The Visa

Citizens of over 65 countries enter Morocco visa-free for up to 90 days. The list includes the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, all EU member states, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, and Brazil. If you hold one of these passports, you do not need to apply for anything in advance. You land, show your passport, fill out an entry card on the plane, and walk through.

Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of arrival. This is enforced. Airlines will check before you board.

The entry card asks for your name, passport number, accommodation address, and purpose of visit. Write "tourism." Write the name of your riad or hotel. That is it. The immigration officer may ask where you are staying and how long. Answer simply. Do not volunteer information. The process takes two to five minutes.

If you are not from a visa-exempt country, Morocco launched an e-Visa system in July 2022. You can apply online at the ONCF portal. Processing takes a few days. The e-Visa is a single-entry authorisation valid for 180 days, with a maximum stay of 30 days. Citizens of some countries may qualify for an e-Visa if they hold a valid residence permit from the US, Canada, EU/Schengen, UK, Australia, or UAE.

Overstaying the 90 days is a problem. You will be fined, possibly detained, and your next entry will be complicated. If you need to extend, visit the nearest police station before your 90 days expire and request an extension — but these are not routinely granted for tourism.

The dirham is a closed currency. You cannot buy dirhams outside Morocco. Exchange on arrival — there are bureaux de change in every airport, and ATMs dispense dirhams at bank rates. Carry some euros or dollars in cash as backup. Credit cards work at hotels and tourist restaurants. Everything else is cash.