Morocco Visa Requirements: Who Needs a Visa and What to Know at the Border
Citizens of the UK, the EU, the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and many other countries can visit Morocco as tourists without a visa for up to 90 days. You need a passport valid for your whole stay (many authorities recommend at least six months), and some nationalities must obtain a visa or e-visa in advance. Rules change, so always confirm with official sources before you travel.
Important: check official sources
This guide summarises the general position at the time of writing. Entry rules depend on your nationality and can change at short notice. Before booking, check your own government's travel advice (for example the UK FCDO or US State Department pages for Morocco), the website of the Moroccan embassy or consulate in your country, and Morocco's official e-visa portal. Your airline will also refuse boarding if your documents do not meet requirements.
Who can visit Morocco without a visa?
Morocco grants visa-free entry for tourism to nationals of a long list of countries, including at the time of writing:
- The United Kingdom and Ireland
- All EU member states and Schengen countries such as Norway and Switzerland
- The United States and Canada
- Australia and New Zealand
- Japan, South Korea and a number of Latin American and Gulf countries
Visa-free visitors are normally allowed to stay up to 90 days per entry. Your passport is stamped on arrival, and that stamp matters: keep it legible, as you may be asked to show it when leaving.
Who needs a visa or e-visa?
Nationals of countries not on the visa-free list must apply in advance. Morocco introduced an electronic visa (e-Visa) system for a number of nationalities, and holders of certain valid visas or residence permits (for example from the USA, UK or Schengen countries) may be eligible for it. Requirements, fees and processing times vary. If you need a visa, apply through the official channels listed by the Moroccan authorities, and be wary of third-party websites that charge extra fees.
Passport validity
At minimum, your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay. Many governments and airlines recommend at least six months of validity beyond your arrival date to avoid problems, and some advise having blank pages for stamps. If your passport is close to expiry, renew it before you travel.
What happens at arrival
- Passport control can be busy at Marrakech Menara and Casablanca Mohammed V airports, especially on weekend afternoons.
- Officers may ask the purpose of your visit and where you are staying; have your first hotel or riad address handy.
- Proof of onward or return travel may be requested.
- Minors travelling with only one parent, or with other adults, may be asked for supporting documents; check the latest rules with the embassy.
Staying longer than 90 days
If you want to stay beyond the permitted period, you must apply for an extension or residence permit through the local police before your 90 days end. Overstaying can lead to fines or problems when leaving. Rules for "border runs" to reset the stay have tightened in practice, so do not rely on them.
Customs rules to know
Currency
The Moroccan dirham (MAD) is a closed currency: you are only allowed to import or export a small amount set by Morocco's foreign exchange office, and you should exchange foreign cash inside the country. Large amounts of foreign currency may need to be declared on arrival. Keep exchange receipts if you want to change dirhams back when leaving. Our guide to money and the dirham explains this in detail.
Drones
Drones are not permitted into Morocco without prior authorisation from the authorities and are commonly confiscated at customs. If you pack one, expect it to be held until you leave, at best.
Other items
Standard duty-free allowances apply to tobacco and alcohol. Prescription medicines should be in original packaging with a copy of the prescription, especially for controlled drugs. Products of animal origin and certain plants may be restricted.
Health requirements and insurance
At the time of writing, there are no routine vaccination requirements for travellers arriving from Europe or North America, though your doctor may recommend standard travel vaccines such as hepatitis A and typhoid. Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly advised, including cover for trekking in the Atlas or activities such as quad biking and camel rides.
Practical checklist before you fly
- Confirm visa-free status or apply for a visa or e-visa.
- Check passport validity and blank pages.
- Buy travel insurance that covers your planned activities.
- Print or save your accommodation and tour confirmations.
- Read your government's latest Morocco travel advice; our article on safety in Morocco puts it in context.
- Choose your season: see the best time to visit Morocco.
Frequently asked questions
Can I enter Morocco on a national ID card?
Generally no. Tourists arriving by air are expected to travel on a passport. There have historically been limited exceptions for some groups arriving by sea from Europe, but these should never be assumed; check with the Moroccan embassy.
Do I need proof of accommodation?
It is not usually checked, but officers can ask where you are staying, and you should write the address of your first night's accommodation on any form you are given. Having confirmations for your hotels and tours on your phone is sensible.
Can I travel overland from Morocco to neighbouring countries?
The land border between Morocco and Algeria has been closed for many years. Travel to Spain is possible by ferry from Tangier and other ports, and the Spanish enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla have land crossings with their own entry rules, as they are part of Spain and the EU. Check current conditions before planning a crossing.
Book it with a local operator
Once your documents are in order, the rest can be handled for you. Our 10-day private grand tour of Morocco, from €1,190 per person, includes airport pickup in Marrakech, a private driver, accommodation and a night in the Sahara, so you step out of passport control straight into your trip. See all our Morocco tours, reserve now and pay later, and message us on WhatsApp at +212 606 957 514 if you have questions.
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