Morocco — Living: Safety

Why this matters

Understanding the safety landscape is essential for anyone moving to a new country. It helps individuals make informed decisions about where to live, how to navigate daily life, and what precautions to take to ensure their well-being.

Key facts

• Terrorism: There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets.
• Political situation: Protests and demonstrations could occur across the country, particularly in large cities, often without warning.
• Crime: avoid quiet areas, particularly after dark
• Laws and cultural differences: Morocco’s laws and customs are very different to those in the UK and reflect the fact that Morocco is an Islamic country.
• Transport risks: If you are planning to drive in Morocco, see information on driving abroad .
• Outdoor activities and adventure tourism: Providers of recreational and adventure tourism may not meet UK safety standards.
• Extreme weather and natural disasters: Find out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards .
• Wildfires: There is a risk of wildfires during the summer season.

Steps

1. Stay Informed — Keep up-to-date with local news and travel advisories. The Moroccan government and various international organizations provide regular updates on any security concerns.
2. Be Aware of Your Surroundings — This is a general safety tip, but especially important in new environments. Be mindful of your surroundings, especially in busy areas like markets or tourist hotspots, where pickpocketing can occur.
3. Avoid Certain Areas — Research and avoid areas known for higher crime rates. While these areas may not be dangerous during the day, it's best to steer clear, especially at night.

Common mistakes

• Assuming that all of Morocco is equally safe. While the country has a generally low crime rate, certain areas and situations require extra caution.
• Not staying informed about local news and travel advisories. It's important to be aware of any potential security concerns or demonstrations.

Terrorism

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times. UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on  staying safe  and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out  how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad . Terrorism in Morocco: Terrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks in Morocco. Terrorism attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreign nationals, such as: • transport hubs • locations popular with tourists and foreigners • government buildings • crowded places • businesses with western interests Stay aware of your surroundings, keep up to date with local media reports and follow advice of local authorities. There is an increased threat linked to the number of Moroccans sympathetic or belonging to Daesh (formerly ISIL) and other extremist groups. Authorities regularly disrupt terrorist cells. In some places, including hotels and tourists sites, there may be protective security measures, including security guards.

Political situation

Protests and demonstrations could occur across the country, particularly in large cities, often without warning. These events are typically monitored closely by law enforcement. While authorised protests are generally peaceful, unauthorised ones have sometimes led to clashes between protesters and police. Such gatherings can cause travel disruption in the affected areas. Avoid political gatherings and demonstrations and follow local news and directions from security officials.

Crime

Protecting yourself and your belongings: There can be occasional violent crime in Morocco. Criminals have used knives against tourists in street attacks, thefts and burglaries in major cities and along beaches. To reduce your risk: • avoid quiet areas, particularly after dark • do not carry large amounts of money or valuables Petty crime is common in tourist areas, especially in historical districts (medina quarters) and on beaches. Crimes include: • pickpocketing • bag-snatching • drive-by motorcycle theft of visible jewellery and handbags Be cautious when asking for directions and using ATMs – aggressive begging is common. Scams: Credit card fraud and scams are common. Beware of scammers substituting inferior goods for the ones you bought. Remain alert to potential confidence tricks. Bogus tourist guides: It is common for people posing as official tourist guides to harass tourists. If you use a guide in a historical district (medina quarter), make sure they have an official badge and permission from the local authority. Marriage fraud: Be cautious if you travel to Morocco for a relationship or to find someone you met on the internet. Incidents of marriage fraud and attempted extortion have affected British nationals. Make sure you keep your return ticket, passport and personal belongings safe. Methanol poisoning : There have been deaths and cases of serious illness caused by alcoholic drinks containing methanol in Morocco. Even small amounts of methanol can kill. It is not possible to identify methanol in alcoholic drinks by taste or smell. See  Travel Aware Drink Spiking and methanol poisoning  for information about how to reduce the risks. Seek urgent medical attention if you or someone you are travelling with show the  signs of methanol poisoning  after drinking.

Laws and cultural differences

Morocco’s laws and customs are very different to those in the UK and reflect the fact that Morocco is an Islamic country. Always respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions. Make sure your actions do not offend, especially during the holy month of Ramadan or if you plan to visit religious areas. Ramadan: Ramadan is a holy month for Muslims. The dates vary by year and country, next starting in February 2027. During this time, eating or drinking, swearing, smoking or chewing gum in public in the daytime may cause offence. Get more advice when you arrive from your tour guide, hotel or business contacts, where applicable. You should also: • check opening hours of shops and restaurants • be aware that hotels and restaurants serving food or drink in fasting hours may separate you from Muslim guests, for example with screens • follow local dress codes – clothing that does not meet local dress codes may cause more offence at this time • be aware that fasting can cause tiredness, particularly during the later afternoon and early evening • be patient and show tolerance • be aware that driving may be erratic, particularly when people are trying to get home at dusk. Laws against religious conversion: It is illegal to attempt to convert a Muslim to another faith and to distribute evangelical literature (such as Arabic-language bibles). Attempting to convert a Muslim to another faith can result in fines or up to 3 years’ imprisonment. Public criticism of Islam, including in speeches, print or online media, can result in heavy fines and up 2 years’ imprisonment. Sexual relations outside of marriage: Sexual activity between unmarried people and adultery are illegal for Moroccan nationals – this includes sharing a hotel room, particularly with foreign nationals. The law regarding unmarried people sharing a hotel room does not generally apply to visiting foreign nationals, particularly in popular tourist areas. Avoid showing affection in public, particularly near religious sites as well as in tourist areas. Using dating applications in Morocco may break laws relating to sexual relations outside of marriage. Be aware of the legal and personal safety risks when using these applications. LGBT+ travellers: Same-sex sexual relations are illegal in Morocco. Showing affection in public can lead to prosecution. Meeting people through online applications, can carry legal, personal safety and privacy risks. See more advice for LGBT+ travellers . Alcohol laws: … (continues on the FCDO page)

Transport risks

Road travel: If you are planning to drive in Morocco, see information on driving abroad . You’ll need to have both the 1968 version of the international driving permit ( IDP ) and your UK driving licence with you in the car. You cannot buy an IDP outside the UK, so get one before you travel. Morocco no longer accepts the 1949 version of the IDP . If you stay longer than one year, you need a Moroccan driving licence . You must get a green card from your insurer and carry it with you to prove you have the minimum insurance cover in Morocco. Hire car companies often have strict requirements for their customers, such as a year of driving experience and a higher minimum age. Drink-driving is a serious offence in Morocco. If you are tested and found to have any alcohol in your system, you will get a fine and possible imprisonment. Driving conditions: Be more alert to other vehicles, pedestrians and animals as poor lighting can make it dangerous to drive at night. When weather conditions are poor, secondary routes and mountain roads can be especially hazardous. On motorways, be cautious of overloaded lorries and trucks overtaking when there is no hard shoulder. Road accidents: Road accidents are a frequent occurrence in Morocco. If you’re involved in a road accident, complete a form (‘constat amiable’), to be signed by both parties. Blank forms are available from insurance company booths in Tangier Port and tobacconists in all cities. If you are involved in a fatal road accident, and the Moroccan authorities think you’re responsible, they may detain you before a trial hearing. Vehicle documentation: The authorities will record your registration number when you drive into Morocco. If you’re not in the same vehicle when you try to leave the country, they will detain you and refuse to let you exit. You’ll need to show evidence of motor insurance when entering and exiting the country. Always carry your insurance, licence and registration documents with you when driving. Taxis: Many taxis booked through ride sharing applications may be unregulated and unlicensed. Travellers should therefore exercise caution and remain vigilant if using these applications. Drivers may not be registered with the authorities, and their vehicles may not be insured to carry passengers. The police may tell you to get out of an unlicensed taxi if they stop it. It is advisable to either agree a fare in advance or check the taxi is using a meter. … (continues on the FCDO page)

Outdoor activities and adventure tourism

Providers of recreational and adventure tourism may not meet UK safety standards. Check safety standards with the tour operators or providers and make sure you are insured if you take part in activities such as water sports, boat tours or quad biking. Be aware that some insurance policies will not cover these activities. Book excursions for activities and water sports through reputable agents or at your hotel or resort. Hiking in the Atlas Mountains: If you’re planning to hike in the Atlas Mountains: • research trails and understand how much experience you’ll need • pack essentials such as water, sunscreen and appropriate clothing • hire a professional guide • get comprehensive travel insurance and make sure it covers your planned activities Quad biking: Quad bike accidents involving British nationals frequently occur in resort areas. Take the same precautions as you would in the UK. Safety standards vary considerably. Always wear a crash helmet. Hot air balloons: Book hot air balloon trips only through licensed tour operators. Unlicensed providers may not meet required safety standards. Beaches: Many beaches in Morocco have limited or no lifeguard cover, and safety signage may be minimal. Strong currents and unexpected waves can occur. Take care when entering the water and avoid swimming in isolated areas. See water safety guidance if swimming . Swimming in open water, including dams and rivers, can be dangerous. Deep mud and steep underwater slopes can trap people and lead to drowning.

Extreme weather and natural disasters

Find out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards . Earthquakes: Earthquakes are a risk in Morocco. The last major earthquake, in 2023, killed almost 3,000 people. There are occasional minor earthquakes. Familiarise yourself with earthquake safety procedures and any instructions in hotel rooms. In the event of an earthquake, stay away from walls, windows, trees, signs. It is safer to stand in open spaces or shelter under heavy furniture or in a door threshold. The US Federal Emergency Management Agency website has advice about  what to do before, during and after an earthquake . Flooding: Heavy rain can cause flash flooding in some areas, particularly in the mountains or near rivers during winter months. Walking and driving can be dangerous in flooded areas. If you’re near a flood, monitor local media and follow instructions from local authorities.

Wildfires

There is a risk of wildfires during the summer season. Wildfires are highly dangerous and unpredictable. The situation can change quickly. Always follow the advice and instructions of the local authorities. Make sure cigarettes are properly extinguished, do not light barbecues and do not leave empty glass bottles behind.