Passports et Visas

Les ressortissants des pays suivants n’ont pas besoin de visa pour voyager au Maroc :

Algérie, Allemagne, Andorre, Arabie Saoudite, Argentine, Australie, Autriche, Bahreïn, Belgique, Brésil, Bulgarie, Canada, Chili, Chypre, Congo, Corée du Sud, Côte-d’Ivoire, Croatie, Danemark, Emirats Arabes Unis, , États-Unis, Estonie, Finlande, France, Grèce, Hong Kong, Hongrie, Indonésie, Irlande, Italie, Japon, Koweït, Lettonie, Libye, Liechtenstein, Lituanie, Luxembourg, Mali, Malte, Mexique, Monaco, Nigéria , Norvège, Nouvelle-Guinée, Nouvelle-Zélande, Oman, Pays-Bas, Pérou, Pologne, Portugal, Porto Rico, Qatar, Royaume-Uni, République tchèque, Roumanie, Sénégal, Slovaquie, Slovénie, Singapour, Suède, Suisse, Tunisie, Turquie et Venezuela.

Concernant les autres pays, nous vous conseillons de contacter l’ambassade marocaine de votre pays ou de vous renseigner sur le site internet du Ministère des Affaires Etrangères du Maroc

Assurance

It can be useful to take out an insurance policy covering, loss of belongings, theft and cancellation. Morocco does not have any reciprocal health care agreements with other countries, so taking out comprehensive medical insurance is recommended.

Monnaie

Debit cards and credit cards such as Visa and MasterCard are accepted in most shops and restaurants. American Express is less widely accepted. Be aware that credit cards often attract a surcharge of 2.5 per cent from Moroccan businesses. ATMs are widely available in towns and cities, although most will issue no more than 2,000Dh at a time. It is always worth carrying some cash, as many smaller businesses and markets, especially in more remote areas, still accept cash only. If you’re travelling in out- of-the-way places, make sure you have enough cash to last until you get to a decent-sized town.

Tipping is an ingrained part of Moroccan society. Almost any service rendered will warrant a tip. Keep a stash of small denomination notes for this purpose.

Langues

There are two official languages in Morocco – Arabic and Tamazight (Berber). The version of Arabic spoken is known as Darija, which is a dialect of standard Arabic. Most educated Moroccans also speak French. Signs in the country are in Arabic and French. Some also speak Spanish, especially in the north, in the areas that were once colonized by Spain. Many Moroccans, particularly those working in tourism, will also speak some English.

Jours fériés et fermetures

Fridays Some businesses close on the Muslim holy day, particularly in the souks and traditional parts of town.
Saturdays The official working week is Monday– Friday, and many business only open for a half day on Saturday.
Sundays All public businesses and banks are closed, as are many shops.
Public holidays Schools and public services are closed for the day; shops, museums and attractions either close early or for the day.

Sécurité personnelle

Beware of pickpockets in crowded tourist areas such as the souks. In Marrakech visitors have had their bags snatched by thieves on scooters. Use your common sense and be alert to your surroundings. If you have anything stolen, report the crime as soon as possible at the nearest office of the tourist police (Brigade Touristique). Get a copy of the crime report to claim on your insurance. Contact your embassy or consulate if your passport is stolen or in the event of a serious crime or accident.

Santé

For minor ailments go to a pharmacy or chemist, which are usually very well stocked and have knowledgeable staff. These are plentiful in towns and cities. If you have an accident or medical problem requiring non-urgent medical attention, ask at your hotel for a doctor, or go
to the nearest hospital. Embassy websites sometimes list doctors and clinics. You will have to pay for medical treatment on the spot, including any supplies used.

Cigarette, Alcool et Drogues

Moroccan law prohibits smoking in most public buildings but this is rarely enforced.
Although Muslims are forbidden to drink alcohol, Morocco is a moderate Islamic country. It has bars – although not many – and most restaurants, especially those frequented by foreigners, serve beer, wine and spirits.
While hashish, known locally as kif, is illegal, plenty of Moroccans smoke it. Visitors may well be offered kif for sale, particularly in the Rif, but the penalty for buying or smoking hashish is ten years’ imprisonment. It is best avoided.

Papiers d’identité

Visitors to Morocco are not required to carry ID at all times, but it is a good idea to keep a photocopy of the information pages of your passport on your person.
Non-Muslims are not allowed inside mosques and religious shrines in Morocco. The one exception is the Hassan II Mosque (p110) in Casablanca and the old Tin Mal mosque (p269), which non-Muslims can visit as part of a guided tour.

Us et Coutumes

Islam is the state religion, and the king of Morocco is the leader of the faithful. It is thus considered very bad form to criticize religion. It is also ill-mannered to disturb someone while they are at prayer. It is above all during Ramadan that certain rules must be obeyed. The fast of Ramadan is strictly observed in Morocco, and many dining establishments close during daylight hours as a result. Non-Muslims should avoid eating and drinking in public.

Codes Vestimentaires

To avoid offense and being stared at, female visitors to Morocco should dress modestly, particularly when travelling outside the big cities. In practice, this means covering the shoulders and not wearing shorts. Dresses and skirts should be at least knee length. It is not necessary to cover your hair.

LGBT

Homosexuality is illegal in Morocco, and is technically punishable by up to three years of imprisonment. However, this is rarely enforced, and this law does not apply to non-Moroccan same-sex partners visiting the country. Morocco is, in fact, a popular holiday destination for members of the LGBT community. As with same-sex couples, LGBT travelers should use discretion. Public displays of affection by both gay and straight couples are generally frowned upon, and should be avoided since Morocco’s largely Muslim population are extremely conservative in this regard.

Marchandage

You may bitterly disappoint a trader if you do not show a willingness to indulge in their ritual of bargaining, a custom that is very dear to them. Bargaining revolves around the considerable difference between the price quoted by the buyer and that offered by the seller, and the slow process by which the two arrive at a mutually fair figure. The whole process is treated like a game, so keep smiling, be polite and enjoy the spectacle. A third of
the asking price is a good place to start. If you manage to get a good deal, you may feel that you have undercut the seller – don’t worry, they wouldn’t sell it if they weren’t making a profit.

Taxes et Remboursements

VAT of 20 per cent is levied on most goods and services. Visitors may be eligible for a refund on presentation of a receipt for purchases of over 2,000Dh. This service is available at Casablanca and Marrakech airports only.

1- MÉDINAS MÉDIÉVALES

A medina is an historic old city, of which Morocco has many. Laced with twisting alleys and full of hidden treasures, they are fabulous places to explore and lose yourself in time.

2- LA VILLE D’ESSAOUIRA

This small blue-and-white city on the Atlantic coast has long been associated with music and the arts, and is famed for its laidback, sea-salted, bohemian charm.

3- LA GASTRONOMIE

From slow-cooked meat tagines to freshly picked figs with homemade yogurt, Moroccan food is often simple but packed with flavour from local herbs, spices and regional ingredients.

4- L’ÉLÉGANCE MAROCAINE

Fashion designers the world over have found inspiration in the vibrant colors and sumptuous textures of Morocco, from Yves Saint Laurent to Tom Ford.

5- LA MAGIE DE JEMAA EL-FNA

Every night storytellers entrance audiences, charmers cast spells and Gnaoua musicians play on Marrakech’s main square. It is the most otherworldly of places.

6- LES RANDONNÉES DANS LE HAUT ATLAS

The High Atlas mountains offer numerous trails suitable for both beginners and experts, taking in isolated mountain villages and spectacular scenery.

7- RIADS

A riad is a traditional townhouse with a courtyard garden. In recent years, many have been turned into intimate boutique hotels brimming with Moroccan charm.

8- PAYSAGES CINÉMATIQUES

You may experience déjà vu in Morocco – the country’s stunning scenery has starred in countless TV shows and blockbusters, from Gladiator to Game of Thrones.

9- LE THÉ À LA MENTHE

Made with fresh mint, Moroccan tea is refreshing even in the hottest weather. Moroccan hospitality is such that visitors may be offered it dozen times a day or more.

10- L’ARCHITECTURE

Most mosques may be out of bounds, but there are plenty of other historic buildings, from tombs to royal palaces, lavishly adorned with colourful tiling and intricate plasterwork.

11- SURFER SUR LA COTE ATLANTIQUE

The Atlantic swell on Morocco’s windswept southern shores is legendary. For something really special head down to the picturesque surfers’ enclave of Sidi Ifni.

12- LES SOUKS DE MARRAKECH

Every town and city has souks selling all manner of goods; the best are in the dusky-pink city of Marrakech .. Here you will find the most appealing mix of trinkets and treasures.