Morocco Travel Essentials — Visa, Money, Health, Flights & Practical Info (2026) Visa, Money, Health, Flights & Practical Info

Morocco at a Glance

Visa & Entry

Citizens of the UK, US, Ireland, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and all EU countries can enter Morocco visa-free for up to 90 days. On arrival, you’ll fill out a form with your personal details, profession, and purpose of visit. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your entry date. South African citizens need a visa in advance — apply at the Moroccan embassy or consulate. Morocco gained independence from France and Spain on March 2, 1956. The current monarch is King Mohammed VI (since 1999).

Getting to Morocco

Main airports: Casablanca Mohammed V (CMN) — the main international hub, and Marrakech Menara (RAK) — the gateway for tourists. From the UK: Royal Air Maroc and British Airways fly direct from London Heathrow (LHR) to Casablanca, and from Gatwick (LGW) to Marrakech. Multiple budget airlines serve RAK from European cities. From the US/Canada: Royal Air Maroc and Air Canada fly direct to Casablanca from New York, Washington DC, Miami, Toronto, and Montreal. From Australia/NZ: No direct flights — connect via Europe (London, Paris, Amsterdam) or the Middle East. Peak fares: Summer (July–August), Christmas, and New Year — book early.

Getting Around

Al Boraq: Morocco’s high-speed train connects Tangier to Casablanca in ~2 hours — Africa’s first high-speed rail line. The ONCF rail network links Casablanca, Rabat, Fes, Meknes, Tangier, and Marrakech. Buses: Supratours and CTM operate comfortable intercity services — affordable and reliable. Grand taxis: Shared Mercedes taxis seating 6 passengers, operating fixed routes between cities (~50–100 MAD). Petit taxis: Metered city taxis (insist on the meter). For desert tours and day trips from Marrakech, MDT provides all transport — no car rental needed.

Money & Currency

The Moroccan dirham (MAD) is divided into 100 centimes. It’s a closed currency — you can’t buy it before you arrive or take it out of the country. Exchange at the airport on arrival, or at independent exchange booths in town (better rates). ATMs are widely available in cities and towns. Credit cards are accepted in cities, larger restaurants, and hotels — but the medina and smaller shops are cash-only. US dollars, euros, and British pounds exchange easily. Australian dollars and Scottish banknotes may not be accepted. Spend or exchange remaining MAD before departure — keep your exchange receipts.

Health & Safety

Vaccinations: No mandatory vaccinations for Morocco. Ensure routine jabs (polio, tetanus) are up to date. For longer stays: typhoid, hepatitis A + B, and rabies may be recommended. Malaria exists in mild strains — antimalarial medication is generally unnecessary. Water: Drink bottled water (widely available, ~5 MAD). Mint tea and coffee are safe (boiled). Avoid tap water and ice in street drinks. Medical care: Pharmacies handle minor issues. State hospitals in cities for emergencies. Private clinics for more serious care. Street dogs: Can be aggressive — avoid contact; seek medical help immediately if bitten.

Safety: Morocco is generally safe for tourists. The most common issues are pickpocketing in crowded areas (medinas, Jemaa el-Fnaa) and credit card fraud. Carry limited cash, keep valuables secure, use hotel safes. Only engage accredited guides (identifiable by a brass badge). If an unlicensed guide takes you to a shop, you’re under no obligation to buy. For a hassle-free medina experience, book a guided Marrakech walking tour through MDT.

Budget Overview

Explore Morocco — Destination Guides

This page covers the practical essentials. For deep destination guides, food, culture, and activities, see our dedicated pages:

MDT Tours