Is It Safe to Visit Morocco? Latest Travel Advice
With the recent military confrontations in Israel and Gaza, and escalating tensions between Israel and Iran, concerns about traveling to regions in North Africa and the Middle East, including Morocco, are understandable.
Here’s the latest on traveling to Morocco, assessing its safety, and understanding your rights should you choose to cancel your trip.
What does the FCDO say about travel to Morocco?
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has not issued any comprehensive travel bans to Morocco. Consequently, travel insurance remains valid for trips to this destination.
However, the FCDO has revised its guidance following recent developments: “As of 13 April 2024, military strikes by Iran on Israel were reported. By 19 April, there were reports of bombings in Iran and unverified reports in Syria and Iraq. Keep up with this travel advisory and stay tuned to other news sources as the situation evolves quickly. Stay connected with FCDO travel on social platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, and sign up for email updates on travel advisories.”
Are flights still operating as usual to Morocco?
Indeed, flights from the UK to Morocco are not affected by Middle Eastern airspace and maintain their usual schedules. Geographically, Morocco is approximately 2,500 miles from Tel Aviv, whereas London is about 2,200 miles away. Thus, distance alone should not deter your travel plans to Morocco.
Is Morocco impacted by the Israel-Hamas conflict?
To this point, Morocco remains unaffected by the ongoing conflict. Nevertheless, there have been significant pro-Palestine rallies within Morocco. The FCDO cautions: “The likelihood of protests and demonstrations across the nation is elevated. Avoid such events and stay alert for spontaneous occurrences. While most protests are peaceful, isolated incidents of violence have occurred, potentially disrupting travel.”
Is Morocco still recovering from the 2023 earthquake?
On 8 September 2023, Morocco experienced a severe earthquake in the Marrakesh–Safi area, with a magnitude between 6.8 and 6.9, centered near Ighil and close to Oukaïmeden ski resort in the Atlas Mountains.
This catastrophic event resulted in approximately 3,000 deaths and affected over 6.6 million people across Morocco, particularly in remote mountainous communities and the tourist-favored city of Marrakesh, which saw extensive damage. Rebuilding efforts persist in some regions, but Marrakesh’s airport is operational, and the country welcomes tourists again.
Regarding seismic activity, the FCDO notes: “Morocco is prone to earthquakes. Minor quakes are somewhat frequent, with the last significant one in 2023 causing nearly 3,000 fatalities. Learn and adhere to safety measures during earthquakes and pay attention to any guidelines provided in accommodations.”
Is terrorism a risk in Morocco?
In 2018, an attack near Mount Toubkal resulted in the deaths of two tourists. The FCDO advises: “Terrorist attempts are highly likely in Morocco.”
Further, the FCDO states: “The risk is elevated due to numerous Moroccans who sympathize with or are members of Daesh (formerly ISIL) and similar extremist factions. Security forces actively disrupt terrorist networks.”
High-risk areas include crowded places, government buildings, transport hubs, enterprises with Western affiliations, and locales frequented by foreigners and tourists.
“Exercise vigilance in these areas and heed any local security advice,” the FCDO emphasizes.
What if I want to cancel my holiday?
If you’ve booked a package holiday to Morocco and consider cancelling, reach out to your travel operator for potential rescheduling.
However, as the Foreign Office has not formally advised against travel to Morocco, refunds or insurance claims may not be guaranteed.
For those with separate flight and accommodation bookings looking to cancel, contact your service providers to explore possible changes to your itinerary. Yet, under the current circumstances, receiving a full refund remains unlikely.
