Traveler Toolkit
09/21/2022 | Report
Morocco Country Security Report
8/11/2026 |
Report
Morocco Country Security Report
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Published: August 11, 2026
This report is intended to supplement the U.S. Department of State Morocco Travel Advisory and Morocco Country Information Page.
Embassy & Consulate Contact Information
U.S. Embassy Rabat: Km 5.7, Avenue Mohamed VI, Souissi, Rabat 10170. Tel: +212-537-63-7200, After-hours Emergency: +212-661-13-1939. Hours: 0800-1700 M-F.
U.S. Consulate Casablanca: Pôle Urbain Angle de Rue de la Mer، Rue des Liserons, Casablanca 20036. Tel: +212-522-642-099, After-hours Emergency: +212-661-13-1939.
OSAC Country Chapter(s)
Due to Casablanca’s status as the commercial center of Morocco and the volume of U.S. organizations situated there, the OSAC Country Chapter resides in Casablanca. The second-largest city in North Africa, Casablanca is a regional hub for exports and is also home to the American Chamber of Commerce (AMCHAM).
Contact OSAC’s Middle East & North Africa team with any questions.
Morocco Travel Advisory
The current U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory at the date of this report’s publication assesses that travelers should exercise increased caution due to terrorism.
Crime
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Casablanca as being a HIGH-threat location and Rabat as being a MEDIUM-threat location for crime directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Crime “C” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Morocco.
Crime: General Threat
Morocco is a popular destination for outdoor activities. Anyone traveling into remote areas in Morocco should use a licensed and accredited guide and be prepared to check in and out of remote checkpoints by presenting their passport. Moroccan authorities may restrict access to certain areas, only camp within designated camping areas. While the Royal Gendarmerie is capable of responding to backcountry emergencies, travelers should ensure that they are well-prepared and appropriately provisioned prior to departing for remote areas, and that someone not on the trip has a copy of their proposed travel itinerary.
Media reporting and anecdotal observations indicate that the frequency and intensity of crime in Morocco’s major cities is similar to other large cities in North Africa. Morocco’s Directorate of National Security (DGSN) reported a 10% decrease in violent crime in 2024. Violent crime indications witnessed a decline in different serious offenses, with a 24% decrease in robberies under threat, a 20% reduction in vehicle thefts, a 12% reduction in robberies with violence, and a 10% decrease in burglaries. The DGSN also reported a crime resolution rate of 95% in Morocco for 2024. The DGSN annual report points to intensified efforts in collaboration with all its units to fight against all forms of crimes, including drug trafficking, terrorism, and sexual assaults.
Crime: Areas of Concern
The most common crimes in Morocco are petty crimes, such as pickpocketing, theft from unoccupied vehicles, robberies, purse snatching, and burglaries. Criminals focus on high-traffic and high-density areas such as tourist sites, markets, medinas, and festivals in major cities. Criminals tend to fixate on people who appear unfamiliar with their surroundings, dress in obviously foreign clothing, or otherwise draw attention to themselves. Due to the low availability of firearms in Morocco, when violent crimes occur, they tend to involve edged weapons such as knives (and occasionally swords). Larceny and residential burglaries are common in low-income neighborhoods, and occasionally occur in more affluent neighborhoods.
Pedestrians walking alone in isolated areas, or late at night, are at greater risk for becoming a target. Gratuitous displays of wealth may attract unwanted attention and increase the risk of becoming a target. Dress in a conservative manner, do not display a large amount of currency, protect smart phones from being easily snatched, carry wallets in front pockets, ensure you carry purses/backpacks securely, and do not wear elaborate jewelry/watches. Guard possessions carefully on public transportation. Leaving any item of value unattended in a public place or in a vehicle in plain sight can make that item the target of petty theft. Have a friend or colleague watch the surrounding area as you focus on completing your transaction at an ATM.
Visitors, especially females, should make a concerted effort to travel in pairs and avoid walking alone at night. Travel in pairs/groups, drink in moderation, maintain control over drinks, and never accept drinks from strangers. Avoid being out alone and during late-night or early morning hours. At night, avoid areas that are poorly lighted or secluded.
Most residences in Morocco are designed to prevent unauthorized entry. This generally means security grilles protecting accessible windows and glass doors; exterior doors have a minimum of two deadlocks. Single-family homes usually feature walls that discourage intruders from entering the premises. Apartment dwellers are more at risk from intruders gaining access via adjacent balconies or structures.
Review OSAC’s reports, All That You Should Leave Behind, Hotels: The Inns and Outs, Considerations for Hotel Security, Taking Credit, and Our Two Cents: Petty Crime Basics and How to Minimize the Risk.
Kidnapping Threat
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Kidnapping “K” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Morocco.
The kidnapping threat in Morocco has historically been low.
Review OSAC’s reports, Kidnapping: The Basics and Active Shooter and Kidnapping Response Tips.
Terrorism
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Casablanca and Rabat as being MEDIUM-threat locations for terrorism directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
The U.S. Department of State has included a Terrorism “T” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Morocco, indicating that terrorist attacks have occurred and/or specific threats against civilians, groups, or other targets may exist.
The Government of Morocco employs a comprehensive counterterrorism strategy that includes vigilant security measures, regional and international cooperation, and counter-radicalization policies. There have been no significant terrorist attacks in Morocco since 2011. In December 2018 two Scandinavian tourists were killed near Imlil by a small, self-organized ISIS-inspired cell in the Atlas Mountains. In a January 2022 attack, a suspect with “possible terrorist motives” killed a French woman in Tiznit and wounded a Belgian woman with a knife in Agadir.
More than 1,600 Moroccan nationals have traveled to conflict zones to fight alongside extremist groups. Many of these individuals may try to return to Morocco, especially as successful anti-ISIS efforts in Syria, Iraq, and Libya progress. Moroccan security services are aware of the potential danger these individuals may pose and have gone to great lengths to intercept them at international border crossings.
Moroccan security services are generally proactive and effective in identifying and neutralizing terrorists and terror cells, disrupting several terror plots over the last few years. In 2025, DGSN referred 21 individuals to the relevant prosecutor’s office for their alleged involvement in terror crimes. Since 2002, the Moroccan Ministry of Interior and its specialized agencies (such as the Central Bureau of Judicial Investigations, or BCIJ) have announced the dismantling of more than 2,00 terror cells and 3,500 suspects connected to terrorism, many of which expressed allegiance to or sympathy with ISIS. Arrests often include individuals spreading extremist ideologies and propaganda.
Credible information indicates terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in Morocco. The potential for terrorist violence against U.S. interests and citizens exists. Moroccan authorities have taken robust actions to guard against terrorist attacks and continue to disrupt groups seeking to attack U.S. or Western-affiliated and Moroccan government targets. Law enforcement has arrested numerous individuals associated with international terrorist groups. With indications that such groups still seek to carry out attacks in Morocco, U.S. citizens should be keenly aware of their surroundings and adhere to prudent security practices such as avoiding predictable travel patterns and maintaining a low profile.
Establishments that are identifiable with the United States are potential targets for attacks. These may include facilities where U.S. citizens and other foreigners congregate, including clubs, restaurants, places of worship, schools, hotels, movie theaters, U.S. brand establishments, and other public areas. Such targets may also include establishments where activities that may offend religious sensitivities occur, such as casinos or places that sell or where patrons consume alcoholic beverages.
Establishments that could be perceived as catering to U.S. or Western visitors or those owned by Western companies could be potential targets for terrorism. Visitors should remain particularly alert and informed during periods of heightened tension in the country and the region.
Political Violence and Civil Unrest
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Casablanca as being MEDIUM-threat and Rabat as being LOW-threat locations for political violence directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Civil Unrest “U” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Morocco. Civil unrest can develop quickly without prior notice, often interrupting logistics and services. Avoid demonstration activity, as even those planned to remain peaceful have the potential to turn violent.
Elections/Political Stability
Since November 2020, the disputed territory of Moroccan Sahara has seen some low-intensity armed conflict between Moroccan government forces and the Polisario Front, which continues to seek independence for the territory. There have been instances in which authorities have expelled or denied entry of foreign citizens who are suspected of being participants in political protests or of supporting NGOs critical of Moroccan Sahara policies.
Protests & Demonstrations
The Moroccan government permits demonstrations to occur somewhat frequently in Morocco and they typically focus on internal political, economic, or social issues. While numerous protests take place in Morocco annually, protests generally remain peaceful, though many may be emotionally charged.
In September and October of 2025, large-scale, youth-led demonstrations organized by “GenZ212” took place in Morocco protesting government corruption, healthcare, and education reform. Protestors criticized government spending for sporting events like the 2030 FIFA World Cup. Demonstrations took place in multiple cities including Rabat, Casablanca, Agadir, Tangier, Inezgane, Tiznit, Tetouan, and Oujda. More than 400 arrests were made, with numerous reports of property damage and over 140 security vehicles and 20 private cars set ablaze, along with banks, shops, and municipal buildings also damaged.
- See OSAC’s report, Morocco: Youth Protests Call Attention to Economic and Social Grievances.
The Israel-Hamas conflict remains a significant trigger for demonstrations in Morocco. Protests against Morocco’s normalization of diplomatic relations with Israel have occurred since November 2021. Demonstrations take place with some regularity in the capital and several other cities in support of the Palestinian cause and against Morocco’s ties with Israel.
Soccer matches attract large crowds to public stadiums, particularly when well-known teams from larger cities are playing. Moroccan authorities will often augment police presence in areas surrounding large stadiums due to the proclivity of crowds to turn violent and vandalize property during and following large soccer matches.
Moroccan law requires that all demonstrations obtain a government permit, but spontaneous unauthorized demonstrations, which have greater potential for violence, can occur. Different unions or groups may organize strikes to protest or strike in response to an emerging issue or government policy.
Avoid demonstrations if possible. If caught in a demonstration, remain calm and move away immediately when provided the opportunity.
Review OSAC’s report, Surviving a Protest.
Anti-U.S./Anti-Western Sentiment
Regional and global events have the potential to inflame public opinion and incite large demonstrations. Even though most Moroccans view the United States and its citizens favorably, travelers should remain aware and informed of regional issues that could resonate in Morocco and create an anti-U.S. response.
Law Enforcement
The emergency line in Morocco is 190 from a mobile phone and 91 from a landline.
Law enforcement officials are well trained, with many attending international training programs. However, the police are generally understaffed, and in some cases underequipped. The Moroccan police force is based on the French police system, with the Sûreté Nationale (DGSN) enforcing laws in the urban areas and the Royal Gendarmerie in the rural areas. The General Directorate for Territorial Surveillance (DGST), also a national security agency, generally oversees matters involving terrorism. These different agencies can and do cooperate on investigative matters; criminal cases can transfer from one investigative agency to another depending on the victim, locale, and public visibility of the incident under investigation.
Police Response
Police generally respond effectively to a report of a foreign victim of crime. There have been limited instances where interactions with the police, particularly in smaller cities and rural areas, have not been positive for foreigners. Victims are often present during interrogations of suspects, which can create an uncomfortable situation for a victim.
Some U.S. citizens report that police procedures appear to be less sensitive and responsive to a victim’s concerns compared to procedures in the United States, particularly in cases of domestic violence, sexual assault, or when the victim and the perpetrator are both foreigners. Few victim-assistance resources or shelters for victims of domestic violence exist in major urban areas, and they are generally unavailable in rural areas. Investigations of sexual assault crimes often proceed without female police officers present, and police typically ask about the victim’s sexual history and previous relationships. The quality of interpreting from Arabic to English can vary and has caused problems for some U.S. citizen victims.
Police often arrest perpetrators if crimes are reported in a timely manner. The police rely primarily on confessions versus forensic evidence to determine culpability, although this is changing given Morocco’s recent judicial and police reform programs, which the U.S. government support. All police officers speak French or Arabic; English translation may not be readily available.
Transportation Security
Road Safety
Traffic accidents are a major concern. On average, more than 11 Moroccans die in motor vehicle accidents every day; the fatality rate for motor vehicle accidents is approximately twice that of the United States. Compared to North America or Europe, driving in Morocco can be more erratic, aggressive, and even reckless. It is common to see vehicles driving into oncoming traffic and ignoring stop signs or traffic signals. Drivers frequently execute right turns from the left lane and vice versa. A wide variety of vehicles (e.g., bicycles, scooters, donkey carts, and slower-moving utility vehicles) share the road. Some vehicles are older, overladen, and lack proper maintenance. Pedestrians often walk into traffic without looking or intentionally dart between moving cars. Riders on mopeds and motorcycles routinely split lanes and do not yield to vehicles making legal turns. Road conditions vary and can change dramatically due to climatic conditions, becoming dangerous and temporarily impassible.
Speed limits are marked clearly along highways and toll roads, and law enforcement radar speed traps are increasingly frequent. If police stop you for speeding, expect a fine. It is common for police to stand in the road and wave vehicles to the side. Traffic enforcement authorities reportedly have asked for bribes on occasion. Valid traffic fines will include paperwork, like a traffic ticket issued in the United States, and often must paid on the spot. Police checkpoints are common when entering towns or cities. These checkpoints serve primarily as security screening points.
Any use of a cellular phone by a driver must be via a hands-free device. Drivers must present their passport and driver’s license if stopped by local law enforcement.
Criminals have on occasion thrown rocks off overpasses onto cars on highways throughout Morocco. These actions are likely intended to get the drivers to pull over, where the rock throwers could rob the driver at knifepoint. Media coverage of these incidents resulted in a robust police deployment on overpasses between Rabat and Casablanca. Improvements have been made to the physical security features around the bridges themselves, to include high fencing inhibiting the throwing of projectiles onto the road below.
Review OSAC’s reports, Road Safety Abroad, Driving Overseas: Best Practices, and Evasive Driving Techniques; and read the U.S. Department of State’s webpage on driving and road safety abroad.
Public Transportation Safety
Public transportation is somewhat reliable in Morocco. Drivers often do not follow road safety rules or traffic laws, and many vehicles lack proper maintenance. Watch belongings on any type of public transport.
Popular web-based ride-sharing services, like Heetch and Careem, lack the necessary authorization under Moroccan law. These companies face opposition from taxi drivers, who have on occasion surrounded and confronted Heetch and Careem drivers. This problem is particularly acute at transportation hubs such as airports and train stations, as well as major hotels, tourist sites, and shopping malls.
“Petit taxis” are common in most cities, holding up to three people. These taxis should use a meter and can pick up additional passengers along the way. Each town has its own particular color for petit taxis: red in Casablanca, blue in Rabat, and tan in Marrakech. The availability of safety features like seatbelts and airbags may vary from taxi to taxi. Riders may have to hail multiple taxis because drivers are not obliged to agree to take them to their destination. Taxis are generally less available late at night or early in the morning.
“Grand taxis” are usually white with black lettering and are often older Mercedes or Dacia vehicles that ply fixed urban or inter-urban routes. They can be crowded and uncomfortable and are less restrictive on how many occupants may ride in them at one time. These vehicles are generally not recommended for use by visitors except in rural areas where there are no other transportation options.
Despite the availability of intra-city public buses in Morocco, visitors should avoid them. These buses often lack proper maintenance, and drivers can be aggressive and reckless. The buses become particularly crowded in the summertime, to the point that riders hang out of open doors and windows.
The quality of inter-city buses varies greatly and generally corresponds with the ticket price of the bus. Avoid taking overnight bus trips, as roads become more dangerous overnight; travelers have been the victims of robbery and sexual assault while sleeping.
Morocco has an extensive and reliable inter-city train network. Find train destinations and times on the ONCF website, which has information in English, French, and Arabic. Tramways service parts of Casablanca and Rabat, with plans for future expansion.
Aviation Concerns
There are 28 civilian airports in Morocco, 16 of which support international flights to Europe, North America, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. International airports in Morocco meet International Civil Aviation Organization standards for safety and security according to a recent ICAO Audit. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Transportation Security Administration (TSA), and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) assessed the government of Morocco’s Civil Aviation Authority as compliant with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation security and safety standards for oversight of Morocco’s air carrier operations at the Casablanca International Airport (CMN) which provide service to the United States.
U.S. citizens are currently authorized 90 days visa-free entry to Morocco. Travelers must exit Morocco prior to the original 90-day expiration of their original authorized entry or request an extension from Moroccan Immigration authorities. Authorities automatically bar travelers who overstay their departure. This includes barring overstayers from boarding any international flight out of Morocco. Individuals overstaying their entry must see an Immigration judge to resolve their visa overstay and pay a fine.
Review OSAC’s Report, Security in Transit: Airplanes, Public Transport, and Overnights
Maritime Security
Maritime ports in Morocco meet international organization standards for safety and security.
Travelers with Special Considerations
For specific traveler concerns in Morocco, review the local laws and circumstances on the Department of State’s Country Information Page.
Rule of Law, Arbitrary Detention, Official Harassment, Corruption, & Transparency
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Risk of Wrongful Detention “D” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Morocco.
The law provides criminal penalties for corruption by officials, but the government generally did not implement the law effectively. There were recurring reports of government corruption.
Observers generally considered corruption a persistent problem, with insufficient governmental checks and balances to reduce its occurrence and local media reported that corruption continued to hamper the country’s development.
Health Concerns
Morocco’s larger cities have adequate medical services, but the quality of care diminishes elsewhere. The medical facilities and hospitals in Rabat and Casablanca can treat most general illnesses and can provide emergency trauma care. However, specialized care is not as easily accessible in Morocco as in Western countries. It is common for doctors and medical facilities to demand payment up front before providing treatment, even for emergencies. Medical personnel speak French and Arabic; the availability of English translation services at medical facilities may vary greatly from location to location.
In the event of a medical emergency or serious traffic accident, immediate ambulance services are usually not available. Ambulances in Morocco often will not have a paramedic or Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) assigned to them.
The crime emergency line in Morocco is 19 or 190 from a mobile phone and 91 from a landline for police intervention within cities. For outside cities/countrysides, Royal Gendarmerie can be reached via 17 or 177. For medical emergencies, Civil Protection can be reached at 15 or 150.
Find contact information for available medical services and available air ambulance services on the U.S. Embassy website. The U.S. Department of State strongly recommends purchasing international health insurance before traveling internationally. Review the State Department’s webpage on health insurance overseas.
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Health “H” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Morocco. Review the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) country-specific Travel Health Notices for current health issues that impact traveler health, like disease outbreaks, special events or gatherings, and natural disasters.
See OSAC’s Guide to U.S. Government-Assisted Evacuations; review OSAC’s reports, The Healthy Way, Shaken: The Don’ts of Alcohol Abroad, Health 101: How to Prepare for Travel, and Fire Safety Abroad; and visit the U.S. Department of State’s webpage on Your Health Abroad for more information.
Vaccinations
Review the CDC Travelers’ Health site for country-specific vaccine recommendations.
Issues Traveling with Medications
Over-the-counter drugs common at pharmacies in large cities may be difficult to impossible to find in the smaller cities or rural areas. Specialty prescription medication may be difficult to locate even in Rabat or Casablanca, and a pharmacy stocked with a particular medication one week may not have it in stock again for several weeks due to availability issues.
Review OSAC’s report, Traveling with Medication.
Water Quality
More than 80% of the population has access to tap water treated and tested according to WHO standards. Tap water in most major cities should be safe to drink, especially with filtration.
Review OSAC’s report, I’m Drinking What in My Water?
Natural Disasters
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Natural Disaster “N” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Morocco.
Environmental hazards mainly revolve around flooding and the occasional earthquake. The rainy season (November-March) often results in flash floods in the mountainous and desert areas. These floods can cause landslides and damage roads, making them impassable. In addition, heavy rain can overwhelm drainage systems and cause flooding.
Morocco does experience occasional strong earthquakes. There have been damaging earthquakes in the north (near al Hoceima), and the south (near Agadir). Strong earthquakes are relatively rare but can be extremely destructive.
- See OSAC’s report, Devastating Earthquake Strikes Morocco.
Review OSAC’s report, Earthquake Preparedness Toolkit.
Cybersecurity
ATMs are generally safe when users take normal precautions. There have been several recent reported cases of debit/credit card fraud. In all cases, the victims reported money withdrawn from their accounts after using their cards at ATMs, or their credit cards being billed for unaccounted charges after using them at local establishments.
U.S. citizens have also been victims of international financial scams based in Morocco, where someone the target has not met in person offers romance and/or marriage to the target, then asks the target for money to pay hospital fees, legal expenses, or expenses related to many sudden unforeseen problems.
Review OSAC’s reports, Cybersecurity Basics, Best Practices for Maximizing Security on Public Wi-Fi, Traveling Abroad with Mobile Devices, and Guide for Overseas Satellite Phone Usage.
Counterintelligence Issues
There are no known counterintelligence issues of import to private-sector travelers.
Import/Export Restrictions
Moroccan customs authorities may enforce strict regulations concerning temporary importation into or export from Morocco of items such as firearms, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) or drones, religious materials, antiquities, business equipment, and large quantities of currency.
While it is legal to use a satellite phone in Morocco, it is necessary to obtain a permit from the National Agency of Telecommunications Regulation (ANRT) prior to arrival. Otherwise, it will likely be confiscated.
An intellectual property rights (IPR) law, passed in 2014, streamlines the patent application process and consolidates IPR enforcement by improving procedures for the destruction of counterfeit goods, enlarging the scope of border investigations, and providing complainants enhanced judicial remedies through civil and criminal courts to defend their rights. Morocco introduced the “Our Safety” label to certify importers and distributors of non-counterfeit auto parts in the Moroccan market. Morocco is also a signatory to the multi-national Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (ACTA).
Morocco’s capacity to detect and address internet based IPR violations remains inadequate in some respects. Counterfeiting of consumer goods is still common, and U.S firms allege that the use of pirated software is widespread. Common counterfeit goods available in Morocco include apparel, appliances, food, software, computer hardware, and auto parts arriving mainly from Asia, through the Tangier-Med and Casablanca seaports as well as the southern border with Mauritania. The U.S.-Morocco Free Trade Agreement ensures Morocco’s IPR legal framework is one of the strongest in the region, but companies must work closely with Morocco’s IPR enforcement authority to ensure effective and efficient implementation of the law.
A country-specific listing of items/goods prohibited from being exported to the country or that are otherwise restricted is available from the U.S. International Trade Agency website.