Morocco welcomes millions of visitors every year, and most trips pass without any problem. Like anywhere popular with tourists, it has its own small risks, mostly petty ones, and they are easy to manage once you know what to expect.
This guide covers what to watch for in the medinas, transport, health and the desert, plus the emergency numbers to keep handy. Always check your own government’s current travel advice before you go.
In crowded souks such as Marrakech and Fes, the usual city precautions apply: keep bags closed and in front of you, avoid flashing phones or jewellery and be aware in dense crowds. Violent crime against visitors is uncommon. Streets are lively into the evening and many travellers feel comfortable walking at night in busy areas, but stick to well-lit routes and avoid empty alleys.
The most frequent problems are unofficial guides who offer to show you the way and then ask for money, people who say a street is closed to steer you to a shop, and inflated prices for anything without a displayed price. A polite, firm “no thank you” is enough. Agree prices before you accept a service, and for a guide, book an official one through your hotel or a trusted company.
Use petit taxis with the meter running, or agree the fare before you get in. Trains between major cities are comfortable and reliable. On the road, driving styles can be assertive and mountain roads are winding, so avoid driving at night outside cities. A private driver removes the stress, see our private driver guide.
Many women travel here, including solo. Expect some unwanted attention in busy streets; dressing modestly, using confident body language and ignoring comments usually works. See our dedicated guide on solo female travel in Morocco for more detail.
Drink bottled or filtered water, wash hands often and be careful with raw salads if you have a sensitive stomach. The sun is strong and summer heat can be extreme, especially inland and in the desert, so carry water, wear a hat and plan activities for early morning or evening. Take out travel insurance that covers medical care.
Go with licensed guides for desert excursions and for trekking in the High Atlas, and check conditions: winter brings snow in the mountains and flash floods can occur after heavy rain. Camel treks and camps run by established operators are well organised. Tell someone your route if you head out independently.
Dress modestly, ask before photographing people and respect religious sites and customs, especially during Ramadan. Drugs are illegal despite what you may hear about some regions, and same-sex relationships are criminalised, so travellers should be discreet. Read our etiquette guide for everyday customs.
Conditions change, so check your government’s official travel advice shortly before departure and avoid areas it advises against. For timing your trip, see the best time to visit Morocco.
Yes, millions visit safely each year. The main risks are petty theft and scams in busy tourist areas, which are easy to manage with basic precautions.
In busy, well-lit areas many travellers feel comfortable, but avoid empty alleys and keep valuables out of sight.
It is best to drink bottled or filtered water during your trip.
Many women travel solo and have a good experience. Dress modestly and ignore unwanted attention; see our dedicated guide.
Police 19 in cities, Gendarmerie 177 in rural areas and Civil Protection 15 for ambulance.
An official guide helps in the medinas and the desert and avoids pressure from touts. Book through your hotel or a trusted company.
We organise private tours with an experienced driver and local guide, so you can enjoy Morocco without stress. Tell us your plans and we will design the route.
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