Is Morocco safe to visit? I highlight the potential risks

Last updated October 5th, 2023.

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If you’re considering a trip there, it’s important to first ask yourself ‘is Morocco safe to visit’? The kingdom’s proximity to Europe and easy air access has made Morocco a popular destination for generations. But is Morocco still safe given the threat from terrorist organizations and earthquakes among other potential risks?

Here I cover all the main themes you might be worried about. If you’re heading south into the region most of the world calls Western Sahara, check out my separate thoughts on if Western Sahara is safe.

Life in Morocco

A Moroccan banknote showing an image of the king

Morocco has a population closing in on 40 million people, putting it on a par with Canada and Poland. Dating back to around 788 AD, its population is a mix of Arabs and Berbers.

There is also a small French population, mostly based around cities such as Marrakesh and Fez (or Fes). French is still widely spoken, with English-speakers are harder to find.

One of the world’s most powerful states in the Middle Ages, Morocco’s influence extended south into the Sahara Desert and north across the Strait of Gibraltar into much of Spain and Portugal. Sights such as the Alhambra Palace in Granada are a lasting recognition of this.

Threatened for several centuries by an expanding Ottoman Empire, Morocco remained largely independent until it was occupied by France and Spain in 1912.

Just over 50 years later, it gained independence as the Kingdom of Morocco, although Spain held onto two slithers of land – Ceuta and Melilla – on the country’s Mediterranean coast.

One of Africa’s most stable states, the king retains significant controls over everyday politics. He is responsible (through leading the Council of Ministers) for selecting the Prime Minister from the party which recieves the most number of votes in elections.

The constitution permits him to dismiss ministers from office, and even rule the country by decree. This hasn’t happened since 1965.

Is it dangerous in Morocco?

A Taureg herder from southern Morocco wearing the traditional indigo head covering

I hadn’t been in Morocco for more than a few days before I met a traveller from Taiwan at a police checkpoint. He had been mugged of absolutely all his possessions, including a very nice road bike, by bandits in the countryside wielding machetes.

This wasn’t what I wanted to hear at all.

As horror stories go, it doesn’t get much worse. The good news is that this guy’s experience is a very rare one. On an average year, Morocco welcomes more than 13 million tourists to its shores. Most head back home with only good memories.

Is it safe to travel to Morocco?

A souk selling leather and metalwork goods, Morocco

If you’ve now got bandits on the brain, you shouldn’t worry too much. Such groups are known to target lone travellers on quiet stretches of road. But they are unlikely to be an issue either in Morocco’s cities or on its tourist beaches.

The main issue you will face here is petty crime, some forms of which can be more welcome – yes, welcome – than others.

Strolling around marketplaces and medinas, I’ve been offered hashish (in other words marijuana) routinely. If you choose to follow up these offers, be aware that drug use in Morocco is severely punished.

Other potential pitfalls are pushy street vendors. The best thing to do is give a single firm ‘no’ (la in Arabic) and move on. Don’t feel pressured into checking out someone’s goods or stopping in their café. Many of these men (it’s almost always men) are professionals at getting cash from tourists.

But the top safety tip for travel in Morocco is being aware of the risk of pickpocketing and bag snatching. Both can happen anywhere. It’s best to avoid flashing watches, jewellery, electronics like iPads or large amounts of cash.

If you get caught up in anything like this, you should go straight to the police. Big cities including Marrakesh and Casablanca have a dedicated tourist police. They will speak a good level of English, as well as French and Arabic.

Staying street smart in Morocco

The best rule for staying clear of problems in Morocco is to avoid looking like a tourist as much as possible. So, while you can wear shorts in Morocco, few locals will, and you’ll stand out as a result.

For the same reasons, you shouldn’t wander around with a guidebook in hand, however lost you might be.

Even if you’re planning a week of hot air balloon rides and quad biking somewhere like Agadir, a good pair of shoes is definitely worth their space in your luggage. Pavements can be quite badly maintained in places.

If you stumble on any sort of demonstration, it’s best to steer clear. Authorities take a hard line against forms of descent, and police are quick to use batons. For the same reason, avoid recording any such scenes.

Getting around Morocco

Transport in Morocco doesn't usually require a donkey such as imaged here

Anyone who has travelled across Africa’s bumpier roads will delight in the smooth tarmac that covers all significant routes across Morocco.

Even the smallest of towns and villages will have a gare routiere, which is usually an all-in-one depot for coaches, shared taxis and private taxis. They tend to exist on the edges of town, and can sometimes be nothing more than a patch of spare ground.

This combination of transport options means even out of the way destinations are reachable without your own transport. In addition, there are several major rail routes, connecting Tangier, Rabat, Casablanca, Fez, Meknes and Marrakesh.

A regular flurry of ferries also connect Morocco to Europe. The most obvious route is that between Tangier and Algericas in Spain. Others include routes from Spanish-governed Ceuta and Melilla to ports on Spain’s Mediterranean coast. It’s normally pretty easy to cross the border between Morocco and the Spanish enclaves.

Hiking in Morocco

Morocco is an incredible hiking destination, and boasts north Africa’s highest peak, Mount Toubkal. In addition, the Rif, Atlas and Anti-Atlas mountain ranges all offer fantastic day and long-distance trekking routes.

It’s never a good idea to hike solo, even if you’re an experienced walker. Not only is it easy to trip or lose your way, but these are the areas where bandits and other criminals are at their most active. In short, you should only ever go hiking in Morocco as part of an organised tour.

The good news is that there are plenty of tours available, from day hikes of Ouzoud Waterfalls and the Atlas Mountains to multi-day treks of Mount Toubkal, a trip I’m keen to take myself as soon I can!

It’s also in the mountains that the risk of earthquakes is greatest, as demonstrated by the 6.8 magnitude tremor which struck in September 2023. Almost all infrastructure is already functioning, and the country is very definitely open and safe to visit. Individual properties may be damaged and closed, but Moroccans are eager for people to visit and support the recvery effort by spending their money in this fascinating destination.

Is Morocco safe for families

Family enjoying a horse and cart ride around the sites of Casablanca Morocco

Despite the warnings in this guide, Morocco is generally safe for family holidays. In fact, Moroccans adore children, and love having them around.

Pushchairs and strollers can be a problem because of uneven pavements, but other than that, children are more than welcome. Beach resorts like Agadir are particularly well sorted, with playgrounds and child-friendly things to do.

Although you’ll find few local women stripping off, there are no laws against families being together on beaches, or on wearing swimwear. To avoid offence, it should be reserved for the beach (or hotel pool) alone.

Local customs, women and LGBT+ travellers

Ninety-nine percent of Morocco’s population consider themselves Muslim. Although the country doesn’t strictly adhere to sharia law, portions of legislation do stem from it.

Women are able to run businesses, and are present in all walks of life. However, within family disputes, it is still a man’s word that takes precedent. Women therefore run the risk of losing custody of their children if they leave their husband.

Women are not required to wear a veil except when visiting mosques or shrines. They are expected to dress modestly, with little bare skin visible away from the beach. Wearing loose-fitting garments also helps to limit unwanted male attention.

Both men and women should be particularly sensitive to Muslim tradition if travelling during Ramadan. You should avoid public displays of affection at all times of year. Even holding hands will raise the eyebrows of some in the country.

Sex outside of marriage is technically illegal. Most hoteliers will turn a blind eye to foreign visitors, although some may ask for proof you’re married.

Same sex relationships are also illegal. Those found guilty of sexual acts with someone of the same sex can face up to three years in prison and public shaming. You’d be very unlucky to be targeted as a visitor, but discretion is certainly called for.

By contrast, the consumption of alcohol is permitted in limited circumstances. Alcohol should not be drunk on the street or in private premises, but can be enjoyed without issue in licenced restaurants, bars and hotels.