Travel to Morocco

Our destination guide aims to give you all the information you need to have an amazing experience in this amazing country. Find affordable travel and backpacking ideas with advice for amazing things to do and how you can be more than just your average traveller. You can also get recommendations for budget travel tips, where to stay and advice how to stay safe. Get inspired to visit today!

  • Capital: Rabat
  • Currency: Moroccan Dirham (MAD)
  • Population: 32,750,000 (approx)
  • International Dailing Code +212
  • Country Area: 446,500 km2
  • Language: Local people speak Arabic, French and English is spoken/understood in tourist areas like Marrakesh. You might want to take an Arabic phrase book with you and learn some basic words like "Salaamalikum" (hi). There are also language classes which can be booked on arrival

Morocco is a cultural destination with so many amazing activities and adventures. Throughout the country you will get a feel for the atmosphere, people and culture. You can go off the beaten track and explore places like the stunning Sahara which is amazing. Trips have departures throughout the year and will provide you with an authentic experience.

Our featured packages in Morocco are run by the world leading international and local travel operators and you will get one of the best experiences of your life. With so many places you could visit and with the language barrier you might want to join a tour, this is a great way to meet new people if you are travelling solo.

 

How to Get to Morocco

Morocco is a very easy country to reach, you can fly from a number of international airports, cross by ferry from Spain or cross a border with neighbouring countries. North Africa is a popular destination and if you live in Europe Morocco is fairly easy to get to, there are lots of low cost flight operators offer return tickets to Marrakesh for as low as £60. Check Easyjet, Ryan Air and British Airways. You can also cross into Morocco from Southern Spain or view our Africa gap year ideas.

 

Visa & Entry Requirements

To enter Morocco you will need a valid passport with at least 6 months from the date of expiry. Sometimes you might be asked to show proof of funds and also a return plane ticket - these are usually rare to be asked though. If you have a US passport or are from an EU country (except Andorra, Hungary, Iceland, Malta and Switzerland) you will be able to get a tourist visa on arrival and there is no need to apply for a visa in advance. You can stay for a period up to 3 months and if you would like to stay longer you will need to collect an extention to your toruist visa known as a "Carte de Sejour".

 

Best Places to Visit in Morocco 

There are so many people you should consider adding to your Morocco travel itinerary including Chefchaouen, Marrakesh, Fez, Menknes, Merzouga, Ouarzazate, Tangier, Volubilis, Ait Ben Haddou, Dades Valley, Essaouira, Erg Chebbi, Agadir, The Atlas Mountains, The Sahara, Ait Benhaddou, Taghazoute and Volubilis.

 

Morocco Travel Tips

Budget: 
Morocco is a very cheap country to visit but there are still ways to save money. Try to book everything in advance - flights, accommodation and sightseeing activities. Avoid visiting during peak periods like summer.

Safety: 
There have been isolated incidents in the past and also turmoil/conflict in neighboring countries but Morocco is a very popular tourist destination and tourism is highly regarded here. There is a highly visible police presence in most popular locations and checkpoints around the country which provide you with assurances about your safety. You should feel very comfortable in Morocco and local people are very used to seeing tourists. You might want to be on the look out for petty theft and at night always try to either let someone know where you are going or walk in group. There are no specific vaccinations required for Morocco, this is a less tropical threat than other African countries but you might want to get Hepatitis A/B, Typhoid and possibly Rabies. 

Food & Drink: 
Local food can be a shock to the system if you have never tried it before and some tourists get diarrhea, you might want to pack tablets like Imodium to be best prepared. Try to eat a lof of fruit and liquid drinks to stay hydrated when in Morocco.

 

Gap Year in Morocco

Find exciting gap year programs allowing individuals the opportunity to experience the wonders of Morocco, these are ideal for gap year people looking to experiment and get a flavour of the country for a short period of time. If you want to truly see the sights and sounds of authentic Morocco then our gap year programs are designed for you.

View programs where you can travel, learn, explore and have one of the best gap year experiences ever. Search gap year programs for students, graduates, career breaks and anyone seeking the experience of a lifetime. Morocco is a mere 3 hrs from the UK and the trips we have on our website are filled with excitement - designed to encapsulate the wonders of locations like Marrakech and Essaouira, offer breath taking views of the Atlas mountains, and experience the ways of the Berbers through community and cultural exchanges. There are cheap and budget options avilable and you can book ahead and join throughout the year.

Morocco gap year adventures are open to individuals and groups of all ages, you can join for short term period (usually 2 weeks) or stay longer. Opportunities are flexible and if you contact us we should be able to tailor your requirements to a specific program. If you are looking for a different type of experience you can study Arabic in Morocco. French and Tamazight language courses are also available whilst you can also join law and human rights internships here which is a great way to gain hands on work experience and get to live in a totally different culture.

Places you can visit include Marakesh and the stunning Sahara desert which is spectacular! Also if you are looking for a special experience you can combine community initiatives with off the beaten track travel experiences. You can join a brand new exciting 10 day program allowing individuals the opportunity to experience the wonders of Morocco, this is ideal for people looking to experiment and get a flavour of the country for a short period of time.