Travel safety

Is Morocco safe to visit?

Morocco travel photo — Morocco · photo from the Waymark library

Marrakech, Fes, the Atlas, the coastSafeChecked 22 October 2026 · FCDO updated 19 August 2026

Marrakech, Fes, Chefchaouen, Essaouira, the Atlas and the Sahara dune camps have no FCDO warnings. The land border with Algeria is closed and patrolled, and Western Sahara has separate advice.

Safe
Avoid
Essential only
Never travel

RatingSafe

Emergency number19

Official advice updated19 August 2026

Areas covered5 on this page

For most UK visitors, Morocco's 'danger' means being steered into a cousin's carpet shop. Petty theft is common in the medinas and on beaches. The FCDO also notes that knives have been used in some street robberies in big cities, which is rare but worth knowing.

Morocco region by region

Marrakech & Fes medinasSafe
No warning. Bogus guides are common, so check for an official badge.
Atlas Mountains & Sahara campsSafe
No warning. Use licensed operators for treks and quad biking.
Atlantic coast (Essaouira, Agadir, Taghazout)Safe
No warning. Watch your belongings on the beach.
Algerian borderAvoid
Closed and patrolled. Do not try to cross. If you're on the water, stay in Moroccan waters.
Western SaharaAvoid
A disputed territory with its own FCDO page. Check it separately before going south of Tarfaya.

Handling the hustle

A firm, friendly 'la, shukran' (no, thank you) and walking on usually works. If you're lost in a medina, ask a shopkeeper rather than a young man offering to guide you. If you want a guide, book one through your riad.

Before you go

Agree taxi fares before you set off, or insist on the meter in petit taxis.
Keep jewellery out of sight in crowded medina lanes.
Emergency: 19 (police in cities), 15 (ambulance).

Official advice: FCDO travel advice for Morocco

Stay and do

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Questions people ask

Is Marrakech safe for tourists?

Yes. It has no FCDO warning. Expect persistent touts and some pickpocketing in the souks and Jemaa el-Fnaa.

Is it safe to visit the Sahara in Morocco?

Yes. The desert camps around Merzouga and Zagora have no FCDO warnings. The only no-go area is the closed border with Algeria.

Is Western Sahara safe?

Western Sahara has its own FCDO advice, separate from Morocco. Check it before travelling south of Agadir towards Laâyoune or Dakhla.

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Waymark summarises official UK government (FCDO) travel advice and other public sources to help you plan. It is not a substitute for that advice, which can change at short notice. Always read the latest FCDO page for your destination and check your insurance before you book. Content last checked 22 October 2026.