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Morocco
Country Specific Information
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December 14, 2007
COUNTRY DESCRIPTION:
Morocco is a constitutional monarchy with a Parliament and an independent judiciary; however, ultimate authority rests with
the king. The population is estimated at 32 million. While Morocco has a developing economy, modern tourist facilities and
means of transportation are widely available, but may vary in quality depending on price and location. Read the Department
of State Background Notes on Morocco for additional information.
ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS: Travelers to Morocco must have a valid passport. Visas are not required for American tourists traveling to Morocco for
fewer than 90 days. For visits of more than 90 days, Americans are required to apply for an extension (with a valid reason
for the extension of stay). No vaccinations are required to enter Morocco. Travelers who plan to reside in Morocco must
obtain a residence permit. A residence permit may be requested and obtained from immigration authorities (Service Etranger)
at the central police station of the district of residence. U.S. citizens are encouraged to carry a copy of their U.S. passports
with them at all times, so that, if questioned by local officials, proof of identity and U.S. citizenship is readily available.
Children born to a Moroccan father may experience difficulty in leaving Morocco without the father's permission. Under Moroccan
law, these children are considered Moroccan citizens. Even if the children bear U.S. passports, immigration officials may
require proof that the father has approved their departure before the children will be allowed to leave Morocco. Although
women, regardless of their nationality, are normally granted custody of their children in divorces, the father must approve
the children's departure from Morocco. American women married to Moroccans do not need their spouse's permission to leave
Morocco.
For further information on entry/exit requirements for Morocco, please contact the Embassy of Morocco at 1601 21st Street NW, Washington, DC 20009, telephone (202) 462-7979 to 82, fax 202-462-7643, or the Moroccan Consulate General in New York at 10 E. 40th Street, New York, NY 10016, telephone (212) 758-2625, fax 212-779-7441. Visit the Embassy of Morocco web site at http://moroccoembassy.com/ for the most current visa information.
Information about dual nationality or the prevention of international child abduction can be found on our web site. For further information about customs regulations, please read our Customs Information sheet.
SAFETY AND SECURITY: In March and April 2007, a series of terrorist bombings occurred in Casablanca, two of which simultaneously occurred outside
the U.S. Consulate General and the private American Language Center. In 2003, a series of similar attacks in Casablanca targeted
hotels and restaurants. The potential for terrorist violence against American interests and citizens remains high in Morocco.
Moroccan authorities continue to disrupt groups seeking to attack U.S. or Western-affiliated and Moroccan government targets,
arresting numerous individuals associated with international terrorist groups. With indications that such groups still seek
to carry out attacks in Morocco, it is important for American citizens to be keenly aware of their surroundings and adhere
to prudent security practices such as avoiding predictable travel patterns and maintaining a low profile. Establishments
that are readily identifiable with the United States are potential targets for attacks. These may include facilities where
U.S. citizens and other foreigners congregate, including clubs, restaurants, places of worship, schools, hotels, movie theaters
and other public areas. Such targets may also include establishments where activities occur that may offend religious sensitivities,
such as casinos or places where alcoholic beverages are sold or consumed.
All U.S. citizens are urged to remain alert to local security developments and be vigilant regarding their personal security
and report any suspicious incidents or problems immediately to Moroccan authorities and the U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
Demonstrations occur frequently in Morocco and usually center on local domestic issues. During periods of heightened regional tension, large demonstrations may take place in the major cities. All demonstrations require a government permit, but on occasion spontaneous unauthorized demonstrations occur, which have greater potential for violence. Travelers should be cognizant of the current levels of tension in Morocco and stay informed of regional issues that could resonate in Morocco and create an anti-American response. Avoid demonstrations if at all possible. If caught in a demonstration, remain calm and move away immediately when provided the opportunity.
The Western Sahara with a population of approximately 270,000 was long the site of armed conflict between government forces and the POLISARIO Front, which continues to seek independence for the territory. A cease-fire has been fully in effect since 1991 in the U.N.-administered area. There are thousands of unexploded mines in the Western Sahara and in areas of Mauritania adjacent to the Western Saharan border. Exploding mines are occasionally reported, and they have caused death and injury. Travel to the Western Sahara remains restricted; persons planning to travel to the region should obtain information on clearance requirements from the Moroccan Embassy.
For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department’s web site, where the current Worldwide Caution, Middle East and North Africa Travel Alert, Travel Warnings and other Travel Alerts can be found.
Up-to-date information on safety and security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S. and Canada, or for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll-line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
The Department of State urges American citizens to take responsibility for their own personal security while traveling overseas. For general information about appropriate measures travelers can take to protect themselves in an overseas environment, see the Department of State’s pamphlet A Safe Trip Abroad.
CRIME: Crime in Morocco is a serious concern, particularly in the major cities and tourist areas. Aggressive panhandling, pick-pocketing,
purse-snatching, theft from occupied vehicles stopped in traffic and harassment of women are the most frequently reported
crimes. These are more likely to occur in crowded market areas, transportation centers, parks and beaches. Criminals have
used weapons, primarily knives, during some street robberies and burglaries. These have occurred at any time of day and night,
not only in isolated places or areas less frequented by visitors, but in crowded areas as well. It is always best to have
a travel companion and utilize taxis from point to point, particularly at night and when moving about unfamiliar areas. Residential
break-ins also occur and have on occasion turned violent, but most criminals look for opportunities based on stealth rather
than confrontation.
Women walking alone in certain areas of cities and rural areas are particularly vulnerable to harassment from men. Women
are advised to travel with a companion or in a group when possible and to ignore any harassment. Responding to verbal harassment
can escalate the situation. The best course of action is generally not to respond or make eye contact with the harasser.
Joggers should be mindful of traffic and remain in more heavily populated areas. It is always best to have a jogging companion and avoid isolated areas or jogging at night.
Taxis in Morocco are generally crime-free, though city buses are not considered safe. Trains are generally safe, but theft, regardless of the time of day, sometimes occurs. Avoid carrying large sums of cash and be particularly alert when using ATM machines. In the event you are victimized by crime or an attempted crime, or experience any security-related incident during your stay in Morocco, please report the incident to the local police and the U.S. Consulate General in Casablanca as soon as possible.
INFORMATION FOR VICTIMS OF CRIME: The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police to obtain a “certificat de
perte” (statement of loss/theft) and to the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. If you are the victim of a crime while overseas,
in addition to reporting to local police, please contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for assistance. The Embassy/Consulate
staff can, for example, assist you to find appropriate medical care, to contact family members or friends and explain how
funds may be transferred. Although the investigation and prosecution of the crime is solely the responsibility of local authorities,
consular officers can help you to understand the local criminal justice process and to find an attorney if needed.
See our information on Victims of Crime.
MEDICAL FACILITIES AND HEALTH INFORMATION: Adequate medical care is available in Morocco’s largest cities, particularly in Rabat and Casablanca, although not all facilities
meet high-quality standards. Specialized care or treatment may not be available. Medical facilities are adequate for non-emergency
matters, particularly in the urban areas, but most medical staff will have limited or no English skills. Most ordinary prescription
and over-the-counter medicines are widely available. However, specialized prescriptions may be difficult to fill and availability
of all medicines in rural areas is unreliable. Emergency and specialized care outside the major cities is far below U.S.
standards, and in many instances may not be available at all. Travelers planning to drive in the mountains and other remote
areas may wish to carry a medical kit and a Moroccan phone card for emergencies. In the event of vehicle accidents involving
injuries, immediate ambulance service usually is not available. The police emergency services telephone number is 190 (See
Traffic Safety and Road Conditions section below).
Information on vaccinations and other health precautions, such as safe food and water precautions and insect bite protection,
may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP
(1-877-394-8747) or via the CDC’s web site at http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/default.aspx. For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad consult the World Health Organization’s (WHO) web site at
http://www.who.int/en. Further health information for travelers is available at http://www.who.int/ith/en.
MEDICAL INSURANCE: The Department of State strongly urges Americans to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad
to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and whether it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation.
Please see our information on medical insurance overseas.
TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United
States. The information below concerning Morocco is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate
in a particular location or circumstance.
Traffic accidents are a significant hazard in Morocco. Driving practices are very poor, and have resulted in serious injuries
to and fatalities of U.S. citizens. This is particularly true at dusk during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, when adherence
to traffic regulations is lax, and from July to September when Moroccans resident abroad return from Europe by car in large
numbers. Congested streets are characteristic of urban driving. Drivers should also exercise extreme caution when driving
at night due to poor lighting systems along roads. Traffic signals do not always function, and are sometimes difficult to
see. Modern freeways link the cities of Tangier, Rabat, Fez, Casablanca, and Marrakesh. Two-lane highways link other major
cities.
Secondary routes in rural areas are often narrow and poorly paved. Roads through the Rif and Atlas mountains are steep, narrow, windy, and dangerous. Maximum caution should be exercised when driving in the mountains. Pedestrians, scooters, and animal-drawn conveyances are common on all roadways, including the freeways, and driving at night should be avoided, if possible. During the rainy season (November - March) flash flooding is frequent and sometimes severe, washing away roads and vehicles in rural areas. Often Moroccan police officers pull over drivers for inspection within the city and on highways. Confiscation of a driver’s license is possible if a violator is unable or unwilling to settle a fine at the time of a traffic stop. In the event of a traffic accident, including accidents involving injuries, the parties are required to remain at the scene and not move their vehicles until the police have arrived and documented all necessary information. The police emergency services telephone number is 190.
While public buses and taxis are inexpensive, drivers typically exhibit poor driving habits, and buses are frequently overcrowded. The train system has a good safety record. Trains, while sometimes crowded, are comfortable and generally on time.
Please refer to our Road Safety page for more information. Visit the website of the Moroccan National Tourist Office and the Moroccan Ministry of Transportation’s road safety web site at http://www.mtpnet.gov.ma/MET_New/.
AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the Government of Morocco’s Civil Aviation Authority as being
in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Morocco’s air
carrier operations. For more information, travelers may visit the FAA’s web site at http://www.faa.gov/safety/programs_initiatives/oversight/iasa.
SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES: The government of Morocco considers all persons born to Moroccan fathers to be Moroccan citizens. In addition to being
subject to all Moroccan laws, U.S. citizens who also possess the nationality of Morocco may be subject to other laws that
impose special obligations on citizens of that country.
Current Moroccan customs procedures do not provide for accurate or reliable registration of large quantities of U.S. dollars
brought into the country by tourists or other visitors. As a result, travelers encounter difficulties when they attempt to
depart with the money. In particular, American citizens with dual Moroccan nationality have been asked to provide proof of
the source of the funds and have incurred heavy fines. The export of Moroccan currency (dirhams) is prohibited; however,
Moroccan currency can be converted back into U.S. dollars prior to departure only if the traveler has a bank or money transfer
receipt indicating he or she exchanged dollars for dirhams while in Morocco.
Also, Moroccan customs authorities may enforce strict regulations concerning temporary importation into or export from Morocco of items such as firearms, religious materials, antiquities, business equipment, and large quantities of currency. It is advisable to contact the Embassy of Morocco in Washington, DC or the Moroccan Consulate General in New York for specific information concerning customs requirements.
Please see our Customs Information.
Islam is the official religion in Morocco. However, the constitution provides for the freedom to practice one's religion. The Moroccan government does not interfere with public worship by the country’s Jewish minority or by expatriate Christians. Proselytizing is, however, prohibited. In the past, American citizens have been arrested, detained and/or expelled for discussing or trying to engage Moroccans in debate about Christianity.
Although rare, security personnel in Morocco may at times place foreign visitors under surveillance. Taking photographs of anything that could be perceived as being of military or security interest may result in problems with the authorities. As a general rule, travelers should not photograph diplomatic missions, government buildings or other sensitive facilities and, when in doubt, they should ask for permission from the appropriate Moroccan authorities.
CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While in a foreign country, a U.S. citizen is subject to that country's laws and regulations, which sometimes differ significantly
from those in the United States and may not afford the protections available to the individual under U.S. law. Penalties
for breaking the law can be more severe than in the United States for similar offenses. Persons violating Moroccan laws,
even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs
in Morocco are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines. Engaging in sexual conduct
with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime, prosecutable in the United States.
Possession of pornography is also a crime subject to prosecution in Morocco. Please see our information on Criminal Penalties.
CHILDREN'S ISSUES: For information see our Office of Children’s Issues web pages on intercountry adoption and international parental child abduction.
REGISTRATION / EMBASSY LOCATION: Americans living or traveling in Morocco are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through
the State Department’s travel registration web site, and to obtain updated information on travel and security within Morocco. Americans without Internet access may register
in person at the U.S. Consulate General located at 8 Boulevard Moulay Youssef, Casablanca. By registering, American citizens
make it easier for the Embassy or Consulate to contact them in case of emergency. All consular matters for Americans in Morocco
are handled at the U.S. Consulate General in Casablanca. The U.S. Embassy is located at 2 Avenue Mohammed Al Fassi (formerly
Avenue de Marrakech) in the capital city of Rabat, telephone (212)(37) 76-22-65. The workweek is Monday to Friday; however,
the Consulate is closed to the public on Fridays for all consular services with the exception of emergency services for American
citizens. The consular section's American Citizens Services hotline is (212)(22)-26-71-51 and the fax number is (212) (22)-29-77-01.
For emergency services after-hours, please call the Duty Officer cell phone at (212)(61)17-23-67 for Casablanca and (212)(61)-13-19-39
for Rabat. Please note that for calls originating in Morocco, callers should dial 0 instead of 212. Please visit http://www.usembassy.ma for information on services offered by the U.S. Embassy in Rabat and http://casablanca.usconsulate.gov for information on all consular services and other assistance offered at the U.S. Consulate General in Casablanca.
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This replaces the Country Specific Information dated June 11, 2007, to update the sections on Entry/Exit Requirements, Crime,
Medical Facilities and Health Information, Traffic Safety and Road Conditions, Criminal Penalties, and Registration/Embassy
Location
