What to know before you go.

Citizens of the EU, UK, US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and many other countries do not need a visa for tourist stays of up to 90 days; you simply need a passport valid for at least six months. The list does change, so always confirm your own nationality with the nearest Moroccan consulate before you travel.

Morocco is generally a safe destination and violent crime against tourists is rare. The realistic concerns are petty theft in crowded medinas, persistent touts and occasional overcharging — all manageable with normal city awareness. Solo female travellers visit Morocco regularly; expect more unsolicited attention than at home, dress modestly away from resorts, and a firm "la shukran" handles most situations.

The currency is the Moroccan dirham (MAD). It is a closed currency, so you cannot reliably buy it abroad — withdraw from an ATM or exchange on arrival instead. Cards work in hotels, larger restaurants and supermarkets, but souks, taxis and street food are cash only, so always carry some dirhams, especially before heading to villages or the desert.

Most travellers stick to sealed bottled water, which is cheap and available everywhere, to avoid an upset stomach while their system adjusts. Tap water in cities is treated and fine for brushing teeth. Be a little cautious with ice and raw salads at non-tourist venues if your stomach is sensitive.

Morocco is a predominantly Muslim country with conservative dress norms in medinas and rural areas, so both men and women are most comfortable covering shoulders and knees there. Lightweight cotton or linen works well in the heat. Beachwear belongs at resorts and hotel pools; Casablanca and Rabat are more relaxed. Women do not need to cover their hair.

Haggling is part of the culture in souks and markets, where the opening price is usually well above the final one. A common approach is to counter low — very roughly a third of the asking price — and settle somewhere in the middle, walking away genuinely if it stalls. Supermarkets, pharmacies and government craft cooperatives are fixed-price and do not negotiate.

Petit taxis are small, city-only cabs (a different colour in each city) that should run on the meter — insist on it or agree a fare first. Grand taxis are older Mercedes that run between towns, either shared (you wait for the car to fill) or privately hired for all seats. In larger cities, Careem and inDrive ride-hailing apps give you transparent app pricing.

For most travellers spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) are ideal countrywide, with April and October the strongest all-round months. The Sahara is best in winter and the coast shines in summer. Our month-by-month seasonal guide breaks this down region by region with real climate data.