COUNTRY PROFILE

Country: Morocco
Capital City: Rabat
Continent / Region: North Africa, Maghreb
Official Language(s): Arabic; Amazigh (Tamazight). French widely used in administration and business.
Currency: Moroccan Dirham (MAD)
Time Zone: UTC+1 most of the year; reverts to UTC+0 during Ramadan by government decree.
Population: ~38.4 million (2025 est.)

WHY VISIT MOROCCO

Morocco is a living crossroads of Arab, Amazigh (Berber), African, and Andalusian influences—felt in its architecture, music, cuisine, and daily rhythms. Recognized by Travel World Global Awards™ for cultural authenticity, design-forward hospitality, and desert–coast–mountain diversity, Morocco invites travelers into maze-like medinas, artisan souks, tranquil riads, and epic Sahara adventures.

TOP DESTINATIONS & POPULAR LOCATIONS

• Marrakech — Jemaa el-Fna, Koutoubia, Majorelle Garden, design riads.
• Fès — Ancient medina (Fes el-Bali), tanneries, scholarly heritage.
• Chefchaouen — Blue-washed lanes in the Rif Mountains.
• Casablanca — Hassan II Mosque, Art Deco avenues, Atlantic corniche.
• Rabat — Bouregreg waterfront, Oudayas kasbah, imperial calm.
• Meknes & Volubilis — Imperial city and Roman ruins.
• Atlas Mountains — Imlil, Toubkal National Park, Amazigh villages.
• Sahara (Merzouga & Erg Chebbi) — Dune trekking, camel caravans, desert camps.
• Essaouira — Windy walled port, seafood, arts scene.
• Agadir & Taghazout — Atlantic beaches, surf breaks, seaside resorts.

Official resource: VisitMorocco.com — Moroccan National Tourist Office

HOTELS, ACCOMMODATION & RIADS

Stay in restored riads (courtyard houses) within the medinas, contemporary design hotels, kasbah-style lodges, and luxury desert camps. Riads offer intimate service, local cuisine, and serene interiors steps from the souks.

FOOD & CULINARY EXPERIENCES

Moroccan cuisine weaves spices and slow-cooking traditions—tagines, couscous, zaalouk, pastilla, harira, and the ritual of mint tea. Discover market stalls, street grills, home-style kitchens, and refined contemporary dining.

CULTURE & HERITAGE

Heritage spans Almoravid, Almohad, Marinid, and Alaouite legacies—madrasas, mosques, fondouks, palaces, and gardens. Artisan crafts include zellige tilework, brass, leather, textiles, and wood carving. UNESCO-listed medinas and sites are concentrated across the country.

UNESCO list: Morocco — World Heritage

SACRED & HISTORICAL PLACES

Highlights include Hassan II Mosque (Casablanca), Al-Qarawiyyin (Fès), Bahia & Badi Palaces (Marrakech), Aït Benhaddou (Ouarzazate), and the Mausoleum of Mohammed V (Rabat). Respect site rules; many mosques limit access for non-Muslims.

NATURE & ADVENTURE

Trek the High Atlas and summit Jebel Toubkal, cross Tizi n’Tichka to desert gateways, surf Atlantic swells, quad-bike dunes, and explore palm oases and gorges (Todgha, Dades).

AIRPORTS & TRAVEL ACCESS

Major international airports: Casablanca Mohammed V (CMN), Marrakech Menara (RAK), Rabat-Salé (RBA), Fès-Saïss (FEZ), Tangier Ibn Battouta (TNG), Agadir Al Massira (AGA), plus others serving key regions. Flag carrier: Royal Air Maroc.

TRANSPORTATION

Rail: ONCF intercity network, including the Al Boraq high-speed line linking Tangier–Kenitra–Rabat–Casablanca.

Coach: CTM and Supratours cover national routes; grands taxis and private drivers connect regional areas.

Info: ONCF · CTM · Supratours

FASHION, SHOPPING & SOUKS

Haggle respectfully in medinas for rugs, leather, lanterns, ceramics, argan oil, and spices. Contemporary studios and concept stores reimagine traditional crafts for modern design lovers.

ENTERTAINMENT, NIGHTLIFE & DESERT CAMPS

Rooftop terraces, live Gnawa music, contemporary lounges, and cultural festivals. Sahara camps offer starry skies, traditional drumming, and sunrise dune walks.

LIQUOR, DRUGS & SOCIAL POLICIES

Alcohol is served in licensed venues; discretion is advised. Drug laws are strict with severe penalties. During Ramadan, some venues adjust hours—be mindful of local customs.

VISA & ENTRY REGULATIONS

Many nationalities have short-stay visa exemption; others can apply online via the official eVisa portal. Typical passport validity: ≥ 6 months on entry; keep proof of accommodation/onward travel as required.

Official eVisa: Accès-Maroc (Government eVisa)

CURRENCY & MONEY EXCHANGE

Moroccan Dirham (MAD). ATMs common in cities; cash preferred in souks. Note: exporting Moroccan currency is restricted—official guidance indicates a small limit for MAD export; retain exchange receipts.

HEALTHCARE & HOSPITALS

Private clinics and major hospitals serve large cities; comprehensive travel insurance is recommended. Basic advice: safe water, sun protection, and food hygiene.

Typical emergency numbers: Police 19 (urban) / Gendarmerie 177 (rural); Medical/Fire 15; mobile 112 may connect to emergency dispatch.

SAFETY, SECURITY & ETIQUETTE

Generally welcoming and safe in tourist areas. Keep valuables close in crowded souks; use licensed guides; agree taxi fares where meters aren’t used. Ask permission before photographing people/shops.

WIFI & MOBILE NETWORK

Reliable 4G/LTE in cities via the three operators—Maroc Telecom, Orange, and Inwi—with 5G rolling out. Prepaid SIM/eSIM options are widely available (passport required).

CLOTHING & SEASONAL ADVICE

Hot summers inland and in the Sahara; mild coasts; cold nights in the Atlas. Choose breathable layers and modest attire in medinas and religious sites.

WAR STATUS & POLITICAL STABILITY

Morocco is not a war zone and maintains stable institutions. Check localized advisories for weather, mountain passes, and desert routes, especially in winter/spring.

TOURISM BOARD RULES & REGULATIONS

Respect heritage protections, medina traffic rules, and posted guidance at monuments. Drone use is restricted—apply for permits in advance where required.

Official portals: VisitMorocco · ONMT

EXPERT REVIEW & PUBLICATION NOTE — TRAVEL WORLD GLOBAL AWARDS™

This article is curated and recommended by Travel World Global Awards™ to educate travelers with high-quality guidance. Content reflects our expert assessment at the time of publication and selection.

Disclaimer: Information is provided for general guidance only. Rules, regulations, safety advisories, visa and health requirements can change without notice. Verify details with official tourism boards, immigration/e-visa portals, and health authorities before travel.

Liability: Travel World Global Awards™ and its partners do not assume responsibility for any loss, injury, delay, or inconvenience resulting from reliance on this content, emergencies, or third-party services. Travel decisions are the reader’s responsibility.

© Travel World Global Awards™ | www.travelworld.global

Last Updated: 2025-10-23