Everyday I get many emails from readers. Sometimes they just want to contact me privately, and not leave a public comment. Sometimes they want extra tips on a recipe I've shared. But one of the top questions I get, almost on a daily basis is, “is it safe to travel to Morocco?”
There are so many layers and levels to this question. When I posed it I immediately thought of general safety and the threat of a terror attack. It's on everyone's mind and so let's just get the elephant out of the room.
Is Morocco Safe?
YES!
In many assessments released by governments around the world Morocco is regularly labeled “more safe” than European countries such as Spain or France. I live in Marrakech, probably the most touristy city in the country. I regularly fly in and out of the country. I keep abreast of Moroccan and foreign news outlets as well as talking with regular people about the situation in the country. I am not saying you shouldn't keep aware of what is happening but don't let a perceived fear keep you from experiencing something truly wonderful.
But here's my general assessment. There is no where in this world that is “safe”. Bad things can happen everywhere. I have not, and will not change any of my travel plans out of fear. Just because something happens in Tunisia or France don't draw the conclusion neighboring countries are unsafe – or even that those countries themselves are inherently unsafe. I was just in Turkey and it was completely safe even though a massive civil war is raging in neighboring Syria and Iraq, another neighbor has been in flames for years. As my oldest son says “bad things can happen anytime. When it's my time, it's my time. I don't want the bad guys to stop us from living our life, because then they win.” (Pretty wise for an 11 year-old if you ask me!)
Tips to keep safe:
- Register with your country's program for foreign travelers so that they know where you are should something happen.
- Leave a copy of your passport and your travel plans at home with someone so they know where you are.
- Have enough money on a credit card or in a bank account should something happen to you.
- Consider enrolling in a travel insurance program. Be sure to look into what their policies are for issues like evacuations. We used World Nomads on our last trip to Thailand.
- Keep time spent in large crowds to a minimum, when at all possible.
Is it safe for solo women?
Yes it is safe, but you might face some issues. I really hate to admit this but it's a sad reality. Large cities will be the toughest for a woman alone, but also offer the most security so it's a balance. So this list is going to be practical info for solo women. You might not like what I say, you might think it's sexist or “wrong” – that's fine. I live here, I don't like that this is how things are right now but it is.
- Dress conservatively. This won't stop harassment but it will cut it down. Please, please don't be shocked if you get severe verbal harassment when you're wearing short shorts and a crop top. Just don't do it.
- Meet other travelers. Traveling alone is great and maybe there are things you enjoy doing yourself, that's cool. But don't count out meeting other cool people on the road and hanging out or site-seeing together. You'll have a different experience and there's safety in numbers.
- You're going to be harassed and cat called. It is a rare female traveler who never faces this. The degree of this is different depending on the individual and their own perceptions.
- Ignore them. Really if people hassle you just ignore them. You might feel rude doing this. Don't.
- Carry yourself with confidence. I firmly believe that the energy you put out is what is reflected back. If you're terrified and skittish, chances are you're going to feel more negative energy coming towards you. Keep your head up, stay confident and be strong. It's amazing what a different experience you'll have.
- Read about other experiences and tips. Here are a few more resources to help;
- Read my post with 10 Tips for Women Visiting Morocco
- Check out my friend Camille's post on her experience in Morocco.
- Journey Beyond Travel also covers the topic of womens' travel in Morocco.
Are the airports secure?
Many people feel Moroccan airports are unsecure. I fly in and out of Moroccan airports 4-6 times a month. Security is different. At times it might feel lax but don't be put off because it's not the same as security in the US or Europe. The Moroccan government has more information about you when you enter Morocco than you might be aware of. They know who is coming in and going out of Morocco. They do not mess around when there is a security concern. If there is one thing Morocco takes very seriously it is security. Truthfully as a foreigner you're much more cared for and a greater concern for the country. So while the procedure is different, don't think different = bad.
How do you handle an aggressive situation?
If you face a hostile situation, act as you would at home. Seriously. If you get cornered into a visit to the tannery and money is demanded (just an fyi don't get cornered into this – just say no and keep walking) give something to get out of the situation and leave. Then threaten to call the police. Be firm, loud, and aggressive back. If you're in a street when something like this happens, knock on the closest door. I'm confident whoever lives in the house will help or the person making demands will run off. I think having a working cell phone is a must and threaten to call the police – or call them if you need to. They don't take kindly to foreigners being harassed.
Important numbers:
- Police in cities 19
- Police in rural areas 177
- Fire and Ambulance 15
In the event of a major emergency is there an exit strategy?
It is worth inquiring with your national government about the policy and procedures in place to evacuate their citizens from a country if something were to happen. Every country will be different. That being said don't leave it up to your government to figure this out. You should have an idea in place. When we travel we keep the number and address of our embassy in that country at hand. I do a quick look to see how to get there But, unless there is a major catastrophe this is irrelevant. Should something happen whether it's a terrorist attack or natural disaster, you'll be using split second thinking and I'm willing to bet the others around you will be in the same situation and all will be helping each other.
Is the food safe?
The smaller practicalities of life like food and sanitation can also be important. Questions about food safety are always big on the list of questions I get. Overall, yes the food is safe. While many people say avoid fresh fruits and vegetables I think this is bogus. Fresh produce and foods are the best for you. Make good judgments about the cooking spaces. The more locals you see, the better. They aren't going to eat somewhere that makes people ill. I would avoid fried foods only because oil can be used many, many, many times and never changed. One other food you may want to avoid – eggs. In riads this should not be a problem but we've gotten sick a few times eating eggs in street food stalls and restaurants.
Have more questions? I'll try to answer in the comments!
— this post has been posted on 18 November 2015
Oscar Melendez says
Hi Amanda,
I ran into your blog as I’m looking for information on Morocco. My wife and I will be traveling to Spain for first time in September and we have always wanted to experience Morocco, so we set about 4 days travel from Tarifa to Tangier. In reading further Tangier is more modern than what I thought and we wanted to experience a little more Moroccan culture. I wanted to make a trip to Chefchaouen so Marrakesh would be too far. I thought of making Fes my home base and then branching out from there but I’m not sure if I should do that in Tangier instead. I know its not enough time to see the beautiful country, but at least it will give us a small taste. I would really appreciate any recommendations you have and what other areas we should not miss. Thank you kindly.
Amanda Mouttaki says
Hi – Are you set on taking the ferry? You can also fly from Spain to Morocco (Marrakech/Casablanca/Fez) inexpensively (from Madrid, Seville, Malaga, Valencia, Barcelona etc). If you want to stay in the north you could stay in Fez but remember Chefchaouan is a 3 hr drive each way from Tangier or Chefchaouan. You might also consider Tetouan as it’s a different feel, not too large but still very “real” and more manageable than Fez. I guess it really depends what you like and are after but those would be my suggestions.
Nadeem Akram says
Salaam Alaikum Amanda,
Alhamdullilah I hope your well and Ramadan is not too trying for you…
I have just come across your website and found it very helpful and informative. I
am hoping to travel to Marrakech for the first time in Aug 16 with my wife and 2 teenage daughters. I have been researching items (as you do when travelling) and have a couple of questions, if you can help, please.
We staying in a Riad near medina as I expecting to eat out with the family in the square most nights but since reading your blogs I don’t think that’s a good idea. We can always try and find a place I suppose where Moroccan families are eating but that’s not always going to be the case.
Can we eat around other places in Marrakech ? for dinner that are reasonable with at least a decent level of quality if not an exceptional one and what do you advise regarding lunches and snacks ? Also do you advise us to eat in the riads as well ?I would assume that would be close to authentic Moroccan cuisine.
I don’t think I have any other issues and to be honest your blog answered most of them.
I look forward to a reply if you can, Alhamdullilah enjoy the rest of your Ramadan,
my salam to your family
Nadeem Akram
Amanda Mouttaki says
Hi Nadeem — check out this post for eating in Marrakech – if you sign up for the pop up that appears on this page you’ll also get my one page list of recommendations on where to eat – http://marocmama.com/what-to-eat-and-what-to-avoid-in-marrakech/
Debra | The Saffron Girl says
Great information and advice Amanda. Whenever I’ve travelled to Muslim or predominantly-Muslim countries, I dress more conservatively and respectfully. I cannot understand a woman who doesn’t, as it really helps draw a lot less attention to you, you get less harassed, and it gives you a sense of comfort. Even in countries like Jordan, where they are very open and lax about dress, I’ve been harassed wearing a long shirt over my trousers or wearing a long skirt! So I can only imagine if I would’ve been dressed differently. Growing up in Spain, Spanish men used to be similar to Arab men calling out to women, whistling etc and we used to always just ignore them. Be aware, but ignore. And I always do the same anywhere I go even to-day.
xx Debra
Leah says
Thank You for your wonderful article. My family ( husband daughter and I) are going to Marrakech for a week with friends of ours, we are really looking forward to it I have always wanted to visit. As soon as I told my mom about our trip she got worried, saying that she was also worried when I moved to Ireland 10 years ago lol. I was actually planning on writing you to ask about the safety right now so I could reassure her but saw that you posted this. I am looking forward to my trip more then ever and I hope this article reassures her a bit. Thank you 🙂
Spenser says
Hi, Amanda!
Any advice on travel in Morocco? More specifically, Rabat…I’m going to Rabat to study abroad and need to figure out how to get to school. Thanks for any help 🙂
Amanda Mouttaki says
Hi Spenser, depending on where you end up living in Rabat there’s plenty of taxis and also a bus system to get around town!
Claire says
Just got back today from 2 weeks travelling as part of a small group around Morocco. Went out on my own at times too and the worst thing was crossing the roads in parts of Marrakech! This was my 6th time to Morocco and we all felt perfectly safe. Amanda’s advice is sound and sensible and I hope to visit again.
Shelley Schanfield says
Thank you, Amanda, for the useful numbers and useful suggestion about an emergency evacuation plan, things I hadn’t considered as I think about visiting our daughter in Tetouan sometime in 2016. She is living there now and having a wonderful time.
Love you page and posts!
Charles Suggs says
Hi Amanda
We visited Marracech in April (and took Amanda’s wonderful food tour) and never felt uncomfortable or threatend. Morocco felt safer than any of the big cities in the US that we have visited and lived in in the US. About all that I can add is fishball sandwich!
Daniela Frendo @ Grumpy Camel says
My family were really worried about me going to Morocco for Christmas time last year and I found it difficult to convince them that it’s a safe place to be (I had already been there the year before).
My boyfriend and I spent New Year’s Eve in Marrakech and I must admit we did take a few precautions. Most of the people in our group went to a nightclub popular with Westerners, but my boyfriend and I thought it would be nicer (and probably safer) to spend New Year’s Eve at the night market in Djema el Fnaa.
The harrassment can be a bit overwhelming sometimes, but as you said you need to be confident and assertive.
Rose says
Great post! I linked it to my FB so all of my family and friends could read it. They are a little worried about me coming to Marrakech at the New Year. Hopefully this will help them realize what I’ve been telling them all along.
Roma says
Hi Amanda, great post with sensible advice. Having just travelled solo in Marrakech and Essaouira in October 2015, I can attest to the fact that it is safe, easy to get around and immensely enjoyable. I also find that taking tours on one or more days with a guide and a small group of people, as you offer, is a great way to spend a few hours delving further into the city and culture, sometimes into places you wouldn’t go as a solo traveller. Your tours, and time with yourself and Youssef certainly made my experience richer and extremely enjoyable overall.
Mujahid says
I am planning to do a business in Morocco, can anyone please help me for the same.
Amanda Mouttaki says
I’m not really sure what your question is?
Libbie says
This is an excellent post, full of good advice. Thank you. I’m going to Morocco in April and I am really looking forward to going there. Following your blog has made me even more anxious to see your country.
Libb
Amanda Mouttaki says
Thanks Libbie! I hope you enjoy your visit!