Safety Tips for Morocco: Your Complete Security Guide

Morocco consistently ranks as one of Africa's safest countries for tourists. The kingdom places high importance on tourism safety, with dedicated tourist police, well-patrolled areas, and a general culture of hospitality toward visitors. That said, exercising common sense and understanding local customs will enhance your experience.

Morocco's Safety Reputation

Morocco welcomed over 14 million tourists in recent years, and the vast majority have trouble-free visits. The government actively maintains security in tourist areas, and Moroccans are genuinely welcoming to visitors. Crime against tourists is relatively rare and typically limited to petty theft in crowded areas.

Key facts:

• Tourist police patrol major cities and attractions
• Violent crime against tourists is extremely rare
• Most issues are preventable with basic precautions
• Solo female travelers visit successfully with proper preparation
• The Moroccan government prioritizes tourism safety

General Safety Guidelines

In Cities and Medinas

Navigation:

• Download offline maps before entering medinas (Google Maps or Maps.me work well)
• Don't appear lost—walk confidently even if unsure
• Ask shopkeepers for directions rather than strangers offering help
• First-time visitors to Fes should hire a licensed guide

After dark:

• Stick to well-lit, busy streets
• Return to your accommodation by taxi after 10-11 PM in medinas
• Avoid isolated areas and dark alleys
• Travel with companions when possible

In crowded areas:

• Stay alert during festivals and busy market days
• Keep your bag in front of you and zipped
• Avoid large gatherings if they seem tense
• Know your exit routes in busy spaces

At Your Accommodation

• Use the room safe for valuables, passport copies, and extra cash
• Lock your door and windows when leaving
• Don't leave valuables visible through windows
• Inform reception if you'll be out late
• Keep a small amount of cash accessible; store the rest securely

Pickpocketing and Theft Prevention

Petty theft exists in Morocco as it does in any tourist destination. The medinas of Marrakech, Fes, and Tangier see occasional pickpocketing, particularly in crowded souks.

Protecting Your Belongings

Bags and wallets:

• Use a cross-body bag worn in front
• Consider a money belt for larger amounts
• Don't keep all money in one place
• Leave expensive jewelry at home

Electronics:

• Avoid using phones while walking in crowded areas
• Don't hang cameras around your neck in busy markets
• Use phone cases with wrist straps
• Back up photos regularly to cloud storage

Documents:

• Carry a photocopy of your passport, not the original
• Store the original in your hotel safe
• Email yourself copies of important documents
• Keep emergency contact numbers written separately from your phone

If You're Targeted

If someone does attempt to steal from you:

• Don't resist if directly confronted—possessions aren't worth injury
• Yell "Shuf!" (look!) or "Police!" to attract attention
• Report incidents to local police for insurance purposes
• Contact your embassy if passport is stolen

Cultural Awareness and Respect

Understanding local customs not only shows respect but also keeps you safer by avoiding misunderstandings.

Dress Codes

For women:

• Cover shoulders and knees in medinas and rural areas
• Loose-fitting clothes are more comfortable and appropriate
• Swimwear is fine at hotel pools and beach resorts
• Headscarves aren't required but are appreciated at religious sites

For men:

• Long pants preferred in traditional areas
• Shorts are acceptable in beach towns and tourist areas
• Remove hats when entering mosques (exterior courtyards)

Social Interactions

Photography:

• Always ask permission before photographing people
• Some locals expect a small tip (5-10 MAD) for photos
• Never photograph police or military installations
• Avoid photographing women without clear consent

Religious respect:

• Non-Muslims cannot enter mosques (except Hassan II Mosque)
• Be quiet near mosques during prayer times
• Avoid eating, drinking, or smoking publicly during Ramadan
• Remove shoes when entering homes

Hospitality customs:

• Accepting offered tea or food is polite and expected
• Refusing may cause offense—take at least a small sip or bite
• Remove shoes when entering homes
• Use your right hand for eating and greeting

Health and Medical Safety

Water and Food

Safe practices:

• Drink only bottled water (available everywhere for 3-5 MAD)
• Avoid ice in drinks at street vendors
• Eat at busy restaurants where food turnover is high
• Peel fruits yourself before eating
• Street food is generally safe if cooked fresh and hot

Stomach issues:

• Minor digestive upset is common—bring anti-diarrhea medication
• Oral rehydration salts help with dehydration
• Seek medical attention for severe symptoms lasting over 24 hours
• Pharmacies (recognizable by green cross) offer good advice

Sun and Heat

Morocco's sun is intense, especially in summer and the desert:

• Use SPF 30+ sunscreen and reapply frequently
• Wear a hat and sunglasses
• Stay hydrated—drink more water than you think you need
• Rest during the hottest hours (12-4 PM in summer)
• Watch for signs of heat exhaustion: headache, dizziness, nausea

Medical Facilities

• Major cities have good private clinics and hospitals
• Pharmacists are well-trained and can recommend treatments
• Many doctors speak French; some speak English
• Bring any prescription medications you need
• Travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is recommended

Vaccinations

No vaccinations are required for Morocco, but consult your doctor about:

• Routine vaccinations (MMR, tetanus, polio)
• Hepatitis A and B
• Typhoid if eating adventurously
• Rabies if spending time with animals

Common Scams and How to Avoid Them

Knowledge is your best defense against scams. Most are harmless attempts to overcharge tourists rather than serious threats.

"Helpful" Strangers

The friendly guide: Someone approaches offering to show you a "secret" place or help you find your hotel. They then demand payment or lead you to a shop where they earn commission.

How to handle: Politely decline with "La, shukran" (No, thank you). If they persist, walk into a shop and ask the owner to intervene.

The closed attraction: Someone tells you a site is closed and offers to take you somewhere "better." The site is usually open.

How to handle: Thank them and check for yourself.

Shopping Scams

The gem/rug expert: A stranger claims special knowledge about rugs or gems and offers to help you get a "good deal." They receive commission on your purchase.

How to handle: Shop without unsolicited helpers. Research prices beforehand.

The bait and switch: A vendor shows you a quality item, then wraps a cheaper version when you're not looking.

How to handle: Inspect items carefully before paying. Watch the wrapping process.

Transport Scams

Taxi overcharging: Drivers claim the meter is broken or quote inflated fixed prices.

How to handle: Insist on the meter ("compteur, s'il vous plaît") or agree on a price before entering. Know approximate distances to your destination.

Fake police: Someone in unofficial clothing claims to be police and asks to see your wallet or passport.

How to handle: Real police wear uniforms and carry ID. Ask to go to a police station if unsure. Never hand over your wallet.

Solo Travel Tips

Morocco is increasingly popular with solo travelers, including women. Most solo visitors have positive experiences with some preparation.

For Solo Female Travelers

Practical tips:

• Dress conservatively to reduce unwanted attention
• Wear a fake wedding ring if comfortable
• Learn a few Arabic phrases for polite refusals
• Choose accommodations in well-trafficked areas
• Join group tours for desert and mountain excursions

Handling attention:

• Catcalls and comments unfortunately occur—ignoring is usually best
• Wearing headphones (even without music) signals you're unavailable
• Walk confidently with purpose
• Don't feel obligated to respond to every greeting
• If someone follows you, enter a shop or restaurant

What works:

• Morocco is generally safe; millions of women visit annually
• Cafés, restaurants, and riads are welcoming spaces
• Most Moroccan men are respectful, especially in tourist areas
• Female travelers often report making wonderful local friends

For All Solo Travelers

• Share your itinerary with someone at home
• Check in regularly with family or friends
• Trust your instincts—if something feels wrong, leave
• Connect with other travelers at hostels or group tours
• Have a local SIM card for emergencies

Emergency Contacts

Important Numbers

Embassies in Rabat

Contact your embassy for serious emergencies, lost passports, or if you're arrested:

• United States: +212 537-637-200
• United Kingdom: +212 537-633-333
• Canada: +212 537-687-400
• Australia: (handled by Canadian embassy)
• France: +212 537-689-700

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is strongly recommended for Morocco. A good policy should cover:

Medical coverage:

• Emergency medical treatment
• Hospital stays
• Medical evacuation to your home country
• Repatriation of remains (morbid but important)

Trip protection:

• Trip cancellation and interruption
• Lost or stolen baggage
• Delayed flights
• Emergency cash advances

Activities:

• Adventure activities like trekking and camel riding
• Rental vehicle coverage
• Personal liability

Recommended providers:

• World Nomads (popular with backpackers)
• Allianz Travel Insurance
• Travel Guard
• Your credit card (check existing coverage)

Tips:

• Buy insurance before you depart
• Keep policy numbers accessible
• Understand what's covered and what's excluded
• Know the claims process before you need it

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Morocco safe for solo female travelers? A: Yes, with reasonable precautions. Dress modestly, stay in well-reviewed accommodations, and trust your instincts. Many women travel solo successfully and have wonderful experiences.

Q: Are the medinas safe at night? A: Main thoroughfares are generally safe until 10-11 PM. Avoid dark, empty alleys. Take a taxi after late dinners rather than walking.

Q: Should I be worried about terrorism? A: Morocco has strong counter-terrorism measures and hasn't had a major incident since 2011. Tourist areas are well-protected.

Q: Is it safe to drink tap water? A: No, stick to bottled water. It's widely available and inexpensive.

Q: Do I need any vaccinations? A: No vaccines are required, but consult your doctor about routine and recommended vaccinations before traveling.

Q: How do I handle persistent sellers in the souks? A: A polite but firm "La, shukran" (No, thank you) works. Don't engage in long conversations if you're not interested. Keep walking.