Safety and travel etiquette in Morocco

The overall picture

Morocco is generally considered a safe destination for tourists, and the tourism police (brigade touristique) are visible in major cities. Governments such as the US, UK and others publish travel advice for Morocco; at the time of our last review, the US State Department rated Morocco at Level 2 ("exercise increased caution"), citing a general risk of terrorism, the same level as many European countries. Read your own government's advice before travelling, as it can change.

The main risks for visitors are ordinary ones: petty theft and pickpocketing in crowded places, scams in tourist areas, road accidents, and heat or stomach problems.

Common scams and how to deal with them

The "closed road" or "closed sight". Someone tells you that the street, the square or a monument is closed, and offers to show you another way — which leads to a shop or a tannery and a request for money. Smile, say no thank you, and continue.

Unofficial guides. Young men offer to guide you in the medina, often insistently. Official guides carry a badge; book them through your accommodation. A firm, friendly "la, shukran" (no, thank you) and walking on works best — avoid long explanations.

Henna "gifts". A woman takes your hand and starts applying henna, then demands a high price. Keep your hands to yourself and walk on.

Restaurant add-ons. Bread, olives, water or extra dishes you did not order appear on the bill. Ask whether they are included, check the menu prices and review the bill.

Taxi fares. Drivers who refuse to use the meter or quote a high flat fare. Insist on the meter, or agree on a price before getting in, or take the next taxi.

Photos with performers. Snake charmers, monkey handlers, water sellers and musicians in tourist squares expect payment for photographs — sometimes aggressively. Agree on an amount first or do not photograph.

Shop commissions. Drivers and guides may take you to shops where they earn a commission. You are never obliged to buy.

None of these are dangerous. Stay calm and polite; raising your voice rarely helps.

Theft and personal safety

• Use a cross-body bag that closes, and keep phones out of reach in crowds (Jemaa el-Fna at night, the souks, train stations).
• Do not leave phones on café tables near the street.
• Use your accommodation's safe for passports and spare cash; carry a photocopy or photo of your passport.
• Late at night, avoid empty medina lanes and use taxis between neighbourhoods.
• Be cautious with ATMs at night; choose machines inside banks or well-lit areas.

Advice for women travellers

Many women travel alone in Morocco and enjoy it. Unwanted attention — comments, persistent conversation, being followed for a short distance — is the most common issue, particularly in the medinas of Marrakech and Fez. Practical strategies used by experienced travellers:

• Dress modestly: loose clothing covering shoulders and knees attracts less attention.
• Walk with purpose and avoid engaging with persistent men; ignoring comments is socially acceptable.
• Sit with families or other women on buses and trains.
• Choose well-reviewed accommodation in central locations and arrange airport transfers for night arrivals.
• If you need help, approach shopkeepers, women, families or the tourism police. Saying "Hshuma!" (shame!) loudly can deter harassment.

Harassment of women in public spaces is illegal under Moroccan law.

Dress and etiquette

Morocco is a Muslim country with a wide range of lifestyles, from very conservative rural areas to cosmopolitan city districts. Respectful habits:

• In medinas, villages and religious sites, both men and women should cover shoulders and knees. Swimwear is for beaches and pools.
• Non-Muslims cannot enter most mosques; exceptions include the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca (guided tours) and some historic sites no longer used for prayer.
• Use your right hand for eating and for giving and receiving things.
• Public displays of affection are frowned upon.
• If invited into a home, remove your shoes if your hosts do, and accept tea — it is a sign of hospitality.
• Greet people with "Salam alaykum"; the reply is "Wa alaykum salam".

Photography

Always ask before photographing people, particularly women and older people in rural areas. Many will decline, and some may ask for money. Do not photograph military or police installations, royal palaces' guards up close, or airports. Drones require official authorisation and are confiscated at customs without it.

Laws to be aware of

• Drugs: cannabis is widely offered in the north, but recreational use and possession are illegal and penalties can be severe.
• Alcohol is legal and sold in licensed bars, restaurants and some supermarkets, but drinking in public is not allowed.
• Same-sex relations are criminalised under Moroccan law, and public displays of affection by any couple may draw negative attention. LGBTQ+ travellers should read their government's specific advice.
• Unmarried couples: Moroccan law has historically prohibited sex outside marriage, and some hotels may ask Moroccan couples for a marriage certificate. Foreign couples are not normally asked.
• Criticism of the monarchy or Islam in public, including online, can be prosecuted.

Ramadan

During Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn to sunset. Visitors are not expected to fast, and hotels and tourist restaurants continue to serve food, but eating, drinking or smoking in public in the daytime is considered disrespectful (and is an offence for Moroccan Muslims). Many local cafés close during the day; the atmosphere after sunset, when families break the fast with ftour, is lively and welcoming. Expect shorter opening hours for monuments and offices.

Health

• Water: tap water is treated in large cities, but most visitors drink bottled or filtered water to avoid stomach upsets.
• Food: busy street-food stalls with high turnover are usually safe. Wash hands or use sanitiser before eating; peel fruit.
• Heat: from June to September, the interior regularly exceeds 40 °C. Drink often, wear a hat, and plan outdoor visits for early morning and late afternoon.
• Pharmacies (green cross) are well stocked and pharmacists are helpful for minor ailments. Night pharmacies (pharmacie de garde) operate on a rota.
• Travel insurance with medical cover is essential.

Road safety

Road accidents are one of the main risks for visitors. Avoid driving at night outside towns, wear seat belts, choose reputable drivers and tour operators, and be careful crossing streets in cities, where scooters move fast and in all directions.

Emergency numbers

Save the phone number of your embassy or consulate and your accommodation in your phone.

Official sources

Check your government's travel advice before and during your trip — for example travel.state.gov (US), gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice (UK) or diplomatie.gouv.fr (France).

Related: visa and entry, money and tipping and useful phrases.

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.