Travel Safety in Morocco: Is Morocco Safe to Visit?

About Travel Safety in Morocco

Crime in Morocco

Crime in Morocco does not pose any significant risk to tourists; however, like in any populated area, petty crimes such as pick-pocketing and bag snatching are more common. Hustlers and con artists may also target tourists. Politely refuse their services and be sensibly guarded against strangers.

You may come across a faux guide, but these are now less common. Be vigilant and aware of what people are telling you, as faux guides may try to redirect you to their destinations by telling you that your intended place is closed. If you spot a faux guide, hustler, or con artist attempting to trick you, avoid eye contact and ignore them. This will usually discourage them.

In general, to be safe, it's best to never accept the services of people who approach you. Always use a recognized tour guide from a reputable tour/travel agency or tourist information center. Once these individuals start talking, it can be difficult to get rid of them. A firm and strong "no", however, can do wonders.

Beware that most crimes against tourists occur in the main tourist locations in larger cities such as Marrakesh, Casablanca, Tangier, Fez, and Rabat.

Civil Unrest and Terrorism

As with any foreign travel, it is always wise to check your own government's travel advice website before you travel, especially regarding the current climate around terrorism. Civil unrest in Morocco is uncommon. However, between 2011 and 2012, some peaceful demonstrations gathered tens of thousands of people nationwide, though violence between police and protesters was minimal.

In general, Moroccans are a peace-loving people and will stand united against any group or individuals who threaten peace. You will be warmly welcomed to Morocco by honest, friendly, and open-hearted locals, regardless of your nationality.

Our team of guides, drivers, and local professionals work hard to ensure you remain safe throughout your trip. Local people stay informed of any potential trouble, and our team will ensure we monitor and respond to any relevant local news or events.

Safety on the Road

Road types and quality in Morocco vary by region and season, as heavy rain and snow can create more hazardous driving conditions. In Morocco, you'll encounter various road types, from high-speed toll roads to secondary roads that may be more poorly maintained.

Drivers' behavior can differ from what you may be accustomed to in your own country, with all kinds of vehicles, from bicycles to donkey carts, sharing the road. Road accidents are a concern and happen frequently, so remain vigilant when crossing or walking near roads.

Child Travel Safety in Morocco

Morocco, like most other Islamic countries, is very family-oriented, and you'll notice this especially if you travel with children. It's normal for locals to hug or touch children to show their affection. Children are often spoiled by elder relatives and may stay up later than is typical in Western cultures, playing freely indoors and on the streets.

When traveling with young children, locals may frequently approach you to admire your children, often showing affection by caressing or kissing their cheeks. You may also receive invites to shops and cafés, with offers of free tea as a gesture of hospitality.

This is all typical, friendly behavior, so please do not feel uncomfortable or unsafe. Bringing children along may even be an advantage, allowing you to interact with locals and experience Moroccan culture firsthand.

Women Traveling to Morocco

Women traveling to Morocco will notice it's different than traveling in a Western country. Gender roles are more defined by traditional views of a patriarchal society, so women may need to take extra precautions when navigating bustling streets.

Moroccan men often have little contact with women outside of their families while growing up, and a misconception of Western sexuality can sometimes lead them to misinterpret the behaviors or actions of Western women. Cat-calling and lewd comments may frequently be directed at both Moroccan and foreign women. It's best to ignore this behavior, as it often doesn't require further action. However, if sexual advances become physical, respond as you would at home—screaming, yelling, and calling for help are normal and helpful reactions.

This will likely shame the aggressor and alert locals, who will rush to help, especially if you yell out "Ha-Shooma!" which means "Shame on you!" Whenever possible, report the harasser to the local Brigade Touristique or police.

Tips for Women Traveling to Morocco

Use common sense: dress modestly, look confident, behave appropriately, and mention your "husband" if things start to feel uncomfortable while talking with a Moroccan man. Lastly, keep your cool and enjoy your trip.

Jewish Travelers to Morocco

Morocco has a rich cultural history with Muslims, Christians, and Jews living side by side. Although it's now a majority Arab Muslim country, the Jewish and indigenous Berber populations predate the Arab immigration. This heritage and significant contribution to Moroccan culture can still be seen today.

Currently, around 2,500 Jewish people live in Morocco, though this number was once much greater. It's easy to find remnants of Morocco's historical Jewish presence in the fascinating Mellahs (Jewish quarters) or in the only Jewish heritage museum in the Arab world, located in Casablanca. Moroccans take pride in their Jewish heritage and acknowledge its importance in their country's history. Morocco strives to be a place of acceptance, making it safe for Jewish travelers to visit and discover the country's diverse history.

Safety in Airports

Airports in Morocco are secure. Although security may not seem as tight as in the US or Europe, Moroccan security agencies and the government are vigilant and aware of everyone entering and exiting the country. Security is a top priority, and they work hard to provide the best protection for foreign travelers and the public. Follow their laws and regulations for your own safety.

Emergency Contacts

In the unlikely event of trouble, you can threaten to call the police or approach a nearby door for help. Moroccans are friendly and will likely assist you if you need help. If alone and facing a robbery, it may be best to give some money and exit the situation immediately.

• For police emergencies: dial 19 in urban areas, or 177 for the Royal Gendarmerie in rural areas.
• Ambulance or fire: dial 15.

Morocco is safe to explore, but to ensure a pleasant trip, remain vigilant, respect local customs, and use common sense regarding personal belongings. Tourists globally attract petty criminals and pickpockets, so stay aware of your surroundings and enjoy the magic and mystery Morocco has to offer.

How to Stay Safe in Morocco (if you travel by yourself)?

In truth, Morocco is a safe place to visit. There's only really small crime there (scams and pickpockets) and you're unlikely to be assaulted or seriously hurt as a tourist in the country. Morocco is super safe for tourists now. As a solo female traveler, you need to watch out a little more carefully but, overall, you are still unlikely to encounter serious problems.

Morocco safe travel requires extra vigilance because it's easy to have something happen to you. You're unlikely to ever be in any real physical danger in Morocco, but the petty crime and harassment require you to stay on guard — more so than in other countries. However, if you follow a few rules, you can leave Morocco unscathed and without incident.

Here are 8 tips on how to stay safe when you visit Morocco:

• Don't walk alone at night;
• Don't walk alone if you're a woman;
• Dress conservatively;
• Avoid flashy jewelry;
• Don't carry valuables;
• Avoid back alleys;
• Watch for scams;
• Say no to faux tour guides.

If you book and travel with us don't worry about travel safety in Morocco, we have covered that. Our guides/drivers watch over the safety of our customers, you will be accompanied by them all your stay in Morocco. Your safety is our priority.