Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Délégation Régionale du Tourisme. Regional offices, called Syndicat d'Initiative, are to
be found in smaller towns. Most tourist offices inside Morocco offer little more than
standard brochures and helpless smiles.
VISAS
Most visitors to Morocco do not require visas and are allowed to remain in the country for
90 days on entry. Exceptions to this include nationals of Israel, and most sub-Saharan
African countries (including South Africa). Moroccan embassies have been known to in-
sist that you get a visa from your country of origin. Should the standard 90-day stay be in-
sufficient, it is possible (but difficult) to apply at the nearest police headquarters (Préfec-
ture de Police) for an extension - it's simpler to leave (eg travel to the Spanish enclaves of
Ceuta and Melilla) and come back a few days later. Your chances improve if you re-enter
by a different route. The Spanish enclaves have the same visa requirements as mainland
Spain.
Visas for Onward Travel
Algeria
Although Algeria has now emerged from over a decade of civil war, the border
with Morocco remains closed and visas are not being issued.
Mauritania
Everyone, except nationals of Arab League countries and some African
countries, needs a visa, which is valid for a one-month stay. These are issued in 24 hours
at the Mauritanian embassy in Rabat (apply before noon). Visas cost Dh340, with two
photos and a passport photocopy. An onward air ticket to Nouakchott is not required. Get
to the embassy well before the 9am opening time, and be prepared to fight for your place
in the queue.
WOMEN TRAVELLERS
Women can expect a certain level of sexual harassment when travelling in Morocco. It
comes in the form of nonstop greetings, leering and other unwanted attention but is rarely
dangerous. If possible, it's best to try and ignore this attention. Women can save them-
selves a great deal of grief by avoiding eye contact, dressing to cover their knees and
shoulders, and refraining from walking around alone at night.
Getting There & Away
AIR
Morocco's two main international entry points are
Mohammed V international airport
(
022
0524
447865)
. Other international airports are in Fez, Tangier and Agadir.
