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TRAVEL REPORT
Morocco

1. RECENT UPDATES

A minor editorial change has been made.

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2. WARNINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

There is no Official Warning for this country.

Morocco

Exercise normal security precautions

Exercise high degree of caution

Avoid non-essential travel

Avoid all travel

Canadian citizens or Canadian interests are not specifically targeted by terrorism in Morocco. However, there have been attacks in the past, notably in Casablanca in 2007, and local authorities have taken measures to prevent further attacks from taking place. Canadians should exercise caution in public places, monitor local new reports, avoid demonstrations and follow the advice of local authorities.

Caution is advised in the mountainous Rif region, on the northern coast of Morocco, since drugs are produced in this area and tourists are occasionally tricked into unknowingly committing drug offences.

Western Sahara and border regions

Western Sahara is a non-autonomous territory whose political and legal status has yet to be determined through the United Nations. Although the Government of Canada does not recognize Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara, Canadian citizens travelling there are subject to the laws and regulations of Morocco, which unilaterally administers the territory. Because of the remoteness of Western Sahara, the Government of Canada may be extremely limited in its ability to provide assistance to Canadians in difficulty there.

It is absolutely essential that Canadians restrict travel to officially designated tourist areas should they choose to go there. Western Sahara is a former area of conflict still littered with unexploded landmines, particularly in remote regions. Canadians are advised to seek local advice prior to travelling to the desert areas in the south and to hire only official guides recommended by hotels, travel agencies or local tourist authorities. A four-wheel-drive vehicle and appropriate supplies are essential for off-road driving in the mountains or the desert.

The border with Algeria is closed. No attempt should be made to cross into Algeria by land. Consult the Algeria Travel Report for travel advice on that country.
 
Finally, it is illegal for visitors arriving by private boat to enter Morocco other than at a recognized port of entry.

OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: We offer a registration service for all Canadians travelling or living abroad. This service is provided so that we can contact and assist you in an emergency abroad, such as a natural disaster or civil unrest, or inform you of a family emergency at home. Registration can be done on-line or by contacting a Canadian government office abroad. For more information, see our FAQs on Registration of Canadians Abroad.

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3. SAFETY AND SECURITY

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety. The purpose of this Travel Report is to provide Canadians with up-to-date information to enable them to make well-informed decisions.

Crime

Petty crime, including pick-pocketing, purse snatching, assaults, muggings, scams and theft, occurs, particularly in the Medina/market areas, parks, and beaches. Thefts occur around ATMs. Credit card fraud is also frequent. Panhandling is increasing and some panhandlers can be aggressive toward tourists. Ensure your personal belongings are secure and do not show signs of affluence, particularly when walking at night.

You should never accept food or drink from strangers, nor should you accept invitations from strangers or change your planned itinerary at the suggestion of such individuals. While Moroccans are generally very friendly and hospitable, you should always exercise common sense and travel wisely.

There have been reports of tourists being taken to certain stores and then intimidated into making purchases. You should politely but firmly decline.

Internet romances
 
Caution is advised if travelling to Morocco for romance, especially in cases of relationships initiated on the internet. International internet dating poses many risks, among them deception. Some immigration candidates see marriage to a person with Canadian citizenship as a means to obtain a Canadian visa. The financial responsibilities associated with meeting someone this way can be prohibitive.

If you go to Morocco to meet a potential spouse, find out beforehand about the country’s customs and laws on conjugal relations and marriage. Also hold on carefully to your return plane ticket, your money and your passport should problems arise.

For more information on Internet romances and overseas scams as well as their impact on the security of Canadians, see our Global Issues page.

Women’s safety

Women travelling alone may be subject to certain forms of harassment and verbal abuse. The Department publishes a booklet entitled Her Own Way: A Woman’s Guide to Safe and Successful Travel. Its prime objective is to inform Canadian women and encourage them to travel safely.

Demonstrations

Demonstrations and strikes concerning national and international events can occur, as can confrontations between police and demonstrators. Canadians are advised to monitor local news reports, avoid demonstrations and follow the advice of local authorities.

Tourism

While swimming conditions in tourist areas are generally safe and problem-free, public beaches in major cities are often polluted and unfit for swimming. If unsure of conditions, check with your hotel.

Tourist facilities are widely available in Morocco, but quality varies according to price and location.

General safety information

Dial 19 for police services and 15 for firefighter or ambulance services.

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4. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS

It is the sole prerogative of each country or region to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries or regions have special requirements for persons intending to reside for extended periods (usually more than 90 days) or who plan to work, study, or engage in non-tourist activities. To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) to be visited. Violations of entry and exit requirements may result in serious penalties.

The following information on entry and exit requirements has been confirmed with the Moroccan authorities. However, these requirements are subject to change at any time. It is the traveller's responsibility to check with the Embassy of the Kingdom of Morocco and its consulates for up-to-date information.

A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit Morocco. The passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected departure from the country.

Tourist Visa: Not required (for stays of less than 90 days)
Business Visa: Not required (for stays of less than 90 days)
Student Visa: Not required (for stays of less than 90 days)

If you plan to extend your stay in Morocco beyond 90 days, contact the local police station, Service to Foreigners Section, at least 15 days prior to the expiry of the three-month limit, in order to secure proper authorization.

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A Certificate of Canadian Citizenship is not a travel document. A Canadian passport is the only reliable and universally accepted travel and identification document available to Canadians for the purpose of international travel. Canadian citizens returning to Canada who present other documents, such as a Certificate of Canadian Citizenship, birth certificate, provincial driver’s licence, or foreign passport, instead of a Canadian passport, may face delays or be denied boarding by transport companies.

Selling, altering, or allowing another person to use your passport is a criminal offence. It could lead to the laying of charges and imprisonment if convicted. It could also lead to the denial of future passport services.

Special and diplomatic passport holders should verify all visa requirements for this and other destinations, as they may differ from those that apply to regular passport holders.

Any adult travelling with children may be required to show evidence of parental/custodial and/or access rights. Foreign and Canadian authorities may also require evidence that the adult has the consent of the parents, legal guardian, and/or the court to travel with the children. Some countries or regions may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country or region without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order.

Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries or regions do not recognize them. Attempting to enter as a same-sex married couple may result in refusal by local officials. For more information, contact the foreign government office accredited to Canada.

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5. CANADIAN GOVERNMENT CONTACTS

You can obtain consular assistance and further consular information at the following address:

Morocco - AGDAL-RABAT, Embassy of Canada
Address: 13 bis, Jaafar As-Sadik Street, Agdal-Rabat, Morocco
Postal Address: P.O. Box 709, Agdal-Rabat, Morocco,
Tel.: 212 (537) 68 74 00
Fax: 212 (537) 68 74 30
E-Mail: rabat@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.morocco.gc.ca

For emergency assistance after hours, call the Embassy of Canada in Agdal-Rabat and follow the instructions. You may also make a collect call to the Department in Ottawa at 613-996-8885.

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6. TRAVEL HEALTH

The Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) report on disease outbreaks that occur throughout the world. For the latest travel health advisories and related information, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Travel Health Web site.

The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that your travel plans include contacting a travel medicine clinic or physician six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication and advise you on precautions to avoid disease. Travellers are reminded to ensure that their routine (childhood) immunizations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and measles) are up to date.

Standards of medical care may differ from those in Canada. Treatment may be expensive, and payment in advance may be required. Travellers are advised to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure. Prescription medications should be kept in the original container and packed in carry-on luggage.

The Public Health Agency of Canada also recommends that travellers who become sick or feel unwell on their return to Canada seek a medical assessment with their personal physician. Travellers should inform their physician that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada.

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7. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION

In Rabat, Casablanca and Marrakech, medical facilities are adequate for non-emergencies. Outside these urban centres, services may be limited. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment.

In medical facilities, Arabic is spoken everywhere while French is spoken mostly in large centres. English is rarely used.

Travellers must make sure they carry a sufficient supply of their prescription medicine.

You should drink bottled beverages and avoid drinking water from “water sellers.”

See our Global Issues page for information on the H1N1 Flu Virus.

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8. LAWS AND CUSTOMS

You are subject to local laws. A serious violation may lead to a jail sentence. The sentence will be served in local prisons.

Canadians arrested or detained have the right to contact the responsible Canadian government office (embassy, high commission, etc.) listed in Section 5 above. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request.

The procedures required in legal proceedings or police investigations may be different from the procedures in force in the Canadian legal system. Canadians wishing to undertake such proceedings can expect to face long delays and additional efforts in order to resolve their case. The Government of Canada cannot intervene in ongoing legal proceedings in other countries or regions, unless requested to do so by local authorities. Such requests are rare.

Dual nationality is recognized by Morocco, but Moroccan citizenship takes precedence. Children of Moroccan fathers automatically acquire Moroccan citizenship at birth, regardless of where they were born. The father’s permission is required for any child to travel, regardless of whether the child is travelling on a foreign or a Moroccan passport. Moroccan immigration officials may request proof of the father’s consent. Airport authorities regularly ask dual nationals to produce their Moroccan national ID card (CIN). The Embassy of Canada’s ability to assist dual nationals is limited. The Department publishes a booklet entitled Citizenship: What Travellers Should Know, specifically targeted at Canadians with dual nationality.

Morocco is a Muslim country and unescorted women may attract attention outside large urban centres. Islamic practices and beliefs are adhered to in the country’s customs, laws, and regulations. Common sense and discretion should be exercised in dress and behaviour. Respect religious and social traditions to avoid offending local sensitivities. Visitors should dress conservatively.

The use of drugs and public alcohol consumption is prohibited. Transgressions could be punished by detention or other penalties. Penalties for drug trafficking are severe and judgment is expeditious.

Unauthorized importation of Bibles or other religious material is prohibited, except for personal use. Proselytism is also forbidden.

Homosexual activity and all extramarital sexual relations are illegal.

Possession of pornographic material is illegal.

Photographing military or security interests can result in problems with authorities.

Canadians are generally well treated in Morocco. In dealings with Moroccan authorities, you should proceed in a courteous manner and exercise good judgment. No attempt should be made to criticize Moroccan institutions or the monarchy. This is a crime and may result in imprisonment.

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9. TRAVEL AND CURRENCY

Road conditions vary according to location and weather (e.g. in the high mountains or during the rainy season). National roads are generally in good condition, but narrow and heavily congested. Morocco has a very high traffic mortality rate. Despite police enforcement, traffic regulations are not respected by all drivers. Always have your identification and vehicle documents readily available, as checkpoints are frequent. Extreme caution should be exercised on the Casablanca–Marrakech and the Casablanca–El Jadida roads because of high traffic volume. Accidents, which are numerous and often attributed to poor driving practices, have resulted in serious injuries and deaths.

Be vigilant, particularly in cities, where driving practices may appear chaotic by Canadian standards. Priority is always given to the vehicle to your right. Pedestrians, scooters, and animals on roadways can also pose risks. If possible, avoid driving at night. In the event of an accident that results in injuries or involves a government vehicle, drivers should not move their vehicles until the police arrive. In other cases, an accident report drawn up by the parties involved will suffice.

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is required.

See our FAQ on transportation in order to verify if national airlines meet safety standards.

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The currency, the Moroccan dirham (MAD), cannot be exchanged outside the country, although some stores in Ceuta and Melilla may accept it. Any unused dirhams can be reconverted to hard currency at the airport exchange counter upon departure, provided the wickets are open and the travellers have kept the receipts for the dirhams purchased. Exchange only as much money as needed. Credit cards and traveller’s cheques are accepted in certain stores and restaurants in urban centres, and in major hotels.

Check with your bank for information on automated banking machine (ABM) services outside Canada. You can also check the VISA ATM locator page or the MasterCard ATM locator page for the addresses of ABMs around the world. Verify with your financial institution whether your bank card can be used with ABMs abroad. Some countries use chip and/or personal identification number (PIN) technology for credit cards. Check with your bank to find out if your credit card will be accepted abroad. Credit cards and debit cards should be used with caution due to the potential for fraud and other criminal activity. ABMs should be used during business hours inside a bank, supermarket, or large commercial building. Leave copies of your card numbers with a family member in case of emergency.

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10. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE

The rainy season extends from November to March. Flash floods can be frequent and sometimes severe during this period. They can be especially dangerous in the High Atlas Valley area. You should monitor regional weather forecasts and plan accordingly.

Morocco is also located in an active seismic zone.

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11. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Returning to Canada

Traveller's Checklist

Health and Travel Insurance: Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy. Some credit cards offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides adequate coverage. Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or relative, and/or travelling companion how to contact your insurer. Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you return to Canada. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes.

Cancelling a scheduled trip abroad could cost you money. Before cancelling a scheduled trip, you should discuss the matter with your travel agent, your travel insurer, or the airline. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller.

Adoption: Adoption by foreigners is almost impossible in this country or region.

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12. ANNEX

N/A

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