Do you need a visa for Morocco?
Travelers from many countries do not need a visa to visit Morocco for a period of up to 90 days. Currently, citizens of Australia, New Zealand, the USA, the UK, the EU, and Canada, among others, do not require a visa to enter Morocco, provided they are in possession of a passport, usually valid for six months, and a ticket for onward or return journey (with supporting documents).
Make sure that your passport is stamped on arrival in Morocco, as you may have difficulty leaving the country if your passport does not contain an entry stamp.
Countries that do not require a visa to enter Morocco:
Algeria, Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, China, Congo*, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Gabon, Germany, Greece, Guinea*, Hong Kong (a 30-day limited stay), Hungary (a 30-day limited stay), Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Ivory Coast, Japan, Kuwait, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macau, Malaysia, Mali*, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Niger, Norway, Oman, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Qatar, Romania, Russian Federation, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Sweden, Switzerland, Spain, Tunisia, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States of America.
*These countries require an Electronic Authorisation (AEVM)
If you are a citizen of a country not mentioned above, you may need to apply for a Moroccan visa at the nearest embassy/consulate/visa office.
How to apply for a Morocco visa (if you need one)?
Visit the website of the Moroccan Consulate website for more information on visa types and requirements.
Fill in all the forms and collect all the necessary documents to obtain a Moroccan visa.
Contact your local Moroccan embassy or consulate to submit your documents and continue the process.
Pay the processing fee for your visa and wait for the outcome of your application.
The visa is the responsibility of the individual traveler. The entry requirements and the list of countries exempted from the visa requirement may change at any time, so it is important that you cheque for the latest information. Please visit the relevant website of the consulate of the country or countries you are visiting for detailed and up-to-date visa information specifically for your country of origin.
10 of the Best Places to Visit in Morocco
Although narrowing Morocco’s plethora of incredible destinations down to a top 10 list is difficult, no trip to the North African nation would be complete without a visit to at least one of its four imperial cities. In particular, Marrakesh, Fez, and Meknes are packed full of colorful bazaars, breathtaking palaces, and bustling town squares.
Morocco is also famous for its natural beauty, from the golden beaches of seaside towns like Essaouira and Asilah to the magnificent arid landscapes of the Sahara Desert. Here, the possibilities for adventure are endless. Sign up for a camel-back trek through the Sahara, climb North Africa’s highest peak or head to Dades Valley for a few nights in a traditional kasbah.
Marrakesh
Situated at the foot of the Atlas Mountains, the imperial city of Marrakesh is noisy, atmospheric and full of history. There’s a lot to see and do, from sampling traditional Moroccan street food at the nightly market in Djemma el Fna; to shopping for spices and artisan jewelry in the bustling souks of the medina. Attractions like the Saadian Tombs and El Badi Palace give an insight into the city’s rich history. For the most authentic Marrakesh experience, consider staying in a traditional riad within the medina walls.
Fez
Medieval Fez served as Morocco’s capital for more than 400 years and is still an important religious and cultural center. The old walled part of the city, known as Fes el-Bali, was founded in the 9th century and is recognized by UNESCO for the historical importance of its Idrisid dynasty architecture. It is best explored on foot and includes the Al Quaraouiyine mosque and its associated university, which is the oldest in the world (dating back to 859 AD). Other highlights include the Chaouwara Tanneries, the Merenid Tombs and the Mellah or Jewish Quarter.
Essaouira
Situated on Morocco’
s Atlantic coast, Essaouira is a great place to get away from the heat and bustle of the bigger cities. In the 1960s, the
seaside town was a popular hangout for icons like Jimi Hendrix and Bob Marley. The beach is well-known for kitesurfing, while the town charms with narrow streets, red-and-blue-painted houses and ramparts that overlook the busy ha
rbor. Essaouira is known for its quality seafood restaurants and hosts the three-day Gnaoua World Music Festival in June.
Chefchaouen
Nestled amidst the scenic peaks of the Rif Mountains, Chefchaouen is a small town in a big landscape. It is a center for creativity, attracting painters and photographers with its clear light, serene blue-painted houses (and its reputation as the cannabis capital of Morocco). Browse local arts and crafts in the quaint shops of the medina, enjoy a drink amidst the architecture of Uta el-Hammam square or sample fine Moroccan cuisine at a riad restaurant. The surrounding countryside is full of beautiful hiking trails.
Merzouga
Located on the edge of the Erg Chebbi dune sea, the small town of Merzouga acts as a gateway to the dramatic wilderness of the Sahara Desert. Many operators offer camel safaris, which last anywhere from a few hours to several days. This is the most authentic way to explore the Saharan landscape of knife-edged dunes, blazing blue skies and rare desert wildlife. Most include a visit to a traditional Bedouin camp. Adrenaline junkies can also sign up for quad bike tours, sand-boarding and sand-skiing.
Meknes
Meknes is smaller and more laid-back than Marrakesh and Fez yet it has all the charms you’d expect of an imperial city including a well-preserved medina filled with easily navigable souks. Meknes was the capital during the rule of 17th-century Sultan Moulay Ismail and is a showcase of Moroccan architecture complete with huge gates and impressive carvings. History buffs will love top attractions like the Royal Stables and the Museum of Moroccan Art (Dar Jamai), while the Roman ruins at nearby Volubilis are well worth a visit.
Dades Valley
The Dades Valley runs between the Jebel Sarhro and High Atlas mountain ranges and offers some of Morocco’s most spectacular scenery. Its cliffs transition from ocher to rose to deep red with the changing light and in some places tower more than 1500 feet above the verdant oases of the valley floor. The best way to appreciate the valley and its Berber villages is on foot, especially when you reach the magnificent Todra Gorge. Traditional forts, or kasbahs, can be found at regular intervals and many now double as luxury hotels.
Tangier
Tangier is the gateway to Africa for those traveling by sea from southern Europe. While the city doesn’t have quite the charm it did in the 1940s and 1950s when you could rub shoulders with the likes of Truman Capote and Tennessee Williams, there’s still a lot to see. Highlights include the medina, the Kasbah Museum and the French-inspired Ville Nouvelle. The harbor also offers interesting views of the Strait of Gibraltar and distant Spain, while a short drive away from the city center reveals some pretty beaches.
Asilah
Situated on Morocco’s North Atlantic coast, seaside Asilah is very popular with Moroccan vacationers who flock to its sandy beaches during the hot summer months. The city walls are covered in colorful murals and the houses are painted white, evoking the white-washed towns of the Greek Islands. Every summer (usually July), artists, musicians and street performers converge in Asilah for the town’s vibrant annual Arts Festival. The city’s impressive ramparts are a relic of Portuguese colonial rule dating back to the 15th century.