Perhaps North Africa’s most easily explored country, Morocco has a charming mixture of attractions. There’s coastline on two enticing bodies of water – the warm Mediterranean and surfers’ paradise that is the Atlantic. But it also has hiking opportunities among the region’s highest mountains. And that’s before we even mention the evocative streets of the four imperial cities. All of which has probably got you asking – Do I Need a Visa to Visit Morocco?
Who Needs a Visa to Visit Morocco?
Approximately 65 nationalities no longer require a visa to visit Morocco as a tourist. They include citizens traveling on passports issued by the USA, Canada, UK, EU, Australia, and New Zealand. Most citizens of African nations do not need a visa either.
The full list of nationalities that do not need to apply for a visa to visit Morocco is: Algeria, Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Bulgaria, Brazil, Chile, Congo-Brazzaville, Côte d’Ivoire, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia (Czech Republic), Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Guinea-Conakry, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Latvia, Libya. Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Mali, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Niger, Norway, Oman, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Singapore, Slovakia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Tunisia, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, UK, USA, and Venezuela.
Instead, on reaching the Moroccan border you will be issued with a permit that allows you to stay in the country. This normally allows staying for up to 90 days. Make sure officials at the border stamp your passport. Otherwise, you will face difficulties when trying to return home.
Requirements for Entry Permits to Morocco
The requirements needed to receive an entry permit as a visitor to Morocco are relatively straightforward. Firstly, you will require a passport from one of the nations listed above. It must have a validity of at least six months from the date you intend to enter Morocco.
In theory, you’ll also need proof that you will be returning home within the permitted 90-day period. A ferry or air ticket is the most common proof provided.
If you are entering Morocco from a country with endemic yellow fever, including much of sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America, you’ll need to present an up-to-date yellow fever vaccination certificate too.
Can I Extend a Visa or Entry Permit?
Tourists can extend visas and entry permits at police stations throughout the country. However, officially you should do this within the first 15 days after arriving in the country. You may also face issues at the border because you won’t have a return ticket to present.
A much easier way of extending a stay in Morocco for those with visa-free travel to EU nations would be to cross the border into one of Spain’s territories in Morocco. You’ll then be given a further 90 days in Morocco on leaving Ceuta or Melilla. For more security, you might instead wish to apply for a visa in your home country.
Applying for a Visa to Visit Morocco
The visa process is a simple one. You will need to present proof of your return. There is also the possibility you will need to present evidence of your intent in the country, such as a booking from one of the many hotels in Morocco. You can find some trustworthy picks in our where to stay in Marrakesh guide. You may also require proof of funds. A scan or image of your latest bank statement will normally be enough. Visas are usually issued within a week. Moroccan embassies or mission are usually closed on Fridays, the Islamic day of rest.
Do I Need A Visa for Connecting Flights via Casablanca?
Those transiting through Mohammed V International Airport in Casablanca, the hub for Royal Air Maroc, do not require a visa whatever their nationality. Connecting flights must be already booked, and within 24 hours of landing in the country. Take a look at our Marrakesh travel guide and guide to the markets and souks of Marrakesh, and you’ll probably wish you were staying.
Exploring Magical Morocco
Once you’ve answered the question do I need a visa to visit Morocco, you’ll be free to start exploring the country’s many attractions. Tours in Morocco are as far-reaching as our Insider Marrakesh City Tour and our Jbilets Desert Buggy Tour from the same city.
