- Terrorism (T)
There were no changes to the advisory level or risk indicators. Advisory summary was updated.
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Review the latest State Department Travel Advisory about Morocco. You can plan for safe travel by following the entry and exit requirements and reviewing local laws and other travel guidance from the U.S. embassy or consulate.
Visit ma.usembassy.gov
Learn more about U.S. and Morocco relations at State.gov
Learn more about Travel Advisory levels
in Morocco due to terrorism.
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.
Review the Travel Guidances for additional information on travel to Morocco.
Learn more about Travel Advisory levels
Morocco is located in Africa, in the Northern and Western Hemisphere. It has maritime borders with the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. It also shares land borders with Algeria and Mauritania.
It is slightly larger than California. There is one time zone, Western European Summer Time (WEST). It observes permanent daylight saving time, but during Ramadan, the clocks are turned back one hour.
Moroccan currency is a closed currency, which means you will need to exchange foreign currency into Moroccan dirhams (MAD) after you arrive, and again before departing Morocco.
If you remain in Morocco beyond 90 days without requesting an extension of stay, you will need to appear before a judge prior to departing Morocco and may need to pay a fine.
You should not photograph palaces, diplomatic missions, government buildings, or other sensitive facilities. When in doubt, ask permission from the appropriate Moroccan authorities.
KM 5.7, Avenue Mohammed VI
Souissi, Rabat 10170, Morocco
The U.S. Embassy Rabat does not offer consular services and does not have entry facilities for public visitors. All U.S. citizens seeking assistance must contact or visit the Consulate in Casablanca.
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Explore our travel guidance topics to prepare for your trip abroad.
Date issued: August 13, 2026
If you remain in Morocco beyond 90 days without requesting an extension of stay, you will need to appear before a judge prior to departing Morocco.
Please contact the immigration office at your local Moroccan police station for details. Resolution may include the payment of a fine.
Moroccan customs strictly regulates these items:
Make sure you have obtained all necessary permissions and documentation before attempting to bring any regulated items into Morocco.
Contact the Embassy of Morocco in Washington, DC, or the Moroccan Consulate General in New York for specific information concerning customs requirements. Please review our information on Customs and Import Restrictions.
Bringing firearms into Morocco without proper authorization is illegal. It may result in serious consequences, including criminal investigation, confiscation of your passport, a ban from leaving the country, or incarceration.
The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV and AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Morocco.
Terrorists and their supporters may target U.S. citizens abroad.
Terrorists may target:
Terrorist groups continue to plot potential attacks in the region, including Morocco. Morocco has strong security services. They continue to arrest people allegedly linked to terrorist groups who want to attack U.S., foreign, or Moroccan government targets.
Demonstrations are common. They may take place in response to political or economic issues. They may also occur on significant holidays, and during large events.
Petty crime in Morocco is a serious concern, particularly in major cities and tourist areas. Use common sense and the same personal security measures you would normally use in a large U.S. city or tourist destination.
Petty crime is common in Morocco, especially in tourist areas and major cities. Stay aware of your surroundings and protect your belongings.
Violent crime against tourists is less common than petty theft, but it does occur. Muggings and assaults can happen, particularly in remote areas or at night. Avoid walking alone after dark, especially in unfamiliar neighborhoods or poorly lit areas.
High-risk areas and situations
Police responsiveness to reports of crime by U.S. citizens can be inconsistent. Language barriers may complicate reporting, and follow-up on cases may be limited.
Follow the Department of State guidelines to protect yourself from scams.
If you are a victim of a scam, learn how the FBI can help.
Financial scams and Internet romance scams are common in Morocco. Be careful of anyone asking for money, especially those who start a "romantic" relationship online or claim local authorities want money. Scams often begin through online posts, emails, or letters. Scammers pretend to be U.S. citizens in need of help.
Common scams include:
Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime. You may report crimes to the local police by dialing 19 from a landline or 190 from a cell phone.
Review our information for Victims of Crime.
The U.S. embassy or consulate can:
U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault and domestic violence are encouraged to contact local law enforcement and the U.S. consulate for assistance.
Victims should contact local police immediately to report the crime and preserve evidence. Local law enforcement has jurisdiction to investigate and prosecute these offenses, and timely reporting is critical for:
After reporting to local authorities, contact the U.S. consulate for additional support. We can:
For immediate danger, call local police emergency line first, then contact the U.S. consulate during business hours or the after-hours duty officer for emergencies.
For after-hours, dial 212-537-63-72-00
Mobile devices are vulnerable to compromise, theft, and damage anywhere in the world. Follow these safe practices:
The tourism industry is generally regulated in major tourist areas such as Marrakech, Tangier, Fez, Casablanca, Rabat, Essaouira and Agadir.
The tourism industry is not well regulated outside major tourist areas.
Moroccan law says that some actions or words that could cause offense to the King, the religion of Islam, government officials or other elements of the Moroccan state may result in legal consequences including imprisonment.
Crimes of fraud are considered serious in Morocco. Crimes include passing bad checks, non-payment of bills (including hotel bills), or breach of contract. These often result in imprisonment or fines.
Morocco prohibits sending passports by mail across international borders. Passports sent to or through Morocco via FedEx, DHL, or other courier will be confiscated by Moroccan authorities.
If you are arrested or detained, ask officials to notify the U.S. embassy or consulate immediately. This applies whether you are a U.S. citizen only or a dual U.S.-Moroccan national.
Under international agreements, you may request to have the U.S. embassy or consulate notified of your detention. Consular officers can visit you, provide a list of local attorneys, inform family or friends with your written consent, and monitor your welfare.
Counterfeit and pirated goods are common in many destinations.
Learn more about U.S. restrictions on counterfeit and pirated goods:
Faith based travel includes pilgrimages, service projects, and mission work. Prepare for your travel using these resources:
Islam is the official religion in Morocco. The constitution provides freedom to practice one’s religion, but proselytizing is prohibited in Morocco.
Consensual, same-sex sexual relations are criminalized in Morocco. Penalties include fines and up to three years’ imprisonment.
Review our information for Gay and Lesbian Travelers.
Women should exercise caution when in public spaces, including nightclubs or other social establishments.
Ambulance services are not widely available.
Make sure you know if your health insurance plan covers any medical expenses coverage abroad. Most U.S. plans do not.
Stay up to date with the vaccines recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Health facilities are available in Rabat, Casablanca, and other major cities. It may be harder to find adequate health care in rural areas.
Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have rules for bringing medication back into the United States. If you buy medications abroad, the medications must meet CBP’s and the FDA’s requirements to bring them back legally.
The medications must also be for personal use and approved for use in the United States.
For more information:
If you are considering traveling to Morocco to have a child through use of assisted reproductive technology (ART), please review our information on ART and Surrogacy Abroad.
Some locations in Morocco, such as the Atlas Mountains, are at high altitude.
Air pollution can be a significant problem in many destinations abroad.
For general health information, visit the Medicine and Health page.
Modern freeways connect the cities of Tangier, Rabat, Fez, Casablanca, and Marrakesh. There are two-lane highways that connect other major cities.
Foreign driver’s licenses are valid for use in Morocco for up to one year. After one year, foreign residents must pass the Moroccan driver’s test and obtain a Moroccan driver’s license. The test is in either Arabic or French. Speakers of other languages are allowed to have a sworn translator with them when taking the test.
Driving practices are very poor. They result in serious injuries to and fatalities of U.S. citizens. Accidents are especially common during:
If you are stopped for a speeding violation, you have the right to request video footage documenting the infraction. Once the speeding violation is confirmed, you have three options:
Taxis in Morocco are generally crime-free during the day. Use “petit” taxis which vary by color in the major cities
Mariners and passengers planning travel to Morocco should check the following:
The most likely natural disasters to occur in Morocco are:
If you live outside the United States for a long time, you or your family may experience various life events, wish to exercise U.S. citizenship rights, or need to meet U.S. legal obligations while abroad.
If you plan to reside in Morocco, you must obtain a residence permit (La carte d’immatriculation). You must submit your application in person to the Bureau des Étrangers of the Prefecture de Police or Commissariat Central in major cities, and to the Gendarmerie in remote areas and villages.
You must submit the following documents for a residence permit renewal application:
If you plan to live in Morocco or relocate to the United States, you may be asked to provide a notarized change of residence form. This form is available at the U.S. consulate by appointment.
The Government of Morocco considers all persons born to Moroccan fathers to be Moroccan citizens. Dual U.S.-Moroccan citizens may be punished by Moroccan authorities when they return to the country even for actions or statements made outside of Morocco.
Recently, Morocco has begun allowing Moroccan mothers of children born outside Morocco to petition for their children’s citizenship.
For further information on that process, please contact the Embassy of Morocco in Washington, D.C., or the Moroccan Consulate General in New York.
KM 5.7, Avenue Mohammed VI
Souissi, Rabat 10170, Morocco
The U.S. Embassy Rabat does not offer consular services and does not have entry facilities for public visitors. All U.S. citizens seeking assistance must contact or visit the Consulate in Casablanca.
U.S. Consulate General Casablanca contact information:
Rue des Liserons, Pole Urbain
Casablanca Finance City
Casablanca, Morocco 20036
+212-537-63-72-00 (from outside Morocco)
The normal work week in Morocco is Monday through Friday.
There were no changes to the advisory level or risk indicators. Advisory summary was updated.
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Last Updated: July 30, 2026
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