Is Morocco safe for tourists? A practical guide for 2026
Is Morocco safe for tourists? Yes, on the whole Morocco is a calm destination for anyone who travels with a little common sense: it welcomes millions of visitors every year, the authorities pay close attention to security in tourist areas, and the most common problems are petty theft, scams and traffic. Neither the Italian nor the French foreign ministry advises against travel to the country, but both call for caution and flag a few border areas to avoid. In this guide, updated for 2026, you will find the information you really need to travel with peace of mind.
The general situation in 2026
The big tourist cities, from Marrakech to Fes and from Rabat to Casablanca, are watched over by uniformed and plain-clothes police, and patrols are a common sight in the medinas. The Morocco page of Viaggiare Sicuri, the Italian Foreign Ministry’s travel advice website, mainly refers to petty crime (theft, pickpocketing, bag snatching) and points out that, as in many countries, the risk of terrorism cannot be ruled out: this is why the Moroccan authorities keep a high level of alert and regularly announce that cells have been dismantled. In practice, the advice is to stay reasonably alert in crowded places.
In autumn 2025 several cities saw youth-led demonstrations. Events of this kind can happen again, and the rule is simple: keep away from marches and gatherings and follow the instructions of the local authorities.
Areas to avoid
The areas flagged by the Italian Foreign Ministry are far from the usual tourist routes:
- the southern border with Mauritania, where non-essential travel is advised against, as is overland travel to Mauritania;
- the areas right next to the Algerian border in the south-east;
- Western Sahara away from the main roads, and the unpaved tracks south-east of Guelmim, where some areas are still mined;
- run-down outlying districts of the big cities, especially in the evening;
- the minor roads of the Rif, a cannabis-growing region where tourists are sometimes approached by dealers.
Merzouga, Zagora, the Dades Valley and the Todra Gorge, the classic desert destinations, are not among these areas.
Scams, fake guides and taxis: the most common problems
The most likely annoyance in Morocco is not danger but persistence. Here are the typical situations and how to handle them.
| Situation | What to do |
|---|---|
| A fake guide offers to take you through the medina or tells you a street is “closed” | Say thank you and walk on; use official guides booked in advance or through your accommodation |
| A “free visit” to a tannery or a carpet shop | Expect strong pressure to buy: if you don’t want to, say so straight away |
| A petit taxi without the meter running | Ask for the meter to be switched on or agree the fare before getting in |
| “VIP” offers or discounts on future holidays pitched in the street | Never hand over card details: French diplomatic advice warns of fake agencies operating in Marrakech |
| Henna, photos with animals or street performers | Agree the price first, otherwise the demand will come afterwards |
For theft, the usual precautions apply: keep your bag closed and in front of you, don’t hold your phone at the kerbside (snatching from scooters is reported in Casablanca and Marrakech), carry little cash, and leave your documents in the safe at your accommodation, taking a photocopy of your passport with you. As for grands taxis, the shared long-distance taxis, the Italian Foreign Ministry advises thinking carefully before using them.
Women travellers
Many women travel in Morocco, including on their own, without any serious problems. To be honest, though, comments, compliments and persistent approaches are common, especially in the medinas, and official sources speak of attention that can amount to harassment. A few tips help:
- clothes that cover shoulders and knees attract less attention;
- in the evening, avoid deserted alleys, beaches and isolated parks;
- not responding to comments and walking on purposefully is usually the most effective reaction;
- choose well-reviewed accommodation with staff on hand at night;
- if you have a problem, go into a shop or hotel or approach a police officer.
Desert, mountains and roads
The Sahara is one of the highlights of any trip and, when well organised, poses no particular risk. The official advice is clear: in desert areas travel by 4×4, with supplies of water and fuel and always with a reliable, experienced guide; in the mountains, such as the High Atlas, only with authorised guides. That is why nights in the Merzouga desert camps and desert treks and expeditions should always be arranged with local operators. Take care with activities such as quad biking and buggies too: help can be slow to arrive in remote areas.
Driving in Morocco
The road is probably the most real risk. Official sources describe often undisciplined traffic and a high number of accidents. If you are thinking of hiring a car, remember that:
- a foreign driving licence is valid for up to 12 months of your stay;
- the drink-driving limit is zero;
- seat belts are compulsory in the back too, and children under 10 may not sit in the front;
- it is best not to drive at night outside towns, because of animals, pedestrians and poorly lit vehicles;
- petrol stations are further apart in the south: fill up whenever you can.
This is why many travellers opt for car hire with a driver: the driver knows the roads, the real journey times and the right places to stop.
Health and insurance
No vaccinations are required to enter Morocco. The Italian Foreign Ministry suggests, after consulting a doctor, vaccinations against hepatitis A and B, and against rabies for those staying in rural areas; it is also worth checking that your routine vaccinations are up to date, including measles. Public facilities are not at European standards, while cities have adequate but expensive private clinics: this is why health insurance covering medical costs and repatriation is strongly recommended. Drink bottled water, especially outside the big cities, and protect yourself from the sun in the hot months.
Official sources for Italian travellers
Before leaving, Italian citizens should read the Morocco page on Viaggiare Sicuri, updated by the Crisis Unit of the Italian Foreign Ministry (the Farnesina), and register their itinerary on Dove siamo nel mondo: it is free and allows the Farnesina to contact you in an emergency. Alternatively, you can download the Viaggiare Sicuri app and turn on location and notifications. Travellers of other nationalities should check their own government’s advice. Check your documents too: you need a passport to enter Morocco, as we explain in our guide on travelling to Morocco with a passport.
Useful numbers in Morocco
| Service | Number |
|---|---|
| Emergencies (from a mobile) | 112 |
| Police (in towns, from a landline) | 19 |
| Ambulance and fire service | 15 |
| Royal Gendarmerie (outside urban areas) | 177 |
| Motorway assistance | 5050 |
| Italian Embassy in Rabat | +212 537 219730 |
Why a private tour with a driver helps
An organised trip does not remove every surprise, but it cuts out exactly the situations in which problems arise: no haggling with taxis, no night driving, no self-appointed “guides”. On the private tours of Tour al Marocco you travel with a driver who knows the area, Italian-speaking on request, with local guides in Fes and Marrakech and hand-picked camps in the Merzouga desert. Full payment is not required in advance. If you would like an itinerary built around your own pace, get in touch to plan your trip.
Frequently asked questions
Is Morocco safe for a woman travelling alone?
Generally yes, but expect persistent approaches and comments. Modest clothing, reliable accommodation and organised transport in the evening make the trip much more relaxed.
Is Marrakech dangerous at night?
Jemaa el-Fna square and the main streets stay lively until late. Avoid deserted alleys in the medina and outlying districts, though, and keep an eye on your bag and phone.
Do I need a guide to go into the desert?
Yes, and this is also what the Italian Foreign Ministry recommends: in the desert you travel by 4×4 with an experienced guide, especially off the main tracks.
Should I register on Dove siamo nel mondo?
If you are an Italian citizen it is not compulsory but it is recommended: it takes a few minutes and, in an emergency, the Farnesina knows where to find you.