Is Morocco Safe? A Practical Safety Guide
The way to answer this is to read the official advice. This guide summarizes what the UK, US and Canadian governments say about terrorism, crime, laws, the outdoors and emergencies, with the dates of their pages.
Sources checked 2026-10-23: the UK government’s Morocco travel advice on gov.uk (still current on 23 October 2026, last updated 19 August 2026), the US State Department’s Morocco advisory (Level 2 issued 4 September 2026) and the Canadian government’s Morocco page (updated 26 May 2026). We report what these pages say and do not add our own risk ratings. Check the pages again before you travel, because advisories change.
The advisory levels
| Government | Position |
|---|---|
| United States | Level 2, “Exercise increased caution”, because of terrorism |
| Canada | “Exercise a high degree of caution”, with regional advisories |
| United Kingdom | detailed advice on terrorism, crime, laws and activities, no single level given in the pages we read |
Canada advises against all travel within 30 km west of the Berm in Western Sahara and within 20 km of the Algerian border, and against non-essential travel to Western Sahara.
Terrorism and protests
The UK page says the threat from terrorism is high globally and names transport hubs, tourist sites, government buildings, crowded places and Western-linked businesses as possible targets in Morocco. The US page advises staying aware of your surroundings and alert in tourist spots, and enrolling in its STEP alert program. Canada gives one concrete example: in December 2018, two Scandinavian tourists were found dead in a mountain area about 10 km from Imlil, which Moroccan authorities described as a terrorist act. It advises not hiking alone in remote mountain regions. The UK page adds that protests mostly happen in large cities and can turn into clashes, so avoid gatherings.
Crime and scams
All three governments name medinas, markets, parks and beaches as the places for petty crime such as pickpocketing and bag snatching. The UK page also mentions drive-by motorcycle theft and aggressive begging near ATMs. It says occasional violent crime, including knife attacks, has affected tourists, and Canada says that knives have been used in robberies and advises not to resist. Both warn about card and ATM fraud: cover the PIN pad, avoid unusual card readers and use ATMs in banks or public places.
The UK page warns about bogus guides in medinas and says to check an official badge and local authority permission before using one. Canada advises hiring only official guides recommended by hotels, travel agencies or local tourist authorities.
Alcohol, drugs and other laws
- Methanol. The UK page says alcoholic drinks containing methanol have caused deaths and serious illness in Morocco, and that you cannot detect methanol by taste or smell.
- Alcohol is legal only in licensed venues, and drinking in the street or elsewhere can lead to arrest (UK page).
- Drugs. The UK page says to expect a long jail sentence and heavy fines, including for cannabis and including when merely transiting.
- Drones. The UK page says you need advance permission from the Directorate General for Civil Aviation. Canada says drones and surveillance equipment are prohibited and will be confiscated on entry.
- Photography. Do not photograph palaces, diplomatic missions or government buildings (US page), and ask permission before photographing people, especially children (UK page).
- Relationships. Same-sex relations are illegal, and public affection can lead to prosecution. The UK page says the rule on unmarried couples sharing a hotel room does not generally apply to visiting foreigners in popular tourist areas, but hotels may still refuse.
- Religion. The UK page says it is illegal to try to convert a Muslim, with up to 3 years in prison.
- Ramadan. The UK page says Ramadan 2027 starts around 7 February. Eating, drinking and smoking in public in daylight may offend.
Women travelers
The UK page suggests loose clothing that covers the arms, legs and chest. We found no further official guidance specific to women travelers.
Outdoors, roads and natural hazards
- Hiking and adventure activities. The UK page says providers may not meet UK safety standards, and that some insurance policies will not cover these activities. It advises researching trails, hiring a professional guide and taking insurance that covers your plans. Balloon flights should be booked only through licensed operators, and quad bikers should always wear a helmet.
- Desert and mountains. Canada advises official guides only, a four-wheel drive for off-road routes and carrying water and supplies.
- Beaches. Many have limited or no lifeguard cover and strong currents. Do not swim in dams or rivers, where mud and steep slopes can trap people.
- Weather and quakes. The UK page says the 2023 earthquake killed almost 3,000 people and that minor earthquakes occur. Flash floods are a risk in winter near rivers and in the mountains.
- Driving. The UK page says you need both the 1968 International Driving Permit and your licence, and a green card from your insurer. Canada advises against driving at night and says national roads can be narrow and congested.
- Taxis. The UK page says ride-share apps may be unregulated, and to agree a fare or check the meter.
Emergency numbers and insurance
The UK page lists ambulance and fire 150, police 190 and gendarmerie 177. Keep your insurer’s assistance number offline too. Our insurance guide covers what the governments advise. For entry rules see the visa guide.
Frequently asked questions
Is Morocco safe for tourists?
The US rates Morocco Level 2 and Canada advises a high degree of caution, mainly because of terrorism and crime in tourist areas. Read the advice for your own country before you go.
What is the main crime risk?
Petty theft in medinas, markets and beaches, per all three governments.
Can I drink alcohol in Morocco?
Only in licensed venues, per the UK page, which also warns about methanol in drinks.
Can I fly a drone?
Not without prior permission, per the UK page. Canada says drones are confiscated on entry.
What are the emergency numbers?
150 for ambulance and fire, 190 for police and 177 for the gendarmerie, per gov.uk.
Sources
- UK government travel advice for Morocco
- Government of Canada travel advice for Morocco
- US State Department Morocco travel advisory
Last checked: 24 October 2026. Timetables and fares move around, so check the operator’s page before you commit.
