Central Morocco

Visas

Most passport holders do not need a visa. Instead a free "visa waiver" is issued at customs and allows tourists to stay in Morocco for 90 days. Full visa details here

Getting Around

Morocco is big on documents so drivers need an International Driving License, registration document (or letter from owner of vehicle) and insurance green card. Many companies exclude Morocco in their policies and temporary insurance (Assurance Frontière) can be purchased at the border ($80USD/month). A "temporary vehicle admission" form must be filled in and marked in the driver’s passport. Cars cannot be left in Morocco without a police declaration or other official statement, so expect to pay a fine plus up to 50% of the car's original value in taxes and import fees. The same applies to all valuables taken into the country (surfboards, cameras, etc) so all thefts need a police report, while broken boards must be brought back to the border (if item was noted when entering). At the border, do not give any documents to anyone except police or customs officials. Renting a car in Morocco from the international brands like Hertz, Europcar and Avis is more expensive than small local companies, but they provide better services and reliable vehicles. Hirers must be 21 and have held a license for over 1 year. Punctures are common and not covered by insurance. European car rentals can’t be driven into Morocco.

The main arteries are called ‘Autoroute Nationale’ (indicated by an N) and the long N1 goes along the Atlantic coast from Tangier to Dakhla. New toll roads connect Morocco's main northern cities and the access road to Casablanca's Mohamed V airport. Work is in progress to extend the toll road network further south, to Marrakech and Agadir. Winter rains can cause havoc on the smaller coast roads. Even N road quality fluctuates greatly, down to 1 lane and often covered by sand in places south of Tarfaya. Road-blocks by the gendarmerie are common, particularly around major northern cities and the hash-producing Rif, and speeding tickets are payable on the spot (300-7000 dirham). Moroccan roads are among the most dangerous in the world, despite normal speed limits (40km/h-120km/h), and on average, ten people die on Moroccan roads every day, with another 110 injured. Radical overtaking manoeuvres and a ‘give way to bigger vehicles’ mentality compounds the fact that many licenses are bought as opposed to earned – drive defensively! Fuel prices are generally cheap, but now indexed, so prices are going up. Unleaded is only found in main cities and highway service stations (no LPG), and big distances in Western Sahara mean fill up (tax free!) at every opportunity. Morocco is the ultimate campervan road-trip destination and caters for winter travellers with many cheap campsites and van-parking areas. Freecamping is possible everywhere, however security is an issue as thieves often target vans in the middle of the night while owners sleep. Rental car break-ins are also a problem. The large freecamp above La Source and Mysteries is no longer as construction is imminent. Paying someone to watch your car/van is normal practice in towns and cities. A cheap room at the coast could cost 30dh/night while plush hotels are increasing in number. WESTERN SAHARA Visa: same as Morocco. Best is to fly Casablanca (CAS) easily accessible from Europe. Then, national Royal Air Maroc flies 3/wk with a Boeing 737 ($180 return). Régional Air Lines also operates flights. CTM bus company makes daily Agadir/Dakhla (15h, $110 return) or Marakkech/Dakhla (20h, $120). Or drive a rental car from Agadir.

Accommodation

The food is excellent, like seafood and vegetable tagines. Alcohol is only available at tourist locations, but sweet mint tea is everywhere. A good meal shouldn’t cost more than $8.

Activities

Morocco is a sensory feast full of amazing natural and cultural beauty. Unforgettable sights close to Agadir include the edge of the incomparable Sahara desert, best seen around the small Oasis of Tata or to the east of Goulmine. Check the snow capped mountains of the High Atlas (ski resorts), or the Anti Atlas around Tafaroute. A trip around the ancient medina city of Marrakesh with its colourful souks is a must.

Hazards & hassles

In the water the only dangers to worry about are urchins and rocks. On land, guard your possessions; there are a lot of thieves around. Smoking Moroccan hash is illegal for foreigners, and police regularly check tourist’s luggage or cars for it and dish out heavy fines and stiff prison sentences. Huge black scorpions live under stones and bits of wood. Touts and scamming opportunists are everywhere; beware the carpet shop scam! On the whole Moroccan people are very friendly.

Handy Hints

Respect the Muslim culture, which is tolerant and far from Islamic fundamentalist. Women should avoid wearing skimpy clothing in the old medina cities and small traditional villages. The month long Ramadan festival can see a lot of shops closed and a reduced public transport service. Only use your right hand to eat. Surf gear is available in Casablanca and Rabat.

Due to global pandemic, Visas, Getting There, Getting Around or Accommodation information and pricing may have changed. Always check Government Travel Advice before travelling.