U.S  Consulate General Casablanca
8 Boulevard Moulay Youssef,
Casablanca, Morocco
Telephone: +(212) (522) 64-20-00
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(212)(661) 13-19-39
Fax: +(212) (522) 20-41-27
acscasablanca@state.gov

The normal work week in Morocco is 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

Please note that U.S. Embassy Rabat does not offer consular services and does not have entry facilities for public visitors. All U.S. citizens seeking assistance must contact or visit the Consulate in Casablanca.

See the Department of State’s Fact Sheet on Morocco for information on U.S-Morocco relations.

Passports and Visas:

• You must have a valid passport with at least one blank page. 
• Visas are not required for visits lasting less than 90 days. Visit the Embassy of the Kingdom of Morocco website for the most current visa information.
• Overstays: If you remain in Morocco beyond 90 days without having requested an extension of stay, you will need to appear before a judge prior to departing Morocco. Please contact the immigration office at your local police station for details. Clearance may include the payment of a fine.
• Lost/Stolen Passports: U.S. citizens may apply for a temporary emergency passport at the U.S. Consulate General in Casablanca. Please obtain a police report for a lost or stolen passport in the area where the loss or theft occurred. Recently, police have required evidence of U.S. citizenship prior to issuing the report of loss. Airport police may request a police report from travelers who are departing Morocco with a replacement passport for a lost or stolen passport.
• Travelers who plan to reside in Morocco must obtain a residence permit (certificat d’immatriculation). Applications should be submitted to the Bureau des Étrangers of the Prefecture de Police or Commissariat Central in major cities, and to the Gendarmerie in remote areas and villages. Please see the Residence Permits section under the Local Laws and Special Circumstances tab.
• Carry a copy of your U.S. passport with you at all times to have proof of identity and U.S. citizenship readily available, if needed.
• Children who possess U.S. passports and who are born to a Moroccan father may have trouble leaving Morocco without the father's permission, even if the parents are divorced and the mother has legal custody. Under Moroccan law, these children are considered Moroccan citizens.
• U.S. citizen women married to Moroccans do not need their spouse's permission to leave Morocco.

HIV/AIDS: The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Morocco. Find information on dual nationality, prevention of international child abduction, and customs regulations on our websites.

Terrorism: Terrorist groups and individuals inspired by them are intent on attacking U.S. citizens abroad. They are using simpler methods of attack like knives, guns, and vehicles to target crowds. They often go after unprotected or vulnerable targets such as:

• High-profile public events (sporting contests, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, etc.)
• Hotels, clubs, and restaurants frequented by tourists
• Places of worship
• Schools
• Parks
• Shopping malls and markets
• Public transportation systems (including subways, buses, trains, and scheduled commercial flights)

Credible information indicates terrorist groups continue to plot potential attacks in the region, including Morocco. Lone wolf attacks can occur without warning and are difficult to detect and disrupt. Morocco is an important counterterrorism partner of the United States, and it has capable security services. Moroccan authorities continue to arrest individuals associated with international terrorist groups seeking to attack U.S. or foreign-affiliated and Moroccan government targets. In December 2018, two Scandinavian tourists were murdered by three Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) supporters in the Imlil Mountains near Marrakesh. U.S. citizens are reminded to remain vigilant with regards to their personal security. U.S. citizen campers should camp in guarded campgrounds rather than isolated campsites. For more information, see our Terrorism page

Crime: Crime in Morocco is a serious concern, particularly in major cities and tourist areas.

• Use common sense and the same personal security measures you would normally use in a large U.S. city or tourist destination.
• Do not leave bags unattended. Keep them in sight and avoid placing passports, cash, cell phones, or other valuables in the outer pockets of backpacks or purses, or on tables in public places. Do not leave bags slung over the backs of chairs, on hotel or store counters, on top of your suitcase or larger travel bag, or out of your physical control in hotel lobbies, train stations, restaurants, and other public locations.
• Aggressive panhandling, pickpocketing, purse-snatching, theft from unoccupied vehicles, and harassment of women are the most frequently reported issues.
• Criminals use weapons, primarily knives, during some street robberies and burglaries. These crimes have occurred at any time of day or night, not only in isolated places or areas less frequented by visitors, but in crowded areas as well.
• Residential break-ins also occur and have on occasion turned violent, but most criminals look for opportunities based on stealth rather than confrontation.
• Travelers should avoid soccer stadiums and nearby areas on days of scheduled matches as large groups of team supporters have been known to become unruly and harass and assault bystanders.
• Joggers should be mindful of traffic and remain in more heavily populated areas. It is always best to have a jogging companion, dress modestly, and avoid isolated areas or jogging at night.
• At night and when moving about unfamiliar areas, avoid traveling alone and use “petit” taxis which vary by color in the major cities (Casablanca-Red, Rabat-Blue, Marrakech-Tan, etc.).
• City buses are not considered safe; Taxis in Morocco are generally crime-free during the daytime.
• Rideshare drivers and passengers have reported harassment and physical violence by taxi drivers. Travelers should exercise caution if traveling via rideshare apps, especially around hotels, airports, convention centers, and other locations frequented by taxi drivers.
• Trains are generally safe, but theft, regardless of the time of day, sometimes occurs.
• Avoid carrying large sums of cash and be particularly alert when using ATMs. In the event you are victimized by crime or an attempted crime, please report the incident to the local police and the U.S. Consulate General in Casablanca as soon as possible.

Demonstrations: Demonstrations occur frequently in Morocco. They typically focus on political or social issues and are rarely confrontational or violent. They may take place in response to political or economic issues. They may also occur on politically significant holidays and during international events.

• Demonstrations can be unpredictable, avoid areas around protests and demonstrations
• Check local media for updates and traffic advisories
• During periods of heightened regional tension, large demonstrations may take place in major cities.
• By law, all demonstrations require a government permit, but spontaneous unauthorized demonstrations, which have greater potential for violence, can occur. In addition, different unions or groups may organize strikes to protest an emerging issue or government policy.

Scams: Internet romance and financial scams are common in Morocco. Review the Department of State’s Protecting Yourself from Scams and the FBI pages for information.

Be careful using dating apps or online dating websites while abroad. Scammers may target U.S. citizens. Tell your friends and family where you are, meet in a popular public place, and avoid consuming suspicious food or drinks. Avoid traveling alone to bars or nightclubs.

Technology Usage Abroad: Mobile devices can be compromised, stolen, or damaged anywhere in the world. Before traveling abroad, it is best to keep all software (operating system and apps) updated. If possible, use a virtual private network and encrypted voice over IP (VoIP) applications. Make sure that all VPN/VoIP are reputable, and U.S. based. Do not connect to unknown open Wi-Fi networks.

Victims of Crime: U.S. victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. Consulate for assistance.

Report crimes to the local police at 19 from a land line or 190 from a mobile phone and contact the U.S. Consulate Casablanca at (212) 522-64-20-00. Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime. See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas.

We can:

• Help you find appropriate medical care
• Assist you in reporting a crime to the police
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent
• Provide general information regarding the victim’s role during the local investigation and following its conclusion
• Provide a list of local attorneys. We do not endorse or recommend any specific attorneys · Provide information on victim’s compensation programs in the United States
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution
• Help you find accommodation and arrange flights home
• Replace a stolen or lost passport.

Domestic Violence: U.S. victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the Consulate for assistance.

Tourism: The tourism industry is generally regulated in major tourist areas. Rules about general practices and safety inspections are regularly enforced. Dangerous areas and activities are marked with signs. Trained staff are usually there to help with organized activities. If you get injured, you will likely only find appropriate medical treatment in or near major cities.

Outside of major tourist areas, the tourism industry is unevenly regulated, and safety inspections for equipment and facilities are rare. Hazardous areas/activities are not always labeled properly. Staff may not be trained or certified by the host government or recognized authorities. It may take more time for first responders to reach areas outside major cities to provide urgent medical care. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage.

Western Sahara: From 1975 to 1991, Western Sahara was the site of armed conflict between Moroccan government forces and the POLISARIO Front, which continues to seek independence for the territory. Tensions along the border in Western Sahara heightened in November 2020 when Moroccan forces conducted an operation on the border to clear a blockade by the POLISARIO Front; both sides have since engaged in a low intensity conflict along the border. There are thousands of unexploded mines in the Western Sahara and in areas of Mauritania adjacent to the Western Saharan border. Exploding mines are occasionally reported and have caused death and injury. There have been instances in which U.S. citizens suspected of being participants in political protests or of supporting NGOs that are critical of Moroccan policies have been expelled from, or not been allowed to enter, Western Sahara.

GPS Navigation Apps are helpful for getting around in a foreign country. Before using the GPS app make sure you research the route to make sure it is safe. The app may give you the shortest route without safety consideration.

Criminal Penalties: You are subject to local laws. If you break local laws, even if you don’t know, you may be kicked out of the area, arrested, or put in prison. Police may detain you for questioning if you don’t have your passport with you. If you want to start a business or work in a job that needs special permits or licenses, you should get information from the local authorities before you start.

Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on crimes against minors abroad and the Department of Justice website.

• Crimes of fraud, including passing bad checks, non-payment of bills (including hotel bills), or breach of contract are considered serious in Morocco and can often result in imprisonment and/or fines.
• Bail generally is not available to non-residents of Morocco who are arrested for crimes involving fraud.
• Debtors can be held in prison until their debts are paid or until an agreement is reached between the parties.
• The Moroccan government may seize passports to guarantee that debtors settle their cases.
• Debtors may be unable to work in Morocco without passports while still being held responsible for their debts.
• Before signing a contract, you may want to consider consulting an attorney.

Arrest Notification: If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Consulate immediately. See our webpage for further information.

Counterfeit and Pirated Goods: Counterfeit and pirated goods are prevalent in many countries. They may be illegal according to local laws. Counterfeit and pirated goods may post significant risks to consumer health and safety. You may be subject to fines and/or have to give up counterfeit and pirated goods if you bring them back to the United States. See the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website and U.S. Department of Justice website for more information.

Faith-Based Travelers: Islam is the official religion in Morocco. However, the constitution provides for the freedom to practice one's religion. The Moroccan government does not interfere with public worship by the country’s Jewish minority or by expatriate Christians. Proselytizing is, however, prohibited. In the past, U.S. citizens have been arrested, detained, and/or expelled for discussing or trying to engage Moroccans in debate about Christianity. In February 2014, several U.S. citizens were expelled from Morocco for alleged proselytizing. Many of those expelled were long-time Moroccan residents. In these cases, U.S. citizens were given no more than 48 hours to gather their belongings or settle their affairs before being expelled.

See the following webpages for details:

• Faith-Based Travel Information
• International Religious Freedom Report - see country reports
• Human Rights Report – see country reports

International Volunteers:

• Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad

LGB Travelers: Consensual, same-sex sexual relations are criminalized in Morocco. Penalties include fines and up to three years’ imprisonment. See our LGB Travel Information page and our Human Rights report for further details.

Travelers with Disabilities: The law in Morocco prohibits discrimination against persons with physical, sensory, intellectual or mental disabilities. Society’s acceptance and inclusion of persons with disabilities is not as prevalent as in the United States. Expect accessibility to be limited in public transportation, lodging, communication/information, and general infrastructure, although the national rail system offers wheelchair ramps, accessible bathrooms, and designated seating areas. While building codes enacted in 2003 require accessibility for all persons, the codes exempt most pre-2003 structures, and authorities rarely enforce them for new construction. See our Travelers with Disabilities page.

Students: See our Students Abroad page and FBI travel tips.

Women Travelers: Women walking alone in certain areas of cities and rural areas are particularly vulnerable to assault by men. They should exercise caution when in public spaces, including nightclubs or other social establishments. Women are advised to travel with a companion or in a group when possible and to ignore any harassment. See our tips for Women Travelers.

Customs: See Quick Facts for currency restrictions. Moroccan currency can be converted back into U.S. dollars prior to departure only if the traveler has a bank or money transfer receipt indicating he or she exchanged dollars for dirhams while in Morocco.

Moroccan customs authorities may enforce strict regulations concerning temporary importation into or export from Morocco of items such as firearms, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) or drones, religious materials, antiquities, business equipment, and large quantities of currency. It is advisable to contact the Embassy of Morocco in Washington, D.C., or the Moroccan Consulate General in New York for specific information concerning customs requirements. Please see our information on Customs and Import Restrictions.

Citizenship: The Government of Morocco considers all persons born to Moroccan fathers to be Moroccan citizens. In addition to being subject to all U.S. laws, dual U.S.-Moroccan citizens are subject to Moroccan law. Recently, Morocco has begun allowing Moroccan mothers of children born outside Morocco to petition for their children’s citizenship. For further information on that process, please contact the Embassy of Morocco in Washington, D.C., or the Moroccan Consulate General in New York.

Residence Permits: In order to obtain a residence permit, travelers must present (among other requirements) a criminal history record check. This record check can only be obtained in the United States. The U.S. Consulate and Embassy are unable to take fingerprints to send for FBI record requests. For specific information, individuals seeking a residence permit should visit their local police station.

The following documents must accompany a residence permit renewal application:

• Birth Certificate
• Copy of the current passport
• Copy of the current Moroccan residence card
• Medical certificate from a doctor stating that the requester is free from any contagious disease
• Court record (casier judiciaire) obtained from the Ministry of Justice in Rabat
• 100 MAD (dirham) stamp

Individuals planning on residing in Morocco or relocating to the United States may be asked to provide a notarized change of residence form. This form is available at the U.S. Consulate by appointment.

Sending Passports through the Mail: According to Moroccan law, it is prohibited to send passports by mail across international borders. Passports sent to or through Morocco via Fedex, DHL, or other courier will be confiscated by Moroccan authorities. Confiscated U.S. passports are eventually sent to the U.S. Consulate General in Casablanca after being processed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. If your passport has been confiscated, you can contact the American Citizens Services section at acscasablanca@state.gov to ask if it has been received.

Property: U.S. consular officers are prohibited by law and regulation from accepting personal property for safekeeping regardless of the circumstances involved. If there is concern over the protection of property left behind in Morocco due to confiscation or deportation for political, legal, or other reasons, U.S. citizens should take every precaution to ensure that available legal safeguards are in place either before, or immediately after, purchasing property in Morocco or taking up residence there. U.S. citizens are also encouraged to seek local legal advice on assigning a Power of Attorney, or Procuration, to be used in Morocco if necessary. More information and sample Power of Attorney forms are available on the Consulate General of the Kingdom of Morocco in New York website.

Photographing Sensitive Locations: Taking photographs of anything that could be considered of military or security interest may result in problems with Moroccan authorities. Travelers should not photograph palaces, diplomatic missions, government buildings, or other sensitive facilities. When in doubt travelers should ask permission from the appropriate Moroccan authorities.

Professional Basketball in Morocco: The U.S. Consulate General in Casablanca is aware that there are local professional basketball teams who have made contracts with U.S. citizens to play on Moroccan teams. Some of these players have subsequently claimed they were not paid as stipulated per the terms of the contract. Individuals considering playing basketball professionally in Morocco may wish to consult with a lawyer regarding the terms of their contract prior to signing. A list of lawyers can be found on the Embassy's webpage.

Adequate medical care is available in Morocco’s largest cities, particularly in Rabat and Casablanca. Not all facilities meet U.S. standards, especially in rural areas.

• Emergency and specialized care outside the major cities is far below U.S. standards and may not be available at all.
• Most medical staff may have limited or no English-speaking ability.
• Most ordinary prescription and over-the-counter medicines are widely available.
• Specialized prescriptions may be difficult to fill and availability of all medicines in rural areas is unreliable.
• Travelers should not ask friends or relatives to send medications through the mail, FedEx, or UPS because Moroccan customs will impound the delivery and not release it to the recipient.
• Travelers planning to drive in the mountains and other remote areas may wish to carry a medical kit and a Moroccan phone card for emergencies.
• In the event of vehicle accidents involving injuries, immediate ambulance service is usually not available. The police emergency services telephone number is “190” (see Traffic Safety and Road Conditions section below).

For emergency services in Morocco, dial 15.

• Ambulance services are: Not widely available and training and availability of emergency responders may be below U.S. standards. Injured or seriously ill travelers may prefer to take a taxi or private vehicle to the nearest major hospital rather than wait for an ambulance. Review our Health Abroad page for more information
• Check the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Traveler Advice for Morocco.
  • Review all sub-sections. These include Travel Health Notices, Vaccines and Medicines, Non-Vaccine-Preventable Diseases, Stay Healthy and Safe, Healthy Travel Packing List, and After Your Trip

• We highly recommend that all travelers review the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Travelers’ Health page.
  • Reasons for Travel (for example: Adventure Travel, Spring Break Travel)
  • Travelers with Special Considerations (for example: Allergies, Long-Term Travelers and Expatriates)
  • General Tips (for example: Traveling with Medications, Travel Vaccines)

The Department of State, U.S. embassies, and U.S. consulates do not pay medical bills. Be aware that U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply overseas. Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance.

Medical Insurance: Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. You may also be required to pay a deposit before being admitted for treatment. See our Insurance Overseas page for more information on insurance providers with overseas coverage. Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Travel Insurance page for more information on type of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas.

• We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.

Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription. Check with the Government of Morocco Ministry of Foreign Affairs to ensure the medication is legal in Morocco.

Vaccinations: Be up to date on all vaccinations recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Further health information:

• World Health Organization Travel advice page
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Traveler’s Health page

Air Quality
Air pollution can be a significant problem in many destinations overseas.

• Check NASA’s Air Quality Forecast, which uses Artificial Intelligence (AI), historical data, and global pollution modeling to generate a three-day forecast of expected air quality in Morocco.
• For information about common air pollutants, check the CDC’s Air Quality page.
• For information about the U.S. Air Quality Index and health guidance, check out the EPA’s AirNow. 
• For general health information, visit the “Your Health Abroad” page.

The U.S. Embassy maintains a list of doctors and hospitals. We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.

Medical Tourism and Elective Surgery

• Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Medical Tourism website for information on Medical Tourism. Find out about the risks of medical tourism and what you can do to prepare before traveling to Morocco.
• We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation in the event of unforeseen medical complications.

Pharmaceuticals

• Exercise caution when purchasing medication overseas. Pharmaceuticals, which can be bought without a prescription or with a prescription in the United States, are usually easy to buy with few controls. Counterfeit medication is common and may not work or have the wrong strength.
• U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Food and Drug Administration have rules for bringing medication back to the United States. Medication bought abroad must meet their requirements to be legally brought back. The medication must be for personal use and approved for use in the United States. Visit the websites of U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Food and Drug Administration for more information.

Assisted Reproductive Technology and Surrogacy

• If you are considering traveling to Morocco to have a child through use of assisted reproductive technology (ART) or surrogacy, please see our ART and Surrogacy Abroad page.
• Surrogacy is illegal in Morocco.
• Although surrogacy agencies/clinics may claim surrogacy is legal in Morocco, there is no legal framework to pursue surrogacy in Morocco. As a result, surrogacy agreements between intending parents and gestational mothers are not enforced by Moroccan courts.
• If you decide to pursue parenthood in Morocco via assisted reproductive technology (ART) with a gestational mother, be prepared for long and unexpected delays in documenting your child’s citizenship. Be aware that individuals who attempt to circumvent local law risk criminal prosecution.

Water Quality & Food Safety: In many areas, tap water is not potable. Bottled water and beverages are generally safe. Many restaurants and hotels serve tap water unless bottled water is specifically requested. Be aware that ice for drinks may be made using tap water.

Altitude: Some locations in Morocco, such as the Atlas Mountains, are at high altitude. Be aware of the symptoms of altitude sickness and take precautions before you travel. Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information about Travel to High Altitudes.

Adventure Travel: Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information about Adventure Travel.

Road Conditions and Safety: Traffic accidents are a significant hazard in Morocco. Driving practices are very poor and have resulted in serious injuries to and fatalities of U.S. citizens. This is particularly true at dusk during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, when adherence to traffic regulations is lax, and from July to September when Moroccans living abroad return from Europe by car in large numbers.

• Exercise extreme caution when driving at night due to poor lighting along roads.
• Traffic signals do not always work and are sometimes hard to see.
• Modern freeways link the cities of Tangier, Rabat, Fez, Casablanca, and Marrakesh. Two-lane highways link other major cities.
• Secondary routes in rural areas are often narrow and poorly paved. Roads through the Rif and Atlas Mountains are steep, narrow, windy, and dangerous.
• Pedestrians, scooters, and animal-drawn vehicles are common on all roadways, including the freeways.
• During the rainy season (November - March), flash flooding is frequent and sometimes severe, washing away roads and vehicles in rural areas.

Traffic Laws: In the event of a traffic accident, including accidents involving injuries, the parties are required to remain at the scene and not move their vehicles until the police have arrived and documented all necessary information. The police emergency phone number is “190”. Moroccan police officers often pull over drivers for inspection within the city and on highways.

Traffic Fines: Confiscation of a driver’s license is possible if a violator is unable or unwilling to settle a fine at the time of a traffic stop.

If you are stopped for a speeding violation, you have the right to request the video footage documenting the infraction. Once the speeding violation is confirmed, you have three options:

• Pay the fine on the spot and obtain a receipt of payment.
• Pay at the local city’s treasury (La Perception). The police/gendarme officer will issue you a ticket indicating the amount of the fine and keep your driver’s license until you pay the fine.
• If you want to contest a violation, you may file a complaint at court. Moroccan authorities may keep your driver’s license and vehicle registration while this lengthy process takes place.

Foreign driver’s licenses are valid for use in Morocco for up to one year. After that, foreign residents must pass the Moroccan driver’s test and obtain a Moroccan driver’s license. The test is in either

Arabic or French. Speakers of other languages are allowed to have a sworn translator with them when taking the test.

Public Transportation: While public buses and taxis are inexpensive, driving habits are poor, and buses are frequently overcrowded. City buses are not safe. The train system has a good safety record. Trains, while sometimes crowded, are comfortable and generally on time.

• Train Station Hotline: 0890 20 30 40
• Bus Station Hotline: 0800 09 00 30
• Directory Inquiry: 160

Rideshare Apps: Rideshare apps operate in a legal gray zone across Morocco. Rideshare drivers and passengers have reported harassment and physical violence by taxi drivers. Travelers should exercise caution if traveling via rideshare apps, especially around hotels, airports, convention centers, and other locations frequented by taxi drivers. See our Road Safety Page for more information. Visit the website of Morocco’s national tourist office and national authority responsible for road safety.

Aviation Safety Oversight: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has found Morocco’s Civil Aviation Authority meets international standards for aviation safety oversight. FAA’s website includes more information on its assessment program.

Maritime Travel: Mariners and passengers planning travel to Morocco should check for U.S. Maritime Advisories and Alerts. Information may also be posted to the U.S. Coast Guard Homeport website, and the NGA Navigational Warnings website.