travel to morocco

travel to morocco

Looking for a honeymoon in Morocco or a romantic wedding location in Marrakesh? Need vacation ideas to make your Moroccan experience the most memorable it can be? Are you seeking for customized Morocco tours or family reunion in Morocco? Look no further; our Morocco travel agents can help you find and book hotels and riads reservations in Marrakesh, Fes, Casablanca, Sahara and other cities in morocco. Our Morocco travel experts will help you coordinate your family vacation, couples vacation or your honeymoon and wedding planning in Morocco. Let our Morocco travel agents custom your morocco tours. Please contact one of our Morocco travel agents to help you planning your Morocco customized tour.


Over the years, Marrakesh has been one of the most preferred destinations in Morocco Tours. Modern Marrakesh represents a reverberating collision of Africa and Europe, west and east, bohemia and high culture, Arab cities and Berber villages. Framed by the snow-capped Atlas Mountains, thousand-year-old palm groves, and wrapped in faded red, ochre walls, Marrakech casts a magic spell. One's senses are stimulated by the brilliantly colored spices, entrancing music, rich folds of carpets, delectable cuisine, whirling dervishes, intertwining tile geometries, and perfumed gardens shimmering in still waters of reflecting pools. Morocco tours combine the sensuous delights of Morocco's most exhilarating Imperial city with spectacular mountain vistas and idyllic beaches, making for a most enchanting visit.



Your magical Morocco tour begins with welcome by your private driver upon your arrival at Marrakech, an ancient oasis of weathered pink buildings and orange groves at the base of the snow-capped Atlas Mountains. Morocco tours offer you to settle into your accommodation at an historic riad, beautifully restored small private palaces combining traditional Moroccan artisanship and elaborate Moorish design, or into one of the city's famous luxury hotels. Spend the afternoon with a private guide of Morocco tours as you explore fascinating local souks (markets), ancient palaces, and lush gardens. Capture the city's historic sites, including the mellah (Jewish Quarter), the Palais de la Bahia, the Dar Si Said Museum of Moroccan Arts, and the beautiful Jardin Menara, with its reflecting pools surrounded by a large grove of olive trees. Witness the legendary Djemaa el-Fna square come alive at sunset as water sellers, snake charmers, magicians, and storytellers compete for an audience with Morocco tours. Radiating from the Djemma el-Fna are narrow lanes providing entrée to the labyrinthine medina, which hides sultans' palaces, ornate mansions, and a lively souk. The maze of alleyways leads to tiny shops flaunting Berber carpets, kilims and caftans, leather goods, silver jewelry, copperware, other handicrafts, stylish dresses, medicinal herbs, and gorgeous antiques.

When you need a reprieve from sightseeing and shopping, Morocco tours will let you stroll through the Jardin Majorelle, stunning gardens created by French painter Jacques Majorelle in the 1920s and now maintained by Yves St. Laurent. You also might rejuvenate in a traditional hammam (steam bath), learn the art of Moroccan cuisine in a cooking lesson, take in world-class golf, or enjoy a private henna session as skilled artists adorn your body with the ancient (and temporary) dye. There are tons of things you can do in our Morocco tours.

Marrakech's position at the crossroads of ancient caravan routes also makes it an ideal base for excursions. Spend a day in the Ourika Valley in the nearby Atlas Mountains as a guest of a local Berber family for a unique perspective on the traditional way of life as a part of Morocco tours. Moreover, in our carefully designed Morocco tour unwind for a day in the seaside town of Essaouira, a former Portuguese settlement where windsurfers frolic near the fringe of silvery beach and camels ferry passengers across fine sand. Explore the old fortress ramparts, browse artisan shops, or dream on the beach. Back in Marrakech; celebrate the conclusion of your journey by dining at one of the city's centuries-old former palaces in Morocco tours.


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travel to morocco

travel to morocco


Morocco

Still current at: 22 January 2013
Updated: 18 January 2013
No restrictions in this travel advice Avoid all but essential travel to part(s) of country Avoid all but essential travel to whole country Avoid all travel to part(s) of country Avoid all travel to whole country
This advice has been reviewed and reissued with an amendment to the Travel Summary (possible retaliatory attacks). The overall level of the advice has not changed; there are no travel restrictions in place in this travel advice for Morocco.

(see travel advice legal disclaimer)
Travel advice for this country
Travel Summary
Safety and security
Local laws and customs
Entry requirements
Health
Natural disasters
General

TRAVEL SUMMARY
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There is a general threat from terrorism in Morocco. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers. You should have confidence in your individual security arrangements and maintain a high level of vigilance. See Safety and Security - Terrorism.

Following French military intervention in Mali, there is a possibility of retaliatory attacks targeting Western interests in the region. We advise vigilance


There have been sporadic but generally peaceful demonstrations in various locations across the country over the past year. See Safety and Security - Political Situation.


Travellers should take sensible precautions for their personal safety and avoid public gatherings and demonstrations.

In April and May 2010, a number of foreigners, including British nationals, were expelled from Morocco for alleged proselytising. You should be aware of religious sensitivities in Morocco. See Local laws and customs.

Morocco has a poor road safety record. See Road Travel.

If you are travelling to Western Sahara, please see the separate Travel Advice covering this disputed territory.

If you are considering rally racing in North or West Africa you should read the travel advice for all relevant countries and our Rally racing page.

Most visits to Morocco are trouble free. See General - Consular Assistance Statistics. There are occasional incidents involving theft at knifepoint in the major cities. Violent crime, though not a major problem in Morocco, is growing.

You should take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. See General - Insurance.
SAFETY AND SECURITY
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Safety and Security - Terrorism
There is a general threat from terrorism in Morocco. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers. You should have confidence in your individual security arrangements and maintain a high level of vigilance. See our Terrorism Abroad page.

Significant events include:

On 28 April 2011, 17 people were killed and 25 injured in a large explosion in Marrakech at the Argana Restaurant in Jema el Fna Square. Suspects have been convicted and imprisoned.
In May 2003, 45 people were killed in a series of terrorist attacks in Casablanca. These attacks were against relatively soft targets, including hotels and restaurants frequented by foreigners or those with Jewish links. The Moroccan authorities arrested and imprisoned a number of those considered to be responsible for the attacks.
You should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which could be against civilian targets, including places frequented by foreigners. You should also be aware that there is a threat of kidnapping in the immediate and wider regions and particular care should be taken in remote regions and border areas. See our Sahel page for further information about the regional threat. If you are considering rally racing in North or West Africa you should read the travel advice for all relevant countries and our Rally racing page.

Safety and Security - Political Situation

Morocco Country Profile

Since February 2011 there have been sporadic demonstrations and protests in a number of locations across the country. In general, demonstrations have been peaceful but on 20 February 2011 some of the demonstrations led to incidents of vandalism and looting in Tangier, Marrakech and other locations. You should take precautions for your personal safety, avoid political gatherings and demonstrations and take local advice. Always observe instructions given by the local security authorities.

Safety and Security - Crime
Violent crime is not a major problem in Morocco, but it is growing. There are occasional incidents involving theft at knifepoint in the major cities and along beaches. Avoid areas that you do not know especially after dark. Do not carry large amounts of money or valuables around with you.

Carjacking incidents do also occur. You should drive defensively, avoid stopping at the side of the road and keep vehicle doors locked and windows closed at all times.

Petty crime (such as pick-pocketing and bag snatching), is common. Pay attention when using ATMs as crime and aggressive begging can occur. Credit card fraud and scams such as substituting inferior goods for those that were actually purchased are common. Intimidation is sometimes used to force customers to purchase goods. You should remain vigilant and alert to potential confidence tricks.

When visiting the medinas, should you require the services of a guide, you should ensure that the guide is authorised by or operating with the agreement of the local tourist authorities, and displays an official badge. Harassment of tourists by men posing as official tourist guides is common. There have also been reports of tourists being harassed on Moroccan trains.

See our Victims of Crime Abroad page.

Travellers to Morocco should be aware of the impact that the situation elsewhere in the Middle East has had across the Arab world and the risk of public disturbance in response. You should follow news reports and be alert to developments in the Middle East that might trigger public disturbances. In addition, demonstrations against rising food and fuel prices across the region have on occasion turned violent. You should take sensible precautions for your personal safety and avoid public gatherings and demonstrations.

Safety and Security - Local Travel - Road Travel
Morocco has a poor road safety record.  According to the Moroccan Ministry of Equipment and Transport, in 2011 road accidents claimed the lives of 4,222 people, with 12,482 seriously injured and 89,529 sustaining minor injuries. These figures represent an increase of 2.5% in the number of road accidents, 12% in the number of road deaths and 9% in the number of serious injuries. Accidents are especially frequent on busy major routes but also on narrower secondary roads. All drivers should take extra care when overtaking, particularly where there are no hard shoulders. You are advised to leave plenty of time to reach your destination and to stay well within speed limits.

If you are involved in a road accident resulting in a fatality and the Moroccan authorities consider you responsible, you may be detained pending a trial hearing.

If you are involved in a minor accident, you should complete a 'Constat Amiable' form, to be signed by both parties. The blank forms are available upon arrival at the Tangier port from the insurance company booths, or can be purchased from tobacconists in all cities.

See our Driving Abroad page.
LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS
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Local laws reflect the fact that Morocco is an Islamic country. You should respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions at all times and be aware of your actions to ensure that they do not offend other cultures or religious beliefs, especially during the holy month of Ramadan or if you intend to visit religious areas.

Women, especially when travelling alone, may attract attention. To minimise hassle, you should dress inconspicuously and avoid wearing clothes that could be regarded as provocative (e.g. short skirts and low-necked strappy tops), except on the beach.

Homosexuality is a criminal offence in Morocco. Sexual relations outside marriage are also punishable by law. It is not uncommon for hotels to ask couples to show evidence of marriage (ie a marriage certificate) at the time of check-in, and if such evidence is not available, to insist on separate rooms being booked.

British nationals travelling to Morocco with a view to marrying a Moroccan should, before they travel, check what documentation they will need to provide. Advice can be found on the British Embassy’s website (www.ukinmorocco.fco.gov.uk).

The penalties for possession of even small amounts of drugs are severe: up to 10 years’ imprisonment, with no remission for good behaviour, heavy fines and confiscation of your vehicle/vessel. If you travel through the Rif Mountains, a major cannabis growing area, you may be harassed by drug dealers.

It is against the law to carry bibles in Arabic, to attempt to distribute any non-Muslim/evangelical literature or be involved in any such activity.

See our Your trip page.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
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Entry Requirements - Visas
British nationals do not require entry visas to Morocco for the purpose of tourism, for visits of up to three months.

Entry Requirements - Passport Validity
You must hold a valid passport to enter Morocco. Your passport must be valid for a minimum period of six months from the date of entry into Morocco. When entering the country, particularly during the busy summer months, you should ensure that your passports are stamped. You will then be able to stay in Morocco for up to three months. Some tourists have experienced difficulties leaving the country because their passports bear no entry stamp.

Entry Requirements – UK Emergency Travel Document (ETD)
UK ETDs are accepted for entry to, airside transit, and exit from, Morocco.

Entry Requirements - Medication
We are not aware of anyone experiencing problems bringing prescription medication into Morocco.  Moroccan Customs do not have a list of prohibited products, but they do advise anyone travelling with prescription medication to ensure that they have a copy of the doctor’s prescription with them and that the quantity of medication carried is within the limits of the prescription.

Entry Requirements - Travelling to Western Sahara
If you intend to travel to the disputed territories to the South of Morocco, you should consult our separate Travel Advice for Western Sahara.

Entry Requirements - Border Closure
You should also be aware that the border between Algeria and Morocco is closed, and no attempt should be made to cross it at any point.

Entry Requirements - Travelling by Private Boat
When arriving by private boat, you must enter the country by a recognised port of entry. Entry through other ports will be considered illegal.
HEALTH
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Contact your GP around eight weeks before your trip to check whether you need any vaccinations or other preventive measures. Country specific information and advice is published by the National Travel Health Network and Centre, and useful information about healthcare abroad, including a country-by-country guide of reciprocal health care agreements with the UK, is available from NHS Choices.

Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.

In the 2010 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic the UNAIDS/WHO Working Group estimated that around 25,000 adults aged 15 or over in Morocco were living with HIV; the prevalence percentage was estimated at around 0.1% of the adult population compared to the prevalence percentage in adults in the UK of around 0.2%. You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. For more general information on how to do this see HIV and AIDS.

If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 150 and ask for an ambulance. You should contact your insurance/medical assistance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Henna tattoos are commonplace in Morocco. You should be aware that some henna tattoos contain the chemical para-phenylenediamine (PPD) which can cause a painful allergic reaction including swelling and an itchy rash in some people.

Our Travel Health pages offer further advice on how to stay healthy when overseas.
NATURAL DISASTERS
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Morocco is in an earthquake zone and earthquakes, usually minor ones, occur occasionally. But a strong earthquake hit northern Morocco around the port town of Al Hoceima on 24 February 2004, killing more than 600 people. You should familiarise yourself with general safety procedures in the event of an earthquake and take note of any earthquake-related instructions, e.g. in hotel rooms.

GENERAL
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General - Insurance
You should take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake.

When insuring your vehicle, it is advisable to choose a company with a local representative. See our Travel Insurance page.

If things do go wrong when you are overseas see our When Things Go Wrong page.

General - LOCATE Registration
Register with our LOCATE service to tell us when and where you are travelling abroad or where you live abroad so our consular and crisis staff can provide better assistance to you in an emergency.

General - Money
You should bring sufficient funds for the visit in cash or credit cards. There is no limit on the amount you can import. Most major credit cards are accepted in the larger urban centres throughout Morocco. It is not possible to change Scottish bank notes and it‘s very difficult to change travellers’ cheques in Morocco. The Moroccan Dirham is non-convertible and its export is prohibited. ATMs are widely available in cities and most main towns. If you enter Morocco with a vehicle, the registration number will be entered in the immigration computer. If you are not in possession of the same vehicle when leaving Morocco, you will be refused exit and detained.

General - Consular Assistance Statistics
Most visits to Morocco are trouble free. 104 British nationals required consular assistance in Morocco in the period 01 April 2011 - 31 March 2012, including for 29 hospitalisations; and 27 arrests.

General - Contact Details for the British Consulate-General, Consulates and Honorary Consuls

British Honorary Consulate - TANGIERS
Contact the British Embassy in Rabat in the first instance
Tel:  00 212 537 63 33 33
Fax:  00212 537 63 33 66
Email: rabat.consular@fco.gov.uk

British Honorary Consulate - AGADIR
The English Pub, Boulevard 20 Août, Agadir
Tel: 00 212 528 84 12 19
Fax:  00 212 528 84 12 57
Email: rabat.consular@fco.gov.uk

British Honorary Consulate - MARRAKECH
47 Avenue Mohamed V (next to the Marrakech Grand Prix store), Gueliz, Marrakech
Tel: 00 212 524 42 08 46
Fax: 00 212 524 43 52 76
Email: rabat.consular@fco.gov.uk

If you are a British National and have a genuine emergency outside normal office hours, please call the Embassy switchboard on +212 (0) 537 63 33 33 where you can obtain details of our Global Response Centre who may be able to assist you. Please note that only emergency calls can be handled out of office hours. Visa enquiries can only be dealt with during office hours.

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travel to morocco

travel to morocco


Morocco [1] is a North African country that has a coastline on both the North Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. It has borders with Western Sahara to the south, Algeria to the east and the Spanish North African territories of Ceuta and Melilla on the Mediterranean coast in the north. It is just across the Strait of Gibraltar from Gibraltar.
[edit]Understand

Morocco's long struggle for independence from France ended in 1956. The internationalized city of Tangier was turned over to the new country that same year. Morocco got back from Spain the Moroccan Western Sahara during the late 1970s, Gradual political reforms in the 1990s resulted in the establishment of a bicameral legislature in 1997, although the king still possesses the actual political power. The press is mostly state controled even though there are free newspapers , and clampdowns have occurred following criticism of the authorities or articles concerning the Western Sahara situation.
The voltage in Morocco is generally 220 V, and outlets will fit the two-pin plug known as the Europlug. It's probably the most commonly used international plug, found throughout continental Europe and parts of the Middle East, as well as much of Africa, South America, Central Asia and the former Soviet republics. Europlugs are included in most international plug adapter kits.
Watch out for American and Canadian appliances, which are made to use with 110 V. That means that even with an adapter, plugging them into a 220 V socket may damage them. If your appliance is "dual-voltage", it should be fine (it's designed for both 110 and 220 V). If not, you'll need a power converter as well as an adapter.


Holidays
The biggest event on the Moroccan calendar is the month of Ramadan, during which Muslims fast during the day time and break the fast at sunset. Most restaurants are closed for lunch (with the exception of those catering specifically to tourists) and things generally slow down.Travelling during this time is entirely possible, and the restrictions don't apply to non-Muslims, but it's respectful to refrain from eating, drinking or smoking in public during the fast. At the end of the month is the holiday of Eid al-Fitr, when practically everything closes for as long as a week and transport is packed as everybody heads back home. Alcohol consumption is not prohibited for tourists during Ramadan, there a few restaurants and bars serving alcohol. Also, alcohol can be purchased in a supermarket if a tourist shows their passport to the staff as Moroccans are not allowed to buy or consume alcohol during the holy month.

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