Travel Tips
Is Morocco Safe for Tourists?
Honest answer: yes, in the vast majority of cases. But as everywhere, a few precautions are needed.
Short answer: yes. Morocco welcomes more than 13 million visitors per year, and the vast majority leave delighted, without any incident. The kingdom regularly tops safety rankings in Africa and the Maghreb.
That said, Morocco remains a country with different standards than Europe or North America. Here's what you need to know to travel with peace of mind.
## The numbers
According to official figures and embassies, Morocco is one of the safest destinations on the African continent. The violent crime rate is very low, and crimes against tourists are rare. The tourist police (specialized brigade) is present in all major cities and speaks several languages.
## Real risks (and how to avoid them)
1. Souk scams. As in any medina, some merchants will inflate prices for tourists, and a few scammers may lead you to false "directions". The golden rule: set a price before any purchase, refuse "spontaneous guides", and don't show valuables.
2. Street harassment. Women traveling alone may sometimes experience insistent looks or comments in some medinas. Avoid deserted alleys at night, dress modestly (shoulders and knees covered), and have a few phrases in Arabic ("la" = no, "shukran" = thank you).
3. Road traffic. Moroccan driving is chaotic, especially in Marrakech and Casablanca. Avoid renting a car, and prefer a local driver-guide (which we systematically offer).
4. Pickpocketing. Rare but possible in very touristy places. Keep your passport at the hotel (legally, you only need it for ID checks).
## Areas to avoid (or to be aware of)
Western Sahara (around Dakhla, Laâyoune) is a disputed territory. Travelers can visit, but should avoid any political discussion on the subject. Border regions with Algeria are forbidden to tourists (Tindouf strip).
Elsewhere, the whole country is safe: Marrakech, Fez, Chefchaouen, Essaouira, the Merzouga desert, the Atlas, the Atlantic coast, the Mediterranean, the imperial cities.
## Solo travel (women)
Morocco is one of the safest destinations in the Middle East and Africa for women traveling alone, provided you respect a few codes:
- Proper attire off the beach (shoulders covered, long pants or skirts)
- Don't walk alone at night in medinas
- Choose riad accommodation with 9+ reviews on Booking
- Avoid responding to "Hello, do you speak French?" in the souks (often touts)
## Family travel
Morocco is an ideal destination for families. Moroccans love children, who are often welcomed with hugs and candies. Family activities are numerous: quad from age 6, camel from age 2, hot air balloon from age 6, beach, riads with pools.
## LGBT+ travel
Morocco is conservative on LGBT+ issues. Homosexuality is theoretically illegal (art. 489 of the Penal Code), but in practice, few prosecutions. Public displays of affection between same-sex people should be avoided.
## Travel with disability
Morocco is still largely inaccessible by wheelchair: broken sidewalks, sloped alleys, no elevators in most riads. A few luxury hotels and the Essaouira medina are better equipped.
## Our final advice
Morocco is a welcoming, sunny country, and one of the safest in the Arab world. Millions of travelers come here each year without hassle. With a minimum of common sense (as everywhere) and a trusted local guide (like us!), you'll have an unforgettable trip.
That said, Morocco remains a country with different standards than Europe or North America. Here's what you need to know to travel with peace of mind.
## The numbers
According to official figures and embassies, Morocco is one of the safest destinations on the African continent. The violent crime rate is very low, and crimes against tourists are rare. The tourist police (specialized brigade) is present in all major cities and speaks several languages.
## Real risks (and how to avoid them)
1. Souk scams. As in any medina, some merchants will inflate prices for tourists, and a few scammers may lead you to false "directions". The golden rule: set a price before any purchase, refuse "spontaneous guides", and don't show valuables.
2. Street harassment. Women traveling alone may sometimes experience insistent looks or comments in some medinas. Avoid deserted alleys at night, dress modestly (shoulders and knees covered), and have a few phrases in Arabic ("la" = no, "shukran" = thank you).
3. Road traffic. Moroccan driving is chaotic, especially in Marrakech and Casablanca. Avoid renting a car, and prefer a local driver-guide (which we systematically offer).
4. Pickpocketing. Rare but possible in very touristy places. Keep your passport at the hotel (legally, you only need it for ID checks).
## Areas to avoid (or to be aware of)
Western Sahara (around Dakhla, Laâyoune) is a disputed territory. Travelers can visit, but should avoid any political discussion on the subject. Border regions with Algeria are forbidden to tourists (Tindouf strip).
Elsewhere, the whole country is safe: Marrakech, Fez, Chefchaouen, Essaouira, the Merzouga desert, the Atlas, the Atlantic coast, the Mediterranean, the imperial cities.
## Solo travel (women)
Morocco is one of the safest destinations in the Middle East and Africa for women traveling alone, provided you respect a few codes:
- Proper attire off the beach (shoulders covered, long pants or skirts)
- Don't walk alone at night in medinas
- Choose riad accommodation with 9+ reviews on Booking
- Avoid responding to "Hello, do you speak French?" in the souks (often touts)
## Family travel
Morocco is an ideal destination for families. Moroccans love children, who are often welcomed with hugs and candies. Family activities are numerous: quad from age 6, camel from age 2, hot air balloon from age 6, beach, riads with pools.
## LGBT+ travel
Morocco is conservative on LGBT+ issues. Homosexuality is theoretically illegal (art. 489 of the Penal Code), but in practice, few prosecutions. Public displays of affection between same-sex people should be avoided.
## Travel with disability
Morocco is still largely inaccessible by wheelchair: broken sidewalks, sloped alleys, no elevators in most riads. A few luxury hotels and the Essaouira medina are better equipped.
## Our final advice
Morocco is a welcoming, sunny country, and one of the safest in the Arab world. Millions of travelers come here each year without hassle. With a minimum of common sense (as everywhere) and a trusted local guide (like us!), you'll have an unforgettable trip.