Safety and security

Social unrest

Regional developments have the potential to trigger popular unrest in Morocco. Always keep yourself informed of what’s going on around you by monitoring local media and staying in contact with your hotel or tour organiser. And avoid demonstrations and public gatherings, which can sometimes turn confrontational.

Terrorism

There is a high risk of terrorism in Morocco which may target places popular with tourists such as hotels, bars and beaches. You should be extremely vigilant during your stay.

Crime

Most visitors find Morocco relatively trouble free. However, you should take the usual, sensible precautions:

• Don’t carry your credit card, travel tickets and money together - leave spare cash and valuables in a safe place.
• Don’t carry your passport unless absolutely necessary and leave a copy of your passport (and travel and insurance documents) with family or friends at home.
• Avoid showing large sums of money in public and don’t use ATMs after dark, especially if you’re alone. Check no one has followed you after conducting your business.
• Avoid dark and unlit streets and stairways, and arrange to be picked up or dropped off as close to your hotel or apartment entrance as possible.
• Keep a close eye on your personal belongings and hold on to them in public places such as internet cafés,train and bus stations.

Reporting crime

If you’re a victim of a crime while in Morocco, report it to the local police immediately. And you can contact us at the  Irish Embassy in Rabat if you need help.

Driving

If you’re planning to drive in Morocco, you should be extremely careful. Morocco has a poor road safety record, and you should stay well within speed limits. If you want to drive:

• Bring your full Irish driver’s licence and your international driving permit and make sure you have adequate and appropriate insurance
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is against the law and you risk being detained, fined or banned from driving if caught
• Keep your vehicle doors locked and your bags kept out of sight to prevent opportunistic bag-snatching if you’re stopped at traffic lights

Hiring a vehicle

If you’re hiring a vehicle, we advise you not to hand over your passport as a form of security. If you’re allowing your passport to be photocopied, keep it in your sight at all times.

Check that you have adequate insurance and read the small print of the vehicle hire contract (particularly any waiver that will come into effect if the vehicle is damaged).

Swimming

If you’re visiting Agadir’s resorts, be aware of the often dangerous rip currents in the sea off the main resort.

Local laws and customs

Remember, the local laws apply to you as a visitor and it is your responsibility to follow them. Be sensitive to local customs, traditions and practices as your behaviour may be seen as improper, hostile or may even be illegal.

Muslim culture

Morocco is a Muslim country. You should respect local customs and sensitivities at all times, especially during the holy month of Ramadan. During Ramadan, Muslims, who make up the majority of Morocco’s population, are not permitted to eat, drink or smoke during daylight hours. To avoid offence, you should not eat, drink or smoke in public during this time.

Women, especially when travelling alone, attract attention. You’re advised to dress modestly and avoid wearing clothes that could be seen as provocative, except on the beach.

Illegal drugs

Illegal drug use (no matter what the drug) carries stiff penalties, including fines and long prison terms.

LGBT

Homosexuality is considered a criminal offence in Morocco.

Sexual behaviour

Sexual relations outside marriage are also punishable by law. Discretion and caution are advised at all times.

Additional Information

Health

Travel Insurance

We can’t pay for emergency medical repatriation, repatriation of remains, or for expenses as a result of a personal emergency while you are abroad. If you buy an appropriate travel insurance policy, these costs will be covered, provided you haven’t broken the terms and conditions.

Buying comprehensive travel insurance can save you and your family a lot of money if something goes wrong. It will also ensure that you get the medical attention you need, when you need it. Hospital bills can quickly run into thousands of euro, and a medical evacuation back to Ireland can cost thousands more.

Not all policies are the same, and the cheapest one might be cheap for a reason. Make sure your policy covers all the activities you plan to do on your trip. Insurance Ireland recommend that you purchase a policy that provides a minimum medical cover of €1 million.

Emergency expenses

Your policy should cover:
• All medical care abroad, including evacuation by air ambulance, or other emergency procedures, and any other costs associated with an unexpected longer stay.
• Your entire trip, from departure to return. Consider an annual multi-trip policy if you’re making more than one trip in the year.
• 24-hour emergency service and assistance.
• Personal liability cover (in case you’re sued for causing injury or damaging property).
• Lost and stolen possessions.
• Cancellation and curtailment.
• Any extra activities you intend to do that are excluded from standard policies (e.g. water sport activities such as jet skiing or other extreme sports).

Exclusions: You should know most insurance policies will not cover drink or drug-related incidents.

Entry requirements (visa/passport)

Irish passport holders don’t need entry visas for tourist visits to Morocco. We recommend that your passport should be valid for at least 6 months from date of entry into Morocco.

It’s advisable to take a number of photocopies of your passport with you. During your stay you should carry a photocopy of your passport at all times.

Getting Married in Morocco

Irish citizens who wish to marry in Morocco must obtain a police clearance certificate from An Garda Siochána. This must be obtained in advance of travelling to Morocco. For further information, please see www.garda.ie Irish citizens may also wish to note that non-Muslim man who wishes to marry a Muslim woman should anticipate one to three months to complete the process, including the time needed to convert to Islam. In general, the process is less complicated for a Muslim man who wishes to marry a non-Muslim woman.