Morocco Travel Info

A visa is not required for EU nationals, but your tourist stay is limited to 3 months. However, it is mandatory to have a valid passport at the date of your trip to Morocco.

If you are bringing a pet, you need a health certificate dated within 6 days and an anti-rabies certificate dated within 6 months.

If you are bringing your vehicle, you must have your vehicle registration document and an international green card (or take out insurance upon entering Morocco). You will receive a temporary import permit, valid for 6 months. If you wish to continue your journey to other countries, such as Mauritania, a carnet de passage en douane becomes necessary.

In winter people come seeking warmth and blue skies in southern Morocco and the desert. In summer, people enjoy the coolness of the Atlas mountains and the trade winds of the Atlantic coast.

In winter, even with just a few degrees, you can have breakfast in the sun with a sweater on your shoulders. The ground, heated by the sun's rays during the day, has stored this warmth through the night and releases it back to you until early morning.

Very different from one region to another. In the centre of the country and the Atlas mountains, depending on altitude, you will find a continental climate with wide variations. Summer is dry and pleasant, winter is cold and humid with snow. In summer, the intense heat is very bearable thanks to the dryness of the air, and the altitude brings coolness. Summer is therefore the ideal time for an Atlas trek, or a stay at our mountain ecolodge. Be aware that temperature ranges can be much greater inland: Fes can experience frost in February and exceed 40°C in August, as can Marrakech.

In the north of the country you will experience a Mediterranean climate with oceanic influences as you descend along the Atlantic coast. The coastline offers the only temperate climate in the country with pleasant summer temperatures and mild winters. In the east and southern Morocco, the nearby Sahara makes the climate desert-like: hot and dry.

But it is rightly said that Morocco is a cold country where the sun is hot. In winter, temperature differences within the same day can be significant. You may be in a T-shirt during the day and need a fleece in the evening. But the temperature is mild and pleasant in spring and autumn.

By plane: Many airlines serve Morocco, mainly Marrakech.

By coach: CTM works in partnership with Eurolines and offers journeys from most major French cities. The journey takes between one and two days, depending on your final destination, via Tangier.

By boat: From France, ferry services depart from Sète to Tangier. The ferry is comfortable, and the crossing takes 40 hours. It is operated by the Moroccan company Comanav, in partnership with SNCM Ferryterranée. From Spain, connections are offered by many companies.

Getting around Morocco by train: connections are pleasant and economical; they go as far as Marrakech. Beyond that, CTM works with Supratours buses.

Getting around Morocco by coach: most companies such as CTM or SUPRATOURS have a bus station. The buses are comfortable.

Getting around by taxi: In town you have 'petits taxis' (small taxis); ask the driver to use the meter. For longer journeys out of town, you need to take 'grands taxis' (large taxis); the fare is negotiable. Small or large, taxis are shared: small taxis take 3 passengers, and large taxis carry 6 passengers and their luggage.

Renting a car: major international rental companies are present in Morocco, but very expensive; choose a reliable local agency instead. Ask your travel agency who will be able to advise you.

Time difference: 2 hours in SUMMER / 1 hour in WINTER.

Money: €1 is worth approximately 11 MAD. The dirham cannot be exported. Customs officers systematically ask how much money you are carrying and often check. Banks provide exchange services in dedicated offices.

Electricity: The Moroccan grid is entirely 220 V. Power sockets are identical to those found in Europe.

Food & drink: Moroccan cuisine is as renowned and varied as French cuisine. The diet is Mediterranean, with plenty of vegetables and meat. Dishes not to be missed: All the tagines of course, couscous, not forgetting sfa, pigeon pastilla, gazelle horns, briwat and msemen. Moroccan breakfast is hearty, with pancakes, bread, jam, olive oil, mint tea, or coffee, often with milk.

Water: in large cities is drinkable, but often chlorinated; you can brush your teeth with it, but it is best to drink bottled mineral water (buy sealed bottles). It costs between 5 and 10 dirhams per litre and a half.

Tea: green tea is drunk plain, flavoured with mint, or with absinthe (cheba) in winter, or even with rosemary. It will always be served very hot and very sweet.

Wine: You will find Moroccan wine in restaurants, but also in supermarkets or specialist shops; don't miss out, it is excellent.

Doctors & hospitals: In Morocco you will find excellent doctors, quality clinics, and all the medication you might need.

Traveller's diarrhoea: the most common problem, can be triggered by a simple change of climate, eating habits, or hygiene issues. The usual precautions: washing your hands before meals and drinking mineral water will be enough to avoid it. A bottle of Coke quickly settles minor upsets, and green tea is an excellent intestinal antiseptic. Otherwise Immodium and Ercefuril will quickly solve the problem.

Prefer 100 ASA or 200 ASA as the light is excellent in Morocco. If you use rechargeable batteries and digital accessories, bring a multi-socket extension. Prefer mercury-free batteries and keep your used batteries, which will easily find a place in your return luggage. Think about the environment.

Photographing people requires a bit of common sense. Be kind enough to ask for permission. And to pay or not for photos? YES for the water sellers of Jemaa El Fna square in Marrakech, who sell nothing but their image. NO, in other circumstances. Be prepared to let it go!