Travel Facts

US State Dept Travel Advisory

The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens exercise increased caution in Morocco due to terrorism. Consult its website via the link below for updates to travel advisories and statements on safety, security, local laws, and special circumstances in this country.

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html

Passport/Visa Requirements

US citizens should make sure their passport is valid at the date of their entering the country. They should also make sure they have at least 1 blank page in their passport for any entry stamp and or visa that will be required. A visa is required, but US citizens may obtain the visa upon entering the country.

US Embassy/Consulate

[212] 537 637 200; US Embassy Rabat, Km 5.7, Avenue Mohamed VI, Souissi, Rabat 10170, Morocco; ACSCasablanca@state.gov; https://ma.usembassy.gov/

LGBTQIA+ Travelers

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) travelers can face unique challenges when traveling abroad. Laws and attitudes in some countries may affect safety and ease of travel. Legal protections vary from country to country. Many countries do not legally recognize same-sex marriage. Approximately seventy countries consider consensual same-sex sexual relations a crime, sometimes carrying severe punishment.

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/before-you-go/travelers-with-special-considerations/lgbtqi.html

Telephone Code

212

Local Emergency Phone

Ambulance: 15; Fire: 15; Police: 19

Vaccinations

See WHO recommendations

http://www.who.int/

Climate

Mediterranean, becoming more extreme in the interior

Currency (Code)

Moroccan dirhams (MAD)

Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)

220 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): C, E

Major Languages

Arabic, Berber languages (Tamazight, Tachelhit, Tarifit), French

Major Religions

Muslim 99% (virtually all Sunni, <0.1% Shia), other 1% (includes Christian, Jewish, and Baha'i)

Time Difference

UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time); daylight saving time: +1 hour, begins last Sunday in March, ends last Sunday in October

Potable Water

Opt for bottled water

International Driving Permit

Suggested

Road Driving Side

Right

Tourist Destinations

Marrakesh (includes Medina, Majorelle & Secret Gardens, Museum); Hassan II Mosque (Casablanca); Rabat (includes Royal Palace, Udayas Kasbah, Hassan Tower); Fes el Bali; Tangier; Chefchaouen; Volubilis; Atlas Mountains; Ouzoud Waterfalls; Ait Benhaddou

Major Sports

Soccer, kickboxing

Cultural Practices

Traditionally, food is taken only by the right hand, with three fingers. Bowls of water are prepared for washing hands before and after meals.

Tipping Guidelines

In restaurants, if a service charge has not been added, leave 20-30 dirhams or 10% of the bill. Tipping the bellhop 10-20 dirhams is reasonable. Round up taxi fares. Leave 5-10 dirhams per day for housekeeping.

Souvenirs

Silver and brass tea sets, Argan oil, ceramics/tagine clay cooking pots, leather goods including bobouche slippers, jewelry

Traditional Cuisine

Tagine — chicken stew with spices, vegetables, olives, and preserved lemons served with couscous

Please visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination.

World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination.

US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens.

To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs:
American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)

How to get help in an emergency? 
Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers:
from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444


Page last updated: Tuesday, September 12, 2023