Is Morocco Safe for Tourists? An Honest Guide to Risks, Scams and Precautions
Yes — Morocco is generally safe for tourists, and millions of visitors travel there every year without serious problems. The risks you are most likely to meet are petty theft, persistent touts and small scams in busy medinas, plus road traffic, rather than violent crime. Normal city precautions and a few Morocco-specific habits go a long way.
What do official travel advisories say?
Governments such as the UK (FCDO), the US State Department and EU foreign ministries publish regularly updated advice for Morocco. At the time of writing, they generally advise normal or increased precautions rather than against travel, and, as for many countries, they mention a general terrorism risk. Advice can change quickly, so read your own government's page before you travel and check it again shortly before departure. It also affects whether your travel insurance is valid.
The most common problems, and how to avoid them
Petty theft
Pickpocketing and bag snatching happen in crowded places such as Jemaa el-Fnaa in Marrakech, the souks and train stations. Carry a cross-body bag zipped and in front, keep your phone out of back pockets, and leave passports in the hotel safe with a photocopy on you.
Scams and hustles
- Faux guides: someone attaches himself to you in the medina, then demands payment. Politely but firmly say "la, shukran" (no, thank you) and keep walking. Licensed guides carry an official badge.
- "The road is closed" or "the tannery is this way": used to redirect you into a shop or to charge for directions. Use offline maps and ask shopkeepers or your riad.
- Henna and photos in Jemaa el-Fnaa: henna artists may start before you agree, and performers or animal handlers expect payment for photos. Agree prices first, or decline.
- Taxis: in Marrakech and other cities, insist on the meter in petit taxis, or agree the fare before getting in.
Joining a guided walk on your first day, such as our Marrakech medina walking tour, is one of the easiest ways to learn the layout and how bargaining works before you explore alone.
Is Morocco safe for women travellers?
Many women travel in Morocco, including solo, and have excellent trips. The most common issue is verbal attention — comments, calls or being followed briefly in medinas — which is irritating rather than dangerous in most cases. Practical measures that help:
- Dress with shoulders and knees covered in medinas and rural areas; our guide on what to wear in Morocco has details.
- Walk with purpose, avoid engaging with persistent men, and step into a shop or café if you feel uncomfortable.
- Choose riads with good reviews and ask them to arrange evening transport.
- Consider a guide or group activities for your first days.
Road safety is the bigger risk
Statistically, road traffic is a more significant risk than crime in Morocco. Mountain roads such as the Tizi n'Tichka pass (2,260 m) have sharp bends and slow lorries, and rural roads can have pedestrians, animals and unlit vehicles after dark. Avoid driving at night outside cities, use licensed transport, and wear a seat belt. Using an experienced driver for long routes removes most of this risk.
Safety in the desert and mountains
- Heat: Merzouga and Zagora can exceed 40°C from June to August. Drink plenty of water and avoid the midday sun.
- Cold: desert nights in winter can be close to freezing, and the High Atlas has snow from roughly December to March.
- Trekking: for Toubkal (4,167 m) and other high routes, go with a qualified mountain guide; since 2018, guides have been required on the Toubkal route for foreigners, though rules should be checked locally.
Health and practical precautions
- Drink bottled or filtered water, especially in the first days.
- Have comprehensive travel insurance, including medical evacuation if you plan to trek.
- Private clinics in Marrakech, Casablanca, Rabat and Fes are generally good; facilities are more limited in remote areas.
- Carry some cash but not large amounts; see our Morocco money and currency tips.
Laws and cultural points to know
Morocco is a Muslim country with conservative laws in some areas. Public drunkenness is frowned upon; alcohol is sold in licensed venues and some supermarkets. Criticising the monarchy or Islam can be an offence. Same-sex sexual relations are illegal under Moroccan law, and discretion is advised. Drones are not allowed into the country without prior authorisation and are often confiscated at customs. During Ramadan, avoid eating, drinking or smoking conspicuously in public during the day.
Emergency numbers
- Police (in cities): 19
- Gendarmerie (rural areas and highways): 177
- Fire and ambulance: 15
- 112 from a mobile generally redirects to emergency services
Major tourist cities also have a tourist police (Brigade Touristique) presence around the medinas. Numbers can change, so confirm them with your embassy or accommodation on arrival.
Is Marrakech safe at night?
Jemaa el-Fnaa and the main medina streets stay busy until late, and walking there in the evening is generally fine. The quieter residential lanes (derbs) are dark and confusing after about 10 pm, so ask your riad to send someone to meet you at a landmark or taxi drop-off if you are coming back late. Save your riad's location on an offline map before you go out, and carry its business card, which taxi drivers and shopkeepers can read if you get lost.
Is it safe to travel to the Sahara and the south?
The main tourist routes to Merzouga, Zagora, Ouarzazate and the Dades and Todra gorges are well travelled, and desert camps operate year-round. The main practical risks are long drives, heat and cold rather than crime. Areas near the Algerian border and remote off-road zones are a different matter: stay with established operators, and check your government's advice for any areas it recommends avoiding. Morocco also experienced a strong earthquake in the High Atlas in September 2023; the main tourist routes reopened, and rebuilding has been ongoing in affected villages.
Book it with a local operator
Travelling with a licensed local team is the simplest way to avoid most of Morocco's hassles. Start with our guided walk through the Marrakech medina from €25 per person, or browse all our Morocco tours from day trips to private multi-day routes. For more planning help, read our guide to the tipping etiquette in Morocco, or ask us directly on WhatsApp at +212 606 957 514.
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