Moroccan Essentials

The dangers of offering guidance for those travelling to Morocco are twofold. Much holiday advice is so general and blindingly obvious that no one is going to persist reading it. If you need to be told that 'in strong sunshine it is advisable to wear a sun hat and apply sun cream', it is questionable whether you should be allowed to set foot outside your front door, let alone travel abroad. Equally, travel advice that is too explicit about all the possible dangers that you might encounter on your holiday in Morocco could put you off visiting the country completely. The 'Moroccan Essentials' section of the site aims to tread a middle path, avoiding the trite and obvious, whilst providing essential advice for visitors to enable them to cope with the practicalities of a holiday in Morocco.

Entry Requirements

The holder of a full UK passport does not require a visa to enter Morocco, provided that the intended length of their stay in Morocco is less than three months. It is advisable to obtain the visa for a longer visit if you're in doubt about how long you are likely to remain in Morocco, as the Moroccan authorities come down very hard on those who outstay their welcome. Visitors from the UK are allowed to bring into Morocco with them 200 cigarettes, a standard size bottle of spirits and photographic equipment and film sufficient only for personal use. It is strictly prohibited to bring explosives, weapons, drugs or pornography into Morocco.

Personal Safety

Conscious of the economic benefits that mass tourism can bring, the Moroccan authorities have put considerable resources towards ensuring the safety and well-being of visitors to Morocco. You are probably as safe walking along a city street in a tourist area of Morocco as you would be walking around an English city, and you will certainly be much more conscious of a visible police presence. This is not to say that Morocco is crime free and you should remain vigilant as pick-pocketing and theft from the person are common crimes in Morocco, with tourists the usual targets. If you are unfortunate enough to be the victim of a crime, you should report it immediately to the nearest police station. The Moroccan police are generally helpful and courteous in such situations and should be able to provide you with a copy of the incident report, which you will need if you intend to make a claim on your holiday insurance.

The British Consulate

In a situation where you have been the victim of a serious crime while in Morocco, or been caught up in an incident with further ramifications - the death of a member of your holiday party or a theft that has left you with no money - you should seek assistance as soon as possible from the British Consulate. The consular service has considerable discretionary powers to help those who get into difficulties while in Morocco and their staff's local knowledge will be invaluable if you become involved with the Moroccan legal system.

Other Considerations

The other major issues of concern for travellers revolve around preventative health measures and Moroccan medical services, how to behave in Morocco, Moroccan holiday money and transport within Morocco.