GoMorocco Visa Requirements

Visa Entry

1、 Visa Notice

Starting from June 1st, 2016, the visa free policy for Chinese citizens entering Morocco has been officially implemented. Chinese citizens can enter Morocco visa free with their passport, with a maximum stay of 90 days.

Holders of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region passports who engage in tourism or business activities in Morocco can enjoy visa free treatment for a stay of 30 days. Holders of Macau Special Administrative Region passports are eligible for visa free entry, with a maximum stay of 90 days.

If you would like to learn about other related matters, please consult:

Embassy of the Kingdom of Morocco in the People's Republic of China

Address: 041/042, Unit 2, Sanlitun Diplomatic Apartment Office Building, No.1 Gongti North Road, Chaoyang District

Phone: 010-65321796010-65321489

Fax: 010-65321453

Email: sifama.beijing@moroccoembassy.org.cn

website: www.moroccoembassy.com.cn

2、 Entry Notice

When entering the country, a valid passport (with a validity period of more than 6 months) is required. Border inspection personnel may require the presentation of documents such as airline tickets, hotel reservations, and company invitations. Please carry them with you. If the other party makes any unreasonable requests, they should be refused and requested to contact the embassy. The stay period cannot exceed 90 days from the date of entry, which means leaving the country 90 days in advance. If you plan to reside in Morocco for a long time, you must immediately apply for a residence permit (cart d'simulation) upon arrival.

Customs epidemic prevention and control

1、 Customs regulations

（1） Passengers are allowed to bring clothes, jewelry, personal electronic devices, etc. into the country, but they must bring them out when leaving, otherwise they will be subject to customs duties. Passengers entering and leaving the Moroccan border can also carry photography equipment, educational equipment, scientific instruments, etc. required for work, but they need to declare them at customs upon entry or provide a guarantee letter from a relevant Moroccan company to customs before entry, and must take such items out of the country upon departure.

（2） Not allowed to bring drugs, dangerous goods, explosives, and perishable goods into or out of Moroccan territory; It is not allowed to bring publications, documents, tapes, audiovisual products, etc. that are detrimental to Morocco's national security, public safety, politics, religious beliefs, public morality, damage the image of the Moroccan royal family, and do not conform to Morocco's position on the Western Sahara issue into or out of Morocco's territory; Not allowed to carry narcotics into or out of Moroccan territory; Not allowed to bring firearms and ammunition into Morocco; It is not allowed to bring electrical appliances (such as 2 brand new mobile phones), clothing, and other bulk commodities beyond one's own travel needs into or out of the Moroccan border. Without declaration and permission, it is not allowed to carry and use drones within the territory of Morocco.

（3） The following are the products that require relevant procedures:

Animals and animal products require veterinary certification (issued by animal quarantine agencies); Plant products require a phytosanitary certificate (issued by a phytosanitary institution); Wildlife and wild plants (certified by the Water and Forest Resources Agency in accordance with the Washington Convention); Foreign TV decoders require permission from the Moroccan Communications Authority; Hunting firearms and ammunition require permission from the Moroccan national security agency; Non personal medication requires permission from the Moroccan pharmaceutical regulatory agency; Books, publications, magnetic tapes, audiovisual products, etc. require permission from relevant agencies at the provincial and municipal levels in Morocco; Recorded tapes, CDs, and other items require permission from Moroccan security agencies.

（4） Exit regulations

Decorative mineral products, fossils, etc. shall not exceed 10 pieces, and original invoices must be issued to prove their payment method, location, and price; Artworks, collectibles, and antiques must hold a license from the Moroccan cultural management department and provide original invoices.

2、 Financial regulation

Morocco explicitly prohibits the import and export of its own currency, the dirham, and prohibits the carrying of cash exceeding 2000 dirhams into and out of the country; Carrying foreign exchange cash into the country is free, but if it leaves the country, it will be strictly restricted. Foreign exchange cash worth over 100000 dirhams must hold the declaration at the time of entry before it can be carried out, otherwise it will be detained by customs; There are no entry or exit restrictions for carrying traveler's checks, bank checks, credit cards, etc. For details, please refer to the Moroccan Customs website, www.douane.gov.ma。

3、 Quarantine regulations

（1） Individuals traveling from areas with cholera virus to Morocco may be required to present a cholera quarantine certificate.

（2） No requirement to present proof of malaria prevention and control.

Residency and Naturalization

1、 Nationality Policy

According to Moroccan nationality law, Morocco recognizes dual nationality. If both or one of the parents holds Moroccan nationality, their children automatically acquire Moroccan nationality.

2、 Residence Policy

Chinese citizens who intend to reside in Morocco for a long period of time are required to apply for a residence permit (Carte d'simulation) immediately upon arrival and replace their old permit with a new one in a timely manner before its expiration. If the visa free stay period has exceeded 90 days and the residence permit has not been obtained, there is a high possibility of facing legal responsibilities such as fines and deportation.

When Chinese citizens apply for a residence permit, they may need to provide materials such as a birth certificate and a certificate of no criminal record. It is recommended to obtain an additional certificate (Apostille) for the relevant documents in advance before going to Morocco. For details, please contact the relevant department of Morocco.

Morocco's risk level is blue (low risk)

public security

The overall social security situation in Morocco is good, but robbery and theft have occurred frequently in major tourist cities. It is recommended that Chinese citizens in Morocco (1) carry less cash with them; （2） Take good care of your identification documents. If not necessary, do not bring your original passport out and do not put it in the same bag as cash; （3） Walk together and try not to travel at night; （4） If there is a football match on that day, try to avoid activities around the stadium during the end of the match; （5） In case of robbery, personal safety should be the top priority. Please report to the police in a timely manner and obtain a loss report. When leaving the country, the customs will require this report to be presented. Please carry it with you.

natural disaster

Morocco and surrounding areas are prone to earthquakes. In addition to several strong earthquakes in history, on the evening of September 8, 2023, a 6.9-magnitude earthquake occurred in Morocco, causing a large number of casualties.

The overall climate in Morocco is relatively mild, but regional natural disasters occur from time to time. Such as the scorching heat and sandstorms in the southern and southeastern regions; Floods in the western coastal areas during the rainy season (October and November to February and March of the following year), local and immediate hail, landslides, mudslides in mountainous areas, and droughts during the dry season each year.

FDA

The food hygiene is good, and vegetables and fruits basically meet European environmental standards; The local tap water meets the drinking water standards, and local brands such as SIDI ALI mineral water can also be purchased for consumption in street shops or supermarkets. Most hotels do not provide kettles. It is recommended to dine at restaurants with better conditions, where guests will be provided with a basket of bread during the meal, usually for free. There are McDonald's, KFC, Pizzahut and other western fast food restaurants in big cities of Morocco.

Urgent Help

City alarm: 19 (landline), 112 (mobile)

Police outside the city: 177

Global Consular Protection and Service Emergency Hotline of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (24 hours):+ 86-10-12308/+86-10-65612308

Consular Protection and Assistance Hotline of the Embassy in Morocco:+212-537666000

air traffic

1、 On January 16, 2020, Mozambique Airlines opened a direct flight from Casablanca to Beijing, with three flights per week (interrupted due to the pandemic and currently not resumed). At present, when traveling between China and Morocco, it still needs to transit in a third country (such as Paris, France, Frankfurt, Germany, Istanbul, Türkiye, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Doha, Qatar, etc.).

2、 Rabat, the capital of Morocco, has a small airport with a limited number of flights (including flights to and from Paris, France) and no public transportation to the airport; Casablanca's Mohammed V Airport is the largest airport in Morocco, with flights to and from major cities within the country as well as major airports in Europe, America, Africa, and the Middle East. The airport is about 30 kilometers away from the city center of Casablanca. In addition to being accessible by car, there are also direct trains to the airport.

3、 Other major cities in Morocco, such as Fez, Marrakesh, Agadir, and Tangier, have flights to and from some European cities.

land transport

The highway network in Morocco is relatively developed, with high-speed connections from Tangier in the north to Agadir in the south along the western coast. The road conditions are good and it is a toll road section. There are few highways in mountainous areas, making driving difficult and requiring extra caution.

There are car rental companies in major cities such as Rabat, Casablanca, and Marrakesh. It is recommended not to be tempted by cheap prices and to choose reputable international chain car rental companies. If you choose to drive in Morocco, you should obtain a translated and notarized driver's license in advance. Morocco, like mainland China, drives on the right side. When driving, pay attention to the speed limit section and do not exceed the speed limit; Do not turn right when the red light is on (except for those marked with a right turn light); When auxiliary road vehicles turn to the main road, they must first stop and give way; When entering the roundabout, pay attention to the outer and inner lanes; Pedestrians should be avoided at zebra crossings.

Pedestrians should try to cross the road on the sidewalk and be cautious of motorcycles.

Special reminder: The incidence of road traffic accidents in Morocco is relatively high. According to statistics, the number of deaths and disabilities caused by traffic accidents each year exceeds 4000 and 15000 respectively. When driving a motorcycle, it is important to follow traffic rules, avoid speeding, maintain a safe distance between vehicles, and avoid vehicles with high speeds; If renting a car in Morocco, choose a reputable car rental company and experienced drivers.

The Moroccan railway is operated by ONCF and has over 100 stations in major cities across the country. The rail transit is convenient and in good condition, and tickets can be booked online. At present, there is a high-speed railway line (Tangier Casablanca) built in Morocco, which is also the first high-speed railway in Africa.

water communication

There are many port cities in Morocco, but most of them are freight ports such as Agadir and Casablanca.

Tangier Port and Tangier Mediterranean Port are the main personnel transportation ports in Morocco, and multiple ports in France and Spain can be reached from Tangier.

Urban transportation

There are mainly two types of transportation in the city: buses and taxis. The bus routes are inconvenient and the bus stops are not clear, usually used by local residents. Taxis are divided into two types: large taxis and small taxis. Big taxi (white) with 6-7 people per car, carpooling is required; A small taxi is metered for pricing.

major city

1、 Rabat

Rabat, the capital of Morocco, is one of the four imperial cities of Morocco. There are tourist attractions such as the Royal Palace, the Tomb of Mohammed V, the ruins of Shila, Udaya Fort, and the Old City in the city.

2、 Casablanca

Casablanca, abbreviated as Casa, is the largest city in Morocco. Due to the fact that the national industrial and financial center, as well as the shipping and air transportation hub, are all located in Casa, it is known as the economic capital of Morocco. Casa is also the news and cultural capital of Morocco, with its main publishing house, the largest news organization in the country, and radio and television stations all located in Casa. The main attraction is the Hassan II Mosque, the third largest mosque in the world.

3、 Mekn è s

Mekn è s is one of the four royal cities of Morocco. It was designated as a World Cultural Heritage site by UNESCO in December 1996. Meishi was founded in the 9th century AD. From the 11th century to the 13th century, the rulers of the Muravid, Muwahid, and Meriid dynasties placed great emphasis on urban architecture, making Mei a city with diverse styles and magnificent historical buildings. Sultan Moulay Ismail of the Alawite dynasty established his capital in May in 1672. Afterwards, there was a large-scale construction project in Meishi, including the construction of palaces, mosques, and royal gardens. In architecture, particular attention is paid to the intricate carving and painting of the gate, and Meishi is praised by later generations as the "capital of elegant gates".

4、 F è s F è s

Fez is one of the four royal cities in Morocco, divided into three parts: the old city, the royal city, and the new city. Among them, the old city covers an area of 250 hectares and is a world cultural heritage site. Fez City was founded in 789 AD and served as the religious, cultural, and commercial capital of several dynasties including the Idris Dynasty, Muravid Dynasty, Muwahid Dynasty, and Meriid Dynasty. It is the oldest city in Morocco. In the 14th century, the population of Fez City reached 200000. In 1549, the Saadi dynasty focused on building the city of Marrakesh, and the city of Fez began to decline. In the 17th century, the Alawite dynasty first attached great importance to the construction of the city of Meknes, and later restored the city of Fez. In the 19th century, the city of Fez experienced further development and became a hub for the dissemination of Islamic ideas, exerting a significant influence on the Muslim world. After Sultan Moulay Yusuf moved the capital city of Fez to Rabat in 1912, Fez lost its status as the capital.

The old city of Fez has gone through ups and downs, leaving behind many historical sites. The city retains a strong Arab color, and traditional handicrafts, leather making, commerce, and small workshops are very active, attracting a large number of foreign tourists to visit and experience exotic customs.

5、 Tangier

Tangier is an important port and tourist city in northern Morocco, located at the intersection of the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea at the northwest corner of the African continent. It faces Europe across the Strait of Gibraltar and holds a strategically important position. Morocco gained independence and regained sovereignty over Tangier in 1962, declaring it a free port.

Tangier has rich and diverse cultural heritage and cultural landscapes. There are both mosques, synagogues, and Catholic churches in the city. The Arab market in the old city retains its traditional features, with various shops lining up in rows. Tangier also has many unique natural landscapes: Cape Spattel, located at the boundary between the Atlantic and Mediterranean oceans, is the northernmost corner of the African continent, also known as the "Horn of Africa"; Hercules Cave, also known as the "African Cave" due to its shape resembling an African map.

Tangier is only 11-15 kilometers away from the European continent. When the weather is clear, standing on the Tangier coast and looking north across the Strait of Gibraltar, one can clearly see the peaks within Spain. The newly built Tangier Mediterranean Deepwater Integrated Port, located 30 kilometers east of Tangier, has an annual throughput close to that of Casal Port and is showing signs of catching up.

6、 Marrakech, Marrakesh

Marrakesh is one of the four royal cities of Morocco, as well as an important commercial center and tourist city. The term 'Marrakesh' originates from the Berber language and means' the land of God '.

The city of Marrakesh is located in the fertile center of the Houz Plain south of the Tanxift River and was founded in 1062. In 1147, it was designated as the capital of the Muwahid dynasty. The color of urban buildings is reddish brown, hence it is called "Red City". The city wall was also built with red soil, 5 meters high, 2 meters thick, and 13 kilometers long. It was completed in 1126 and has been largely preserved to this day.

The various traditional acrobatics, snack stalls, and nearby Arab markets on the famous Jema Funa Sleepless Square in the old town of Marrakesh attract a large number of tourists every day for sightseeing, and are also bustling at night, known as the "Sleepless Square". The main attractions in the city include the Kudubiya Mosque and the Mayur Garden. The Atlas Mountains, dozens of kilometers south of Marrakech City, is more than 3000 meters above sea level. The snow on the top of the mountain never melts all the year round. It is a famous winter sports ground. Marrakesh is also an important international conference city in Morocco, with an international airport, numerous star rated hotels, and a conference center.

Commodity prices

1、 Main products

Phosphate is the main resource, accounting for 75% of the world's total reserves, ranking first. The fishery resources are extremely rich, and the export of sardine ranks first in the world. Rich in citrus and other fruits, olive oil, wine, etc., with high-quality beef and mutton. The main craft products include blankets, leather products, metal processing products, ceramics, and wooden products.

2、 Price level

The prices of domestic products in Morocco are basically the same as those in China, while the prices of imported products are relatively high.

3、 Currency, exchange rates, and payment methods

The local currency of Morocco is the Dirham, with paper denominations of 200, 100, 50, and 20 dirhams, and coin denominations of 10, 5, 2, and 1 dirham and 50, 20, 10, and 5 centimes. The exchange rate between the US dollar and the local currency dirham is approximately 1:10. International credit cards can be withdrawn from ATMs within the country, and some stores also accept international credit card payments, but transactions must be made in cash in markets or small shops.

4、 Banking and Financial Services

The banking industry in Morocco is relatively developed, divided into four categories: central bank, commercial bank, investment bank, and non bank financial institutions, with more than 20 institutions. Maghreb Bank is the central bank of Morocco, as well as several national banks such as the Central People's Bank (BCP), the National Bank for Economic Development (BNDE), the National Agricultural Credit Bank (CNCA), the Hotel and Real Estate Credit Bank (CIH), and the Urban Industrial Allocation Fund. The main private banks include ATTIJARIWAFA BANK, BMCI, BMCE, SGMB, UMB, and others. Among them, Adizari Wafa Bank is the largest banking and financial group in Morocco and the Maghreb region, while Moroccan Foreign Trade Bank has representative offices in Beijing and Shanghai. Citibank and Societe Generale have branches in Morocco.

Special reminder: UnionPay cards can only be withdrawn at some ATM machines. Please pay attention to the UnionPay logo. In addition to foreign currency exchange at banks, tourists visiting Morocco can also exchange international currencies such as euros or US dollars for local currency at the airport or bureau de change in the city. Note that counterfeit currency also exists in Morocco, and it is necessary to prevent the risk of bank card theft and intentional overcharging by merchants.

Insurance Medical

1、 Medical conditions

The overall medical level in Morocco is average, with uneven development. Currently, the government implements a policy of joint development between public health institutions and private health institutions, as well as a policy of separate management of medicine. The main hospitals, beds, and doctors in Morocco are concentrated in several major cities along the western coast and central China, while there is a shortage of medical supplies in the eastern, southeastern, southern desert, and semi desert areas.

The medical conditions in major cities of Morocco are relatively good, with public or private comprehensive hospitals or specialized hospitals, complete categories, relatively advanced equipment, and good doctor skills. I have a medical team in Morocco, organized by the Shanghai Municipal Health Commission, distributed in large and medium-sized cities such as Mekn è s, Mohammedia, Settat, Agadir, Chefchaouen, and other remote areas.

There is no medical insurance requirement for inbound tourists.

2、 Pharmacy situation

There are pharmacies in various towns of Morocco, most of which are privately operated. Except for drugs containing stimulants, sedatives, antibiotics, etc., which need to be purchased with a doctor's prescription, other drugs can be purchased freely.

Special reminder: Due to differences in the content and dosage of drugs produced by foreign pharmaceutical companies compared to China, especially antibiotics. It is recommended that Chinese tourists bring their own commonly used medicines with them.

Customs taboos

Morocco is a Muslim country, and the entire population believes in Islam.

1、 Holidays and festivals

（1） The following holidays are based on the Gregorian calendar, with one national holiday for each holiday:

National Day (King Mohammed VI's coronation day) (July 30th); Independence Day (November 18th); Declaration of Independence Day (January 11th); Labor Day (May 1st); Remembrance Day for the Recovery of Western Sahara (August 14th); King and People's Revolution Day (August 20th); Youth Day (King Mohammed VI's birthday) (August 21st); Green March Festival (organized by the Moroccan government in 1975 for the people to enter the Western Sahara region) (November 6th).

（2） The following festivals are calculated according to the Islamic calendar, and the Gregorian calendar dates vary from year to year:

Islamic New Year's Day, 1 day off; Eid al Fitr, celebrating the end of Ramadan with a 2-day holiday, is a custom of buying new clothes and giving pocket money to children; Eid al Adha, the most important traditional festival, has the same status as the Chinese Spring Festival. There will be a two-day holiday. At that time, the whole family will get together and have a series of activities such as slaughtering sheep; Prophet's birthday, commemorating the birth of Prophet Muhammad, with a two-day holiday.

Special Reminder: Around August each year, it is the Mo holiday, and employees of the Mo government and other public departments, as well as enterprises, will gradually take leave.

2、 Common Etiquette

Moroccans place great emphasis on etiquette. Talking loudly, getting angry, and getting excited in public can be seen as uncivilized behavior. It is extremely impolite to rub or wash hands after shaking hands with others. After Moroccan people meet and shake hands with each other, they should withdraw their hand to touch their chest or forehead as a sign of respect. Moroccans can also perform veneers when meeting (regardless of gender), but men cannot initiate veneers with unfamiliar women; Men need to obtain permission from their husbands to perform the ritual of veneering with their wives in the same couple.

3、 Traditional clothing

Like other Muslim countries, women in Morocco have the habit of wearing headscarves, while there are also some women who do not wear headscarves. The traditional Moroccan ethnic costume consists of a white robe with a foot length hat, a four inch high hard shell red velvet hat adorned with black tassels, and a pair of lambskin flip flops with pointed bottoms. Moroccan gold and silver jewelry is exceptionally exquisite, especially the gold and silver belts and crowns worn by the bride at the wedding, which are even more luxurious. In addition, Berber women in Morocco also enjoy wearing various traditional headwear.

4、 Dietary customs

Moroccans are very hospitable and have the habit of treating guests with all their hospitality. Moroccans, like the Chinese, use round tables for meals or banquets. Traditional dishes include large pie Pastilla (a cake with a layer of pastry on the outside and meat, vegetables, etc. inside), Tagine (beef or mutton stewed on charcoal in an earthenware pot with a conical cover, similar to Chinese casserole stew), Guscus Coucous (a granular food made from various wheat flour, with various meat, vegetables, and soups), and Roasted whole lamb. The traditional staple food is round cake shaped whole wheat bread, and Moroccan dessert is also famous. Moroccans usually prepare a large amount of dishes for banquets and may not finish them all, but they should try to taste each dish as much as possible to show respect and politeness.

Moroccans love to drink green tea from China, and in their homes, they can smell a strong aroma of tea. The method of brewing tea is also very particular. Traditionally, green tea and fresh mint leaves are boiled in a special iron pot or boiled with hot water, usually with sugar added for consumption.

5、 Precautions

All Moroccans are Muslims and avoid eating pork, blood, dead animals, and animals slaughtered in the name of non Allah; Prohibition of drinking alcohol; During Ramadan, eating in public places is prohibited; It is not allowed to privately remake photos of the portrait of the Moroccan king, and photos can be purchased at authorized stores; Couples should not make overly intimate gestures in public places.

Communications Power

1、 In Morocco, 220V, German standard two-phase coarse source sockets are used locally, and domestic tourists need to bring their own conversion plugs.

2、 The telecommunications industry in Morocco is relatively developed, mainly consisting of three telecommunications companies: Maroc Telecom, Orange, and INWI. Both wired and wireless networks cover the entire region, providing telephone, broadband internet, and 4G wireless internet services. If there is a temporary need for internet access, you can purchase monthly internet cards at the business outlets of the above telecommunications companies.

3、 The GSM mobile phone standard in Morocco is the same as that in China, and tourists visiting Morocco can easily purchase local prepaid mobile phone cards for use. Chinese SIM cards that support global roaming can be used throughout Morocco.

contact information

1、 Main government departments

（1） Police Department:

Rabat City Police Department: 0537-720232/720233/34/35/36

Casablanca Police Department: 0522-778300

Marrakesh City Police Department: 0524-430618

Fez City Police Department: 0535-622061

（2） Emergency Center: 0537-202020

（3） National Security Immigration Bureau: 0537-724011

（4） Moroccan Ministry of Tourism website: http://www.tourisme.gov.cn

2、 Public service institutions

（1） Number inquiry counter (fee): 160

（2） Obstacles (free): 110

（3） Complaints (free): 130

（4） French time (free): 172

（5） Automatic alarm clock (free): 170

（6） Airports and airlines:

Royal Moroccan Airlines (ROYAL AIR MAROC) 0522-489702

IB Airlines: 0522-539260

Air France: 0890201818

Emirates Airlines: 0522-439900

Tunisian Airlines: 0522-201415

Rabat Airport switchboard: 0537-808090

Casablanca Mohammed V Airport switchboard: 0522-435858

Airport Information Network: http://www.onda.ma

（7） Railway:

Railway Information Network: http://www.oncf.ma