Morocco Travel Guide

🇺🇸 US State Department Advisory

Reissued after periodic review with minor edits.  Exercise increased caution in Morocco due to  terrorism . Country Summary:  Terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in Morocco. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning.  They target tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets, shopping malls, and local government facilities. Read the  country information page  for additional information on travel to Morocco. If you decide to travel to Morocco:...

🏥 CDC Health Notices

✈️ Planning a Trip?

Despite advisories, many travelers visit Morocco safely every year. Check our guides for practical tips:

🚨 Emergency Numbers

🏥 Healthcare Summary

Access: easy Hours: Most pharmacies open 9am-9pm; many 24-hour pharmacies in major cities; on-call pharmacy system operates at night; chains include Pharmacies Internationales and independent pharmacies Prescription rules: A prescription is required for prescription medications. Foreign prescriptions are not accepted. Some antibiotics and common drugs available OTC. Carry all medications in original packaging with a doctor's note in French or English. 💡 Tips Many common medications available OTC. Pharmacists are helpful and often speak French/Arabic. Bring a list of medications with generic names. Some medications may not be available — bring a supply. In rural areas, pharmacy access is limited.

Insurance: ⚠️ Strongly recommended Average cost: $25-45/week 💡 Tip Travel insurance is strongly recommended. Public hospitals are basic; serious medical issues require private care which can still be much cheaper than Western countries but expensive without insurance. Medical evacuation coverage is important, especially in the desert or mountain regions. Ensure coverage includes medical evacuation to Europe if needed. 💡 Tip Travel insurance is strongly recommended. Public hospitals are basic; serious medical issues require private care which can still be much cheaper than Western countries but expensive without insurance. Medical evacuation coverage is important, especially in the desert or mountain regions. Ensure coverage includes medical evacuation to Europe if needed.

💊 Medication Restrictions

Morocco has severe drug laws — possession of illegal drugs including cannabis carries long jail sentences and heavy fines, despite cannabis being locally cultivated. Carry prescription medications in original packaging with a doctor's note. If you need a refill, 24-hour pharmacies are available in every city, but you may need a Moroccan doctor to write a local prescription.

• Benzodiazepines (Xanax, Valium) — RESTRICTED: Available by prescription from Moroccan pharmacies. Widely prescribed but controlled. Travelers should carry original packaging and prescription documentation.
• Adderall / amphetamines — BANNED: Amphetamines are prohibited narcotics under Moroccan law (Dahir of 1974). Adderall is not available. Importing carries severe criminal penalties including imprisonment.
• Cannabis / CBD — RESTRICTED: Morocco legalized regulated cannabis cultivation for medical/industrial use in 2021 (Law 13-21). However, recreational use remains illegal. CBD status is evolving under the new framework; not widely available commercially.
• Methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta) — RESTRICTED: Available by prescription but not widely used. Controlled psychotropic substance. Carry full medical documentation if traveling with it.
• Codeine / opioids — RESTRICTED: Codeine available by prescription. Stronger opioids very tightly controlled with limited availability. Morocco has historically had restricted access to opioid pain medication.

🙏 Cultural Tips

Tipping: Expected. Tip restaurant servers 10-15% (rarely added automatically). Tip guides 50-100 MAD/day. Hotel porters 10-20 MAD/bag. Tip anyone who helps you (unofficial parking attendants, people who give directions). Having coins ready is important.

Cultural taboos to avoid:

• Public displays of affection (illegal technically, and frowned upon even for opposite-sex couples)
• Drinking alcohol in public or in front of fasting Muslims during Ramadan
• Pointing feet at someone (considered disrespectful)
• Photographing people without permission — especially in souks
• Wearing revealing clothing outside beach/resort areas

🎭 Tourist Scam Guides

Common scams to watch out for in Morocco: