Essaouira

Entry requirements vary by passport; check your specific requirements on the Morocco destination page at Yoogo.

Morocco uses the Moroccan Dirham (MAD). Cards are accepted at hotels, larger restaurants, and some shops in tourist areas, but cash is essential in souks, medinas, and smaller towns. ATMs are widely available in cities. Note that dirhams cannot be taken out of the country, so exchange or spend any remaining currency before you depart.

Morocco is generally considered safe for tourists, and millions visit each year without incident. As with any destination, stay alert in busy souks and medinas where petty theft can occur, keep valuables secure, and be cautious when accepting unsolicited guide offers. Women travelling solo should be aware of occasional street harassment and dress modestly outside resort areas. Always check your government's current travel advisory before departure.

Morocco has a growing rail network (ONCF) connecting major cities such as Casablanca, Rabat, Marrakech, and Fes, and it is comfortable and affordable. CTM and Supratours coaches serve routes not covered by rail. Grand taxis (shared long-distance cabs) fill in the gaps between smaller towns. Within cities, petit taxis are metered and inexpensive. Ridesharing apps such as Careem also operate in larger urban centres.

Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) offer the most pleasant temperatures across the country, typically 18-26 degrees Celsius, making them ideal for city exploration and desert tours alike. Summer can be intensely hot inland, especially in Marrakech and the Sahara, while the Atlantic coast stays relatively cool. Winter brings snow to the High Atlas and mild weather in coastal cities, and it is the best season for skiing near Oukaïmeden.

Morocco's official languages are Arabic and Tamazight (Berber). Darija, a distinct Moroccan Arabic dialect, is the everyday spoken language. French is widely used in business, government, and tourism, and many people in northern cities such as Tangier and Chefchaouen also speak Spanish. English is increasingly understood in tourist areas. Learning a few words of Arabic or French will be warmly received.

No vaccinations are mandatory for entry into Morocco for most travellers, though your doctor may recommend staying up to date on routine jabs (MMR, tetanus, hepatitis A and B). Travellers visiting rural areas or spending extended time in the country may be advised to consider typhoid and rabies vaccines. Tap water is generally not safe to drink; stick to bottled or purified water to avoid gastrointestinal illness. Always consult a travel health clinic at least four to six weeks before your trip.