Entering Morocco is actually quite straightforward if you keep a few things in mind: passport, visa, customs, medication, cash – and a few small rules that are better known in advance than being surprised along the way.

Morocco is only a few hours’ flight away and yet feels like another world – with colorful souks, desert camps under the starry sky, Atlantic surfer vibes, and plenty of oriental flair.

In this article, you’ll learn everything you need to know about entering Morocco: which documents you need, how long you can stay, what to look out for when importing cash or medication – and which typical beginner mistakes you can easily avoid.

  • Travel documents
  • Entering Morocco by car
  • German Embassy
  • Dual nationals
  • Import & Customs in Morocco
  • Money & Currency
  • Medicines & Health
  • Medical care in Morocco
  • First aid kit
  • Further practical tips for entry

Travel documents

To enter Morocco, you absolutely need a valid passport. An identity card is not sufficient, even for package tours. Make sure that your passport is valid for at least six months upon arrival in Morocco. This also applies to children – a child’s passport with a photo is mandatory. Upon entry, you may be asked for a Moroccan address. In this case, it is sufficient to provide your first hotel address.

Visa? Not necessary!

As a German citizen, you can stay in Morocco for up to 90 days without a visa – regardless of whether you are vacationing, backpacking, or working on your laptop. If you want to stay longer, you must apply for an extension at the local immigration office before the 90 days are up. This can involve some paperwork and doesn’t always go smoothly—so it’s best to carefully consider how long you really want to stay.

Entering with Children

If you’re traveling with children, everyone needs their own passport, even the youngest. This is especially important if a child is traveling alone or with just one parent. You should also bring a written consent form from your legal guardian (preferably in French or English), a copy of your birth certificate, and copies of your parents’ passports.

Entry Passport

Entering Morocco by car

If you are traveling to Morocco with your own car, camper, or van, you can leave your vehicle in the country duty-free for up to six months. Important: You must take it out again after these six months at the latest – otherwise, it can get very expensive (high customs fines!).

The vehicle should be registered in your name. If not (e.g., for borrowed or company cars), you will need a power of attorney from the vehicle owner – preferably in French or English and with a copy of the vehicle registration document.

You will need a green insurance card with “M” for Morocco on it. Without this, you will have to take out additional Moroccan liability insurance at the border – this is possible, but it is more expensive and less comprehensive.

Upon entry, the vehicle will be linked to you and registered in the system. This means: You may not leave Morocco without the vehicle. And: You may only have one vehicle in the country at a time.

If you are arriving by ferry from Spain (e.g., Algeciras – Tangier Med), you will complete most of the entry requirements on board or directly at the port. Have your vehicle documents, passport, and, if necessary, power of attorney ready.

Morocco Tangier Entry into Morocco by Car

German Embassy

If you ever find yourself in a difficult situation in Morocco – e.g., a lost passport or legal problems – you can contact the German Embassy in Rabat or the Consulate General in Casablanca. Both will assist you in emergencies, including with replacement documents. In Germany, the Moroccan Consulate is responsible if you have any questions about entry or documents in advance.

Tip: Save the embassy’s contact details on your mobile phone – it never hurts to have them handy.

  • Embassy of the Kingdom of Morocco in Berlin
  • Moroccan Consulates General in Frankfurt & in Düsseldorf
  • Embassy of the Kingdom of Morocco in Switzerland
  • Embassy of the Kingdom of Morocco in Austria
  • German Embassy in Rabat
  • German Honorary Consulates in Agadir
  • German Honorary Consulates in Tangier
  • German Honorary Consulates in Casablanca

Dual Citizens

If you have Moroccan and German citizenship in addition to your German passport, you can enter and exit the country with your German passport – but you will usually also have to present your Moroccan identity card (CNIE). From the age of 16, this card is required by law in Morocco.

Important: Even if you surrendered your Moroccan passport when naturalizing in Germany, you will not automatically lose your Moroccan citizenship. For the authorities in Morocco, you will continue to be considered a Moroccan.

The same applies to children who are German-Moroccan dual citizens: They generally need both documents when entering the country – the German passport and the Moroccan identity card (from age 16) or, if applicable, the Moroccan passport. Otherwise, delays can occur, especially when leaving the country.

Import & Customs in Morocco

Before you finally close your backpack or suitcase, it’s worth doing one last check: In Morocco, there are clear rules about what you are not allowed to bring – and breaking them can get you into real trouble.

What is allowed?

  • 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250 grams of tobacco
  • 1 liter of wine and 1 liter of spirits
  • 250 grams of coffee
  • 100 grams of tea
  • Perfume (up to 5 grams)
  • Gifts worth 2,000 MAD
  • Travel provisions until your destination

Clothing, cosmetics, camera, laptop, smartphone – everything is okay, as long as it is obviously for your own use. If you’re bringing newly packaged electronic items, it’s best to have an invoice or proof of purchase with you to avoid any arguments.

What’s not allowed?

  • Drones: These are prohibited without special permission. If your drone is discovered, it will usually be confiscated at customs without return.
  • Radios & satellite phones: These devices are also not permitted and can be confiscated upon entry.
  • Weapons or weapon-like objects: This includes pocket knives with lockable blades or certain outdoor gadgets – so if in doubt, it’s best to avoid them.
  • Pornographic material: This includes anything that could be considered “offensive” under Moroccan law – including magazines or certain images on smartphones.

Money & Currency

National currency: Moroccan Dirham (MAD)

In Morocco, you pay with the Moroccan Dirham (MAD). One euro is equivalent to approximately 11 MAD, but the exchange rate can fluctuate. You can import euros or other foreign currencies without limit, but please note the declaration requirement (see below).

Import and Export of Cash

  • Dirham (MAD): A maximum of 2,000 MAD in cash may be imported or exported.
  • Foreign Currencies: The import of foreign currency is unlimited. However, cash with a value of 100,000 MAD (approx. 9,200 euros) or more must be declared upon entry.

Exchanging Money & Withdrawing Cash

  • Exchange Offices: It is best to exchange your money in official exchange offices or banks. Look for the gold plaque that indicates authorized exchange offices.​
  • ATMs: In cities, you will find many ATMs where you can withdraw cash using credit cards (Visa, Mastercard) or debit cards with the Maestro symbol. Please note, however, that not all ATMs work reliably and withdrawal limits may apply.

Credit Cards & Cashless Payment

In larger hotels, shops, or restaurants, you can often pay by credit card. However, at markets or while traveling in the countryside, almost everything is done in cash—so it’s best to always carry enough cash with you. Paying by credit card isn’t as common throughout the country as you might think.

Exchanging Dirhams

If you have a lot of Dirham left at the end of your trip, it’s best to exchange the money back before your return flight—because exporting more than 2,000 MAD is officially prohibited. Important: You’ll need the exchange receipt, and you’ll usually only get back up to 50% of the original exchanged amount. Not ideal, but perhaps better than taking too much Moroccan cash back home.

Moroccan Currency Cash Banknote Dirham

Medicines & Health

If you take medication regularly, you can easily bring it with you to Morocco for your own use. It’s important to pack it in its original packaging and take a medical certificate with you – preferably in French or English. This is especially true for prescription or strong medications (e.g., opiates, psychotropic drugs, etc.).

You don’t need any mandatory vaccinations to enter Morocco. However, you should check whether your standard vaccinations (such as tetanus, diphtheria, polio) are up to date. For longer trips or special activities—for example, if you’re traveling a lot inland—hepatitis A and B, typhoid, and rabies vaccinations are also recommended.

And very important: Take out international health insurance before you fly. Morocco is not an EU country, which means your statutory health insurance won’t cover coverage here. Good travel insurance costs less than €30 a year and should ideally also cover medically necessary repatriation – just to be on the safe side.

Medical Care in Morocco

Medical care in Morocco is not comparable to European standards – especially outside of the big cities. In places like Marrakech, Casablanca, or Rabat, you’ll find modern private clinics where you’ll receive good treatment – but that comes at a price. State hospitals are often poorly equipped, overworked, and not always reliable.

How to be well prepared:

  • Take out international health insurance – absolutely essential!
  • Save emergency numbers, e.g. B. from clinics or your insurance company.
  • Bring a first-aid kit – many common medications are available locally, but not everything you might need.

Many doctors speak French, some also speak English. Pharmacies (“pharmacie”) can be found on almost every corner in the cities – you can recognize them by the white cross with a green border. For minor ailments, you can sometimes get something there without a prescription. However, not everything is available everywhere, and for more serious cases, you should go directly to a clinic.

First-aid kit

To be honest, we rarely need anything from our first-aid kit when traveling. But it’s always good to be prepared – especially in a country like Morocco, where you can’t find a well-stocked pharmacy on every corner. If you’re in a hurry, a well-packed first-aid kit will definitely save you time and stress.

What do we always have with us? Painkillers, something for diarrhea, and a few blister plasters – these have often proven to be real lifesavers, especially after long walks through the city or hikes in the desert. Disinfectant spray, mosquito repellent (especially important in the south!), and a small supply of your personal medication should also be included in your luggage.

Savings tip: We usually order our first-aid kit from APO discount stores* – online, inexpensive, and delivered quickly. There are, of course, other good shops, but we’ve always been satisfied with the price-performance ratio there.

More practical tips for entering the country

Before you fly off, here are a few practical things that will make your start in Morocco much easier. At the top of the list: Make copies of your most important documents – your passport, vaccination record, and driver’s license. It’s best to print one and save it digitally in your cloud or on your phone. This way, if you lose something or need to show identification, you’ll be on the safe side.

What else you should know: Taking photos or videos at the border, at police stations, or military installations is prohibited. So, it’s best to leave your phone in your pocket, even if things look tense. The authorities don’t take it lightly.

In Morocco, you’re traveling in a predominantly Muslim country. That doesn’t mean you have to blend in completely—but respectful clothing is appreciated, especially in rural areas and when visiting mosques. Shoulders and knees should be covered if possible—for both men and women.

Even if the tap water often looks clear, it’s better not to drink it. Instead, opt for bottled water, which you can find cheaply in supermarkets and small shops everywhere.

  • Passport by MP_foto71
  • Ferry Tangier by pierivb
  • Cash Morocco by philipus