COVID-19

If you are planning international travel at this time, please read our COVID-19 related travel advice here, alongside our destination specific travel advice below.

Do not travel

Do not travel within 30 kilometres north and west of the Berm (a militarised boundary in Western Sahara) and all areas south and east of the Berm due to the threat posed by unexploded landmines (level 4 of 4). Western Sahara is a disputed and non-self-governing territory largely under Moroccan control.

Exercise increased caution

Exercise increased caution in Morocco and elsewhere in Western Sahara due to the threat of terrorism (level 2 of 4).

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Morocco

Terrorism
There is a heightened threat of terrorism in the Maghreb region of North Africa, which includes Morocco. Terrorist groups, individuals returning to Morocco from areas of conflict, and individuals adhering to various forms of extremist ideologies, continue to make threats to conduct attacks in Morocco. Groups adhering to various ideologies have conducted attacks in the past. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreigners.

In December 2018, 2 foreign nationals were murdered while hiking in a remote mountain area near Mount Toubkal.

A number of suspected terrorists have been arrested in recent years and the possibility of future attacks, particularly in areas frequented by foreigners, cannot be discounted. There may be increased security measures in some areas, particularly around tourist sites and border crossings.

New Zealanders in Morocco are advised to maintain a high level of security awareness at all times, particularly in public and commercial areas known to be frequented by Western expatriates or travellers. In the event of an attack, leave the affected area immediately if it is safe to do so.

Civil Unrest
Protests and demonstrations occur from time to time in Morocco and can commence at short notice. New Zealanders in Morocco are advised to avoid any protests and demonstrations, as even those intended to be peaceful have the potential to turn violent. We recommend following any instructions issued by the local authorities and staying informed of potential risks to safety and security by monitoring the media for developments. 

Kidnapping
There is an ongoing threat of kidnapping in remote regions of Morocco and in border areas. Hiking alone in remote mountain regions is not recommended. Kidnappers may be motivated by financial gain or terrorism. Maintain a high level of vigilance at all times. 

Crime
Incidents of violent crime, including theft at knifepoint and armed robbery occurs in Morocco, sometimes resulting in death and injuries. Petty crime such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, including from passing motorcycles, is common, especially in tourist areas like the medina quarter (or old part) of towns and cities, on beaches, and on public transportation. 

Aggressive begging at ATMs and harassment of tourists by people posing as official tourist guides is also common. Tourists have been forcibly taken to stores and intimidated into making purchases in popular tourist areas. Stay on major roads, especially in medinas, and exercise caution.

We advise New Zealanders to be alert to their surroundings at all times and take steps to safeguard and secure their personal belongings. We also advise against travel after dark and to isolated areas. As victims of robbery are often targeted due to their perceived wealth, it is advisable to avoid wearing or displaying items that appear valuable, such as electronic devices and jewellery. 

Scams
Credit card, commercial and internet fraud (including relationship scams) is common in Morocco. New Zealanders should be wary of any offers that seem too good to be true, as they may be a scam. For further information see our advice on Internet Fraud and Internet dating Scams.

Scams, such as substituting inferior goods for those that were actually bought, is common. Check goods carefully when making purchases. Remain vigilant and alert to potential confidence tricks.

Western Sahara
Western Sahara is a non-autonomous, disputed territory and its political and legal status remains unresolved. A militarised boundary separates the Moroccan-controlled part of Western Sahara from the rest of the territory, Mauritania and Algeria. It is not possible to cross this boundary. A mostly sand wall (‘the Berm’) separates the areas controlled by Morocco and those controlled by the independence movement known as the Polisario. The territory is a former area of conflict that still contains unexploded landmines which have caused death and injury, particularly in remote regions and the militarized zone with reports of landmines shifting away from the border area due to the movement of sand dunes.

General Travel Advice
New Zealanders are advised to respect religious and social traditions in Morocco to avoid offending local sensitivities. Modesty and discretion should be exercised in both dress and behaviour. Preaching a religion other than Islam and importing religious material that is not related to Islam is illegal, as is making a critical or defamatory comment about the monarchy. Homosexuality and sexual relations outside marriage are illegal in Morocco. Do not consume alcohol in public places that aren’t licensed, particularly in traditional and rural areas.

You may find hospitals have no English-speaking staff or very limited ability to communicate in English. Some private hospitals may insist on payment prior to being admitted.  If you do not have adequate insurance or are otherwise unable to pay your hospital bill, you may not be allowed to leave the country until your account is settled. We strongly recommend that New Zealanders travelling or living in Morocco take out comprehensive travel insurance, which includes provision for medical evacuation by air. 

Female travellers, especially when travelling alone, may receive unwanted attention. To try minimise hassle, you may choose to wear more conservative clothing.

The land border between Morocco and Algeria is closed. Don’t attempt to cross into Algeria by land.

Photography of sensitive locations, such as anything that could be perceived as a military or security interest, may result in problems with authorities. If in doubt, don’t take a picture.

Carry relevant personal identification and vehicle registration papers with you at all times, checkpoints can be frequent. When entering the country, make sure your passport is stamped. You may experience difficulties leaving the country if your passport bears no entry stamp or you have overstayed your visa.

It is illegal to send passports to Morocco in the post or via a courier.  As there is no New Zealand Embassy in Morocco, we are limited in the assistance we can provide with regards to lost / stolen passports and you may experience a delay in obtaining a replacement full validity passport. 

Morocco recognises dual nationality, but Moroccan citizenship takes precedence. See our advice for travelling as a dual citizen.

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe and can include lengthy imprisonment or fines.

Morocco is situated in a seismic zone, and minor earthquakes occur occasionally.

The use of drones is restricted in Morocco and in some cases prohibited. New Zealanders should contact the relevant Moroccan authorities for more information before entering the country with a drone.

New Zealanders in Morocco are encouraged to register their details with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Travel tips

• For current health alerts

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The New Zealand Embassy Madrid, Spain is accredited to Morocco

Street Address Calle del Pinar, 7, 3rd floor, 28006 Madrid, Spain Telephone +34 915 230 226 Fax +34 915 230 171 Email madrid@embajadanuevazelanda.com Web Site http://www.mfat.govt.nz/spain Hours Mon-Fri 0900-1400, and 1500-1730, July and August: Mon-Fri 0830-1330 and 1400-1630

See our regional advice for Africa