Africa • Updated August 2026

Country Risk Report

Morocco

Overall Risk Rating

Low

Capital

Rabat

Languages

Arabic and Amazigh (official); French widely used

Currency

Moroccan dirham (MAD)

Executive Summary

Morocco is classified as a LOW risk destination and is one of the most stable and popular tourism countries in the region, drawing large numbers of visitors to Marrakech, Fes, the coast, the Atlas Mountains and the Sahara. Violent crime against tourists is uncommon, so the everyday risks are petty crime and persistent scams, road safety and a low residual terrorism threat rather than instability. Petty crime, including pickpocketing, bag-snatching and aggressive touts and scams, is most common in the medinas of Marrakech, Fes and other tourist cities. Morocco has invested heavily in counter-terrorism and the threat is low but not eliminated, with occasional plots disrupted, so standard vigilance in crowded places is advisable. The main practical considerations are chaotic traffic and road safety, extreme summer heat, and precautions on Atlas treks and desert tours, where remoteness and weather matter. The disputed territory of Western Sahara in the far south is subject to restrictions and a sensitive political status, and the land border with Algeria is closed.

Risk Matrix

Category	Risk Rating	Commentary
Armed Conflict	Low	No armed conflict; the Western Sahara issue is politically sensitive.
Terrorism	Low	A low residual threat, well mitigated by strong counter-terrorism efforts.
Kidnapping	Low	Kidnapping of travellers is very rare.
Crime	Moderate	Petty theft and persistent scams in tourist cities; low violent crime against tourists.
Civil Unrest	Low	Occasional protests, generally peaceful and localised.
Health & Medical	Moderate	Reasonable private care in cities; limited in remote areas. Heat is a hazard.
Internal Travel	Moderate	Road safety, heat and remote treks and tours are the main concerns.
Digital / Cyber	Low	Card fraud and scams occur; broader cyber risk is limited.

Essential Precautions

1Guard against petty crime and scams, including pickpocketing, bag-snatching and aggressive touts in the medinas.

2Maintain terrorism vigilance, as a low residual threat exists at crowded places and potential targets.

3Take care on the roads, given chaotic traffic and accident rates; use reputable transport.

4Manage extreme heat, staying hydrated and limiting midday exposure, especially in the south.

5Use reputable operators for Atlas treks and desert tours.

6Be aware of the sensitive far south, including Western Sahara restrictions.

7Respect local laws and customs, in a conservative society, including on dress and public conduct.

8Agree fares and prices in advance, to avoid disputes with taxis and vendors.

Security Situation

Low

Morocco is a stable and popular tourism destination where violent crime against tourists is uncommon. The everyday risks are petty crime and scams in the medinas, road safety, heat and a low residual terrorism threat, with the far south politically sensitive.

Marrakech and the Centre

Low

Marrakech and the centre are major tourism hubs, safe but with persistent petty crime and scams in the medina.

Casablanca, Rabat and the Coast

Low

Casablanca, Rabat and the coast are the commercial and administrative heart, functioning with standard urban precautions.

Fes and the North

Low

Fes and the north include historic cities and the Rif, generally safe with petty crime and some cannabis-related caution in the Rif.

The Atlas, Sahara and the South

Moderate

The Atlas, Sahara and south offer trekking and desert tourism, with remoteness, heat and, in Western Sahara, restrictions.

Detailed Risk Assessment

Armed Conflict

Low

Morocco is not in armed conflict. The main political-security issue is the disputed status of Western Sahara in the far south, which is sensitive and subject to restrictions, and the closed border with Algeria.

Terrorism

Low

The terrorism threat is low, well mitigated by strong Moroccan counter-terrorism efforts, though it is not eliminated and plots have been disrupted. Standard vigilance at crowded places and tourist sites is advisable.

Kidnapping and Crime

Moderate

Kidnapping of travellers is very rare. The main issue is petty crime, including pickpocketing, bag-snatching and a range of persistent scams and aggressive touts in the tourist medinas, with low violent crime against tourists.

Internal Travel

Moderate

Road safety is the main travel concern, given chaotic traffic and accident rates, alongside extreme heat and the remoteness of Atlas treks and desert tours. Trains and reputable transport connect the main cities well.

Health and Disease

Moderate

Reasonable private healthcare is available in the main cities, but care is limited in remote areas, and extreme heat and stomach illness from food and water are the common hazards. Serious cases may require evacuation, and travellers should hold appropriate cover.

Cultural and Religious Sensitivities

Moderate

Morocco is a conservative Muslim society that is experienced with tourism and generally welcoming. Modest dress away from resorts, sensitivity around religion and the monarchy and Western Sahara, and respect for Ramadan customs are advisable.

LGBT Travellers

High

Same-sex relationships are criminalised and can carry penalties, with conservative social attitudes. LGBT travellers face risk and should exercise discretion, including over digital content.

Diplomatic and Government Situation

Low

Morocco is a stable constitutional monarchy under King Mohammed VI, with functioning institutions and good consular access, and is a strong tourism and trade partner. The main political sensitivities are the monarchy and Western Sahara.

Digital and Cyber Threats

Low

Card fraud and scams occur, and travellers should guard financial information, but broader cyber risk is limited. Connectivity is good in cities and tourist areas.

Vaccinations & Health Hazards

Strongly Recommended

Hepatitis A and Typhoid
Recommended for some travellers due to food and water risk.
Hepatitis B and Tetanus
Recommended for some travellers.
Rabies
Consider for rural or long stays.
Routine vaccines
Ensure the standard UK schedule is complete.

Other Health Hazards

Extreme heat: Summer heat is severe, especially in the south; hydrate and limit midday exposure.
Road safety: Chaotic traffic is the main hazard; use reputable transport.
Food and water hygiene: Practise normal hygiene outside reputable venues.
Remote treks: Atlas treks and desert tours are remote; use reputable operators and hold cover.

Choosing the Right Insurance

Cover for Morocco is available on a specialist basis. The main tourist areas are manageable with standard precautions, and cover should include medical care and, given remote treks, desert tours and the sensitive far south, appropriate evacuation provisions.

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Annex A - Key Risk Dynamics

Checkpoints and Detention Triggers

Routine and gendarmerie checkpoints operate, more so in the south; cooperate calmly. Carry ID and a clear travel purpose. The far south is sensitive and subject to restrictions. Avoid photographing security, military and royal sites.

Kidnapping and Detention Dynamics

Kidnapping of travellers is very rare. Pickpocketing and scams are the main issues. Aggressive touts operate in the medinas. Remote treks and tours require preparation.

High-Risk Travellers

Medina visitors face petty crime and scams. Remote trekkers face heat and remoteness. Far-south travellers face restrictions in Western Sahara. Night city travellers face opportunistic crime.

Annex B - Key Preparation & Checklists

Essential Preparation and Medical

Morocco is low risk; standard precautions suffice. Prepare for heat and remote treks and tours. Hold travel and medical cover with evacuation. Prepare for medina touts and scams.

Digital Security and Checkpoints

Guard against card fraud and scams. Connectivity is good; consider an eSIM. Keep devices secure against theft. Limit public location sharing.

Movement and Operational Security

Use reputable transport and trains. Use reputable trek and tour operators. Note Western Sahara restrictions. Agree taxi fares in advance.

Conduct and Legal Compliance

Dress modestly away from resorts and respect customs. Be careful on the monarchy and Western Sahara. Avoid photographing security and royal sites.

This report is provided for information only and does not constitute travel or security advice. Ratings are indicative and subject to change without notice. Confirm current conditions with Hotspot Cover before any deployment.