Yes, Morocco is generally a safe country for tourists, and millions of people visit each year without problems. Violent crime against visitors is rare. The issues you are most likely to meet are petty theft, persistent touts and overcharging in busy medinas, plus road risks on long drives. Normal city precautions are enough for most trips.
What the real risks are
It helps to separate annoyance from danger. Most complaints from travellers in Morocco concern hassle: someone insisting on showing the way, a taxi that will not use the meter, a price that triples for foreigners. These are irritating, not unsafe.
Real risks are the same ones you face in most popular destinations. Pickpocketing and bag snatching happen in crowded places such as Jemaa el-Fnaa in Marrakech, the Fes medina and busy bus stations. Road accidents are a more serious risk than crime, particularly at night on rural roads. Keep both in mind and you have covered most of what matters.
Conditions can change, so read your own government's current travel advice for Morocco before you leave. It is the right source for up-to-date security information.
Common scams and how to handle them
- "That street is closed": a stranger tells you the road, the square or the monument is closed and offers to lead you another way, usually to a shop or a tannery. Thank them and keep walking.
- Unofficial guides: people who attach themselves to you in the medina and ask for money at the end. Licensed guides carry an official badge. Book one through your riad or tour operator.
- Taxi fares: in cities, ask for the meter in a petit taxi or agree the fare before you get in. From airports, fixed rates are usually posted.
- Henna and photos: on Jemaa el-Fnaa, henna artists may grab your hand and start drawing, and animal handlers place a monkey or snake on you, then demand payment. Keep your hands to yourself and say no clearly.
- Restaurant bills: check that the bill matches the menu prices, and ask the price of anything brought without being ordered.
A firm "la, shukran" (no, thank you) without stopping is the most useful phrase you can learn.
Safety in cities and medinas
Medinas are busy, well populated and patrolled. Morocco has tourist police units in the main destinations, and you will see officers around the big squares and gates. Walking in the medina during the day and evening is fine. Late at night the lanes empty and it is easy to get lost, so take a taxi to the nearest gate or ask your riad to send someone to meet you.
- Carry your phone in a front pocket or zipped bag, and wear bags across the body.
- Watch for scooters in narrow lanes and keep to the right.
- Leave your passport in the riad safe and carry a copy.
- Take out only the cash you need for the day.
- Download an offline map before you go out.
Is Morocco safe for women and solo travellers?
Many women travel in Morocco alone and enjoy it. Unwanted comments and attention in the street do happen, mostly in tourist areas. It is rarely more than words, but it can be tiring. Dressing modestly, wearing sunglasses, walking with purpose and ignoring remarks all reduce it.
Choose accommodation with good recent reviews, avoid empty streets late at night and trust your instinct if a situation feels wrong. Travelling with a driver-guide removes most of the friction of getting between places. Our solo female travel tips for Morocco go into more detail.
Road and transport safety
Distances are long. Marrakech to Merzouga is about 560 km and takes nine to ten hours of driving, normally split over two days. The road over the High Atlas via the Tizi n'Tichka pass climbs to 2,260 metres with many bends. Main roads are paved and in decent condition, but driving standards vary, and animals, pedestrians and unlit vehicles are common after dark.
- Avoid driving outside cities at night.
- Wear a seat belt, including in the back.
- In winter, snow can close mountain passes for a few hours. Allow slack in your schedule.
- Trains between Tangier, Rabat, Casablanca, Fes and Marrakech are comfortable and reliable.
If you would rather not drive yourself, a private driver in Morocco who knows the roads is the simplest way to cover the mountain and desert sections. For a comparison, see renting a car versus hiring a private driver.
Health, food and water
Stomach upsets are the most common health problem. Most visitors drink bottled or filtered water, and it is sensible to do the same. Eat at busy places where food is cooked fresh and served hot, peel fruit yourself, and be cautious with salads at simple roadside stops.
The sun is strong, even in spring. Dehydration and sunburn catch out more travellers than anything else, especially in the desert. Drink regularly, wear a hat and use sunscreen. Pharmacies are found in every town and are marked with a green cross. Private clinics in the big cities are good, but payment is usually expected up front, so travel insurance with medical cover is important.
Desert, mountains and local laws
The Sahara around Merzouga and Zagora is calm and well used to visitors. The risks there are environmental: heat from June to August, cold nights from December to February, and getting lost if you walk away from camp in the dark. Stay with your guide, carry water and take a torch.
In the Atlas Mountains, a licensed local guide is required for treks in the Toubkal area. Weather changes fast above 3,000 metres, and winter ascents need proper equipment. A guided trip such as a Sahara desert tour from Marrakech includes transport, camps and local staff who know the terrain.
Drugs, including cannabis, are illegal. Alcohol is served in licensed hotels, bars and restaurants but should not be drunk in the street. Ask before photographing people, and do not photograph police or military buildings.
In an emergency, dial 19 for the police in cities and 15 for an ambulance or the fire service. Your riad or driver can also call for help and translate.
Frequently asked questions
Is Marrakech safe at night?
The main square and the busy streets around it are lively and safe in the evening. Quiet lanes deep in the medina are better avoided late at night, mainly because they are easy to get lost in.
Is it safe to travel to the Sahara desert?
Yes. The dune areas of Merzouga and Zagora are established tourist regions. Go with a local driver or guide, and prepare for heat or cold depending on the season.
Is tap water safe to drink in Morocco?
Tap water in cities is treated, but most visitors stick to bottled or filtered water to avoid stomach trouble. Use bottled water in rural areas.
Is Morocco safe for families with children?
Yes. Moroccans are very welcoming to children. Plan shorter driving days, keep hold of small children in medina lanes because of scooters, and protect them from the sun.
For a route planned around safe drives and trusted stops, ask Discover Morocco Tour for a free custom quote, answered within 24 hours.