Frequently asked questions about Morocco

Citizens from 65 countries can visit Morocco without a visa for 30 to 90 days. These countries include the USA, EU countries (including Germany), Japan, Australia and many others. Other citizens need to apply for an electronic or consular visa.

A passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry is required to enter Morocco. Also, citizens of some countries require a visa, while others are allowed visa-free entry (including Germany). You may also be required to show your return ticket at check-in or passport control in Morocco. Border guards may also check the traveler's accommodation reservation at passport control.

To extend your visa to Morocco, you must contact your country's embassy. The visa can be officially extended for a period of 3 to 12 months, depending on the purpose of your stay in the country.

You cannot work in Morocco on a tourist visa. Tourist consular visa is intended only for temporary stay in the country for tourism, visiting relatives, medical treatment, business meetings, participation in sporting events. And the electronic tourist visa allows you to stay in the country for tourism or business purposes.

Any activity related to earning money requires a proper work visa and work permit. Working illegally on a tourist visa can lead to serious consequences, including fines, deportation and a ban from entering the country. Therefore, it is important to strictly follow the rules and restrictions for each type of visa in Morocco.

Morocco is one of the countries in the world that requires travelers to obtain travel insurance as part of their visa application.

Citizens who are allowed visa-free entry into the country do not need health insurance when entering the country. However, it may come in handy in case of illness or unforeseen circumstances. It is better to prepare and purchase insurance in advance to ensure protection and peace of mind when traveling to Morocco.

Morocco is a fascinating country famous for its unique culture, blending Arab, Berber and European influences. It offers a variety of landscapes, from ocean beaches to sown fields, oases and snow-capped mountains. And Moroccan food is incredibly delicious.

Sunset in the Sahara, Morocco's largest desert, which stretches across northern Africa. Here about 2,700 years ago there was a dramatic change in climate, turning green forests and lakes into a vast desert.

Camel rides are very popular in Morocco. It is possible to make both short one-day outings and long trips with an overnight stay in the desert.

In the vicinity of Essaouira you can see goats on the branches of argan trees, which grow only in Morocco and Algeria.

The town of Chefchaouen is famous for its sky-blue colored houses. Here you can buy unique products of local craftsmen and taste excellent goat cheese.

The Dades Gorge is a stunning road that descends down into a gloomy gorge and separates the Atlas and Anti-Atlas mountains. Hundreds of Berber fortresses can be seen here.

The city of Fez is known for its quality leather. The tanneries are where the leather is processed to change its structure.

The Atlas Mountains stretch for two thousand kilometers along Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia. Here you can see snowy peaks and unique landscapes.

Ait Ben Haddou is a fortified city that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its buildings are made of red-brown clay and have become popular movie sets for many famous movies ("The Mummy", "Gladiator" and "Babylon").

Shkirat is a resort town south of Rabat. Its attraction is its beautiful beaches and magnificent sunsets.

Morocco has everything to make your trip unforgettable.

Morocco has many languages and dialects, reflecting the country's cultural and historical diversity. The official languages are Arabic, French and Berber. French, German, and English are often used in cities and tourist centers. Many Moroccans speak Arabic and French. English is also common among young people and in resorts, but in rural areas French remains the main second language. Berber is used by about 40% of the population, including the inhabitants of the Rif, the Atlas Mountains and the southern regions. This cultural diversity and multilingualism emphasize Morocco's richness.

In Morocco you will find epic Atlas mountain ranges, the Sahara desert, orchards and tangerine groves, ancient cities and the warmth of Moroccan hospitality. In this country you can plunge into the magic of Eastern culture, explore the intricate streets of traditional cities, taste the culinary delights of Moroccan cuisine and take in the beauty of nature, which will leave unforgettable impressions and memories. There is always something to see, wonder and marvel at in Morocco.

Sunni Islam is the main religion of Morocco and is also the state religion of Morocco. Nearly 99% of the country's population is officially Muslim, most of them Sunni. Although Christianity is the second largest religion in Morocco, the main population of Christians is made up of foreigners. There is also a Bahai faith community in the country (teaches the essential value of all religions and the unity of all people), and the Maghrebi Jewish community has dwindled to a small number, many of whom have moved to Israel.

Morocco is renowned for its rich culinary heritage, offering a unique blend of aromas, flavors and textures. Morocco's most popular and recognizable gastronomic dishes:

• tajine (tagine) - a slow stew of meat (usually lamb) with potatoes, fruits, nuts and spices in a special earthenware pot;
• couscous with various meats and vegetables;
• harira - stewed soup made of beans, meat and spices;
• medina - stuffed vegetables;
• a variety of Moroccan cakes and desserts, such as baklava and filo tubes with honey and nuts.

Moroccan cuisine makes extensive use of spices such as turmeric, cumin, ginger, coriander and cardamom, which give dishes their characteristic flavor and aroma. Traditional Moroccan food is often served on beautiful dishes, which makes the meal even more attractive.

As in any country in the world, Moroccans have their own national peculiarities and prohibitions:

• Throwing away bread.
• Pouring hot water down the sink, this is considered unacceptable because of beliefs in spirits.
• Entering mosques. The exception is the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, the largest in Morocco and the tallest religious building in the entire world.
• Taking pictures of people without their consent and of Moroccan government buildings.
• Refuse refreshments. Moroccans are very hospitable and offer treats, it is customary to share a meal.
• Shopping without bargaining.
• Taking local money out of the country.
• Speak ill of the king and the royal family.
• Foreigners should not drink, eat, smoke or drink alcoholic beverages in public places before sunset, except in tourist areas.

From Morocco you can bring a variety of souvenirs that will be a wonderful reminder of your adventure in this amazing country. First of all, it is jewelry - pearls, silver, and gold, as well as jewelry made of amber and coral. Also interesting souvenirs will be carpets and textiles, including warm blankets, bright upholstery fabrics or even dressy tunics. Gorgeous ceramics - from dishes to decorative bowls and vases - are also popular with travelers. The best places to buy souvenirs are the markets (souqs) in Moroccan cities, where you will find many unique and colorful handmade items imbued with the spirit of this amazing country.

Women in Morocco usually wear traditional clothing that reflects the country's rich cultural heritage. One of the most popular outfits is the traditional Moroccan dress called the djelaba. It is a loose, long hooded dress that can be made from a variety of fabrics and decorated with a variety of patterns. The djelaba is usually worn over other clothing and can be in a variety of colors. In many regions of Morocco, especially in rural areas, women may also wear scarves or shawls to cover their heads.

In addition, many women choose to wear traditional jewelry, including earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and rings, often handmade from local materials such as silver, amber, coral, or natural stones.

You can take both euros and dollars. But any foreign currency must be exchanged for local currency - Moroccan dirham. Import of foreign currency into the territory of the country is not limited, but its use on the territory of the Kingdom of Morocco is prohibited.

There are no restrictions on the importation of foreign currency in Morocco, but it is prohibited to have it on the territory of the country. When importing amounts equivalent to 15 thousand Moroccan dirhams or more, an entry declaration must be completed. The export of foreign currency is allowed only up to the declared amounts, and a bank certificate of exchange will be required to export larger amounts.

Casablanca is the largest city in Morocco. It is the economic and business center of the country. Located on the Atlantic coast of the Chaouia Plain in central-western Morocco, the city has about 3.71 million people in the urban area and more than 4.27 million in Greater Casablanca, making it the most populous city in the Maghreb region and the eighth largest in the Arab world.

Morocco's climate allows you to travel around the country almost all year round.

If you prefer a warm sea, on the Mediterranean coast the water will become pleasantly warm as early as June, and in the height of summer it reaches +27°C.

Spring (mid-March to mid-May) and fall (mid-September to early November) are the optimal times for excursions.

In late November, December and January you can go to Morocco to enjoy the tangerine season. It is at this time that they are actively harvested.

In January, daytime temperatures reach +18°C, but there are not long winter rains. After such showers, nature comes alive and becomes spring-like.

In January and February in Marrakech you can go skiing. Even surfers prefer to visit Morocco in winter, as at this time there is a chance to catch a big wave.

Morocco's beaches have their own unique charm, attracting tourists from all over the world.

One of the most popular beaches in Morocco is Agadir. This resort city is known for its gorgeous beach, which is more than 10 kilometers long. Here you can enjoy clean sea, golden sand and comfortable infrastructure. Agadir is a great place for a family vacation or a romantic weekend getaway.

Another beautiful beach in Morocco is located in Essaouira. This city, located on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean, is famous for its ancient buildings, cozy streets and, of course, a magnificent beach. Here you can spend time enjoying the beauty of the seascape and relaxing from the bustle of the city.

But the most exotic beach in Morocco is in the city of Legzira. This place simply impresses with its huge red rocks, pointing into the sea, and endless beaches. Here you can see stunning sunsets, surf or just enjoy the solitude and silence.

Convenient flights to Morocco are available from various German cities, including Frankfurt, Berlin, Munich, Hamburg, Düsseldorf, Cologne and others. On average, a flight from Germany to Morocco takes about 3-4 hours, but there are also flights with connections that can take up to 18-19 hours. Airlines flying to Morocco from Germany: Ryanair, Air Arabia Maroc, Lufthansa, Royal Air Maroc, Condor, Corendon Airlines Europe, Eurowings, TUI Fly Deutschland, Eurowings Discover.

Despite popular misconceptions, Morocco is not so hot in winter. Even in the southernmost resort of Agadir, the water does not get warmer than +17°C during the cold season. The ideal time for swimming is June, when the water is pleasantly warm, and in the height of summer its temperature reaches +27°C.

Morocco has many cities with a variety of cultural, historical and natural attractions. Here are a few of the best cities to visit in the country:

Marrakech is an ancient city with bustling markets, narrow streets and gorgeous gardens.

Fez is one of the oldest cities in Morocco, known for its ancient madrasas and amazing architecture.

Rabat is the capital of Morocco, where you can enjoy a combination of ancient culture and modern lifestyle.

Chavain (Chefchaouen) is a picturesque city surrounded by mountains and known for its bright blue buildings.

Agadir is a resort city on the Atlantic coast with beautiful beaches and surfing opportunities.