The Art of the Deal morocco

The Art of the Deal: Bargaining in Morocco
 



Given that I’m currently in Morocco and my last post was country (and soup!) related, I wanted to link through to one of most wonderful reads about spending time here, about the art of the deal.

It’s no surprise that bargaining is a way of life in Morocco. The same can be said for many countries in the Levant and throughout Asia and South America. I spent so much time travelling that when I returned to North America in the summer of 2010, I tried to bargain for popsicles in Battery Park City. (Me: “But I’m buying two popsicles - you can’t give me a better price?” Him: “I’m from Bangladesh so I know what you’re doing but you’re in New York. So no. I cannot give you a better price.”)

Bargaining is so prevalent here that people gave me unsolicited advice the moment they found out I was going, much of it very effective. Tell the vendors you’ve been here for weeks. Don’t choose the item you want and ask the price, start with something else and casually then ask for the pricing on your desired piece, almost as an afterthought. Ask around at a bunch of stalls before looping back to the one you want.

Even the food prices can be negotiated.



But of everything I’ve read, Andrew McCarthy’s recent article on bargaining in Morocco captured the feeling of the country and the chaos of Marrakesh’s souks perfectly, through the eyes of his young son:

“Everything in Morocco is open to negotiation, Sam. When you hear a price, the first thing you say is, “Too much—bezaf—then walk away.”

“But what if I want it?”

Mohamed stops at a stall selling musical instruments and pulls down a thin, square, “storytelling” drum, which is made of goatskin stretched taut over camel bone. He shows Sam how to tap it on both sides to create the beat and continues the lesson.

“When you see something you like, maybe a lamp, you inquire about something else. Then, as you walk out, you ask, ‘And how much is that lamp?’ as though you just noticed it and don’t really care.”

The whole article is worth a read, weaving together history, culture and some fun bargaining tricks in one award-winning story.


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Cheap flights to Morocco

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So you’re looking for a touch of the exotic, somewhere different from the norm, but a holiday destination where you can still experience sand beneath your feet, crystal clear waters and perfect weather come summer or winter? It sounds to us like your next holiday destination should be Morocco.

This North African country is a melting pot of cultures that will take you back in time to a world of bustling souks, medieval medinas, and squares full of fire eaters, snake charmers and sweet smelling spices. Cities like Marrakech provide the perfect setting for those looking for a break with a difference. Where you’ll spend mornings getting lost amongst ancient markets, wile away the afternoons relaxing in hammams and enjoy evenings full of bellydancing, acrobats and that famous Moroccan cuisine. While the financial powerhouse that is Casablanca offers tourists the other side of the country, one of modern shopping centres, beach bars and western-style nightclubs. All a long way from the images conjured up by the 1940s film of the same name.

And the beach? Well, this is where Morocco comes into its own. Think pristine golden sands, resorts like Agadir full of every amenity under the sun and great year-round weather and you have the perfect recipe for that beach holiday you’ve been longing for. It sounds almost too good to be true; bustling culture-filled cities, large and modern metropolises and relaxing beach resorts to boot! Oh, and let’s not forget those prices which have the competition well and truly beaten. And, with a natural beauty that includes snow-capped mountains, forests of cedar trees, fertile green valleys and all those traditional Berber villages where life carries on as it has done for centuries, Morocco is a holiday destination that satisfies all tastes. Quick city break, a relaxing week at the beach or a longer tour of one of the most exotic countries in the world, Morocco and all its different faces will definitely not disappoint. The only question is choosing the holiday that is right for you!

Morocco weather

You’ll find the weather in Morocco differs depending on where in the country you are. The coastal areas enjoy a milder Mediterranean climate while further, temperatures are hotter and the climate is much dryer. Further south things get even hotter and rain becomes a rare occurrence. Summer or winter you are likely to experience good weather with average annual temperatures in cities like Marrakech of 22 degrees.

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MOROCCO CITY IN PICTURES

Rabat (capital)

the Parliament

Post office (head office)

the Medina

a grocery

olive retailer

Kasbah Oudayas (entry)

alley (Kasbah Oudayas)

a beach

Hassan Tower

Chellah (fortified city)

Chellah (inside)

Cactus & Chellah

Marrakech

main square

Souk

Souk: carpets

Souk: lighting shop

Souk: tea sets

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Moroccan airports

List of airports in Morocco

This is a list of airports in Morocco, sorted by location.

Morocco  officially the Kingdom of Morocco, is a country located in North Africa. Morocco has a coast on the Atlantic Ocean that reaches past the Strait of Gibraltar into the Mediterranean. It is bordered by Spain to the north (a water border through the Strait and land borders with three small Spanish exclaves, Ceuta, Melilla, and Peñón de Vélez de la Gomera), Algeria to the east, and Western Sahara or Mauritania to the south. Its capital is Rabat, and its largest city is Casablanca.

As of 1997, Morocco is divided into 16 regions, the highest administrative division of Morocco. The regions are subdivided into a total of 61 second-order administrative divisions, which are prefectures and provinces.

Names shown in bold indicate the airport has scheduled passenger service on commercial airlines.

Location served Region ICAO IATA Airport name Coordinates

Agadir Souss-Massa-Drâa GMAD AGA Al Massira Airport 30°19′30″N 009°24′47″W

Agadir Souss-Massa-Drâa GMAA Inezgane Airport 30°22′52″N 009°32′46″W

Al Hoceima Taza-Al Hoceima-Taounate GMTA AHU Cherif Al Idrissi Airport 35°10′37″N 003°50′22″W

Ben Slimane Chaouia-Ouardigha GMMB Ben Slimane Airport 33°39′20″N 007°13′17″W

Beni Mellal Tadla-Azilal GMMD Beni Mellal Airport

Casablanca Greater Casablanca GMMC CAS Anfa Airport 33°33′25″N 007°39′38″W

Casablanca Greater Casablanca GMMN CMN Mohammed V International Airport 33°22′02″N 007°35′23″W

Casablanca Greater Casablanca GMMT Tet Mellil Airport

El Jadida Doukkala-Abda GMMJ El Jadida Airport

Errachidia Meknès-Tafilalet GMFK ERH Moulay Ali Cherif Airport 31°56′51″N 004°23′54″W

Essaouira (Mogador) Marrakech-Tensift-El Haouz GMMI ESU Mogador Airport 31°23′51″N 009°40′54″W

Fes Fès-Boulemane GMFF FEZ Saïss Airport 33°55′38″N 004°58′41″W

Fes Fès-Boulemane GMFU Sefrou Airport

Ifrane Meknès-Tafilalet GMFI Ifrane Airport 33°30′19″N 005°09′10″W

Marrakech Marrakech-Tensift-El Haouz GMMX RAK Marrakech-Menara Airport 31°36′25″N 008°02′11″W

Nador Oriental GMMW NDR Nador Airport (Al Aroui Airport) 34°59′20″N 003°01′42″W

Ouarzazate Souss-Massa-Drâa GMMZ OZZ Ouarzazate Airport 30°56′21″N 006°54′34″W

Ouezzane Gharb-Chrarda-Béni Hssen GMFA Ouezzane Airport

Oujda Oriental GMFO OUD Angads Airport 34°47′14″N 001°55′26″W

Rabat / Salé Rabat-Salé-Zemmour-Zaer GMME RBA Rabat-Salé Airport (First Royal Air Force Base) 34°03′05″N 006°45′05″W

Safi Doukkala-Abda GMMS SFI Safi Airport

Sidi Ifni Souss-Massa-Drâa GMMF SII Sidi Ifni Airport 29°22′08″N 010°10′49″W

Tangier (Tanger) Tangier-Tétouan GMTT TNG Ibn Battouta Airport 35°43′37″N 005°55′01″W

Tan Tan Guelmim-Es Semara GMAT TTA Tan Tan Airport (Plage Blanche Airport) 28°26′54″N 011°09′41″W

Taroudant Souss-Massa-Drâa GMMO Taroudant Airport

Taza Taza-Al Hoceima-Taounate GMFZ Taza Airport

Tétouan Tangier-Tétouan GMTN TTU Sania Ramel Airport 35°35′40″N 005°19′12″W

Zagora Souss-Massa-Drâa GMAZ OZG Zagora Airport

Meknes Meknès-Tafilalet GMFM MEK Bassatine Air Base (Second Royal Air Force Base) 33°52′45″N 005°30′54″W

Kenitra Gharb-Chrarda-Béni Hssen GMMY NNA Kenitra Air Base (Third Royal Air Force Base) 34°17′56″N 006°35′45″W

Sidi Slimane Gharb-Chrarda-Béni Hssen GMSL Sidi Slimane Air Base (Fifth Royal Air Force Base) 34°13′50″N 006°03′01″W

Public airports

Military airports

[edit]See also

[show]Map of all coordinates from Google

Map of first 200 coordinates from Bing

List of airports in Western Sahara

List of airports by ICAO code: G#Morocco

Royal Moroccan Air Force

Transport in Morocco

Wikipedia: WikiProject Aviation/Airline destination lists: Africa#Morocco

[edit]References

Europcar Morocco airport car rental offers you low prices, great service and new vehicles. Europcar Morocco airport car rental agencies are where you need them. For business or pleasure, Europcar has the right rental car or truck for you. Rent a car with Europcar today.

Europcar has more than 3,300 car rental stations throughout Morocco, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Latin America and Asia-Pacific. Not only does Europcar offer Morocco airport car rental, but Europcar is located at major airports in over 150 countries.

Aéroports de Maroc

Les informations ci-dessous concernent les aéroports en Maroc. Utilisez les liens suivants pour consulter des informations détaillées sur les aéroports de Maroc : sites, itinéraires, départs et arrivées en direct, etc.

Skyscanner permet de trouver les vols pas chers en provenance de Maroc (à choisir parmi des centaines de compagnies aériennes, dont Air France, Royal Air Maroc, Iberia) sans devoir préciser de date ni de destination. Voici l’endroit idéal pour trouver des vols pas chers et voyager !

Réservez votre vol pas cher en provenance de Maroc, dans la liste des vols partant de Maroc ci-dessous, ou cliquez sur les liens sur le côté de la page pour obtenir d’autres informations sur les vols pour Maroc. Pour une nouvelle recherche de vol, utilisez les commandes ci-dessus.

Morocco maintains quite a few domestic and international Airports with many Moroccan airlines and also other international airlines travelling to domestic and international airports. 

Large airports in Morocco typically host banks, airport hotel accommodations, airport car hire firms, airport transfer services, conference centers, foreign currency exchange bureaus, duty-free retailers, post offices, health care facilities and dining establishments. 

Within this webpage, it will be possible to check out Moroccan Airports’ internet sites, Airport Codes, Airport roadmaps, main Moroccan Airline carriers that fly to and from there. 

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Useful morocco information

Useful morocco  information


On this site, you can find plenty of information about the stand-alone SF workshop 2012, logistics, expenses as well as about Morocco and Casablanca.

Quick links: Basic Facts | Logistics and Expenses | About Morocco and Casablanca

Basic Facts:

Dates

15 March 2012 - Arrival day
19 March 2012 - Departure day
Location:

Casablanca (Morocco)
Workshop Theme:

Mid-Carreer Pathways


Logistics & Expenses:

Senior Fellows with the financial means are encouraged to contribute at a higher ratio to support others with lesser means. In some countries, donations are tax deductible.

The Melton Foundation encourages Senior Fellows to travel with their partners or families. However, the foundation will not be able to cover any direct costs for non-SF participants. For more information, please also see the MF Guest Policy.



Board & Accommodation:



The workshop participants will be accomodated in the Moroccan House Casablanca, a small and friendly hotel in the style of the traditional Moroccan Riad. It is situated in the heart of the city with the Medina of Casablanca and other major attractions within walking distance.

All SF participants will be asked to contribute at least 20% of the costs for board and accommodation, which will not exceed a total of 150 USD.





Travel:



For information on the airport and on local transportation at the airport, see CMN / Mohammed V Airport.

Travel expenses for SF participants will be reimbursed as soon as the confirmed SF participant has purchased the ticket to Casablanca and handed in the receipts.

The MF has specified fixed Benchmarks for Travel quoting well-researched airfares from the most relevant airports of departure to Casablanca. To promote equal opportunities for all SF participants regardless of their geographical location, the MF will contribute to travel expenses at the followingrates:

benchmark up to 500 USD                 - the MF will cover 60% of the actual travel expenses within the benchmark
benchmark between 500 - 1000 USD - the MF will cover 70%
benchmark of more than 1000 USD   - the MF will cover 80%


Visa Information:



Citizens of Chile, Germany and the USA do not need a Visa to enter Morocco.

A Morocco tourist visa is required for citizens of China and India. The fees for single entry tourist visas will be covered by the MF upon presenting the receipt.

Also consider the information below or consult the Moroccan Embassy in your country.



General visa information
Morocco in China
Morocco in India


About Morocco and Casablanca:






Independent since 1956, Morocco is a young country, yet a land of ancient cultures, religions, and traditions. Morocco’s very distinct geographical regions, its millenarian cultures, the hospitality and generosity of its people, and the fusion of modernity and tradition allow for an incredibly huge variety of impressions. Morocco offers a variety of distinct places to go to in Northern Africa.

Morocco’s history is as vibrant as the country itself and starts around a similar time as ancient Egypt. In the late 7th century, the native people embraced Islam overwhelmed by the power and perseverance of Prophet Muhammad’s followers. Since the beginning, the land has seen the rise and fall of many Islamic dynasties and it has experienced many foreign rules and influences - from Phoenician tradesmen and Roman soldiers and settlers in centuries around the beginning of the common era till the French occupation in the 20th century - all of them shaping the face of the country and its people.

Casablanca is not the romantic and mysterious place that some may expect from the classical movie which goes by the same name. It is a bustling, cosmopolitan port city, which deserves to be called the country’s economical and cultural capital. Casablanca is full of contradictions and marks an excellent starting point on the journey to understand an unfamiliar, traditional Islamic culture and experience both tensions and symbiosis that result from the fusion of Arabic tradition and western modernity.

Some facts to consider:

Next to Arabic, the official language of Morocco, French is considered the unofficial second language and spoken by the majority of educated Moroccans until today. Also the local Berber dialects are widely spread and used. Although the importance of English has increased significantly in recent years, it is not yet a commonly used language.

The climate in March is gentle and enjoyable with an average daily max./min. of 26/18°C (79/64 F) and little rain. Spring is considered the ideal season to experience the country, as the Moroccan summer can get unbearably hot.



If you are interested in general facts and figures about Casablanca and Morocco, take a look at Wikipedia: Morocco.
To get a general idea about culture, language, customs or etiquettes and manners, check out Kwintessential Morocco.
For information on travel and places to go, we recommend to browse trough Morocco Travel, Morocco Explored, Lonely Planet, Frommer's Travel or Wikitravel.
Or maybe you want to walk through some photos, then you should definitely visit Scenes From Morocco or brows through galleries like Pbase Photos or Trekearth Pictures.
You may want to install some applications or plug-ins like e.g. Train Times Morocco which provides offline journey planning in Morocco. There are also some interesting podcasts in I-Tunes.


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USA Visa From Morocco

US Embassy in Morocco

You need to apply online for USA Visas, it is simple as long as you know what documents you need and what are the steps for each kind.
Below are the documents needed and steps to apply for US VISAs from Morocco.

1- NonImmigrant Visas, (F1) student and (J) exchange visitor visas:

* Fill out the DS-160 form online. You can find it on the following link: https://ceac.state.gov/GENNIV.
Once you submit the application, you will be able to print out the confirmation page, which will give you a barcode number.
Using the barcode number, you can visit the following link to make an appointment: https://evisaforms.state.gov/default.asp?postcode=CSB&appcode=3

* Print out the appointment confirmation page. Bring a valid I-20 form (for the F1 visa) or a DS-2019 form (for the J1 visa). Bring proof of SEVIS fee payment: Persons applying for student and exchange visitor visas are required to pay a SEVIS surcharge fee before applying for their visa. Applicants must present their I-901 receipt as proof of payment. For more information, please visit http://www.ice.gov/sevis
for general information or the SEVIS fee payment, Student Visa Applicants should visit http://www.fmjfee.com and http://www.ice.gov/sevis for further information. The SEVIS fee is $200 for students and $180 for exchange visitors.

* For J1 visa applicants, please contact your program sponsor to find out if you are required to pay the SEVIS fee. Some participants in programs sponsored by the U.S. government are exempt from this fee.
* All other applicants should Pay the visa fee ($160, or the equivalent in Moroccan Dirhams) at any BMCI branch in Morocco, with the exception of the agencies located in Rue D'Alger and Gauthier in Casablanca. You do not need an account number in order to pay the fees.
* Bring a 5cmx5cm photo with white background, even if the photo provided online was accepted by the system.
* Bring a valid passport that has at least six months left before its expiration date.
* Be prepared to show that you ( your parents or sponsor) have enough funds to pay for your education in the U.S. Bring recent bank statements, business registration papers, and property ownership documents.
* Bring your original baccalaureate with college grades/transcripts if applicable.
* For Returning Students Only ? Bring an official transcript from your studies in the US.
* Spouses and minor children accompanying the student to the United States should bring marriage certificates and birth certificates with them to the interview, to prove the relationship between themselves and the principal applicant.


Tourist Visa (B1/B2):

* Fill out the DS-160 form online. You can find it on the following link: https://ceac.state.gov/GENNIV
The applicant is responsible for the accuracy of the information entered on the DS-160, regardless of who actually completes the form. Incorrect information in your application may result in a delay in the processing, or dismissal. Once you submit the application you will be able to print out the confirmation page, which will give you a barcode number.
Using the barcode number, visit the following link to make an appointment: https://evisaforms.state.gov/default.asp?postcode=CSB&appcode=3
* Print out the appointment confirmation page.
* Pay the visa fee before the interview ($160, or the equivalent in Moroccan Dirhams) at any BMCI branch in Morocco, with the exception of the agencies located in Rue D'Alger and Gauthier in Casablanca. You do not need an account number in order to pay the fees. Every applicant, regardless of age, must pay the fee and have a receipt.
* Bring a 5cmx5cm photo with white background, even if the photo provided online was accepted by the system.
* Bring a passport with available visa pages that is valid for at least six months before the expiration date.
* Be prepared to show proof of your ties to Morocco, such as work documents, recent bank statements, business registration papers, and property ownership documents. Minors may present their parents' information to show proof of ties. If you are applying for visas for your whole family, each member of the family must have a separate DS-160 and a separate appointment. Each member of the family must also pay the visa fee. Appointments cannot be delivered by phone or email. Children under the age of 14 do not need to appear for the interview, but they still need an appointment.


Travel For Urgent Medical Treatment:

Like applicants for any other type of visitor visa, applicants for a visitor visa for medical treatment must provide qualifying documents under the provisions of the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act. In such cases, the consular officer is required to obtain medical information about the nature of the disease, or disability for which treatment is being sought. Persons with certain kinds of diseases or disabilities may require special processing prior to obtaining a visa.
At the end it is up to the consular officer to determine whether the applicant has sufficient funds to pay for the treatments. In other words, the consular officer must be confident that the applicant will not become a public charge if allowed to enter the U.S.
Please see the instructions on how to apply for a Non-Immigrant Visa. If the applicant is seeking emergency medical treatment and must travel immediately, please send an email to casablancaexpedite@state.gov. In addition, the applicant must be prepared to present the following:
* A letter from a physician in Morocco detailing the applicant's illness and the reason he/she requires treatment in the United States.
* A letter from a physician and/or medical facility in the United States expressing a willingness to treat the applicant and his/her ailment. The letter must detail the projected length and cost of treatment (including doctors' fees, hospitalization fees, and all other medical-related expenses).
* A statement of financial responsibility from the individual(s) or organization that will pay for the applicant's transportation, medical and living expenses. The individual(s) or organization guaranteeing payment of these expenses must provide proof of ability to do so. This proof can be in the form of bank statements, savings account statements, or other liquid assets.

2- Immigrant Visas:

In general, to be eligible to apply for an immigrant visa, a foreign citizen must be sponsored by a U.S. citizen relative(s), U.S. lawful permanent resident, or by a prospective employer, and be the beneficiary of an approved petition filed with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). For petition information visit the USCIS website. Learn about the different processes for the major immigrant categories, which are:
* Immediate Relative and Family Sponsored
* Employer Sponsored
* Special Immigrants
Unlike other immigrant types, Diversity Visas (DV) do not require a U.S. sponsor, and therefore a petition is not needed. Please check the following link for information on the Diversity Visa: www.dvlottery.state.gov
All entrants may check the status of their entry through the Entry Status Check on the E-DV website: www.dvlottery.state.gov/ESC/
Entry Status Check will be the ONLY means by which lottery winners/selectees will be notified of their selection for DV-2012. Additionally, Entry Status Check will provide you, the successful selectee, with instructions on how to proceed with your application and notify you of the date and time of your appointment for immigrant visa interview.
Visa Interviews:
After the immigrant petition has been approved (excluding DV applicants) by USCIS, and initially processed for a visa with the Department of State, National Visa Center, applicants are notified of their interviews at the U.S. Consulate in Casablanca.
Interviews for Immigrant (IV) and Diversity (DV) Visas are by appointments only on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, exclusive of U.S. and Moroccan holidays. For any inquiries concerning an immigrant or diversity visa, please contact the IV staff ativcasablanca@state.gov
After your first interview with a Consular Officer you might be requested to provide further documents. Please bring them to the U.S. Consulate General between 1:30 and 3:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday. You can give the required documents to the outside receptionist.


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Heading to Morocco? The tourism outlook

Heading to Morocco? The tourism outlook


When it comes to tourist hotspots, Morocco is one of the big hitters. Just a few hours’ flight away from Europe’s major cities, it plays a strong hand to city-breakers, and adventure- and sun-seekers alike. At nine million foreign visitors a year, it’s second only to Egypt as a North African holiday destination.
But Morocco isn’t immune to international events, and as North Africa and the Middle East experience the turmoil of the Arab Spring, many would-be visitors to Morocco are giving pause to wonder whether a holiday is still safe, feasible or appropriate. Admittedly, Morocco hasn’t seen the same upheavals that Tunisia or Egypt have experienced, let alone the violence in Libya,  but confidence in tourism did take a knock with a bombing in a Marrakesh café in May, which was ascribed to Islamist militants, the first such attack in the country since 2003.
Tourism accounts for around 10% of Morocco’s GDP, but taken together, the bombing and headlines from the wider region look like making 2011 a quiet year for the Moroccan tourist industry. That said, none of this should necessarily have you reaching for your guidebooks to France or Italy instead. Morocco remains a safe holiday destination, and no governmental travel warnings currently advise against travel. The flipside of dropping visitor numbers means those heading to Morocco can find themselves some great guesthouse and hotel deals.
Let’s go!
Well-served by both budget and scheduled airlines, the main entry points to Morocco are Marrakesh, Casablanca, Fès and Tangier – the latter also being an important ferry point for visitors from Spain. In the summer, head for the cooling sea breezes of Essaouira and Asilah. The latter holds a three-week art festival in July, overlapping with Marrakesh’s Festival of Popular Arts.
Best time to go
If you’re free with your travel dates, you might want to consider avoiding visiting Morocco in August. Not only is this the hottest time of the year (Marrakesh is particularly scorching), but this year it coincides with Ramadan, the Muslim month of fasting. Restaurants catering to tourists aren’t affected, but it’s hot work on the tourist trail when you can’t just pop into the first café you see for a refreshing drink.
With autumn, Morocco is once again prime travelling territory. Accommodation prices rise, but everyone’s in high spirits after Ramadan. The beaches empty and even the desert benefits from gentle breezes. Now is the time to dive into the winding streets of the Fès medina (which celebrates its founder in a huge moussem or religious festival in September) or even snag yourself a wife at Imilchil’s Berber Marriage festival.
What to see
The warm days and cool nights of autumn are also ideal for seeing the best of natural Morocco. The High Atlas Mountains are the most popular destination for trekking – most notably for those wanting to tackle Jebel Toubkal, north Africa’s highest mountain, but there are plenty of lesser known areas, such as the gorgeous Ameln Valley in the Anti-Atlas. The more heavily wooded Rif Mountains in the north also offer good hiking opportunities, and an excuse to base yourself in the blue-washed town of Chefchaouen.
Tourism in Morocco might be taking a slight knock at the current moment, but there’s still plenty on offer for those ready to make the trip.
Further reading: Get these essential tips to Morocco or explore its magnificent cuisine. Got the kids in tow? We’ve got tips for tackling Marrakesh with children.





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Applying for a UK visa in Morocco

How to apply for a UK visa in Morocco
The UK Border Agency processes all visa applications to the United Kingdom.. You can find out whether you need a visa and how to apply through the UK Border Agency website.

How to apply?
Find out where and how to apply for  UK visa in Morocco

Latest news and updates:

Telephone Calls to the Visa Section: Please note that for operational reasons our Visa Section is not be able to take telephone calls. Please e-mail any enquiries to: rabat.visa@fco.gov.uk or visit our websites for visa information: www.visainfoservices.com for rules and procedures and www.visa4uk.fco.gov.uk for online application forms and appointments.

Improvements to the UK Border Agency IT infrastructure in Morocco
From 13 February 2012 over a period of several weeks, the UK Border Agency will be carrying out improvements to its IT infrastructure in Morocco.
Customers should not notice any changes to the application process and during this time we expect to continue to be able to meet our published customer service standards .

Customers are reminded that they should always submit their visa applications in good time, applications can be made up to three months in advance of proposed travel dates.



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Visa Application

Visa Application

Get A Visa Application.


Please note that Citizens of the following countries do not need a visa to enter the Kingdom of Morocco and may stay up to 90 days.
Algeria - Andorra - Argentina - Australia - Austria - Bahrain - Belgium - Brazil - Bulgaria - Canada - Chile - Republic of Congo - Croatia - Cyprus - Czech Republic - Denmark - Estonia - Finland - France - Germany - Great Britain - Greece - Guinea (Conakry) - Hong Kong - Hungary - Iceland - Indonesia - Ireland - Italy - Ivory Coast - Japan - Kuwait - Latvia - Libya - Liechtenstein - Lithuania - Luxemburg - Mali - Malta - Mexico - Monaco - Netherlands - New Zealand - Niger - Norway - Oman - Peru - Philippines -Poland – Portugal - Puerto Rico - Qatar - Romania - Russian Federation - Saudi Arabia - Senegal - Singapore (Singaporean nationals may stay up to one month without visa) - Slovakia - Slovenia - South Korea - Spain - Sweden - Switzerland - Tunisia - Turkey - United Arab Emirates - United States of America - Venezuela.

Visitors intending to stay in Morocco longer than 90 days, however, should request a permission to extend the duration of their stay, at the nearest Police Precinct to their place of residence in Morocco. Citizens from countries not listed above do need a visa and the requirements are as follows:

Visa requirements for diplomats and officials of international organizations:

Visa application form duly filled out in capital letters and signed
Original passport (valid for over 6 months at the entry date)
Copy of the original passport (Pages 1-3)
Two passport size color photos with a white background
A verbal note
Visa processing fees will be waived for diplomats and officials of international organizations
Transit Visas:

A visa application form duly signed and filled out in capital letters
Original passport (valid for over 6 months at the entry date)
Copy of the original passport (Pages 1-3)
Two passport size color photos with a white background
Copy of the applicant's legal status in the US: Green card, F1 Visa, H1B-Visa, etc.
In case the applicant is a US visa holder, a copy of the I-94 (the I-94 is a document stapled to the passport) is required
Copy of the plane tickets or of the confirmed reservation
Transit visa fees:

1 day stay period (one entry): $26
2 days stay period (one entry): $26
1 day or 2 days stay period (two entries): $39
Tourist visa:

A visa application form duly signed and filled out in capital letters
Original passport (valid for over 6 months at the entry date)
Copy of the original passport (Pages 1-3)
Two passport size color photos with a white background
Copy of the applicant's legal status in the US: Green card, F1 Visa, H1B-Visa, etc.
In case the applicant is a US visa holder, a copy of the I-94 (the I-94 is a document stapled to the passport) is required
Copy of the round trip plane tickets or of the confirmed reservation
Hotel reservation or notarized Letter of Invitation from your host in Morocco
For applicant married to Moroccan citizen, a copy of the marriage certificate and a copy of the Moroccan passport or national ID of the Moroccan spouse, can be a substitute for the invitation letter or for the hotel reservation
Tourist Visa fees:

3 to 90 days stay period (one entry): $26
3 to 90 days stay period (two entries): $39
Student visa:

A visa application form duly filled out in capital letters and signed
Original passport (valid for over 6 months at the entry date)
Copy of the original passport (Pages 1-3)
Two passport size color photos with white background
Copy of the applicant's legal status in the US: Green card, F1 Visa, H1B-Visa, etc.
In case the applicant is a US visa holder, a copy of the I-94 (the I-94 is a document stapled to the passport) is required
Copy of the admission letter or class registration issued by the school in Morocco
Copy of the plane tickets or of the confirmed reservation
Student Visa fees:

3 to 90 days stay period (one entry): $26
3 to 90 days stay period (two entries): $39
Business visa:

A visa application form duly filled out in capital letters and signed
Original passport (valid for over 6 months at the entry date)
Copy of the original passport (Pages 1-3)
Two passport size color photos with white background
Copy of the applicant's legal status in the US: Green card, F1 Visa, H1B-Visa, etc.
In case the applicant is a US visa holder, a copy of the I-94 (the I-94 is a document stapled to the passport) is required
Copy of the invitation letter issued by the company you are planning to visit in Morocco
Copy of the plane tickets or of the confirmed reservation
Business Visa fees:

3 to 90 days stay period (one entry): $26
3 to 90 days stay period (two entries): $39
Visa application for a minor

A minor who is not travelling with his/her parents, needs to provide a notarized letter signed by both parents authorizing the child to travel with designated adult. The parent authorization should submitted with the application.

Foreigners residing in Morocco

The formality of the return Visa for foreigners residing in Morocco has been waived as of January 1, 2005. Foreigners residing in Morocco, who have been subjected in the past to the formality of the return Visa, can enter and exit freely, with their residence card, their registration card, or the receipt of their residence card application.

Submitting your application

The visa application may be sent by mail or submitted either in person or by messenger. If you have to mail your passport, please do not use regular mail. Please include a prepaid self-addressed Express Mail envelope (Express-mail from the United States Postal Service is the only mailing form accepted for applicants residing in the USA) and keep your tracking number. Please note that completed visa applications should be mailed to the following address:

Visa Department
Consulate General of the Kingdom of Morocco
10 E 40 Street 23 Floor
New York, NY 10016
Method of payment:

Please be advised that this Consulate General does not accept personal checks. Only money orders, company checks, or cash (if applying in person) are accepted. Please do not send cash in the mail.

All payments should be made payable to the Consulate General of the Kingdom of Morocco.

Processing time:

Your application will be processed only if you provide all the requirements listed in the above guidelines. The processing time is no less than three business days.

Applicants who do not reside in the USA:

Residents of countries other than the USA must contact the nearest Moroccan Consulate or Embassy.

Refugee passports and travel documents:

Visa applications of refugees and nationals of some countries need to be approved in Morocco, which may take approximately six weeks, so please contact the visa officer at 1 (212) 758 2625, ext. 314 or at visa@moroccanconsulate.com to follow up on your application.

Tourist Information:

For tourist brochures, you may contact the Moroccan National Tourist Office at: Moroccan National Tourist Office 104 West 40th Street, Suite 1820 New York, NY 10018 Tel: 1 (212) 221 1583/84 Fax: 1 (212) 221-1887 e-mail: info@mnto-usa.org.

Important Information:

The decision to grant a visa will be at the sole discretion of the Consulate General of the Kingdom of Morocco.
The fact that a visa has been granted to an applicant does not mean that he/she will be entitled entry to the Moroccan territory. The prerequisites for entry will be checked again by the immigration services at the airport in Morocco.
More useful information concerning visiting Morocco can be found on the following link: www.visitmorocco.com
For further assistance or to follow-up on your application, you may contact the Visa Department by phone at (212) 758 2625 Ext. 314 or by e-mail at visa@moroccanconsulate.com


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Planning a trip to Morocco

Planning a Trip
At the crossroads of Africa, Arabia, and Europe, 21st-century Morocco is an exotic land of intriguing culture, mesmerizing landscapes, great shopping, and memorable experiences, and is welcoming Western travelers in record numbers. First-time travelers may know little about the country other than the ancient cities of Fes and Marrakech and the quintessential camel treks through the desert, but there's a lot to consider -- how to get there; money, health, and safety concerns; where to stay and what to eat; and what to see and where to shop.

Sounds good! What else do I need to know while planning a trip to Morocco?

First, check the current validity of your passport.

All travelers will need a passport valid for at least 90 days following your departure date from Morocco. However, we strongly recommend traveling with 6 months validity on your passport at all times. VisaHQ can assist U.S. citizens with a full range of expedited passport services, including new passport application and passport renewal.

Second, make sure your passport has blank Visa pages.

Most destinations, including Morocco, require that you have adequate un-used pages in your passport, allowing for any necessary stamps upon arrival and departure. We recommend that you have at least two free pages in Visas section of your passport before any international travel. U.S. citizens can get extra passport pages added to their passports as fast as within 24 hours.

Finally, confirm if transit visa is required for any connections.

Check with your airline in case you have connecting flights overseas as part of your journey to Morocco. It may be the case that countries you pass through en route to your destination may require a separate transit visa. Please refer to visa requirements of the specific country.


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Morocco Visa Information

Morocco Visa Information


Morocco Visa Requirements: Moroccan visa application form information on Morocco visas for travel, tourist visa, visitor / transit visa, student visa. Moroccan embassy address, information on Morocco immigration procedures for US citizens, Canadians, Indians, Australians, UK, EU citizens.
Learn4good provides general information on study, travel, work visa and business visa requirements and the addresses of embassies worldwide. You should contact your local embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date information or visa forms.

For Hotels, Hostels, Car Hire, Jobs and Schools in this country, see the menu options above. See our Travel Forum to create a travel topic and ask questions to fellow travelers.


Who requires a Visa?
What documents will be required?
Time required to issue a Visa
How do I apply?
What is the cost of a Visa?
How long is the Visa valid for?
Embassy contact information
Arabic Language Course in Morocco
Travel Guide



Who requires a visa?
Citizens holding passports of the following countries do not need a visa to enter the Kingdom of Morocco (If your stay is longer than 90 days, a resident permit is required and can be issued by the Police Department of your place of residence in Morocco): Algeria – Andorra – Argentina – Australia – Austria – Bahrain – Belgium – Brazil – Bulgaria – Canada – Chile – Congo Brazzaville – Croatia – Cyprus -Cote d’Ivoire – Czech Republic – Denmark – Estonia – Finland – France – Germany – Great Britain – Greece – Guinea (Conakry) – Hong Kong – Hungary – Iceland – Indonesia – Ireland – Italy – Ivory Coast – Japan – Kuwait – Latvia – Libya – Liechtenstein – Lithuania – Luxemburg – Mali – Malta – Mexico – Monaco – Netherlands – New Zealand – Niger – Norway – Oman – Peru – Philippines – Poland – Puerto Rico – Qatar – Romania – Russian Federation – Saudi Arabia – Senegal – Singapore (They can stay one month without visa) – Slovakia – Slovenia – South Korea – Spain – Sweden – Switzerland – Tunisia – Turkey – United Arab Emirates – United States of America – Venezuela.
Citizens from countries not listed above do need a visa.

What documents will be required?
The following documents are required for Tourist Visa:

Application form
Your original valid passport + copy of the first page with photo
04 passport size colour photos.
Copy of your detailed provisional flight itinerary.
Employment certificate from your employer
For students, copy of a recent letter from the school confirming that the applicant is attending the school.
For business owners, copy of the last Income Tax as substitute of the employment letter.
Hotel provisional reservation or notarized Letter of Invitation from your sponsor in Morocco.
For applicants married to Moroccan citizens, a copy of the marriage certificate plus a copy of the Moroccan passport or national ID of the Moroccan spouse can be a substitute for the invitation letter or for the hotel reservation.
Travel Insurance.

PASSPORTS: Passport valid for at least 6 months from date of entry required by all.

Note:
(a) Children up to and including 16 years may travel on their parents’ passport, but must have photographs included in these passports by the relevant passport authorities.
(b) All temporary travel document holders need to get clearance from Morocco, and this may take up to 2 months. Apply at nearest Consulate or Consular Section of Embassy for further details.

Time required to issue visa:
Typically, a visa takes anywhere from 2 days to 15 days to process in the Morocco Embassy/Consulate depending on the consulate that we need to send the application to and whether you choose to “rush” your Morocco visa.

How do I apply?
Application to: Consulate (or Consular section at Embassy); see Contact Addresses section.

Application requirements:
(a) One completed application form.
(b) Four passport-size photos taken within the previous 6 months.
(c) Passport (valid for at least 6 months from date of exit out of Morocco, and with at least one blank page), with a photocopy of the relevant data pages.
(d) Fee (payable by postal order only).
(e) Evidence of employment, enrolment as a student or bank statements.
(f) Photocopy of flight ticket(s).
(g) Photocopy of hotel reservation. (h) Self-addressed, stamped, registered envelope for postal applications (for those living outside London only).

What is the cost of a visa?
Single-entry: £16; Double-entry or Multiple-entry (both business only): £25. Prices may fluctuate in accordance with the exchange rate and must be paid by postal order only.

How long is the visa valid for?
Entry visas are valid for 3 months; visitors wishing to stay longer should apply to the local police station within 15 days of arrival. For other visa enquiries, contact the Embassy (see Contact Addresses section).

Embassy contact information:
Please contact the nearest Embassy of Morocco for information on what documentation you may require to enter Morocco.

Disclaimer: The contents of these pages are provided as an information guide only, in good faith. The use of this website is at the viewer/user’s sole risk. While every effort is made in presenting up-to-date and accurate information, no responsibility or liability is accepted by the owners to this website for any errors, omissions, outdated or misleading information on these pages or any site to which these pages connect or are linked.

Source & Copyright: The source of the above visa and immigration information and copyright owner/s is the:
– Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Kingdom of Morocco – URL: www.maec.gov.ma

The viewer/user of this web page should use the above information as a guideline only, and should always contact the above sources or the user’s own government representatives for the most up-to-date information at that moment in time, before making a final decision to travel to that country or destination.



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