Is Morocco Safe for Tourists? Honest Answers from Locals

“Is Morocco safe?” is one of the first questions our guests ask us before they book. It is a fair question, especially if it is your first trip to North Africa. As a local, family-run agency based in Marrakech, here are our honest answers.

Is Morocco safe for tourists?

Yes. Morocco welcomes millions of visitors every year, and most trips go smoothly. Moroccans are known for their hospitality, and tourism is very important for the country. Like in any popular destination, the most common problems are small ones: pickpockets in crowded places, tourist scams and pushy sellers. With a few simple habits, you can avoid most of them.

Before you travel, it is always a good idea to read the official travel advice of your own government for Morocco.

The medinas: what to expect

The old medinas of Marrakech and Fes are busy, noisy and full of life. They are safe to visit, but they can feel overwhelming the first time.

• Fake guides: some people offer to “show you the way” and then ask for money. Say “no, thank you” politely and keep walking, or book a licensed guide.
• “The road is closed”: if someone tells you a street is closed and offers to take you another way, it is usually a trick to take you to a shop.
• Pickpockets: keep your phone and wallet in a front pocket or a closed bag, especially in Jemaa el-Fnaa square.
• Getting lost: it happens to everyone. Use an offline map, or ask a shopkeeper or a family for directions.

Haggling and prices

Haggling is normal in the souks. Decide in your head how much you want to pay, smile, and only start if you really want to buy. For taxis in the cities, agree on the price before you get in, or ask for the meter.

Is Morocco safe for women travelers?

Many women travel in Morocco, alone or with friends, and have a great time. You may get comments or attention in busy areas. The best answer is to ignore it and keep walking. Dressing a bit more covered in the medinas and villages helps, and traveling with a local driver or guide makes everything easier.

Is the desert safe?

Yes. Desert camps in Merzouga are run by local families who know the dunes very well, and your driver stays with you during the trip. The main risks are the sun and the heat, so drink a lot of water, wear a hat or a scarf, and use sunscreen.

Roads and driving

Driving in Morocco can be stressful for visitors: busy city traffic, mountain roads and long distances. This is one of the main reasons our guests choose a private driver. Our drivers know every road, from the Tizi n’Tichka pass to the desert tracks, and adapt the route to the weather.

Health and food

• Drink bottled water, and be careful with ice and raw salads during your first days.
• Food in busy local restaurants is usually fresh and delicious.
• Bring basic medicines, and buy travel insurance before your trip.

Useful numbers in Morocco

• Police: 19
• Gendarmerie (outside cities): 177
• Fire and ambulance: 15

How a local driver makes your trip easier

With Ur Morocco Travel, you are never alone. Your driver meets you at the airport, knows the places to avoid and the best places to eat, and helps you with prices and directions. Our team is also on WhatsApp 24/7 before and during your trip, and a real person answers.