Do Americans need a visa for Morocco?
No. US citizens can visit Morocco without a visa for up to 90 days for tourism. You need:
- a US passport valid for the length of your stay — the State Department recommends at least six months' validity and one blank page for the entry stamp;
- your return or onward ticket and your first night's address (asked on the arrival form or by the officer).
Overstaying the 90 days can lead to a fine and a court appearance before departure. For longer stays, apply for an extension at the police (Sûreté Nationale) before your 90 days are up. Full details: visa and entry requirements.
Flights from the US
Royal Air Maroc flies nonstop to Casablanca (CMN) from the airports below. US airlines also fly nonstop to Marrakech (RAK): United from Newark and Delta from Atlanta, mainly in the winter season (check current schedules).
| US airport | Approximate flight time |
|---|---|
| New York (JFK) | about 7 hours |
| Washington Dulles (IAD) | about 7 hours |
| Miami (MIA) | about 8 hours |
| Los Angeles (LAX) — three times a week since June 2026 | about 12 hours |
From Casablanca, connect to Marrakech, Fez, Tangier, Agadir or Ouarzazate, or take the train: Casablanca to Marrakech takes about 2 h 40 and to Rabat about an hour. Many travelers also connect through Europe (Paris, Madrid, Lisbon, London, Amsterdam) to fly directly into Marrakech or Fez.
Tip: Book an "open-jaw" ticket — into Marrakech, out of Fez or Tangier, for example — to avoid backtracking. See how to choose your stops.
Time difference
Morocco runs on GMT+1 most of the year. That makes it 5 hours ahead of New York in summer and 6 hours ahead in winter (8–9 hours ahead of Los Angeles). During Ramadan Morocco switches back to GMT, one hour earlier — around February to March in 2027.
Money: dollars, dirhams and cards
- Exchange rate: about $1 = 9.8 dirhams (MAD) in late October 2026; 100 MAD is roughly $10. Rates move, so check a live converter.
- The dirham is a closed currency: you cannot buy it in the US. Withdraw cash from ATMs at the airport or in town, or exchange dollars at bank or exchange bureaus (bring clean, recent bills).
- Cards: Visa and Mastercard work in hotels, larger restaurants and supermarkets; American Express is less widely accepted. Medinas, taxis, markets and small cafés are mostly cash.
- Use a card with no foreign transaction fees, and always choose to be charged in dirhams, not dollars, at ATMs and card terminals.
More: money, payments and tipping.
Tipping is lower than in the US
Tipping is customary but smaller than American norms:
- Restaurants: about 10% in sit-down restaurants; round up in cafés.
- Licensed guides: around 10% of the agreed fee; drivers on a multi-day tour commonly 100–200 MAD a day for the group.
- Porters: 10–20 MAD; parking attendants: 2–5 MAD; riad staff: a tip in the staff box when you leave.
There is no sales tax added at the till; prices in shops and markets are generally final or negotiable.
Power, phones and internet
- Plugs: Morocco uses European type C and E sockets at 220 volts. Bring a plug adapter; check that chargers say "100–240 V" (most phone and laptop chargers do). Hair dryers and straighteners designed for 110 V need a converter.
- Phones: US roaming plans can be expensive. A Moroccan SIM (Maroc Telecom, Orange, inwi) or an eSIM gives cheap data; see our SIM and eSIM guide.
- WhatsApp is the standard way to contact riads, drivers and guides.
Units: Celsius, kilometers and metric sizes
Morocco uses the metric system. Quick conversions:
| Morocco | US equivalent |
|---|---|
| 20 °C | 68 °F |
| 30 °C | 86 °F |
| 40 °C | 104 °F |
| 100 km | 62 miles |
| 1 liter | about a quart |
Road signs show kilometers and speed limits in km/h (city 60, rural roads 100, highways 120).
Safety and the State Department advisory
Millions of visitors travel in Morocco each year without problems. At the time of our review, the US State Department rated Morocco Level 2 – Exercise increased caution, citing a general terrorism risk, the same level as several European countries. The day-to-day issues are petty: persistent touts, unofficial guides, overcharging. Our safety and etiquette guide explains how to handle them.
- Enroll in STEP (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program) before you go to receive alerts.
- US Embassy: Rabat. US Consulate General: Casablanca, Pôle Urbain Casa Anfa; phone +212 522 642 099, after-hours emergency +212 661 13 19 39.
- Emergency numbers in Morocco: 19 police, 15 ambulance, 177 gendarmerie (outside cities).
Health and insurance
No vaccinations are required, and malaria is not a risk. US health insurance and Medicare usually do not cover you abroad, so buy travel insurance with medical and evacuation cover. See health and travel insurance.
Driving
You can drive with your US driver's license; an International Driving Permit (issued by AAA) is recommended and some rental agencies ask for it. Moroccans drive on the right. See getting around Morocco.
Customs coming home
US Customs allows $800 of goods per person duty-free after a trip abroad. Rugs, ceramics, leather and argan oil are popular — keep receipts, and avoid products made from protected species. Many rug sellers ship to the US; ask for written shipping terms.
Best time to go from the US
March–May and late September–November suit a classic first trip. Thanksgiving and spring break are popular, so book riads and desert camps early. Summer is very hot inland (often over 100 °F in Marrakech and the Sahara) but pleasant on the coast. See weather by month.
A first itinerary for US travelers
With 7–10 days, fly into Casablanca and connect to Marrakech, then follow our 7-day itinerary (Marrakech, the Sahara and Essaouira) or our 10-day itinerary (Marrakech to Fez via the desert), flying home from Casablanca. Allow one day to recover from jet lag before any long drive.
Frequently asked questions
Do US citizens need a visa for Morocco?
No. US passport holders can stay up to 90 days for tourism without a visa. Your passport should be valid for at least six months and have a blank page.
Are there direct flights from the US to Morocco?
Yes. Royal Air Maroc flies nonstop to Casablanca from New York JFK, Washington Dulles and Miami, and from Los Angeles three times a week since June 2026. United (Newark) and Delta (Atlanta) also fly nonstop to Marrakech, mainly in winter. The flight from the East Coast takes about seven hours.
Can I use US dollars in Morocco?
Not for everyday purchases. Prices are in dirhams, and you pay in dirhams. Withdraw cash from ATMs on arrival or exchange dollars at a bank or exchange bureau; about $1 equals 9.8 MAD in October 2026.
Is Morocco safe for American tourists?
Morocco is generally safe for visitors. The US State Department lists it at Level 2, "exercise increased caution." The most common problems are scams and touts rather than violent crime.
What plug adapter do I need for Morocco?
A European type C/E adapter. Morocco runs on 220 V, so check that your devices accept 100–240 V.
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.