Is Morocco Safe for Tourists? Honest Advice

Petty theft, scams, women travellers, driving, the desert and emergency numbers: a practical, honest guide to staying safe and relaxed in Morocco.

Morocco welcomes millions of visitors every year, and most trips go smoothly. Like any busy destination, it has its irritations (persistent sellers, small scams, crowded medinas), but serious problems are rare. Here is our honest advice, based on years of guiding travellers.

The short answer

For most travellers, Morocco is a welcoming destination where a little awareness goes a long way. The main risks are petty theft and small scams in crowded places, not violent crime. Always check your own government's latest travel advice before you go, as situations can change.

Common scams and how to avoid them

"The road is closed." In the medina, a stranger may tell you the street ahead is closed and offer to show you another way, usually to a shop or a tannery where he earns a commission. Smile, say "no, thank you" and keep walking.
Unofficial guides. Self-appointed guides wait at the gates of the Marrakech and Fes medinas. Use only licensed guides, arranged through your hotel or your tour operator: our guided tour of the hidden medina is led by an accredited local guide.
Henna and photos on Jemaa el-Fna. Henna artists may start a design before you agree, and performers expect payment for photos. Agree the price first, or politely decline.
Taxis. In the cities, small taxis should use the meter. If the driver refuses, agree the fare before getting in.

Pickpockets and valuables

Keep your phone and wallet in a front pocket or a zipped bag in busy souks, on Jemaa el-Fna in the evening and at bus and train stations. Leave passports and spare cash in your hotel safe, and carry small dirham notes so you don't show a full wallet.

Women travellers

Many women travel in Morocco without problems, alone or with friends. Unwanted comments can happen in busy medinas; the best response is usually to ignore them and keep walking. Dressing modestly (shoulders and knees covered), travelling with a private driver-guide and choosing a well-run riad make things noticeably easier.

On the road and in the desert

Driving: main roads are generally good, but mountain roads are slow and winding, and driving at night is best avoided because of unlit vehicles, animals and pedestrians. A private driver who knows the routes removes most of the stress.
The desert: never venture into the dunes alone. Camps and camel rides should be organised by a reputable operator, and in summer the heat is a real risk: drink plenty and avoid the middle of the day.
The mountains: weather changes fast in the Atlas. Hike with a local guide, especially in winter.

Health basics

Most visitors drink bottled water, which is cheap and available everywhere. Use sunscreen and a hat all year, and carry your usual medicines. Travel insurance that covers medical care is strongly recommended.

Emergency numbers

Police: 19 (in towns)
Gendarmerie: 177 (in rural areas and on the roads)
Ambulance and fire: 15

Save your hotel's address and your guide's phone number in your phone before setting out.

Travelling with a local team

Much of the hassle disappears when someone local takes care of the logistics: airport pick-up, a driver who knows the roads, licensed guides in the medinas and reliable desert camps. That is exactly what our private tours do, from a 10-day tour from Casablanca to a fully tailor-made trip.

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