Morocco

🇲🇦

Phone Code

+212

Capital

Rabat

Population

37 Million

Native Name

المغرب

Region

Africa

Northern Africa

Timezone

Western European Summer Time

UTC+01:00

Morocco is a North African country with Atlantic and Mediterranean coastlines, distinguished by its Arab, Berber, and European cultural influences. Located just 14km across the Strait of Gibraltar from Spain, Morocco serves as a gateway between Europe and Africa. A constitutional monarchy under King Mohammed VI (since 1999), Morocco is known for its imperial cities with ancient medinas (walled old towns), colorful souks (markets), ornate palaces, Sahara Desert landscapes, Atlas Mountains, stunning coastlines, and distinctive riads (traditional houses with interior gardens). The four historic imperial cities are Marrakech (tourist hub with Jemaa el-Fnaa square), Fes (world's oldest university, labyrinthine medina), Meknes, and Rabat (current capital). Visitors are drawn to Marrakech medina and souks, Sahara Desert tours from Merzouga (camel treks, dune camping), Fes medina (UNESCO World Heritage, largest car-free urban area), Chefchaouen blue city, Casablanca Hassan II Mosque, Essaouira coastal town, Atlas Mountains trekking and Berber villages, Ait Benhaddou fortified village (Game of Thrones filming), Tangier (historic international zone), and coastal cities like Agadir. Morocco offers exotic North African experience with relatively easy access from Europe, diverse landscapes from beaches to mountains to desert, rich history, and famous hospitality.

Visa Requirements for Morocco

Morocco offers visa-free entry to citizens of over 70 countries for tourist stays up to 90 days, including United States, Canada, United Kingdom, EU countries, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and many others. This generous policy makes Morocco one of Africa's most accessible destinations for Western travelers. Passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond intended stay. No visa required for short tourism - simply receive entry stamp at airport or land border (many visitors arrive via ferry from Spain). Extensions beyond 90 days are possible through police offices but require proof of funds and accommodation. For nationalities requiring visas, applications must be made through Moroccan consulates before travel with invitation letter, hotel bookings, and proof of funds. Morocco has 2020 target to become visa-free for all African nations (currently most African nationals require visas). IMPORTANT: Morocco does not recognize Israeli stamps in passports - travelers with Israeli stamps may face lengthy questioning or denial of entry (though less strict than surrounding Arab countries). Morocco is generally safe for tourists despite being Muslim-majority country, with established tourism infrastructure and millions of European visitors annually.

Common Visa Types

Visa-Free Entry

Up to 90 days; passport valid 6 months beyond stay; stamped at entry (airport or land border); accommodation registration form filled on entry; proof of return ticket may be requested; extendable at police stations; cannot work; most common entry method for Western tourists.

For tourism or business for citizens of 70+ countries including US, Canada, UK, EU, Australia, Japan.

Visa Extension

Additional 90 days possible; apply at local police station (commissariat de police) before initial 90 days expire; requires passport, accommodation proof (hotel letters or rental contract), proof of funds, extension fee (~200 MAD/$20); relatively straightforward but time-consuming process; many travelers prefer to exit and re-enter.

For tourists wishing to extend stay beyond initial 90 days.

Embassy Visa

30-90 days typically; apply through Moroccan embassy or consulate; requires application form, passport, photos, invitation letter (from Moroccan host or hotel booking), proof of funds, travel insurance, return ticket; processing 5-15 days; fees vary by nationality; Morocco gradually expanding visa-free access.

For nationalities not eligible for visa-free entry, primarily African and some Asian countries.

Long-Term Residence Permit

1-10 years renewable; requires residence card (carte de séjour) from Morocco; categories include work permit, retirement (pension income), student enrollment, or investment; popular with European retirees and digital nomads; requires criminal background check, health certificate, proof of income/funds; increasing numbers of foreigners settling in Morocco for affordable cost of living.

For stays exceeding 90 days including retirees, workers, or students.

Important Travel Information

Passport validity: Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond intended stay. Strictly enforced at entry. Airlines may deny boarding if less than 6 months validity. Blank pages needed for stamps.

Israeli stamps issue: Morocco does not recognize Israel (though normalizing relations since 2020). Previously, visible Israeli stamps or border stamps from Jordan/Egypt (indicating Israel visit) could result in entry denial or lengthy questioning. Currently less strict but still potentially problematic. If planning to visit both, visit Morocco before Israel and request Israeli officials to stamp separate paper instead of passport.

French language essential: Arabic (Darija dialect) and Berber (Tamazight) are official languages. French is de facto language of business, tourism, and education (legacy of French protectorate 1912-1956). English limited outside major tourist areas. Spanish spoken in north (near Spain). Learning basic French phrases essential for independent travel. Moroccans appreciate attempts to speak Arabic or French.