Entering Morocco

Below is a basic introduction to the Moroccan immigration system. Contact your closest Moroccan embassy or consulate outside Morocco or an immigration bureau inside Morocco for official advice.

All visitors to Morocco, including foreign residents, are required to go through passport control upon arrival. This process includes providing fingerprints and a photograph, which serves as a security measure to safeguard against illegal activities and ensure visitor safety. Exceptions to this requirement include children under the age of 10 and certain diplomatic personnel.

Upon entry, all foreigners are granted a visa status appropriate to their purpose of visit. Morocco offers various visa types, such as tourist visas for temporary visitors, as well as visas for students, workers, and family members of Moroccan citizens and residents. These visas are issued based on the specific circumstances and intentions of the visitor. For official guidance, individuals are advised to contact their nearest Moroccan embassy or consulate before travel.

Tourists and business travel

Citizens of over 70 countries, including several in Europe and North America, benefit from Morocco's visa exemption policy. If you are a citizen of one of these countries, you can enter Morocco as a tourist with just a valid passport. Otherwise, visitors need to obtain a visa before arriving in the country. Most tourists are permitted to stay for up to 90 days. Citizens of Austria, Germany, Ireland, Liechtenstein, Mexico, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom have the option to extend their stay to a total of up to six months. Initially entering Morocco on a 90-day permit, they can apply for an extension at a local police station or immigration office within Morocco. To facilitate entry, visitors are encouraged to use the Visit Morocco portal to electronically submit immigration and customs information before arrival. This digital system also allows travelers to generate a QR code for tax exemption, enhancing the shopping experience with tax-free benefits. While in Morocco, temporary visitors are prohibited from engaging in any form of paid work. However, short-term study at language schools is permitted under certain conditions. All foreign tourists in Morocco are required to carry their passports with them at all times for identification purposes.

Overstays

If you stay in Morocco for more than 90 days without requesting an extension, you will need to appear before a judge before you can leave the country. For more details, please contact the immigration office at your local police station. Clearance may require the payment of a fine.

Studying in morocco

Foreigners intending to study in Morocco (excluding short-term language courses) must obtain a student visa from a Moroccan embassy or consulate abroad before entering the country. This visa grants them a status of residence suitable for long-term studies. To qualify for a student visa, applicants must secure sponsorship from a recognized educational institution in Morocco and demonstrate sufficient financial means to cover their expenses throughout their stay. Residence permits are typically issued for periods ranging from 3 months to 4 years and 3 months, with the possibility of extension. Students are generally not permitted to engage in paid employment unless they obtain specific permission from Moroccan immigration authorities. If approved, students are subject to limits on the maximum number of hours they can work per week.

Spouses

Foreigners who are married to a Moroccan national or to a permanent resident of Morocco can apply for a spouse visa, which permits them to engage in any paid activity within Morocco. This visa grants residence permission typically for periods of 6 months, 1 year, 3 years, or 5 years, and is renewable upon application.