Africa
Is Morocco safe?
L2Exercise increased caution
Is Morocco safe?
Generally safe with low violent crime, but persistent touts, petty theft in medinas and harassment of women wear people down. A terrorism threat exists but attacks are rare.
Key facts
- US travel advisory: Level 2: Exercise increased caution, updated 2025-04-20.
- Homicide rate: 1.7 per 100,000 people (2023, UNODC via World Bank).
- Road deaths: 17.0 per 100,000 people a year (2019, WHO).
- Emergency numbers: Police 190 · Ambulance 150 · Fire 150.
- Solo women: Catcalling and persistent attention are common, especially in medinas; loose clothing covering shoulders and knees and a firm 'la, shukran' help.
Risks, scams and laws
Main risks
- Bag-snatching and pickpocketing in medinas and on beaches
- Knife-point robberies in quiet areas after dark
- App rides are often unlicensed; police sometimes stop them
- Terrorist attacks possible; authorities regularly disrupt cells
Common scams
- Fake guides 'helping' in medinas, then demanding money or steering to shops
- 'This street is closed' detours ending at tanneries or carpet shops
- Taxi drivers refusing the meter, especially at airports and stations
Laws visitors break by accident
- Cannabis is illegal for visitors despite open use in the Rif; sentences are long.
- Drinking alcohol in the street or anywhere outside licensed venues can lead to arrest.
- Unmarried Moroccan–foreign couples can be refused a shared hotel room; sex outside marriage is illegal for Moroccans.
Safety by place in Morocco
| Place | Safety |
|---|---|
| Chefchaouen | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Essaouira | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Agadir | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Taghazout | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Merzouga | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Rabat | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Ouarzazate | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Imlil | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Meknes | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Asilah | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Marrakech | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Fes | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Casablanca | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Tangier | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
Quick answers
Is Morocco safe for tourists?
Generally safe with low violent crime, but persistent touts, petty theft in medinas and harassment of women wear people down. A terrorism threat exists but attacks are rare.
Is Morocco safe for solo female travelers?
Catcalling and persistent attention are common, especially in medinas; loose clothing covering shoulders and knees and a firm 'la, shukran' help.
What is the emergency number in Morocco?
Police 190 · Ambulance 150 · Fire 150.
Safety by place
Sources
- World Bank: intentional homicides
- US State Department travel advisory
- UK FCDO travel advice: Morocco
- Morocco eVisa portal (Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
- ONCF (Moroccan railways)
- Speedtest Global Index: Morocco
- World Bank open data
Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.