Morocco Safety Guide

Travel Security, Health Tips & Emergency Information

Emergency Info Travel Support

Traveling Safely in Morocco

Morocco is generally a safe country for travelers, with a low crime rate compared to many other tourist destinations. However, like any country, it's important to be aware of potential risks and take sensible precautions.

Most visits to Morocco are trouble-free, but petty crime like pickpocketing and bag snatching can occur in crowded areas. By staying alert and following local advice, you can minimize risks and enjoy a safe, memorable journey.

General Safety
Health Precautions
Emergency Info
Women's Safety
Safe travel in Morocco

Morocco Safety Overview

Understanding safety levels across different aspects of travel in Morocco.

General Safety

High Safety

Morocco has a low violent crime rate. Exercise normal precautions as you would in any tourist destination.

Transportation

Medium Safety

Road conditions vary. Use licensed taxis and reputable transport companies. Exercise caution when driving.

Health & Medical

High Safety

Good medical facilities in major cities. Take food and water precautions. Consider travel insurance.

Scams & Petty Crime

Medium Risk

Petty crime exists in tourist areas. Be vigilant in crowds and aware of common scams targeting tourists.

Regional Safety Variations

Major Cities

Generally safe with normal tourist precautions. Be extra vigilant in crowded medinas and tourist areas.

Rural & Mountain Areas

Very safe with welcoming communities. Take normal hiking precautions and inform others of your plans.

Tourist Areas

Well-policed and generally safe. Higher incidence of petty crime and tourist-targeted scams.

General Safety Tips

Essential advice for staying safe throughout your Moroccan journey.

Personal Security

  • Keep valuables out of sight and use hotel safes when available
  • Be cautious in crowded areas like markets and public transport
  • Carry a copy of your passport and keep the original secure
  • Avoid displaying large amounts of cash or expensive jewelry
  • Stay alert in tourist areas where pickpockets may operate
  • Use ATMs in secure locations like banks or shopping malls

Accommodation Safety

  • Choose accommodations with good security measures
  • Keep your room locked at all times, even when inside
  • Use the hotel safe for passports, extra cash, and valuables
  • Familiarize yourself with emergency exits and procedures
  • Don't open your door to strangers - verify with reception first
  • Keep important documents and medications in your carry-on

Money & Documents

  • Carry only the cash you need for the day
  • Use a money belt or hidden pouch for important items
  • Keep digital copies of important documents in cloud storage
  • Notify your bank of your travel plans to avoid card issues
  • Diversify where you keep money and cards
  • Keep emergency contact numbers readily accessible

Cultural Sensitivity

  • Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites
  • Ask permission before photographing people
  • Respect local customs and religious practices
  • Be discreet with public displays of affection
  • Learn a few basic phrases in Arabic or French
  • Be patient - things may not happen as quickly as you're used to

Safety Tips by Time of Day

Daytime Safety

  • Stay in well-lit, populated areas
  • Be extra cautious in crowded markets and tourist spots
  • Keep bags zipped and in front of you in crowds
  • Stay hydrated and protect yourself from the sun

Evening Safety

  • Stick to well-lit main streets after dark
  • Use licensed taxis rather than walking alone at night
  • Avoid isolated areas and empty medina alleys
  • Let someone know your plans if going out at night

Nighttime Safety

  • Travel in groups when possible at night
  • Pre-arrange transportation for late returns
  • Keep your accommodation address with you
  • Stay aware of your surroundings and avoid distractions

Health & Medical Safety

Staying healthy during your Moroccan adventure.

Food & Water Safety

Do

  • Drink bottled or purified water
  • Eat freshly cooked, hot food
  • Wash fruits and vegetables with purified water
  • Choose busy restaurants with high turnover

Avoid

  • Tap water and ice in drinks
  • Unpasteurized dairy products
  • Food from street vendors with poor hygiene
  • Raw or undercooked meat and seafood

Medical Preparedness

Before You Go

  • Check if any vaccinations are recommended
  • Pack a comprehensive travel medical kit
  • Ensure you have adequate travel insurance
  • Bring sufficient supplies of prescription medications

During Your Trip

  • Use sunscreen and stay hydrated
  • Wash hands frequently or use hand sanitizer
  • Protect against insect bites in rural areas
  • Know location of nearest medical facilities

Medical Facilities in Morocco

Major Cities

Good private hospitals and clinics with English-speaking staff in Casablanca, Marrakech, Rabat, and Fez.

Smaller Cities

Adequate public hospitals and private clinics, though facilities may be more basic than in major cities.

Rural Areas

Basic health centers. Serious conditions require transfer to larger cities. Travel insurance with evacuation recommended.

Transportation Safety

Staying safe while getting around Morocco.

Taxis

  • Use licensed taxis with meters or agree on fare beforehand
  • Petit taxis (city) should use meters; Grand taxis (intercity) have fixed rates
  • Avoid unmarked vehicles offering taxi services
  • Share grand taxis with other passengers for safety

Public Transport

  • Keep valuables secure and within sight on buses and trains
  • Use reputable bus companies like CTM or Supratours
  • Be cautious at bus and train stations, especially at night
  • Book train tickets in advance for popular routes

Driving

  • Drive defensively - local driving standards may differ
  • Avoid driving at night, especially in rural areas
  • Stick to main roads and avoid isolated areas
  • Carry your driving license, passport, and insurance documents

Walking

  • Be extra cautious when crossing streets
  • Stay in well-lit areas after dark
  • Keep bags on the side away from the road to prevent snatching
  • Use sidewalks where available; be mindful of traffic

Transportation Safety Tips

General Advice

  • Research your route in advance and have a map available
  • Keep your phone charged and have local emergency numbers saved
  • Carry small change for taxis and public transport
  • Travel with others when possible, especially at night

Emergency Preparedness

  • Keep a copy of your passport separate from the original
  • Carry your accommodation address with you at all times
  • Save local emergency numbers in your phone
  • Know the location of your country's embassy or consulate

Common Scams & Tourist Traps

How to recognize and avoid common issues targeting tourists.

Common Scams

  • Fake Guides

    Individuals claiming to be official guides who offer tours then demand excessive payment. Only use licensed guides from official tourist offices.

  • Overcharging

    Taxi drivers or vendors not using meters or charging inflated prices. Always agree on prices beforehand or ensure meters are used.

  • Friendly Strangers

    Overly friendly individuals who invite you for tea or to their shop, then pressure you into buying overpriced goods.

  • Photo Scams

    People offering to take your photo then demanding payment, or performers expecting payment after you've photographed them.

How to Avoid Problems

  • Be Firm but Polite

    A simple but firm "No, thank you" (La shukran in Arabic) is usually enough to deter persistent touts and scam artists.

  • Research Prices

    Know approximate prices for common items and services so you can recognize when you're being overcharged.

  • Use Official Services

    Book tours through reputable companies, use licensed taxis, and exchange money at banks or official exchange offices.

  • Trust Your Instincts

    If something feels wrong or too good to be true, it probably is. Walk away from situations that make you uncomfortable.

Dealing with Persistent Touts

Effective Responses

  • "La shukran" (No thank you) - simple and effective
  • "Mashi mushkil" (No problem) - polite dismissal
  • "Ana mdayer" (I'm in a hurry) - indicates you're busy
  • Simply ignore and continue walking without eye contact

What to Avoid

  • Don't engage in lengthy conversations or negotiations
  • Avoid being rude or aggressive - remain calm and polite
  • Don't feel obligated to accept "free" gifts or services
  • Avoid following strangers to secondary locations

Women's Safety

Specific advice for women traveling in Morocco.

For Women Travelers

  • Dress Modestly

    Cover shoulders, chest, and knees. Loose-fitting clothing is recommended, especially outside tourist areas.

  • Travel in Groups

    When possible, travel with others, especially at night or in more conservative areas.

  • Be Prepared for Attention

    Unwanted attention or comments may occur. A polite but firm response is usually effective.

  • Seek Female Company

    In more traditional settings, connecting with local women can provide valuable insights and support.

Cultural Considerations

  • Greetings

    Some Moroccan men may not initiate handshakes with women due to religious beliefs. Follow their lead.

  • Religious Sites

    Cover hair when visiting mosques (except Hassan II in Casablanca which provides headscarves).

  • Dining

    In traditional settings, men and women may dine separately. Follow your host's lead.

  • Accommodation

    Women traveling alone may feel more comfortable in riads or hotels rather than budget hostels.

Regional Variations for Women

Major Cities

More liberal attitudes, especially in tourist areas. Still advisable to dress modestly and be aware of surroundings.

Rural & Traditional Areas

More conservative. Cover arms, legs, and sometimes hair. Consider traveling with a companion.

Coastal Resorts

More relaxed about Western clothing at resorts, but cover up when leaving hotel grounds.

Emergency Information

Essential contacts and procedures for emergencies.

Emergency Contacts

Police Emergency

For immediate police assistance

19

Ambulance & Fire

Medical emergencies and fire department

15

Gendarmerie Royale

Rural police force

177

Tourist Police

Special police for tourist assistance

+212 5 37 73 09 49

Emergency Procedures

  • In case of emergency, dial the appropriate number above
  • Contact your embassy or consulate if your passport is lost/stolen
  • Immediately report lost or stolen credit cards to your bank
  • For medical emergencies, go to the nearest hospital or clinic
  • Contact your travel insurance provider as soon as possible
  • Inform your accommodation manager of any serious incidents

Embassy & Consulate Contacts

Selected Embassies in Rabat

United States

KM 5.7 Avenue Mohamed VI
+212 5 37 76 22 65

United Kingdom

28 Avenue S.A.R. Sidi Mohammed
+212 5 37 63 33 33

Canada

13 bis, Jaafar As-Sadik
+212 5 37 68 74 00

Australia

Consulate in Casablanca
+212 5 22 43 56 56

Before You Travel

  • Register with your embassy's smart traveler program
  • Save embassy contact information in your phone
  • Know the location of your nearest embassy or consulate
  • Keep a copy of your passport photo page separately
  • Share your itinerary with family or friends back home

Travel Safety Checklist

Essential preparations for a safe trip to Morocco.

Before You Go

  • Research your destinations and current safety conditions
  • Check travel advisories from your government
  • Purchase comprehensive travel insurance
  • Scan important documents and save digital copies
  • Register with your embassy's traveler program
  • Learn basic phrases in Arabic or French
  • Share your itinerary with family or friends

During Your Trip

  • Keep valuables secure and out of sight
  • Stay aware of your surroundings
  • Use licensed taxis and reputable transport
  • Respect local customs and dress codes
  • Drink bottled water and eat at busy restaurants
  • Keep emergency numbers saved in your phone
  • Trust your instincts - if something feels wrong, leave

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