Morocco

Recommended Vaccinations For Morocco

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis B Vaccine

There is a significant risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

Hepatitis A Vaccine

There is a significant risk of exposure to hepatitis A for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended. Infants 6 to 11 months old should also be vaccinated against the disease.

For Some Travellers

Rabies Vaccine

Vaccination against rabies is recommended for travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) who may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk and should be vaccinated.

Polio Vaccine

Vaccination with Oral Polio Vaccine or Inactivated Polio Vaccine should be administered between 4 weeks and 12 months prior to entry in Morocco.

Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccine

One dose of measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) is recommended to infants 6 to 11 months prior to international travel.

Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) Vaccine

A BCG vaccine is recommended for all unvaccinated adults and children under 16 years of age, staying in the country for more than 3 months. A tuberculin skin test is required prior to administering vaccination for all children from 6 years of age.

Typhoid Fever Vaccine

There is a risk of exposure to typhoid fever in this country through the consumption of unsafe food and water. Since exposure to unsafe sources is variable within this country, the vaccination against typhoid fever is generally recommended, especially when visiting smaller cities or rural areas, where food and water supplies may be contaminated.

Recommended Medications For Morocco

There are no recommendations for Morocco at this time.

Diseases To Be Aware of for Morocco

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis A

There is a significant risk for hepatitis A virus exposure in Morocco through contaminated food or water. Infection can still occur at tourist destinations and resorts.

Hepatitis B

There is a significant risk for acquiring hepatitis B in Morocco.

For Some Travellers

West Nile Fever

The virus is transmitted to animals, birds and humans by mosquitoes. Symptoms include fever, headache, tiredness, body aches, nausea, and skin rash.

Rift Valley Fever (RVF)

Commonly spread via contact with domesticated animals infected with the virus. These include cattle, buffalo, sheep, goats, and camels, among others.

Polio

There is no risk of polio in Morocco. However, a valid International Vaccination Certificate with proof of Polio vaccination is required from all travellers arriving from Polio-affected countries.

Hanta Virus

There is a risk of acquiring hantavirus in Morocco through contaminated food or by coming into contact with someone infected with the virus.

Schistosomiasis

The parasite that causes schistosomiasis is found in Morocco. It is acquired through contact with fresh water, such as swimming, bathing, or rafting. Well-chlorinated swimming pools and contact with saltwater in oceans or seas will not put travellers at risk for schistosomiasis.

Measles

There is a risk of exposure to measles in the country.

Leishmaniasis

In Morocco, leishmaniasis usually occurs from June through September in the following provinces: Agadir, Boulemane, Er Rachidia, Marrakech, Ouarzazate, Tata, and Tiznit. Leishmaniasis is more common in rural than urban areas. The risk of acquiring this illness is increased in travellers who spend time outdoors in rural areas and at night when sand flies typically feed.

Typhoid Fever

Unvaccinated people can become infected through contaminated food and water in Morocco, especially when visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where food and water sources may be contaminated.

Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis occurs in Morocco, including multi-drug resistant tuberculosis. Travellers are especially at risk if visiting sick friends or family, working in the health care field, or having close prolonged contact with the general population.

Rabies

Rabies occurs in this country. Bats may also carry rabies-like viruses. Travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) may have direct contact with rabid dogs and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk.

Safety & Security in Morocco

Personal Safety

Most travellers to Morocco do not experience safety and security problems. Petty crime, such as pickpocketing, assaults, muggings, and scams occur frequently in Morocco. Credit card fraud and thefts around ATMs are common. Always ensure your travel documents, valuables, and personal belongings are kept secure. Avoid showing any signs of affluence, such as expensive clothing, particularly after dark.

Never accept food or drink, invitations, or rides from strangers.

Morocco is a Muslim country. Respect the local customs and religion.

Travel in groups if possible. Women travelling alone may experience harassment and verbal abuse. Women should be prepared for the possibility of propositions, suggestive comments or catcalls, and ignore them. Female travellers should take cues from the local women - avoid wearing provocative, form-fitting clothing and maintain a formal demeanour at all times.

Same-sex relations are against the law in Morocco, and penalties include fines and jail terms.

Morocco has a high incidence of road accidents that involve fatalities. Road conditions vary depending on the area and the location. Drivers may not follow standard rules of driving.

In late 2018, two female hikers were murdered while hiking near Mount Toubkal, North Africa’s highest peak and a popular hiking destination. If you plan to hike, exercise caution and join a group hike or hire a registered guide.

Extreme Violence

Terrorists attacks are very common in Morocco. There is an increased threat linked to the number of Moroccans sympathetic or belonging to Daesh (formerly ISIL) and other extremist groups. There’s a threat of kidnapping against tourists in remote regions of Morocco as well as in areas bordering Algeria and Mauritania.

Political Unrest

Demonstrations and protests do occur in Morocco and are generally peaceful. Such events mostly occur in Rabat. Minimize safety risk by avoiding public and political gatherings and demonstrations since even peaceful protests can quickly and unexpectedly escalate and become violent.

Areas To Avoid

The legal and political status of Western Sahara, a non-autonomous territory, is undetermined. Western Sahara’s status as part of Morocco is disputed. A mostly sand wall, ‘the Berm’, separates: areas controlled by Morocco and areas controlled by an independence movement known as the Polisario. If travellers need to visit Western Sahara, travel should be restricted to official tourist areas due to the risk of unexploded landmines from previous conflict. Do not travel in remote areas or in the desert areas in the south without an official guide recommended by a hotel or travel agency.

The border between Morocco and Algeria is closed. Do not attempt to cross into Algeria by land.