Morocco travel guide: what you need to know as the country reopens to tourists

The kingdom is welcoming international visitors for the first time since November last year

Morocco is welcoming travellers again from February 7. Unsplash

Famed for its bustling markets, colourful riads and rolling Saharan sand dunes, Morocco has reopened to tourists on Monday.

Fully vaccinated travellers can now visit, after the commercial flight ban was lifted.

It is the second time the kingdom will welcome travellers, having originally opened to visitors in June last year.

Five months later, the country closed its airspace because of the spread of the Omicron variant of Covid-19.

Now, with travel once again an option, visits to the Atlas Mountains, days on Essaouira's beaches and evenings wandering through Casablanca's diverse architecture are back on the cards.

Here’s what you need to know before you go.

Do I need to be vaccinated to visit Morocco?

The old Madinah of Marrakesh. AP

All travellers planning to visit Morocco must be fully vaccinated. The second dose of the vaccine must have been taken at least 14 days before travel.

There are 10 approved vaccines acceptable for travel to the kingdom, including Sinopharm. Children under 18 are exempt from vaccination before travel.

What do I need to do before I travel to Morocco?

Vaccinated travellers need a negative PCR test before flying to Morocco. February 7, 2022. Photo by TIMUR MATAHARI / AFP

Before flying, travellers must fill out this passenger locator form and have a printed, signed copy of it to hand to authorities on arrival.

Travellers will also need to take a PCR test no more than 48 hours before flight departure time. Results need to be in English, Arabic or French.

Travellers aged 6 and older will have an antigenic test upon arrival in Morocco and some travellers may be asked to take a second PCR test at airports.

All arriving passengers should also expect to undergo temperature screening and some may be asked to take an additional test at their hotel or residence.

Children under 6 do not need to take a PCR before flying to Morocco.

Which airlines are flying to Morocco?

Emirates and Etihad are resuming flights from the UAE to Casablanca.

Emirates is restarting its passenger services to and from Casablanca on Tuesday, February 8.

The Dubai airline's flights to the city will depart at 7.30am, arriving at 1.15pm. Return flights depart Casablanca at 3.05pm, arriving in Dubai at 1.30am the next day.

Economy fares for flights in February start from Dh4,500.

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, will also recommence flights to Casablanca. The Abu Dhabi airline will fly to and from the northern city from March 3, with return fares for flights in March starting from Dh1,885.

What restrictions are in place in Morocco?

Downtown Rabat, Morocco. Face masks are mandatory in public places across the kingdom. AP

The kingdom of Morocco remains under a state of health emergency. This means there are limits on gatherings, with a maximum of 50 people and face masks in all public places are mandatory.

Hammams, public swimming pools, beaches and sports facilities are open, but have capacities capped at 5 per cent. Restaurants, cafes, shops and supermarkets must close by 11pm.

Travellers need a vaccine pass to enter most public places including hotels, restaurants, shops, etc. It’s important to note that penalties including fines and prison sentences are in place for those not following the rules.

When’s the best time to visit Morocco?

The Atlas Mountains are accessible year-round. Photo: Kasbah Tamadot

Parts of Morocco can be visited all year round, especially coastal regions and the Atlas Mountains. Spring and autumn are high season across much of the kingdom, as it's when temperatures are warm and pleasant.

If you're planning to fly to Casablanca, you can enjoy a Mediterranean summer with less hot temperatures than destinations in the south thanks to the city's cool Atlantic current.