(Updated April 2026) Considering all of the events happening right now in the world, an obvious question to ask before traveling to a new destination is: Is it safe for tourists? Perhaps you have a heightened concern about Morocco given the region it is in. We are here to share our general observations as foreigners working 24+ years in Morocco, up-to-date notes from recent travelers, and safety tips for every area of travel.
For specific tips on avoiding common tourist traps, read our detailed Morocco Travel Safety guide
In this blog post, we’ll cover
- Current Information about Morocco Now
- General Safety Trends over the Last 24 Years
- Safety for Tourists in Certain Regions of Morocco
- Safety of Traveling to Morocco Alone
- Information about Terrorism in Morocco
- Crime & Scam Safety Tips in Morocco
- Transportation Safety Tips
- Health and Medical Safety Tips
- Safety Tips & Advice for Female Travelers
- Tips for Planning for Emergency in Morocco
Current Information from Team Living in Morocco & Recent Travelers – Our Current Perspective!
Right now, our perspective is that it is very safe to be in Morocco as a foreigner. We will talk about our years of experience later, but allow us to give you a picture of life right now. As of the most recent update of this post, we have American team members living in both Fes and Essaouira. As expats living in Morocco, we also are connected to other foreigners living in other cities such as Casablanca, Marrakech, Rabat, and more. Daily life is normal right now, with no need to take extra precaution. The atmosphere feels very stable and we don’t feel tension. Of course, as people working in tourism, we are always keeping an eye on things and asking our drivers and guides what they are sensing as well. We will continually update this section here if anything changes.
Here are some comments and stories from our most recent travelers. They show a small snapshot of the hospitality of Moroccans and the general feeling of safety while traveling.
“Of course, our driver was beyond superb. He was such a good ambassador for Morocco and your company. We were completely safe with him and he treated us very kindly… We wandered in the medina, got lost, but a mother (sister in Calgary!!), no English, pushing a two year old girl in a stroller, spent over half an hour leading us through the crowds determined to get us to a main street and exit. We took her to tea before parting…And the last, but not least, small nicety to happen to me was at the taxi stop where we stretched our legs. I bought ice cream and gave the vendor’s son a small tip and small Canadian flag pin. He ran after me, shook my hand, and pulled me down for a slight kiss on the cheek!!” – Susan and Landra (April 2024) View Full Testimonial
“Back home and still thinking of Morocco and its wonderful people. I was lucky to discover experienceittours while doing research for a senior girls trip to Morocco and I couldn’t have made a better choice. Our driver was an excellent driver, courteous and was attentive to our every need. The guides at all the destinations were also wonderful, helpful and knowledgeable. I loved everything about the country and its people.” – Idalie (May 2024)
General Safety Trends over the last 24 Years – Our Past Experience!
From over 24 years of experience, we have found that it is highly improbable that you will be put in danger in Morocco. It is considered to be a politically stable country in North Africa and is definitely one worth visiting! Here are some reasons we believe Morocco is safe for tourists in 2025 – from a history of political stability to a proactive approach to security.
1. Stable Government:
The kingdom of Morocco operates under the government structure of a constitutional monarchy. This government structure came under reform after the Arab Spring but has remained stable throughout the changes. The chief of state is King Mohammed VI. There is a prime minister as well, who serves as the head of government. Because of this consistent government, there tends to be peace and stability in Morocco. Morocco takes security very seriously.
Morocco has also been a leading Muslim country in supporting and promoting religious peace between Muslims, Christians, and Jews, which adds to the peaceful atmosphere in the country.
2. Proven stability in North Africa:
Morocco was one of the only countries in North Africa that remained secure during the Arab Spring. In fact, Morocco is an Arab country that is used as a good example of political reform during this time. While there were protests in 2011 and 2012 in Morocco, most protests were peaceful and resulted in constitutional changes that remain in place today. During the protests and calls for change, Moroccan authorities did not use violence like some of their neighboring countries but rather dealt with those protesting peacefully.
3. Safety of tourists in the past:
We have hosted over 10,000+ travelers to Morocco with no safety concerns. Tourism is a big part of the Moroccan economy, and the people of Morocco are very welcoming to those who are visiting. In fact, over and over again from our travelers, we hear how safe they felt on their trip! Feel free to ask us to talk to a past traveler or a sales representative living in Morocco to hear their experience. If there were to be any safety concerns while on tour to Morocco, our local office and on-the-ground travel representatives would be available to help in any way necessary. We have American representatives living in Morocco. They constantly monitor the safety of Morocco for our travelers.
4. Proactive Approach to Security
The government of Morocco is very proactive with security for tourists. Recently while exploring one of the ancient medinas (Marrakech), I saw numerous polices and security forces on the lookout around tourism sites. They were there to make sure nothing went wrong. We believe that the current government is taking security and safety very seriously…which makes Morocco a safer place.
Safety for Tourists in Specific Regions of Morocco
As you plan your itinerary to Morocco, you may wonder if there are any areas that you should avoid. Our perspective is that it is safe to visit the main cities of Morocco (like Fes, Marrakech, Casablanca etc.) but can be riskier to go out into rural areas — including the Sahara — without a proper guide. If you’re planning a desert trip, read our guide on whether the desert is safe for travelers.
When we say rural areas, we mean small towns or mountain areas that are far away from communities of people. However, if you are traveling with a tour group or a travel agency, they can be sure that you have the insight you need to visit rural areas safely. In general, Moroccans are super hospitable and it is rare for there to be any serious danger, but we do recommend sticking to areas where there will be other tourists (unless you have a good local guide/friend).
In the bigger cities of Morocco, like anywhere in the world, there is more risk of pickpockets or petty crime. Treat these areas like you would any crowded city – keeping your awareness on what is going on around you.
Is it Safe to Travel to Morocco Alone?
If you are booking with a reputable tour company, it is safe to travel to Morocco alone. Ask the company you are working with if they have had solo travelers before and how much time they are by themselves.
We think that men would be safe traveling on their own to Morocco as solo travelers if they exercise normal precaution. If you are a lady traveling alone, we would strongly recommend booking a guide through a travel company with good reviews. See our full advice for female travelers below.
Information about Terrorism In Morocco
Of course, the nature of terrorist attacks is that they are unpredictable and everywhere in the world has some risk. However, it is very rare for Morocco to have a terrorist attack. In fact, the last major terrorist attack in Morocco was in 2011. The Global Terrorism Index gives Morocco a score of 0 for 2023, lower than the United States and many European countries. This takes into account a number of factors over a 5 year period. Morocco’s score has steadily decreased over the last 10 years.
Crime & Scams Safety Tips in Morocco
How do you avoid scams in Morocco? In general, Moroccans are looking to help tourists and will be very proud to show Moroccan hospitality. However, there are a few ways that people can try to make a little extra money off of tourists – here are some things to watch out for!
Fake guides:
Only accept guided tours from licensed, professional tour guides. We recommend booking a guide in advance so that you know it’s someone you can trust.
If someone is aggressively trying to show you the way to a tourist site (like the tanneries in Fes for example), they may be taking you to a certain shop in order to get a commission for bringing you in. A red flag is if someone is being very insistent that you need to come with them, especially if it means changing your original plan. This isn’t to say you can’t trust someone to help you when you are lost – there are many friendly people who would be happy to point you in the right direction! Use clues like their demeanor, how long they want to walk with you, and their level of insistence to know if they are trustworthy.
Shopping fakes and inflated prices:
Sometimes a shopkeeper will tell you that their item is an antique and try to charge a higher price. Or, they’ll sell you a fake version of something claiming that it’s the real deal. This is a hard situation to avoid, since you likely don’t know what an accurate price is to pay. The only thing you can do is ask your guide or driver for a range estimate of the item you are shopping for. If there’s something specific you know you’ll be looking for in Morocco, do some research in advance about how to spot a fake.
The best advice we can give our travelers is about pricing is: don’t let the fear of paying too high of a price take away from the joy of the souvenir and the memory it holds. Realistically, you will pay more than a local would pay. Bargain, enjoy the experience, and if the end price you pay is worth it to you, don’t worry too much about if it’s more than someone else would have paid.
Pickpockets:
Like in any major city around the world, there is a risk of pickpockets in Morocco. Keep your valuables tucked away where they can’t be seen. Be careful with having your phone out in very crowded areas. Don’t leave your wallet easily accessible.
Transportation Safety Tips
Morocco has many public transportation options for tourists. You might wonder – is it safe to take public transportation in Morocco? As long as you take normal precautions, it should be safe for you to take public transportation. Here are some of our tips.
Taxis – Taxis are generally safe and reliable. If anything, you may run into difficulties getting a taxi to use the meter instead of trying to charge you a higher price as a tourist. If you are a woman, be aware of your interactions with the taxi driver. Due to cultural differences, smiling and engaging in conversation can sometimes attract unwanted conversation or extra attention from your driver. For all, have a general awareness of where you are heading so that you can know if you are not going in the right direction. (Using Google maps is very helpful for this!).
Buses – As buses can be quite crowded, this is a place to keep an eye out for pickpockets. Keep your valuables away from easy access and pay attention.
Private car – We think that having a private driver is a great idea! It’s actually the main reason given for why our travelers feel so safe in Morocco. He is able to help you navigate cultural situations and keep an eye out for your wellbeing. However, this is an area where you will want to do your research. Check into the guide or transportation companies to be sure that whoever is accompanying you is someone you can trust.
Train – Trains in Morocco are a great way to get around. Typically, they are very safe. Our best safety tip for trains is to be aware of how much of your personal information you share. Very rarely (but still good to know!) there can be scammers who collect your details in order to connect you with a false guide or a hotel they know. Moroccans are, in general, very warm and welcoming towards tourists, so you don’t need to be afraid of having conversations with them and even taking their advice about what to see. But, don’t give out your tour itinerary to a stranger.
Health & Medical Safety Tips In Morocco
No one wants to plan a beautiful vacation to an exciting destination and then spend the whole time sick! Here are some of our tips for how to stay safe and healthy in Morocco.
Drinking water – is the water in Morocco safe to drink? We recommend drinking only bottled water while in Morocco. To be extra cautious, we also recommend brushing your teeth with bottled water.
Food – how do I know what’s safe to eat in Morocco? This depends on where you are. If you are eating at a reputable hotel/riad or larger restaurant, you should be fine to order what you’d like. At smaller hole-in-the-wall places or roadside restaurants, we recommend ordering cooked salads (there are many amazing options!) instead of fresh as they are not always washed well. Stay away from unwashed/unpeeled fruits as well. Order dishes that are cooked to order instead of sitting out for a long time.
Preparation – Bring your own hand sanitizer for when you need it. It is also a good idea to have some medication for “traveler’s stomach” – even if you take all the right precautions a change in diet can give you some problems!
Vaccines – Routine vaccines are all that is required for Morocco. If you’d like, you can also get a Hepatitis A or Tetanus booster before coming.
Stay hydrated, especially if you are coming during the summer months, and be sure to get plenty of rest as you travel!
Women’s Safety in Morocco – Advice for Female Travelers
We personally recommend traveling in pairs or small groups. This isn’t to say it isn’t possible to tour Morocco as a solo female traveler, but you will need to take extra precautions. Here are some of our tips about traveling as women in Morocco, based on years of experience. We have gathered these from single women living in Morocco as well as those visiting! In all of these tips, we do not want to increase anxiety but instead give you awareness so that you can have a wonderful experience as a female traveler in Morocco.
Be mindful of the clothing you wear, as Morocco is a conservative, majority Muslim country. For a full breakdown of customs and expectations, read our guide on Morocco cultural etiquette. Of course, Moroccans are very used to seeing tourists and culture is continually changing so you don’t need to cover your head or wear long sleeves all the time. But, we do recommend avoiding skin tight clothing and anything that is too short or revealing out of respect for their culture. It will also help you be more comfortable as you will attract less unwanted attention.
Writing from an American perspective, we have noticed that American women can be seen as flirtatious, even when unintended. In Morocco, there is typically less interaction between men and women than we have in the US, so women can look like they are signaling something that they don’t mean to be. You don’t need to be stressed about this, but just be aware of your interactions.
Observe before acting. For example, many coffee shops in the older parts of cities are unofficially men-only. They won’t refuse female tourists of course, but it could be uncomfortable to sit there without realizing this. Take a quick look over the people sitting in the coffee shop to see if there are other women eating there.
While exploring Morocco, especially in the medinas, you may get unwanted comments from men. Most of the time, this is just to try to draw you into their shops, but it can be annoying. The best thing to do is to avoid eye contact and keep walking. If at any time you feel unsafe due to someone’s attention, look for a store or a café you can enter, and tell someone working there. Moroccans have a strong sense of duty to protect visitors and anyone you ask will be willing to make sure you feel safe.
Finally, we recommend following the same basic safety precautions you would take anywhere else in the world. Avoid dark, isolated areas if you are alone. Be cautious of sharing too much personal information with strangers.
We personally think it’s a great idea to have a guide with you while you explore! While of course they give you a deeper experience into the culture and history of the sites you are seeing, having a guide also gives you an extra layer of confidence and security so that you can really relax while traveling.
For even more in-depth advice, check out our full guide: Tips for Single Ladies Traveling to an Arab Country
Emergency Situation Safety Tips
This is what we recommend to plan for the the unlikely event that you find yourself in an emergency situation. It’s always good to be prepared, even if the chances of something happening are very small!
First, before you travel, we recommend enrolling with your home country’s overseas travel advisory. For example, if you are from the USA, this is STEP. It sends you updates about what is going on in the country.
Second, have your home country embassy phone number readily available in case you need any assistance. Have other emergency phone numbers written down as well. For Morocco, it is (19) for police assistance and (15) for emergency medical assistance.
We give all our travelers a 24/7 phone number for one of our American representatives living in Morocco. All our drivers have a list of recommended hospitals for each city along our tour routes in case a traveler needs medical assistance. If you have a specific medical condition, do some research beforehand about which hospitals are best prepared to help you with your needs.
We also strongly recommend having travel insurance that covers any additional costs in case of an emergency.
Enjoy your Visit to Morocco:
We hope that this post was informative and helps you feel confident about visiting Morocco! Our travelers have always reported feeling safe and comfortable on their trip, so we know firsthand that it’s a wonderful destination for tourists.
Check out our Morocco itineraries here:
Have questions about the safety of Morocco? We live here – and we’d love to tell you more. Feel free to contact us or check out our customer testimonials.
