A complete pre-departure checklist for Morocco: documents, bookings, money, health, connectivity and packing — everything to confirm before you board so nothing is left to chance.
Updated June 2026 · 5 min read · Practical
Documents: what do you need before you fly?
Morocco entry is straightforward for most nationalities, but the basics must be right before you leave home.
- Passport: valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date, with at least one blank page for the entry stamp.
- Visa: most US, Canadian, UK, EU, Australian, NZ and Japanese passport holders enter visa-free for up to 90 days. Confirm your specific nationality's status before booking.
- Travel insurance: essential — covering medical evacuation, cancellation and lost luggage. Check that adventure activities (trekking, camel treks) are included if relevant.
- Printed riad address in Arabic: medina taxi drivers often need it; your riad will provide it on request.
- Digital and printed copies of your passport photo page, travel insurance and key booking confirmations.
Bookings to lock in before departure
Morocco's best riads, luxury desert camps and licensed guides book out weeks or months ahead, especially in spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November). Leave these to the last minute at your peril.
- Riad or hotel: book early, especially for Marrakech in April and October. Read reviews for location — proximity to the medina centre and distance from noisy squares matters.
- Airport transfer: arrange a name-board private pickup with flight tracking, especially at Casablanca Mohammed V (CMN), the main hub, where arrivals queues after long-haul flights can be long. Don't queue for taxis at CMN or Marrakech Menara.
- Desert camp: if you are visiting Erg Chebbi or Erg Chigaga, book the luxury camp months ahead; the best properties have very limited capacity.
- Guides: a licensed private city guide for Fes and Marrakech is worth every dirham — book through your riad or a trusted operator.
- Intercity transfers: if using a private driver for the Sahara circuit, confirm itinerary, route and price well in advance.
Money: what to sort before you land
The Moroccan dirham (MAD) is a closed currency — you can't buy it outside Morocco. Withdraw your first cash from the bank ATMs in the Casablanca (CMN) arrivals hall (rates are reasonable; limit airport bureau de change use). Cards are accepted at hotels, riads and larger restaurants but the souks, taxis, tips and rural stops are cash-only.
- Notify your bank and card provider of travel dates to avoid fraud blocks.
- Bring two different cards in case one fails or an ATM malfunctions.
- Carry sufficient small notes (MAD 10 and 20) for tips, taxis and small purchases.
- Budget a daily cash float of roughly MAD 200–400 per person for incidentals.
Health: what to check before you go
No special vaccinations are required for Morocco, but routine immunisations should be up to date. Consult your GP or a travel clinic 4–6 weeks before departure if you have specific health concerns or are trekking.
- Routine vaccinations: MMR, DTP, hepatitis A recommended as up to date.
- Prescription medications: bring a full supply plus a few days' extra; include a written prescription.
- Travel pharmacy: anti-diarrhoeal (loperamide), oral rehydration sachets, paracetamol, antihistamine, blister plasters, high-SPF sun cream.
- Tap water: drink bottled water throughout Morocco; avoid ice in budget street stalls.
- Travel insurance: ensure emergency medical evacuation is included.
Connectivity and practical logistics
Getting online in Morocco is cheap and easy if you plan it; arriving without data is an unnecessary complication.
- SIM card or eSIM: buy a Maroc Telecom, Orange or Inwi prepaid SIM at the operator desks in the CMN arrivals hall (bring your passport), or activate a travel eSIM before boarding so you can call your transfer driver on landing.
- Offline maps: download Morocco on Google Maps or Maps.me before you fly; medina navigation without data is genuinely hard.
- WhatsApp: the standard communication tool for riads, guides and drivers in Morocco. Ensure your number is activated.
- Power adaptor: European two-pin Type C/E plug, 220V. Most modern phone and laptop chargers are dual-voltage.
- Share your itinerary with someone at home, including riad addresses and driver contact details.