Is Morocco safe? What to know before you go

Millions of visitors travel through Morocco each year, and the large majority have trips without any serious problem. Like anywhere popular with tourists, the issues that do come up are mostly small: pushy sellers, unofficial guides, overcharging, and petty theft in crowded places. This guide covers what to expect, and where to look for current official advice.

Before you book, read your own government's travel advice for Morocco. Foreign ministries publish and update these pages, and they are the right source for anything current, such as regional advisories, entry rules or health notices. This article is general experience, not a substitute for them, and it cannot tell you what is true this month.

In the medinas of Fez and Marrakech, the most common nuisance is the unofficial guide who attaches himself to a lost-looking visitor and then asks for payment. A polite, firm no is enough, and a licensed guide arranged in advance removes the problem entirely, which is one reason many travellers book a guide for the first day in each old city. Agree prices before you take a taxi or a service, and carry small notes, because change is not always available.

Petty theft is rare but real in busy souks and squares. Keep phones and wallets in front pockets or a zipped bag, and do not leave valuables visible in a parked car. A private driver-guide, as on every tour we run, also means your luggage is never left unattended in a station or on a roof rack.

Women travelling alone sometimes meet unwanted attention in the streets. Dressing modestly, walking with purpose and using a guide or driver for longer transfers all help, and our post on solo female travel goes into this in more detail. Many women travel Morocco without difficulty, and having a plan for the first days makes it easier.

On the road, the main risk is driving. Mountain roads in the Atlas are winding, and long distances are normal, so we plan realistic driving days and use experienced drivers rather than pushing to fit in one more stop. In the desert, heat is the issue: carry water, wear a hat and keep walks in the dunes to the cooler parts of the day.

Health basics are simple. Drink bottled water, wash fruit and salad where you cannot be sure how it was prepared, and ask a travel clinic about vaccinations well before you leave. Take out travel insurance that covers medical care and cancellation, and keep a copy of your policy on your phone.

If you want a trip with fewer unknowns, a private itinerary does most of the work: a driver who knows the roads, hotels chosen in advance, and a guide for the places where one helps most. Tell us your concerns when you enquire, and we will plan around them.

Want to see how this works on a real route? Our 7-Day Family Morocco Tour from Casablanca to Marrakech and 8-Day Casablanca Loop Tour via Marrakech, the Sahara and Chefchaouen are private itineraries we can adjust to fit.