Morocco Health and Safety: Complete Guide

HEALTH INFORMATION

Required Vaccinations

No Mandatory Vaccinations for most travelers

Exception: Yellow Fever

• Required if arriving from yellow fever endemic countries
• Endemic areas include: Sub-Saharan Africa, parts of South America
• Must show valid vaccination certificate
• Vaccination must be at least 10 days old
• Certificate valid for life

Countries Requiring Yellow Fever Certificate: Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Congo, Côte d'Ivoire, DRC, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Togo, Uganda, plus parts of Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, Venezuela

Recommended Vaccinations

Routine Vaccinations (Ensure Up-to-Date):

• MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)
• DTP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis)
• Polio
• Varicella (Chickenpox)
• Influenza (Flu shot)

Recommended Travel Vaccinations:

Hepatitis A:

• Highly recommended for all travelers
• Transmitted through contaminated food/water
• Common risk in Morocco
• Two-dose series (0 and 6-12 months)
• Protection: 20+ years

Hepatitis B:

• Recommended for longer stays
• Recommended if medical procedures possible
• Transmitted through blood/bodily fluids
• Three-dose series (0, 1, 6 months)
• Protection: Lifelong

Typhoid:

• Recommended for most travelers
• Especially if eating street food
• Transmitted through contaminated food/water
• Oral vaccine (4 doses) or injection (1 dose)
• Protection: 5 years (injection), 3 years (oral)

Rabies:

• Consider for adventure travelers
• Recommended if extensive outdoor activities
• Recommended if working with animals
• Pre-exposure: 3 doses
• Many stray dogs and cats in Morocco
• Post-exposure still needs treatment, but fewer shots

Tetanus:

• Ensure up-to-date (every 10 years)
• Important for wound risks

Meningitis (Meningococcal):

• Consider during dry season (November-May)
• Meningitis belt proximity
• Crowded conditions increase risk

Travel Insurance

Absolutely Essential

What to Look For:

• Medical coverage: Minimum $50,000
• Emergency evacuation: $100,000+
• Repatriation coverage
• Adventure sports coverage (if applicable)
• Pre-existing condition coverage
• 24/7 assistance line
• Direct billing to hospitals (not just reimbursement)

Recommended Providers:

• World Nomads
• SafetyWing
• Allianz Global Assistance
• IMG Global
• Seven Corners

Activities Requiring Special Coverage:

• Trekking (especially Atlas Mountains)
• Desert camping
• Quad biking/ATVs
• Camel riding
• Water sports
• Rock climbing

Cost: $50-150 for 2-week trip

What's Typically NOT Covered:

• Motorcycle accidents (unless coverage purchased)
• Drone accidents
• Injuries while intoxicated
• War/terrorism (sometimes)
• Pre-existing conditions (unless disclosed and covered)

Hospitals and Medical Facilities

Hospital Standards:

• Major cities: Good to excellent private hospitals
• Small towns: Basic clinics
• Rural areas: Limited facilities
• Private hospitals much better than public
• Insurance/cash payment required upfront

Major Hospitals by City

CASABLANCA:

Clinique du Parc

• Address: Bd Fal Ould Oumeir, Casablanca
• Phone: +212-522-25-49-49
• Services: 24/7 emergency, all specialties
• English spoken: Yes
• Quality: Excellent

Centre Hospitalier Ibn Rochd

• Address: 1 Rue des Hôpitaux, Casablanca
• Phone: +212-522-48-20-20
• Services: Public teaching hospital
• Quality: Good but crowded

Clinique Zerktouni

• Address: 7 Rue Jbel Zerktouni, Casablanca
• Phone: +212-522-26-80-00
• Services: Private, multi-specialty
• English spoken: Yes

RABAT:

Clinique Avicenne

• Address: 54 Rue Oued Baht, Agdal
• Phone: +212-537-68-68-00
• Services: 24/7, modern facility
• English spoken: Yes

Hôpital Cheikh Zaid

• Address: Rabat Souissi
• Phone: +212-537-77-77-77
• Services: Royal hospital, excellent care
• English spoken: Yes

MARRAKECH:

Polyclinique du Sud

• Address: Rue de Yougoslavie, Guéliz
• Phone: +212-524-44-79-99
• Services: 24/7 emergency, Western standards
• English spoken: Yes
• Popular with tourists

Hôpital Ibn Tofail

• Address: Avenue Allal El Fassi
• Phone: +212-524-44-88-77
• Services: Public teaching hospital
• Quality: Basic

International Medical Center (IMC)

• Address: Ave Ibn Aicha, Hivernage
• Phone: +212-524-44-92-92
• Services: Clinic, not full hospital
• English spoken: Yes

AGADIR:

Clinique Al Madina

• Address: Rue Othman Ibn Affane
• Phone: +212-528-84-01-01
• Services: 24/7, good standard
• English spoken: Some staff

Hôpital Hassan II

• Address: Hay Dakhla
• Phone: +212-528-84-16-16
• Services: Public regional hospital
• Quality: Basic

FES:

Clinique Atlas Fès

• Address: Ave Allal El Fassi
• Phone: +212-535-65-16-16
• Services: Private, good standard
• English spoken: Limited

TANGIER:

Clinique Internationale de Tanger

• Address: 58 Rue Achra Mai
• Phone: +212-539-32-15-15
• Services: Private hospital
• English spoken: Yes

ESSAOUIRA:

Hôpital Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah

• Address: Route d'Agadir
• Phone: +212-524-47-57-16
• Services: Public hospital
• Quality: Basic

OUARZAZATE:

Hôpital Mohammed V

• Address: Avenue Mohammed V
• Phone: +212-524-88-23-18
• Services: Regional public hospital
• Quality: Basic

Pharmacies

Availability:

• Excellent in cities (every few blocks)
• Called "Pharmacie" (green cross sign)
• Well-stocked
• Pharmacists knowledgeable
• Many medications available without prescription
• 24-hour pharmacies in major cities (rotating schedule)

What You Can Buy Without Prescription:

• Antibiotics (most)
• Birth control pills
• Some pain medications
• Antihistamines
• Stomach medications
• First aid supplies

What Requires Prescription:

• Narcotics
• Strong painkillers
• Psychotropic medications
• Some controlled substances

Costs:

• Generally cheaper than Western countries
• Generic medications widely available
• Brand names cost more

Finding 24-Hour Pharmacy:

• Look for "Pharmacie de Garde" signs
• Posted on pharmacy doors
• Ask at hotel
• Call 160 (emergency number)

Common Health Issues

Traveler's Diarrhea ("Morocco Belly")

• Incidence: 30-50% of travelers
• Causes: Different bacteria, contaminated food/water
• Duration: 3-5 days typically
• Prevention:
  • Avoid tap water
  • Peel fruits yourself
  • Avoid raw vegetables (unless washed in safe water)
  • Choose busy restaurants
  • Watch ice in drinks
  • Wash hands frequently
• Treatment:
  • Stay hydrated (oral rehydration salts)
  • Imodium for symptom relief
  • Antibiotics if severe (Ciprofloxacin 500mg)
  • See doctor if bloody stools, fever, or lasts >5 days

Dehydration

• Risk: High, especially summer and desert
• Symptoms: Headache, dark urine, dizziness, fatigue
• Prevention:
  • Drink 3-4 liters water daily
  • More in heat/when hiking
  • Add electrolytes
  • Avoid excessive caffeine/alcohol
• Treatment: Oral rehydration solution, rest, shade

Respiratory Infections

• Causes: Dust, pollution, air conditioning, smoking
• Symptoms: Cough, sore throat, congestion
• Prevention:
  • Dust mask in dusty areas
  • Stay hydrated
  • Avoid smoking areas
• Treatment: Rest, fluids, throat lozenges, antihistamines

Skin Problems

• Sunburn: Very common
  • Use SPF 50+
  • Reapply every 2 hours
  • Hat and sunglasses essential
  • Cover up 11 AM - 3 PM
• Fungal infections: From hammams
  • Wear sandals in wet areas
  • Dry thoroughly
  • Antifungal cream
• Insect bites: Mosquitoes, sandflies
  • Use DEET 30-50%
  • Cover up at dawn/dusk
  • Bed net if needed

Drinking Water Safety

Tap Water:

• Generally NOT safe to drink
• Safe for brushing teeth (spit, don't swallow)
• Safe for showering
• Luxury hotels may have filtered water
• When in doubt, use bottled

Safe Water Options:

• Bottled water (check seal intact)
• Brands: Sidi Ali, Sidi Harazem, Ain Saiss, Oulmès
• Cost: 5-8 MAD for 1.5L
• Available everywhere
• Sparkling water: Oulmès (very good)

Water Purification:

• Boiling: 1 minute (3 minutes above 2,000m)
• Iodine tablets: Follow instructions
• Water filter: Sawyer, LifeStraw, Katadyn
• UV purifier: SteriPEN
• Essential for trekking

Food Safety

Safe Foods:

• Freshly cooked hot food
• Bread (baked daily)
• Packaged foods (check seal)
• Fruits you peel yourself
• Well-cooked meat
• Boiled eggs
• Pasteurized dairy

Risky Foods:

• Raw vegetables (unless washed properly)
• Salads at street stalls
• Unpasteurized dairy
• Undercooked meat
• Shellfish
• Buffets (sitting long time)
• Ice (made from tap water)
• Street food (proceed with caution)

Food Safety Tips:

• "Cook it, peel it, boil it, or forget it"
• Busy restaurants = fresh food
• Watch food preparation
• Avoid food at room temperature
• Morning street food fresher than evening

Altitude Sickness

Risk Areas:

• High Atlas Mountains (3,000m+)
• Toubkal region (4,167m)
• Trekking routes

Symptoms:

• Mild: Headache, nausea, fatigue, dizziness
• Moderate: Severe headache, vomiting, weakness
• Severe: Confusion, difficulty breathing, coma

Prevention:

• Ascend gradually (300-500m per day above 3,000m)
• Acclimatize in Imlil (1,740m) before Toubkal
• Stay hydrated
• Avoid alcohol first days
• Light meals
• Consider Diamox (acetazolamide)

Treatment:

• Mild: Rest, hydrate, pain relievers
• Moderate: Descend 500m
• Severe: Descend immediately, medical evacuation

Heat Exhaustion and Heatstroke

Risk Times:

• Summer (June-September)
• Desert regions (year-round)
• Midday activities

Heat Exhaustion Symptoms:

• Heavy sweating
• Weakness
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Headache

Heatstroke Symptoms (Medical Emergency):

• No sweating
• Confusion
• Seizures
• Loss of consciousness
• Temperature >40°C (104°F)

Prevention:

• Drink water constantly
• Rest during hottest hours (11 AM - 4 PM)
• Wear light, loose clothing
• Hat and sunglasses
• Seek shade
• Gradual heat acclimatization

Treatment:

• Move to shade/AC
• Remove excess clothing
• Cool with water/fan
• Sip water slowly
• Oral rehydration solution
• Heatstroke: Emergency medical attention

Sun Protection

UV Index: Very high (8-11), especially summer

Protection:

• SPF 50+ sunscreen
• Reapply every 2 hours
• Water-resistant formula
• Lip balm with SPF
• Sunglasses (UV400)
• Wide-brimmed hat
• Light, long-sleeved clothing
• Avoid 11 AM - 3 PM sun

Sunburn Treatment:

• Cool compress
• Aloe vera gel
• Ibuprofen for pain
• Stay hydrated
• Stay out of sun

Insect-Borne Diseases

Malaria:

• Risk: Very low to none in tourist areas
• Risk areas: None currently
• Prophylaxis: Not recommended for Morocco
• Note: Morocco declared malaria-free in 2010

Dengue Fever:

• Risk: None currently

Leishmaniasis:

• Risk: Present in rural areas
• Transmission: Sandfly bites
• Prevention: Insect repellent, long sleeves at dusk, bed nets
• Symptoms: Skin sores (weeks to months after bite)
• Treatment: Requires medical care

Mosquitoes:

• Present, especially near water
• No major disease risk, but bites annoying
• Use DEET repellent
• Wear long sleeves at dawn/dusk
• Close windows/use screens

Prescription Medications

Bringing Medications:

• Keep in original packaging
• Carry prescription copy
• Doctor's letter (in English/French)
• Generic name (not just brand)
• Quantity for personal use (up to 3 months)
• Declare at customs if large amounts

Controlled Substances:

• Strong painkillers need documentation
• Psychotropic medications need approval
• Check with Moroccan embassy before travel

Buying Medications:

• Many available without prescription
• Cheaper than Western countries
• Generic brands widely available
• Pharmacists can recommend treatments

Emergency Numbers

National Emergency Numbers:

• Police: 19 or 190
• Fire/Medical Emergency: 15 or 150
• Highway Emergency: 177
• Poison Control: +212-537-68-64-64
• Tourist Police: 19 (in tourist areas)

International SOS:

• Morocco Office: +212-522-97-60-00
• Global Alarm Center: +65-6338-7800

Ambulance:

• Public: 15 (free but basic)
• Private: Better equipped, costs 200-500 MAD
• Major cities have private ambulance services

Embassies (Medical Emergencies)

US Embassy (Rabat):

• Phone: +212-537-63-72-00
• After hours: +212-661-13-19-39
• Email: Rabatemergencyusc@state.gov

British Embassy (Rabat):

• Phone: +212-537-63-33-33
• After hours: +44-207-008-5000

Canadian Embassy (Rabat):

• Phone: +212-537-68-74-00
• After hours: +1-613-996-8885

Australian Embassy (Rabat):

• Phone: +212-537-77-40-40

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SAFETY INFORMATION

Crime Rates

Overall Safety:

• Morocco is generally safe for tourists
• Violent crime against tourists rare
• Petty crime (pickpocketing, scams) more common
• Safer than many European cities
• Women travelers face more harassment
• Tourist police present in major cities

Crime Statistics:

• Homicide rate: Very low (2.5 per 100,000)
• Violent crime against tourists: Rare
• Petty theft: Moderate to high in tourist areas
• Scams: Common in tourist zones

Common Scams

1. Fake Guides

• Scam: Unlicensed "guide" offers free help
• Reality: Takes to shops for commission, demands payment
• Avoidance: Decline help politely, hire licensed guides only
• Response: "La, shukran" (No, thanks) and walk away

2. Closed/Lost Scam

• Scam: Told your hotel/destination is closed/moved
• Reality: Want to take you elsewhere for commission
• Avoidance: Confirm nothing is closed, ignore advice
• Response: Continue to original destination

3. Carpet Shop Scam

• Scam: "Free" tea, then aggressive sales tactics
• Reality: Uncomfortable pressure to buy overpriced items
• Avoidance: Don't accept tea unless willing to shop
• Response: Firm "no" and leave if uncomfortable

4. Friendship Scam

• Scam: Local befriends you, shows you around
• Reality: Leads to shops (commission) or demands payment
• Avoidance: Be skeptical of overly friendly strangers
• Response: Clear boundaries, decline shop visits

5. Photo Scam

• Scam: Snake charmers, water sellers, henna women
• Reality: Demand high payment after photo
• Avoidance: Ask price first, or decline
• Response: Agree on price beforehand (10-20 MAD)

6. Wrong Change

• Scam: Given incorrect change
• Reality: Hoping you won't notice
• Avoidance: Know currency, count change immediately
• Response: Politely point out error

7. Taxi Meter "Broken"

• Scam: Driver claims meter broken
• Reality: Wants to charge more
• Avoidance: Insist on meter or agree price before entering
• Response: Exit and find another taxi

8. Student Helper

• Scam: "Student" offers to practice English
• Reality: Leads to shops or demands money
• Avoidance: Polite decline
• Response: "I'm busy, thank you"

9. Spice Market Scam

• Scam: Given free spices to smell
• Reality: Spices dumped in your bag, charged high price
• Avoidance: Don't accept "free" samples in bags
• Response: Refuse firmly if happens

10. Fake Police

• Scam: Fake police demand passport/money
• Reality: Trying to rob you
• Avoidance: Real police have ID, don't give passport
• Response: Ask to go to police station

11. Restaurant Bill Padding

• Scam: Extra items added to bill
• Reality: Bread, olives, "service" not ordered
• Avoidance: Check prices before ordering, review bill carefully
• Response: Query items, refuse to pay for unordered items

12. Parking "Helpers"

• Scam: Unofficial attendants demand large tips
• Reality: Not official, just opportunistic
• Avoidance: Give 5 MAD, standard tip
• Response: "Hanya 5 dirhams" (Only 5 dirhams)

Areas to Avoid

Generally Safe Cities: All major tourist cities are generally safe, but use caution in:

Marrakech:

• Djemaa el-Fna at night (pickpockets)
• Quiet areas of medina at night
• Bab Doukkala area late at night

Casablanca:

• Derb Ghallef market (pickpockets)
• Old medina at night
• Empty beaches at night
• Peripheral neighborhoods

Tangier:

• Old medina at night (improved recently)
• Grand Socco area late night
• Beach areas after dark

Fes:

• Deep medina alleys at night
• Bab Guissa area at night

General Avoidance:

• Empty medina alleys at night
• Unlit areas
• Peripheral neighborhoods
• Beaches at night
• Protests/demonstrations

Women Travelers

Reality:

• Street harassment common
• Catcalling, staring, comments
• Rarely escalates beyond verbal
• More common in tourist areas and cities
• Less in rural areas and with local women

Dressing:

• Cover shoulders and knees
• Loose clothing preferred
• Headscarf not required (except mosques)
• Marrakech/Agadir more relaxed than Fes/Meknes
• Beaches: one-piece swimsuit better than bikini

Harassment Reduction:

• Confident body language
• Sunglasses (avoid eye contact)
• Headphones (even if not playing music)
• Wedding ring (fake is fine)
• Ignore catcalls (don't engage)
• Stay in busy areas
• Walk purposefully

Responses:

• "La" (No) firmly
• "Seer" (Go away)
• "Shouma" (Shame on you)
• "Hshuma" (Have some respect)
• Find older woman for help if needed
• Tourist police if serious

Safety Tips:

• Travel with others when possible
• Join group tours in medinas
• Use female guides
• Sit near families on transport
• Women-only train cars available
• Stay in riads run by women

LGBT Travelers

Legal Status:

• Homosexuality illegal in Morocco
• Article 489: Up to 3 years imprisonment
• Rarely enforced against tourists
• More risk for locals

Reality:

• LGBT community exists underground
• Urban areas more tolerant
• Discretion essential
• No public displays of affection (straight or gay)
• Hotels rarely have issues with same-sex couples

Safety Tips:

• Be discreet
• Avoid public affection
• Book double bed as "friends" if concerned
• International hotel chains safer
• Marrakech and Casablanca more tolerant
• No open LGBT venues
• Dating apps can be risky

Solo Travel Safety

Solo Travel is Common and Safe If:

• You take normal precautions
• Stay in tourist areas at night
• Keep others informed of plans
• Trust instincts
• Book accommodation in advance
• Use registered guides and drivers

Tips:

• Share itinerary with family/friends
• Check in regularly
• Use Find My Friends or similar
• Keep phone charged
• Don't advertise solo status
• Join group tours for activities
• Stay in social accommodations (riads with common areas)

Night Safety

Generally Safe But:

• Stay in well-lit areas
• Medinas can be confusing at night
• Take taxi if unsure of route
• Avoid empty streets
• Stay in groups if possible
• Tourist areas well-policed

Safe at Night:

• Djemaa el-Fna (Marrakech) - busy until late
• Guéliz area (Marrakech)
• Avenue Mohammed V (most cities)
• Main tourist streets
• Hotel areas

Use Caution:

• Deep medina alleys
• Empty beaches
• Parks after dark
• Peripheral neighborhoods
• Walking alone drunk

Transport Safety

Taxis:

• Petit taxis: Generally safe
• Insist on meter
• Sit in back
• Don't share with strangers
• Have destination written in Arabic

Grand Taxis:

• Safe but crowded
• Usually shared (6 passengers)
• Can charter for safety
• Luggage secure

Buses:

• CTM and Supratours very safe
• Watch belongings
• Keep valuables with you
• Ladies sit together if possible

Trains:

• Very safe
• First class quieter
• Ladies compartments available
• Watch belongings

Driving:

• Roads generally good
• Driving chaotic in cities
• Rural roads watch for animals
• Police checkpoints common (have documents)
• Don't drive at night in rural areas

Tourist Police

Brigade Touristique:

• Present in major tourist cities
• Speak English/French
• Helpful and professional
• Patrol tourist areas
• Can report scams/harassment

Locations:

Marrakech:

• Djemaa el-Fna
• Guéliz police station
• Phone: 19

Fes:

• Bab Bou Jeloud
• Rcif Square
• Phone: 19

Tangier:

• Grand Socco
• Old medina entrance
• Phone: 19

What They Can Help With:

• Reporting crimes
• Scam complaints
• Harassment issues
• Directions
• Disputes with merchants
• Lost passports

What to Do If Robbed

Immediate Actions:

1. Don't resist if confronted
2. Go to nearest police station
3. File police report (procès-verbal)
4. Get copy of report (for insurance)
5. Contact embassy if passport stolen
6. Cancel credit cards
7. Report to insurance company

Police Report:

• Required for insurance claims
• May take 2-3 hours
• Bring passport/ID
• Someone may speak English
• Get official stamped copy

Stolen Passport:

• Report to police
• Contact embassy immediately
• Apply for emergency travel document
• May take 1-3 days
• Bring police report and photos

Stolen Cards:

• Call bank immediately
• Block cards
• Request emergency replacement
• Some banks can rush to Morocco

Emergency Procedures

Medical Emergency:

1. Call 15 or go to hospital
2. Private hospitals better
3. Contact insurance company
4. Keep all receipts
5. Get medical reports in English

Lost in Medina:

• Stay calm
• Find a shop and ask directions
• Show hotel card
• Taxi to main square
• Use Maps.me (offline maps)
• Don't follow "helpers"

Serious Crime:

• Call 19 (police)
• Go to police station
• Contact embassy
• File detailed report
• Keep all documentation

Natural Disaster:

• Follow local authorities
• Contact embassy
• Register with Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) if American
• Have emergency cash and documents
• Know evacuation routes

General Safety Tips

Before You Go:

• Register with embassy
• Share itinerary
• Get travel insurance
• Research destinations
• Learn basic phrases
• Download offline maps

While There:

• Photocopy documents (keep separate)
• Use hotel safe
• Don't flash valuables
• Be aware of surroundings
• Trust instincts
• Keep emergency cash
• Have phone charged
• Know emergency numbers

Accommodation:

• Use reputable hotels/riads
• Check reviews
• Note emergency exits
• Keep room locked
• Use safe for valuables
• Note reception phone number

Money:

• Use ATMs during day
• Divide cash
• Hidden money belt
• Don't count cash publicly
• Keep small bills accessible

Valuables:

• Leave jewelry at home
• Discreet phone use
• Keep camera secure
• Don't leave items unattended
• Avoid expensive accessories

Last Updated: February 2026 Emergency: 19 (Police), 15 (Medical)