Safety

Safety in Morocco

Morocco is generally safe for expats and tourists. The country has invested heavily in security and counter-terrorism, and violent crime against foreigners is rare.

Official Safety Ratings

US State Department: Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution)

• Same category as France, UK, Germany
• Advisory primarily due to terrorism risk, not street crime

Overall Assessment:

• Violent crime against foreigners: Very rare
• Counter-terrorism: Among strongest in Africa
• Brigade Touristique: Special tourist police force
• Generally safer than most of Latin America and parts of Southeast Asia

Common Risks

Petty Crime:

• Pickpocketing in crowded souks and medinas
• Phone/bag snatching on motorbikes
• Keep valuables secure in busy areas
• Don't display expensive jewelry or electronics

Scams:

• Unsolicited "guides" in medinas (agree on price or decline firmly)
• Overcharging tourists in souks (learn prices, negotiate)
• Fake products in markets
• Taxi drivers not using meters
• Carpet shops with high-pressure sales tactics

Harassment:

• Catcalling occurs, especially toward women
• Persistent vendors in tourist areas
• Exercise normal caution, especially at night
• Solo female travelers should research areas and dress modestly

Areas to Avoid

Generally Safe:

• All major tourist cities (Marrakech, Fes, Casablanca, Rabat, Tangier, Essaouira)
• Coastal resort areas
• Mountain towns (Chefchaouen, Ifrane)

Exercise Extra Caution:

• Remote border areas (Algeria, Mauritania)
• Western Sahara region
• Rif Mountains (cannabis cultivation areas)
• Isolated areas after dark

Women's Safety

Considerations:

• Catcalling is common but usually not threatening
• Dress modestly outside tourist hotels/restaurants
• Avoid walking alone at night in quiet areas
• Use petit taxis rather than walking after dark
• Many female expats live comfortably with basic precautions
• Tourist police can help with harassment issues

Natural Hazards

Earthquakes:

• Morocco is in a seismic zone (2023 Al Haouz earthquake was devastating)
• Building codes being strengthened post-2023
• Know emergency procedures

Flooding:

• Flash floods in southern/desert regions
• Winter storms can cause flooding in cities
• December 2025 saw significant flooding in some areas

Heat:

• Interior and southern regions: 40-50°C in summer
• Stay hydrated, avoid midday sun
• Coastal cities are cooler

Emergency Numbers

Safety Tips

1. Don't display valuables in souks and crowded areas
2. Use petit taxis with meters - avoids overcharging
3. Learn to say "la shukran" (no thank you) firmly but politely
4. Register with your embassy for emergency notifications
5. Keep copies of documents - passport, carte de séjour
6. Dress modestly especially outside tourist hotels