Guide to visiting Morocco as a tourist, covering visa-exempt nationalities, visa application procedures at embassies, required documents, and entry rules.
Verify if your nationality has visa-free access to Morocco
Citizens of 69 countries (including the US, EU, UK, Canada, Australia, and Japan) can enter Morocco visa-free for up to 90 days. No advance application is needed — your passport is stamped on arrival.
Determine if you need to apply at a Moroccan embassy or consulate
If your nationality requires a visa, apply at the nearest Moroccan embassy 4-6 weeks before travel. Processing times vary from 5 to 15 business days depending on the embassy location.
Check the maximum stay allowed (90 days for most nationalities)
Most visa-exempt visitors get 90 days within a 180-day period. Some nationalities receive only 30 or 60 days. Your allowed stay is stamped in your passport at entry — check the date carefully.
Required Documents for Visa Application
Passport with at least 6 months validity and 2 blank pages
Morocco requires 6 months of validity from your entry date. Damaged or heavily stamped passports may cause issues at the embassy or border. Renew your passport if validity is borderline.
Completed visa application form
Download the form from the Moroccan embassy website for your country. Fill it out in French or English (both accepted). Sign the form by hand — electronic signatures are not accepted.
Two recent passport photos (35x45 mm, white background)
Photos must be taken within the last 3 months, printed on matte or glossy photo paper. Head coverings are allowed only for religious purposes. The face must cover 70-80% of the photo.
Proof of accommodation (hotel reservation or invitation letter)
Hotel bookings should cover your entire stay. If visiting family or friends, provide a notarized invitation letter (attestation d'hébergement) from your Moroccan host, plus a copy of their national ID (CIN).
Round-trip flight booking
Confirmed return flights are required. If entering by land from Spain (via ferry from Algeciras to Tangier), provide the ferry booking and your return transport out of Morocco.
Bank statements from the last 3 months
Show a minimum balance equivalent to $50-70 USD per day of your planned stay. Statements must be recent (within 30 days) and stamped by your bank. Credit card statements alone are usually not sufficient.
Travel insurance covering Morocco
While not always mandatory, travel insurance with medical coverage of at least $30,000 USD is strongly recommended and sometimes required. The policy must cover the entire duration of your stay in Morocco.
Embassy Visa Application Process
Schedule an appointment at the nearest Moroccan embassy or consulate
Some embassies accept walk-ins; others require appointments booked 1-2 weeks in advance. Check your local embassy's website for their specific process. Major cities like London, Paris, and Washington DC tend to have longer wait times.
Submit your application with all supporting documents
Bring originals and photocopies of every document. The embassy keeps copies and returns originals. Missing even one document can result in a delayed or rejected application — use the embassy's checklist to verify.
Pay the visa fee
The standard tourist visa fee is approximately $30-40 USD equivalent, paid in local currency. Fees vary by embassy location. Payment methods differ — some accept only cash or money orders, not credit cards.
Wait for processing (5-15 business days)
Standard processing takes 5-15 business days. There is no express processing option at most Moroccan embassies. You can call the embassy after 10 business days to check your application status.
Collect your passport with the visa sticker
Pick up in person or arrange a prepaid courier envelope (if the embassy offers this service). Check the visa dates and entry type immediately — errors on the sticker must be corrected before travel.
Arriving in Morocco
Fill out the entry/departure card on the plane or at the border
The card asks for your name, passport number, flight details, hotel address, and profession. Fill it out in French or English. Cards are handed out on the aircraft or available at stands before immigration.
Present passport, visa (if applicable), and entry card at immigration
The immigration officer stamps your passport with the allowed stay duration. Processing at Casablanca Mohammed V airport takes 10-30 minutes. Marrakech Menara and Tangier airports are usually faster.
Keep your departure card stub — you need it when leaving
The immigration officer tears the card in half and returns the departure portion stapled to your passport. Do not lose this — you must hand it back when leaving Morocco. Losing it causes delays at departure.
Declare cash over 100,000 MAD equivalent at customs
You can bring unlimited foreign currency into Morocco but must declare amounts exceeding 100,000 MAD (about $10,000 USD). Moroccan dirhams (MAD) cannot be imported or exported — exchange currency inside the country.
Extending Your Stay or Overstaying
Apply for an extension at the nearest police prefecture
Visit the Foreigner's Bureau (Service des Étrangers) at the local police station before your 90 days expire. Extensions are granted for up to 90 additional days. Bring your passport, photos, proof of funds, and accommodation proof.
Alternatively, do a border run to reset the 90-day counter
Exiting to Spain (Ceuta, Melilla, or by ferry) and re-entering resets your 90-day allowance. The ferry from Tangier to Tarifa takes 35 minutes and costs about 30-40 EUR one way.
Understand overstay consequences
Overstaying results in a ban from entering Morocco, typically for 1-3 years depending on the length of overstay. You may face questioning at the airport, fines, and in rare cases, detention. Voluntary departure before your visa expires avoids all penalties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do US citizens need a visa to visit Morocco?
US citizens do not need a visa for tourist visits to Morocco of up to 90 days. You receive a free entry stamp upon arrival. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your entry date. Citizens of approximately 70 countries are visa-exempt, including EU nations, the UK, Canada, Australia, Japan, and Brazil. Citizens of countries requiring a visa should apply at a Moroccan embassy at least 4 weeks before travel.
Can I extend my stay in Morocco beyond 90 days?
Extending beyond 90 days requires visiting the nearest police prefecture (Bureau des Etrangers) before your authorized stay expires. You need to provide a valid reason for the extension (such as studying, business, or family ties) along with supporting documents. Extensions are granted at the officer's discretion and are not guaranteed. Overstaying results in fines, potential deportation, and complications for future entries. Many long-term visitors exit to a neighboring country (Spain is closest) and re-enter for a fresh 90-day period.
Is Morocco safe for solo female travelers?
Morocco is generally safe for solo female travelers, with millions visiting annually. However, harassment (verbal catcalling and persistent attention) is reported, particularly in busy medinas and tourist areas. Dressing modestly (covering shoulders and knees) significantly reduces unwanted attention, especially outside resort areas. Hiring a licensed guide for medina navigation is recommended for first-time visitors. Major cities like Marrakech, Fez, Casablanca, and Chefchaouen have well-developed tourist infrastructure and many female-friendly accommodations.
What currency should I bring to Morocco?
The Moroccan Dirham (MAD) is the official currency, and exchanging money upon arrival at the airport gives competitive rates with no commission. Euros and US dollars are the most widely accepted foreign currencies for exchange. ATMs are widely available in cities and accept international cards, though some charge fees of 20-30 MAD per transaction. Credit cards are accepted at hotels, upscale restaurants, and larger shops, but cash is needed for souks, taxis, and smaller establishments. The Dirham is technically a closed currency and cannot be purchased outside Morocco.