Is Morocco Safe to Travel to in 2026?
Risk level: Moderate risk
Last updated
Overview
Popular tourist destination with beautiful landscapes and cities, but significant safety and cultural issues. Petty crime, harassment, and scams are common, especially toward tourists.
Best time to visit
March to May and September to November; summers are very hot inland and in the south; Atlas hiking is best late spring to early autumn.
Safety
Petty theft, pickpocketing, and scams are very common in medinas and tourist spots. Sexual harassment of women is widespread. Occasional terrorist attacks and protests. Rural areas and borders can be lawless.
Recommendations
Stick to main tourist cities (Marrakech, Fez, Casablanca, Rabat) and coastal areas. Use official guides or well-reviewed riads. Dress modestly outside tourist zones. Women should not travel alone in many areas.
Health and tap water
Tap water: Not recommended — use bottled or filtered water.
Stomach issues from food and water are common. Tap water is not safe to drink. Good private clinics in major cities but poor elsewhere.
Entry and exit
Visa-free for many nationalities for short stays.
Laws
Strict on drugs. Conservative social laws. Criticism of the monarchy or Islam can cause serious trouble.
Other notes
Rich culture and history, but the tourist experience is often chaotic and exhausting. Expect haggling, touts, and inconsistent service.
Emergency numbers: Police 19, Ambulance 15, Fire 15.
Regional risk notes for Morocco
- Marrakech-Safi — Moderate risk: Popular tourist city. High scams, harassment, and petty crime in the medina.
- Fez — Moderate risk: Historic city. Similar issues to Marrakech but slightly calmer.
- Casablanca-Settat — Moderate risk: Modern business hub. Better infrastructure but still has crime.
- Rabat — Moderate risk: Capital region. Relatively calmer than other major cities.
- Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima — Moderate risk: Northern coastal region. Some European influence but high petty crime and touts.
- Souss-Massa — Moderate risk: Agadir beach area. Safer and more relaxed for tourists.
- Drâa-Tafilalet — Moderate risk: Atlas Mountains and desert region. Popular for trekking but remote areas have risks.
- Béni Mellal-Khénifra — Moderate risk: Central Atlas region. More rural and less touristy.
- Laâyoune-Sakia El Hamra — High risk: Northern Western Sahara. Disputed territory with military presence and landmines.
- Dakhla-Oued Ed-Dahab — High risk: Southern Western Sahara. Remote, disputed, military presence.
Independent assessment — not a government advisory. Feedback: [email protected]