Travel Guide / From China

Travel guide · From China

Morocco for travellers from China

Since Morocco removed visa requirements for Chinese citizens in 2016, it has become one of the most popular destinations in Africa for travellers from China. A direct flight now links Beijing and Casablanca. This guide covers entry, flights, payments, communication and the routes Chinese visitors enjoy most.

Reviewed October 2026Visa-free 90 daysNonstop Beijing → Casablanca¥1 ≈ 1.4 MAD
Traveller on blue tiled stairs in Chefchaouen
Blue stairs in Chefchaouen

Do Chinese citizens need a visa for Morocco?

No. Holders of an ordinary passport of the People's Republic of China can visit Morocco without a visa for up to 90 days for tourism, a rule in place since June 2016. Your passport should be valid for at least six months. Hong Kong and Macao SAR and other passports follow their own rules — check before booking. More: visa and entry requirements.

Flights from China

  • Royal Air Maroc flies nonstop Beijing (PEK) – Casablanca (CMN), about three times a week on Boeing 787 Dreamliners; the return flight from Casablanca takes roughly 12½ hours.
  • From Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chengdu and other cities, one-stop routes connect via Doha, Dubai, Istanbul, Paris or Frankfurt.

From Casablanca, take the train to Marrakech (about 2 h 40), Rabat (about 1 hour) or the high-speed Al Boraq to Tangier (about 2 h 10).

Time difference

Morocco (GMT+1) is 7 hours behind Beijing (8 hours during Ramadan, when Morocco returns to GMT).

Money and payments

  • About ¥1 = 1.4 dirhams (MAD), or 100 MAD ≈ ¥71, in October 2026.
  • UnionPay: Morocco's largest bank, Attijariwafa bank, has a partnership with UnionPay, and UnionPay cards work at many of its ATMs and some card terminals. Coverage is not universal, so carry a Visa or Mastercard as a backup.
  • Alipay and WeChat Pay are accepted only in a small number of shops and hotels aimed at Chinese visitors — do not rely on them.
  • Cash is essential in medinas, taxis and markets. Yuan are rarely exchanged; bring euros or US dollars if you want cash to change. See money and tipping.

Plugs and phones

Moroccan sockets are type C/E at 220 V — the same voltage as China, but Chinese type A and type I plugs need an adapter. Buy a local SIM or eSIM for data, download offline maps and a translation app, and install WhatsApp: Moroccan riads, drivers and guides use it to communicate. See SIM and eSIM.

Language and guides

Moroccans speak Darija, Amazigh and French; English is common in tourist areas. Chinese-speaking guides exist in Marrakech, Fez and Casablanca but are limited, so book them in advance through your hotel or a licensed agency. Translation apps work well for menus and taxis. See useful phrases.

What Chinese visitors love most

Place Why go
Chefchaouen The famous blue town in the Rif mountains, ideal for photography
Merzouga Sunrise over the Sahara dunes and a night in a desert camp
Marrakech Jemaa el-Fna square, palaces, gardens and souks
Fez The world's largest car-free medina and its tanneries
Casablanca Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world, open to visitors

See our Chefchaouen and Merzouga guides.

Food and customs

Food is halal; pork is not served and alcohol is limited to licensed venues. Chinese restaurants exist in Casablanca, Marrakech and Rabat. Mosques other than Hassan II are generally closed to non-Muslim visitors. Ask before photographing people. Read our safety and etiquette guide.

Insurance and consular help

Take travel insurance with medical and evacuation cover (health and insurance). The Embassy of China is in Rabat, with a Consulate General in Casablanca. Emergency numbers: 19 police, 15 ambulance.

Suggested trip

For 10 days: Casablanca → Chefchaouen → Fez → Merzouga → Marrakech, combining our 10-day itinerary with a day trip to the blue town.

Frequently asked questions

Do Chinese citizens need a visa for Morocco?

No. Since June 2016, Chinese citizens with an ordinary passport can visit Morocco for up to 90 days without a visa.

Is there a direct flight from China to Morocco?

Yes. Royal Air Maroc flies nonstop between Beijing and Casablanca about three times a week.

Can I use UnionPay in Morocco?

Often, yes: UnionPay cards work at many Attijariwafa bank ATMs and some terminals, but not everywhere. Carry cash and a Visa or Mastercard as backup.

What is the time difference between Beijing and Morocco?

Morocco is seven hours behind Beijing, and eight hours behind during Ramadan.

This guide was last reviewed in October 2026. Entry rules, opening hours, transport timetables and prices change; check official sources shortly before you travel. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.