Recommendations for a safe trip

Morocco is a relatively safe country, nevertheless Travel Aware advises travelers to be alert during their journey in Morocco and to visit regularly our web site to have the latest information about what is going on. It is advised to be stay away from the multitudinous meetings and from the masses gatherings. Remember that no country in the world is exempt of terrorism risk.

Warning concerning drugs in Morocco

The sale and consumption of narcotics are strictly prohibited. The drug traffic related crimes are severely punished by law (from 5 to 10 years of prison, fines from 500 up to 50.000 Euros, confiscation of the vehicle and customs fine calculated depending the seized quantity).

Border controls are systematic and rigorous. The possession of drugs, even in small quantities, end up with a jail conviction in most cases. The living conditions in the prisons are rough and the formalities for transfers are often very long. It is highly recommended to not accept to transport packages or objects by request of persons who you might know during your stay.

Be careful in the region of the Rif, it is a place of production and traffic of hashish. It is recommended to not travel by night in the secondary routes and not to stop during the day: sellers can insult tourists. The east-west Al Hoceima-Chefchaouen-Tétouan axe is more fluid and less problematic.

The common delinquency in Morocco

Avoid walking around carrying jewels or a purse during the night in the center of the cities or suburbs, any sign of wealth end, here and in many other places, a risk of theft. Do not hesitate to use taxis that are, in Morocco, a sure place and in addition not expensive.

In the night avoid walking in desert places, on the beach, in parks and in any other public places that looks desolate.

In order to minimize any risk of aggression, it is recommended to remain relatively attentive and to adopt a way of dressing and a behavior respecting local traditions. Those who travel in auto caravan, especially in the south near the beaches, must avoid to park their vehicles in isolated places, by day and by night, especially near a big city, due to the risk of robbery. It is better to use the services of a camping to enjoy a calm night. If something happens call the Royal Gendarmerie.

It is also recommended to not leave, meanwhile crossing the territory of the Western Sahara, the main road and other secondary roads of this route without previous authorization of the Royal Moroccan gendarmerie or military force. Do not leave, during the voyage of the territory of Western Sahara, the main road of this itinerary that has not been authorized by previous agreement of the Moroccan Gendarmerie or of the Royal Armed Forces.

Seismic risk

Morocco is located in a seismically active zone. For more information about what to do in an earthquake, you can check the guide on this subject in "Preparing My Trip". The places where the medinas are older are more vulnerable and less accessible to civil protection assistance in case of earthquake.

The key recommendations are:

- Inside a house, get away from windows, exterior walls, all furniture, tables, lamps that can fall, take cover under a table or standing under a doorframe;
- If outside, try to go to an open space away from trees, lampposts, walls or buildings. If you are driving, stop at the roadside and wait in the car until all is over.

In all cases, it's important to stay calm, follow directions and wait for help if necessary.

Any large earthquake is followed by a series of aftershocks.

Transportation

By land

Morocco’s road network is well managed, in general the condition of the routes are good, though in occasions there is only one lane, it can be a bit narrow.

The traffic in all roads is very dangerous because of the frequent breaches existing regarding law, circulation is chaotic: animals drifting around, unrespectable behavior the drivers (especially the big taxis called "grands taxis" in French, buses and trucks). In general, you have to be careful with buses and trucks. The national statistics on the topic reflect this danger.

We recommend the major prudence on driving in Morocco and especially try to not do it by night, there are no public lights on the roads out of the cities and many motorcycles do not have a light, and if they have one they usually don't use it.

Dangerous sections

The Casablanca-Marrakech and Casablanca-El Jadida highways are considered the most dangerous ones. There are four stretches of road where the traffic flows: Rabat-Fès, Rabat-Tanger, Casablanca-El-Jadida, Casablanca-Marrakech. It is recommended to proceed with caution in the Rabat-Casablanca road, the busiest (in particular, between the exits of Casa-Aïn Sebaa y Casa Anfa, a saturated sector because it is the periphery of the city).

The paths that are linking the main roads are in very bad conditions (region of Ouarzazate, Asni, Tichka). Avoid off-road driving.

As mentioned just before, whenever you can, try to not travel by night.

Fuel

The fuel supply is good in cities and surrounding areas but more problematic in rural areas. In some places it's even mixed it with water.

Buses

The bus network is quite dense, but vehicles are old (according to local media, 60% of the buses do not have the minimum safety requirements).

People throwing stones

Sometimes children have a weird game, it consists in throwing rocks at cars that are circulating. It happened to me and I have already related it on Trip Aware.

Other acts of throwing stones at vehicles from bridges have been reported.

Be careful when crossing the Atlas, rock fall may happen.

By train

There are three main lines: Tanger-Rabat, Casablanca-El Jadida, Marrakech and Oujda Kenitra-operating in good safety and comfort conditions.

On the seas

To be on a ship on the Atlantic coast requires a practice confirmed at all times. Out of the commercial ports of fishing, it is almost impossible to find a refuge.

The bar is dangerous, including during weak winds.

Air transportation

The "Royal Air Maroc" and Maroc "REGIONAL AIRLINES "provide many domestic flights.

Photos of Morocco

In order to see pictures of Morocco please go to our associated website Trip Aware here: Photos of Morocco.