no hard shoulders. You are advised to leave plenty of time to reach your destination and to stay well within speed limits.

If you are involved in a road accident resulting a fatality and the Moroccan authorities consider you responsible, you may be detained pending a trial hearing.

If your are involved in a minor accident, you should complete a 'Constat Amiable' form, to be signed by both parties. The blank forms are available upon arrival at the Tangier port from the insurance company booths, or can be purchased from tobacconists in all cities.

LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS

Local laws reflect the fact that Morocco is a Muslim country. You should respect local customs and sensitivities at all times, especially during the holy month of Ramadan or if you intend to visit religious areas.

Women, especially when travelling alone, will attract attention. To minimise hassle, you should dress inconspicuously and avoid wearing clothes that could be regarded as provocative (eg short skirts and low-necked strappy tops), except on the beach.

Homosexuality is considered a criminal offence in Morocco. Sexual relations outside marriage are also punishable by law.

British nationals travelling to Morocco with a view to marrying a Moroccan should, before they travel, contact either the British Consulate in Tangier or the Consular Section of the British Embassy in Rabat to enquire about the documentation they will need to provide.

The penalties for possession of even small amounts of drugs are severe: up to 10 years’ imprisonment, with no remission for good behaviour, heavy fines and confiscation of your vehicle/vessel. If you travel through the Rif Mountains, a major cannabis growing area, you may be harassed by drug dealers.

It is against the law to carry bibles in Arabic, to attempt to distribute any non-Muslim/evangelical literature or be involved in any such activity.

Health

Injections required

Immunisations advised
Diptheria/Tetanus, Poliomyelitis, Hepatitis A, Typhoid,

Immunisations that maybe required
Tuberculosis, Hepatitis B, Rabies

Malaria Yes