Morocco

• You don't need a visa to visit Morocco for up to 90 days if you're a citizen of a country on the visa-exempt list. This list changes regularly, so check with us before you travel. Some countries that are currently visa-exempt include the USA, Australia, New Zealand, the UK, the EU, and Canada.

• Other nationalities You need a visa to visit Morocco if you're not a citizen of a visa-exempt country. You can apply online for a visa or at a Moroccan embassy, consulate or visa center.

It's important that you receive the most accurate and up-to-date travel health information for any country you will be visiting. For Americans the CDC (Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention) is the authoritative source for answers to health questions for Morocco. Here is the page link to copy/paste into your browser, or click on the link: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/morocco

For Morocco there are two associated plug types, types C and E. Plug type C is the plug with two round pins and Plug type E has two round pins and a hole for the socket's male grounding pin. Morocco operates on a 220V supply voltage and 50Hz. Most European country plugs should be compatible without needing an adapter.

The U.S. State Department considers Morocco a relatively safe country for travel by U.S. citizens, rating the country with a Level 2 safety advisory. Special precautions to safeguard valuables should be taken especially in crowded areas and if traveling alone at night. Women are often discouraged from traveling alone, especially after dark.

U.S. citizens and citizens of most European and other countries do not require a Visa to travel to Morocco for a stay of up to 90 days. See the first question and answer above.

Please note: passports must have minimum 6 months validity and 2 blank pages for stamps when entering into Morocco.

Morocco's currency is the "Dirham" (MAD). The current exchange rate pegs the Dirham at roughly 10 cents to the dollar, so, U.S. $1.00 = 10MAD). Change kiosks throughout the country and especially in populated areas offer exchange at variable posted rates. Travelers are advised to check and verify rates when exchanging any foreign currency.

It is recommended to drink bottled water. Sealed bottled water is generally safe to drink in Morocco. However, there are some other things to consider when it comes to drinking water in Morocco: Tap water: In major cities is chlorinated and usually safe to drink and for brushing your teeth. However, it's still recommended to purify it or use another water source. In rural areas, you should only drink treated water. Ice: Avoid ice cubes in drinks, as they are made from tap water unless checking before to ensure filtered water is used. Raw foods: Avoid raw vegetables, fruits with edible skins, and salads. Reusable bottles: Bring a reusable bottle or canteen with reliable filters, e.g., Brita bottles & filters, to refill and filter as needed. Hot beverages: Hot tea and coffee are usually fine to drink, as boiling water kills harmful bacteria. Iced tea: Check if it's made with filtered water

It is more polite and respectful to dress conservatively covering the shoulders, chest and knees, though on recent trip(s) to the country - notably in popular Marrakech, Casablanca and Chefchaouen -- we saw many Americans in shorts visiting tourist sites during daytimes. Evening dress for men is long pants and collared shirts, except perhaps in the heavily tourist cities. Women except in touristy cities should wear slacks or longer skirts or dresses, especially at night. Women frequently wear shorts in Marrakech, Rabat, Chefchaouen and elsewhere, except shorts or short skirts are frowned upon during Ramadan.

Health advisories recommend to avoid the hottest months of July and August. Ideal is traveling during September through mid-December and in March through April, although the country is a year-round destination. During Ramadan's spring holiday each year, most tourist attractions, bars and restaurants close an hour or more earlier than usual and alcoholic drinks may be unavailable. Still, many places offer alcohol year-round, especially in Marrakech, Casablanca, Essaouira and elsewhere.

Morocco boasts country-wide WiFi penetration of 90.7% with gaps in coverage occurring throughout the country, primarily in remote mountainous or rural areas.

Pornography, drugs, firearms, explosives, other weapons and anti-Islam literature.

It is the Clients’ responsibility to ensure that he/she and the members of his/her party do not behave in a way which causes offense or danger to others or which risks damage to property belonging to others. In such circumstances all suppliers (e.g. hotel managers) and the Company (APR Group, Inc.) have the right to terminate arrangements made on the Clients’ behalf, in which case the Company’s responsibility to the Client ceases immediately. Therefore, the Company will not be liable for any refunds, payment of compensation or reimbursement of any cost or expenses incurred as a result. Further, the Client will be liable to reimburse the Company for any expenses whatsoever that it incurs as a result of such behaviour.

Laptops and electronics from USA or Europe will usually work in Morocco, assuming to have access to an electric plug adapter, European French adapter, this one can be purchased in all major electronics stores.

There is no “official” dress code for women in Morocco, but most local women and tourists wear modest clothing covering shoulders, chest and knees, and longer shorts, dresses at or below the knee, modest tops and the like.

In general, casual, lightweight, comfortable clothing, wide-brimmed hats and sun protection are needed in the summer months, whereas warm layers, a scarf, gloves, thermal long sleeved shirts and a warm jacket are a must if you are traveling in the winter (especially in the North or in the mountains).

Comfortable walking shoes are a must.

Once you have booked a trip we will send you a “Packing List”.

In a word, delicious. Salads are lovely; fresh, succulent vegetables served with light vinaigrette on the side. Harira is the Moroccan word for a thick vegetable soup. A particularly delicious one contains a bread dumpling. Main courses are usually one of the following: grilled meat on skewers often served with French fries; couscous, either vegetarian or meat with vegetables; and Tagine, the Moroccan stew, usually meat, tomatoes, potatoes, onions and spices. Moroccan cooks use a mélange of spices such as cumin, turmeric, paprika, saffron and pepper for a subtly flavored cuisine. In the Sahara you can find ‘Berber pizza’. This is a double crusted pie filled with meat, hard boiled eggs, almonds and spices. Sometimes rather peppery, Berber pizza is best eaten with glass after glass of hot, sweet, mint tea. Every seaport has freshly caught fish prepared by the fishermen on or near the piers. Do not miss this treat! Fresh fruit is served for dessert; pomegranates, melons, bananas, apples, oranges and dates all produced in Morocco and all bursting with flavor. One ongoing benefit of the French occupation are the fresh baguettes available nearly everywhere. Pastries both French and Moroccan are available in the many bakeries.

Yes. While the food in general and municipal water supplies in Morocco are perfectly safe, one never knows how your body’s system will react to new and unusual foods or different water supplies. Therefore, it is always wise to keep with you some sort of stomach remedy such as Pepto-Bismol, Imodium AD, etc. at all times.

The capital of Morocco is Rabat.

Morocco is located in northwest Africa. It is bordered to the north by the Mediterranean Sea, to the west by the Atlantic Ocean, to the east by Algeria, and to the south by Western Sahara.

Typical activities include camel rides, quad biking, buggy rides, hiking or trekking, camping under the stars, and visiting nomadic communities among other things.

Here’s a short list of the basic equipment you should bring with you for your trekking in Morocco: backpack up to 40 liters, depending on the season (in summer time a 20 liter backpack should be enough); shoulder bag or small backpack; sleeping bag; good walking shoes (preferably with ankle support); windproof & waterproof jacket; wrap-around sunglasses or goggles; comfortable sports clothing according to the season; headlamp; running sticks; gloves, scarf and hat depending on the season.

You can withdraw money almost everywhere in Morocco, with the exception of the smallest villages and the desert area, where it can be very difficult to find an ATM or a bank. Paying by debit/credit card can be quite rare, with the exception of larger cities, supermarkets and big hotels. In general, we suggest you to always bring with you some cash for unexpected expenses or last minute purchases.

A riad is a traditional house built around a central courtyard garden, they usually have very few windows to the outside, but the room windows open to the central courtyard and help keep the house warm in winter and cool in summer. The word riad comes from the Arabic would for garden.

Many riad remain family homes, whereas others have been restored and turning into boutique hotels or exclusive holiday accommodation.

A stay in a riad in the heart of Marrakech's medina is ideal for exploring the ancient narrow streets and souks and offers peaceful oasis in which to relax after a busy day.

In most modern hotels, riads, villas and restaurants you will find modern flushable toilets, however, in smaller restaurants, in rural areas and in public toilets you will find squat toilets. Toilet paper is not always provided so it is worth carry some.

The stores in the shopping malls and supermarkets will show the price on all items for sale so there is no need to haggle, Once you are in the souks of the Medina you will find that the goods for sale do not have price tags and it is down to haggling over the price, which is all part of the experience and fun. You will see many online guides/blogs that say never pay more than 50% the first price offered, but in reality the shopkeeper has read the same blogs and will go in with a higher first price. The trick is to get an idea of what you would pay for a similar item for sale back at home, and then decide what the maximum would pay for the item. You would then make a very low first offer, the shopkeeper will be shocked and insulted and tell you the price is a very high amount, it is then down to going back and forth until you reach a price you are both happy with, but do not go above the price you set yourself, always be pleasant but be prepared to walk away, the shopkeeper may call after you with a lower price, or he may not, but the chances are you will see the same item a little further down the same street. If you follow this process then you will be happy with the price you paid, and even if someone else later tells you they purchased the same item for less, it does not matter as you were happy!

If you are in Marrakech and interested in purchasing some handicraft / traditional items, whether it is traditional clothing, leather shoes or bags or wood carved items but are not sure what to pay, then it is worth paying a visit to the Government operated fixed price 'Artisan Ensemble' located about a 10 minute walk from the main square, here you can wander around the various shops where you will not be hassled and the items have price tags. You can choose to purchase your item, or head back into the souk with the fixed price in mind and try and grab a bargain.

Alcohol is available to purchase is many hotels, riads, bars and restaurants, nightclubs as well as in many supermarket. Supermarkets will often have a separate room for the sale of alcohol and you will usually find most international brands of beer, wine and spirits, together with local beer: Flag (pilsner), Stork (light lager) and Casablanca (Premium lager), Moroccan wines (due to the French 'influence' over the country Morocco produces some very good quality wine). You may have to show your passport when purchasing wine in a Moroccan Supermarket.

During Ramadan, alcohol is not generally sold in supermarkets, although many hotels and restaurants will continue to serve.

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, a lunar calendar consisting of 12 lunar months and 354 or 355 days, which means it is shorter year than the Gregorian calendar used in the majority of the western world, this means that Ramadan occurs at a different time each year (based on the Gregorian calendar). Ramadan is the Islamic holiest month where Muslims will fast from dawn to sunset, of course the length of fasting each day directly corresponds to the time of year that Ramadan occurs; the days are long in summer.

Ramadan lasts 29 or 30 days, from the sighting of the crescent moon to the next.

In the mains tourist areas of Morocco you will find that restaurants will stay open during the day during Ramadan, however outside of these tourist areas restaurants will remain closed during the day, however may open early before sunrise and later into the evening after sunset.

Some tourist attractions may alter their opening hours during Ramadan.

The sale of alcohol from supermarkets and off-licences is banned during Ramadan although many hotels will continue to sell and serve alcoholic drinks.

Drinking on the street or in public spaces in Morocco is not allowed at any time, drinking alcohol during Ramadan is highly frowned upon and especially to show any public drunkenness.

As a show of respect it is recommended to dress more conservatively during Ramadan.

It is worth noting that fasting (and the giving up of tobacco) during Ramadan can lead to to people having a much shorter temper than they usual.

Most Moroccans will join family and friends when the sun sets to break fast and eat, this meal can often go on late into the evening (especially) during summer which results in many people getting up later during Ramadan, For this reason you may find that businesses may open a little later in the morning and may not be open or have a limited service for the two hours after sunset.

Morocco is a Muslim country which follows Islamic laws and customs. Be aware of your actions to ensure they don't offend, especially during the holy month of Ramadan or if you intend to visit religious areas. You should respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions at all times.

Although Morocco is a Muslim country it is one of the more liberal Arab Muslim countries when it comes to stances often associated with Islam, such as women's rights, women's clothing and alcohol.

Moroccans are generally conservative about their relationships and it is unusual to see public acts of affection between men and women including holding hands (although it is very common for men to walk hand in hand as a sign of friendship). Unmarried couples are not permitted to share a hotel room, however this is not an issue as a foreigner. However, there have been incidences where unmarried tourists with an Islamic name have been declined a hotel room to share.

Travel is about experiences, whether it is a different landscape, cuisine or culture and it is about respect for those differences. Woman who wear 'revealing clothes will often experience more attention than what they are used to at home and often feel more comfortable in loose light clothing that covers the arms and legs, a scarf is a good item to have with you as it allows you to cover your head and shoulders from the sun, demonstrate respect when entering a household or tradition building, or for use as a shawl for warmth in the evening when the sun sets.

Homosexuality is technically illegal in Morocco and punishable by prison time, though in reality this is rarely enforced. Use caution and common sense, and avoid public displays of affection.

We commit to making our tours a safe and inclusive place for people to express their authentic selves without judgment, free from any discriminatory language or harassment.

While travelling with us, all travelers must treat each other with dignity and respect to create an environment that is positive, safe, and where everyone feels welcome.

While on tour in Morocco, it is customary and even expected to tip small service providers like restaurant and bar waiters, hotel staff, reception, cleaning personnel, bellboys, taxis, and van drivers. Tips are seen as an essential means of supplementing income for tourism industry workers.

Morocco is safe and welcoming to Jewish travelers. The country doesn't segregate visitors by religion, and Jewish travelers are treated equally. Jews and Muslims have coexisted peacefully in Morocco since the 7th century.

Morocco has a rich Jewish history, with many synagogues, cemeteries, and the Museum of Moroccan Judaism. The country also has many Jewish quarters, or Mellahs, in its cities.

Staying in a riad in the heart of a medina is an experience that is unique to Morocco. Your hosts will embody the finest of Moroccan hospitality. Similar to a bed and breakfast, but with more opulent interiors, the room may not have a television or telephone, and breakfasts may be continental. The rewards of staying in a riad are immense. In a riad, one can experience the traditional home life of Morocco, walk through the chaotic medina, relax in a garden courtyard, and feel the heartbeat of the country.

• Royal Air Maroc

• American Airlines

• Delta Airlines

• Iberia Airlines

• EasyJet

• Atlas Blue Airlines

Yes. Morocco and Israel have friendly relations. Many Israeli citizens travel to Morocco regularly and in particular to visit sacred sites and also at times to visit properties & lands owned by their forefathers. Morocco has a grand history of sacred Jewish sites.

King Mohammed VI has inherited his father’s tolerance, and kept Jewish Moroccan citizen André Azoulay as one of his royal advisors. André Azoulay is the only royal advisor still in post who has served both King Hassan II and his son King Mohammed VI. In a message at the restoration ceremony of the 17th century Slat al Fassayine Synagogue in Fes in February 2013, which the King supported financially, King Mohammed VI reiterated his commitment to religious freedom and spiritual diversity, and emphasized the importance of the three thousand years of Jewish legacy in Morocco.

The Jewish religion and its heritage was given a special status recognizing it as part of Morocco’s cultural heritage in the 2011 constitution introduced by King Mohammed VI. In times past, Jews traditionally lived in a part of the medina called the Mellah. Most have now moved out into the Ville Nouvelle, although some old synagogues still remain. The majority of Jews in Morocco live in Casablanca, where a visit to the only Jewish museum in the Arab world is well worth the time.