Travel tips for your first visit to Morocco

Morocco is fascinating to Westerners. Even though it is so close to Europe – it presents a very different culture. Whilst it is deeply Islamic and traditional it is going through some dramatic, progressive reforms. You’ll be surprised by some of the glimpses of the Medieval times when you walk through many streets as well as fragments of a French and Spanish colonial past. This mix can pull you back for more.

Whilst you can get bothered by people hassling you for business - you will undoubtedly also enjoy the generosity of spirit and openness that Moroccans extend to visitors.

This country offers some great travel opportunities plus property in Morocco offers some excellent investment options. If you want to find out more about Morocco, visit the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office travel web page on Morocco

What do you need to travel to Morocco?
If you’re a British national:

• you don’t need a visa


• but you do need your passport and a return travel ticket.

Health and safety tips for Morocco: eating and drinking
If you’re visiting Morocco for the first time note:

• it’s best to drink bottled water particularly outside cities and towns where water can be contaminated
• you need to boil milk as it is unpasteurised. It’s better to buy powdered or tinned milk and add the right amount of bottled water
• it’s best to steer clear of dairy products as they’re likely to be made from unboiled milk and


• make sure the meat and fish you eat is well cooked.

Health and safety tips for Morocco: water and soil issues

Avoid swimming and paddling in fresh water as you can catch what is called Bilharzia which is caused by a fluke worm that lives in freshwater snails. Well maintained, chlorinated swimming pools are generally safe.

Avoid walking bare foot as you can pick up parasites from the soil.

Health and safety tips for Morocco: vaccinations
At time of writing, you should make sure you are vaccinated for polio and typhoid.

From May to October the country areas in Chefchaouen province can present a small malaria risk.

Check the fitfortravel website, endorsed by NHS National Services Scotland, for a full update on vaccinations a few weeks before you travel.