U.S. Consulate General Casablanca 8 Boulevard Moulay Youssef, Casablanca, Morocco

Telephone: +(212) (522) 642-099
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(212) (661) 13-19-39
Fax: +(212) (522) 29-77-01
Email: acscasablanca@state.gov

The regular working week in Morocco is from Monday through Friday.

U.S. Embassy Rabat KM 5.7, Avenue Mohammed VI Souissi, Rabat 10170, Morocco

Telephone: +(212)(537) 63-72-00
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(212)(661) 13-19-39
Fax: +(212)(537) 63-72-01

Destination description

Explore the diplomatic ties between the United States and nations across the globe.

Passports and Visas

A valid passport with a minimum of one blank page is required for entry.

For visits lasting less than 90 days, visas are not obligatory. Refer to the official website of the Embassy of the Kingdom of Morocco for the latest visa-related details.

Overstays exceeding 90 days necessitate appearance before a judge before departure. To extend your stay, contact the immigration office at the local police station. Clearances may involve a fine.

In cases of lost or stolen passports, acquire a police report from the area of the incident. Some police departments now require proof of U.S. citizenship before issuing loss reports. U.S. citizens can visit the U.S. Consulate General Casablanca for a temporary emergency passport before obtaining a loss report.

Residents in Morocco must obtain a residence permit (Certificat d’Immatriculation). Applications are processed by the Bureau des Etrangers of the Prefecture de Police or Commissariat Central in major cities and by the Gendarmerie in remote areas and villages. Refer to the Residency Permits section under the Local Laws & Special Circumstances tab.

Carry a duplicate of your U.S. passport at all times to provide readily available proof of identity and U.S. citizenship, if necessary.

Children born to a Moroccan father with U.S. passports may face departure challenges without the father’s consent, even if divorced, and the mother has legal custody, as per Moroccan law considering such children Moroccan citizens.

U.S. citizen women wed to Moroccans can depart Morocco without needing their spouse’s permission.

Regarding HIV/AIDS, the U.S. Department of State is not aware of any entry restrictions for visitors or foreign residents in Morocco.

Find information on dual nationality, prevention of international child abduction, and customs regulations on our websites.

Safety and Security

All nations in the vicinity are susceptible to assaults from transnational terrorist entities or individuals influenced by extremist ideologies, often occurring suddenly. The risk of terrorist violence against U.S. citizens and interests is present in Morocco. Although Morocco is a crucial ally in counterterrorism, its proficient security services actively safeguard against terrorist threats. Disruptions to groups planning attacks on U.S., Western, or Moroccan government targets are frequent, resulting in the apprehension of individuals linked to international terrorist organizations. Despite these efforts, credible information suggests ongoing plotting of potential attacks in the region, including Morocco. Lone wolf attacks, challenging to detect, may transpire without warning. Notably, in December 2018, three ISIS supporters murdered two Scandinavian tourists in the Imlil Mountains near Marrakesh. U.S. citizens are advised to maintain constant vigilance regarding their personal security.

Establishments linked to the United States are potential targets for attacks, encompassing areas where U.S. citizens and other foreigners gather, such as clubs, restaurants, places of worship, schools, hotels, movie theaters, U.S. brand establishments, and public spaces. U.S. citizen campers are encouraged to choose guarded campgrounds over isolated sites.

Demonstrations occur regularly in Morocco, usually centered on political or social issues, with infrequent confrontations or violence. During heightened regional tension, major cities may witness sizable demonstrations. While government permits are mandatory for all demonstrations by law, spontaneous unauthorized gatherings, more prone to violence, may occur. Unions or groups might organize strikes to protest emerging issues or government policies. Travelers should stay abreast of current events and regional matters that could provoke anti-American sentiments in Morocco, avoiding demonstrations whenever possible. If inadvertently caught in a demonstration, maintain composure and promptly move away when the opportunity arises. Exercise heightened vigilance in crowded areas, including sporting events.

Western Sahara experienced armed conflict between Moroccan government forces and the POLISARIO Front from 1975 to 1991, with ongoing tensions heightened in November 2020. Both sides engaged in a low-intensity conflict along the border. The region, including areas near the Western Saharan border in Mauritania, harbors thousands of unexploded mines, occasionally causing death and injury. Instances exist of U.S. citizens suspected of involvement in political protests or supporting critical NGOs being expelled or denied entry to Western Sahara.

Crime is a significant concern in Morocco, particularly in major cities and tourist hubs. Employ standard personal security measures as in a large U.S. city or tourist destination. Keep bags within sight, avoiding outer pockets for valuables, and exercise caution in public places. Reported issues include aggressive panhandling, pick-pocketing, purse-snatching, theft from unoccupied vehicles, and harassment of women. Some street robberies involve weapons, primarily knives, occurring at any time of day or night, even in crowded areas.

Residential break-ins can turn violent, although most criminals prefer stealth over confrontation. Caution is advised around soccer stadiums on match days, as unruly crowds may harass bystanders. Joggers should stay in populated areas, preferably with a companion, and avoid isolated or nighttime jogging. At night, travel with caution, avoiding solo trips and opting for recognized taxis.

Taxis during the day are generally safe, but large sums of cash should be avoided, especially when using ATMs. Victims of crime should report incidents promptly to local police and the U.S. Consulate General in Casablanca.

Victims of Crime: U.S. citizens can contact local police at 19 (landline) or 190 (mobile) and the U.S. Consulate in Casablanca at (212) 522 64 20 99. Local authorities handle crime investigations. The consulate can assist in finding medical care, reporting crimes, contacting relatives, explaining the local justice process, providing attorney information, offering details on U.S. victim compensation programs, providing emergency loans, helping with accommodation and flights, and replacing stolen or lost passports.

Tourism: Major tourist areas typically adhere to regulations, with hazardous activities marked and professional staff available. However, outside these areas, the industry may lack consistent regulation and safety inspections. Hazardous areas may lack signage, and staff may lack proper training. Medical treatment may be limited outside major cities, emphasizing the need for medical evacuation insurance. Visit our webpage for more on overseas insurance providers.

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Legal Consequences: Adherence to local laws is imperative. Violation of local laws, even unintentionally, can lead to expulsion, arrest, or imprisonment. In some instances, individuals without their passports may be subject to questioning.

Additionally, certain offenses may be prosecutable in the United States irrespective of local laws. Refer to our website for details on crimes against minors abroad and consult the Department of Justice website for more information.

Notification of Arrest: Should you be arrested or detained, it is essential to request that the U.S. Consulate be promptly notified by police or prison authorities. Comprehensive information is available on our webpage.

Fraud-related offenses, such as issuing insufficient funds checks, non-payment of debts (including hotel bills), or breach of contract, are treated seriously in Morocco and may lead to imprisonment and/or fines. Typically, bail is unavailable to non-residents arrested for fraud-related crimes.

Individuals in debt may be held in custody until their financial obligations are met or a resolution is reached between the concerned parties. The Moroccan government may seize passports to ensure debt settlement. Debtors could face restrictions on employment in Morocco without their passports while still being held accountable for outstanding debts. It is advisable to seek legal counsel before entering into any contractual agreements.

Religious Travelers: Islam is the official religion in Morocco, yet the constitution upholds the freedom to practice one’s religion. Public worship by Morocco’s Jewish minority or expatriate Christians is not interfered with by the government. However, proselytizing is strictly prohibited. Past incidents have seen U.S. citizens arrested, detained, or expelled for engaging Moroccans in discussions about Christianity. Expulsions have occurred swiftly, with affected individuals given no more than 48 hours to gather their belongings. For further insights, refer to the Department of State’s International Religious Freedom Report.

LGBTI Travelers: Consensual same-sex relations are illegal in Morocco, with penalties encompassing fines and imprisonment. Visit our LGBTI Travel Information page and section 6 of our Human Rights report for comprehensive details.

Travelers Requiring Accessibility Assistance: Individuals with disabilities may encounter differences in accessibility and accommodation compared to the United States.

Students: Explore our Students Abroad page and FBI travel tips for relevant information.

Women Travelers: Women walking alone, especially in specific urban and rural areas, may be more susceptible to harassment. Caution is advised in public spaces, including nightclubs, and women are encouraged to travel with companions or in groups whenever possible. Ignoring harassment is recommended. Find more tips for Women Travelers on our website.

Customs: Declaration of significant amounts of U.S. dollars upon entry is mandatory. Exporting Moroccan currency (dirhams) is prohibited; however, conversion to U.S. dollars before departure is allowed with proper documentation. Moroccan customs may have strict regulations regarding the temporary import or export of items such as firearms, drones, religious materials, antiquities, business equipment, and large sums of currency. Consult the Embassy of Morocco in Washington, D.C., or the Moroccan Consulate General in New York for specific customs requirements. Refer to our information on Customs and Import Restrictions for additional guidance.

Please see our information on Customs and Import Restrictions.

Citizenship: Moroccan law recognizes individuals born to Moroccan fathers as Moroccan citizens. U.S. citizens with Moroccan nationality may be subject to specific Moroccan laws. Recently, Morocco has allowed Moroccan mothers of children born outside Morocco to apply for their children’s citizenship. For more details, contact the Embassy of Morocco in Washington, D.C., or the Moroccan Consulate General in New York.

Residency Permits: To obtain a residency permit, applicants must fulfill various requirements, including a criminal history record check. This check must be conducted in the United States. The U.S. Consulate and Embassy cannot take fingerprints for FBI record requests. For residency information, visit the local police station.

Required documents for residency renewal:

• Birth Certificate
• Copy of the current passport
• Copy of the current Moroccan residency card
• Medical certificate confirming good health
• Court record (Casier Judiciaire) from the Ministry of Justice in Rabat
• 100 MAD stamp

Individuals planning to reside in Morocco or relocate to the U.S. may need to provide a notarized change of residence form, available at the U.S. Consulate by appointment.

Mailing Passports: Moroccan law prohibits sending passports internationally by mail. Passports sent via courier to or through Morocco will be confiscated by Moroccan authorities and eventually sent to the U.S. Consulate General in Casablanca. If your passport is confiscated, contact acscasablanca@state.gov to inquire.

Property: U.S. consular officers cannot accept personal property for safekeeping. U.S. citizens concerned about property protection in Morocco should establish legal safeguards before or immediately after purchasing property. Consider assigning a Power of Attorney for use in Morocco if needed.

Photographing Sensitive Locations: Taking photos of military or security-related sites may lead to issues with authorities. Avoid photographing palaces, government buildings, or sensitive facilities without permission from Moroccan authorities.

Professional Basketball in Morocco: Some U.S. citizens playing professional basketball in Morocco have reported payment issues. Before signing contracts, individuals should consult with a lawyer. Find a list of lawyers on the Consulate’s webpage.

Health

Accessible healthcare is present in Morocco’s major urban centers, notably Rabat and Casablanca, though not all facilities adhere to Western standards.

Emergency and specialized care in rural areas fall significantly below U.S. standards and may be nonexistent. English proficiency among medical staff is often limited or absent. Common prescription and over-the-counter medications are readily accessible. Securing specialized prescriptions can be challenging, and the availability of medicines in rural locales is unreliable. Sending medications through mail services is discouraged due to Moroccan customs restrictions. Travelers venturing into remote regions, especially mountainous areas, may consider carrying a medical kit and a Moroccan phone card for emergencies. In the event of vehicle accidents causing injuries, immediate ambulance service is typically unavailable. Dial the police emergency services at “190” (refer to the Traffic Safety and Road Conditions section below). The U.S. Mission in Morocco cannot cover your medical expenses, and U.S. Medicare does not extend overseas.

Health Insurance: Ensure your health insurance plan offers coverage internationally, as most overseas care providers accept only cash payments. Deposits may be required before admission for treatment. Visit our webpage for details on insurance providers offering overseas coverage. We strongly recommend supplemental insurance covering medical evacuation.

When carrying prescription medication, verify its legality in Morocco with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Always keep prescription medication in its original packaging along with your doctor’s prescription.

Vaccinations: Stay current with vaccinations recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Additional health resources:

World Health Organization U.S.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Travel and Transportation

Road Safety and Conditions: Traffic incidents pose a significant risk in Morocco, with poor driving practices leading to severe injuries and fatalities among U.S. citizens. Particularly during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan and from July to September, driving adherence to regulations is lax due to increased traffic from Moroccans returning from Europe.

Exercise extreme caution when driving at night due to inadequate road lighting. Traffic signals may be non-functional and challenging to discern. Modern expressways connect major cities like Tangier, Rabat, Fez, Casablanca, and Marrakesh, while two-lane highways link other key locations. Secondary routes in rural areas are often narrow and poorly maintained, especially through the Rif and Atlas mountains, posing steep, narrow, and hazardous conditions. Pedestrians, scooters, and animal-drawn vehicles are common on all roads, including expressways. Night driving should be avoided when possible. During the rainy season (November – March), flash floods are frequent, causing severe disruptions to roads and vehicles in rural areas. Traffic Regulations: In the event of a traffic accident, parties involved must remain at the scene until the police arrive and document necessary information. The police emergency services number is “190.” Moroccan police may conduct inspections within cities and on highways.

Traffic Violations: Driver’s licenses may be confiscated if a violator cannot settle a fine at the time of a traffic stop.

For speeding violations, request video footage confirming the infraction and choose one of three options: Pay the fine on the spot and receive a payment receipt. Pay at the local city’s treasury (La Perception) with the police holding your license until payment. Contest the violation by filing a complaint at court, but be aware authorities may retain your license and vehicle registration during this process.

Foreign driver’s licenses are valid in Morocco for up to one year. After that, foreign residents must pass the Moroccan driver’s test, available in Arabic and French. Sworn translators are permitted for those who speak other languages.

Public Transportation: While public buses and taxis are affordable, buses can be overcrowded, and city buses are considered unsafe. The train system has a good safety record, with trains generally punctual and comfortable. Visit Morocco’s National Tourism website for additional details.

Train Station Hotline: 0890 20 30 40 Bus Station Hotline: 0800 09 00 30 Directory Enquiry: 160 Web-based ride-sharing services are not legal in Morocco, though companies like UBER and Careem have operated with limited success. Reports of harassment and assault against ride-sharing drivers by regular taxi drivers are common.

Aviation Safety Oversight: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirms compliance of Morocco’s Civil Aviation Authority with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards for air carrier operations. Further details can be found on the FAA’s safety assessment page.

Maritime Travel: Mariners planning travel to Morocco should check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts on www.marad.dot.gov/msci..

Fact Sheet

Please see fact sheet for this country/area

For additional travel information

• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• See the State Department’s travel website for the Worldwide Caution and Travel Advisories.

International Parental Child Abduction

Examine details concerning instances of International Parental Child Abduction (IPCA) in Morocco. Refer to the report on the International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act (ICAPRA) for further information related to IPCA.