6 Things You Need To Know When Visiting Morocco For The First Time

Visiting Morocco for the first time? Discover 6 essential tips to make your Morocco trip unforgettable.

Morocco is an incredible destination that has charmed travelers for years.

From bustling souks in Fez and Marrakesh to the Sahara Desert, Morocco offers a mix of culture, history, and natural beauty.

If you’re visiting Morocco for the first time, there are a few things you’ll want to know about.

From visas and safety to travel insurance, must-see places, what to wear, and essential tips—everything you need to make your trip unforgettable.

This guide covers all the essential things you need to know for your first trip to Morocco.

1. Visa Requirements for Visiting Morocco

When visiting Morocco for the first time, it’s crucial to understand the visa requirements to ensure a smooth entry.

Morocco allows citizens from many countries, including the United States, to enter visa-free for stays of up to 90 days.

Here’s a quick guide:

• U.S. Citizens: No visa is required for visits of up to 90 days. However, you must have a passport valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date from Morocco. It’s also helpful to have a few blank pages in your passport for entry and exit stamps.
• Non-U.S. Citizens: Check with the Moroccan consulate or embassy in your home country, as visa requirements can vary.

If you plan to stay longer than 90 days, you’ll need to apply for a visa extension in Morocco.

Always double-check visa requirements before traveling, as regulations can change.

2. Safety in Morocco

Visiting Morocco for the first time can feel a bit overwhelming, but Morocco is generally a safe destination for travelers, including solo travelers and women.

Here are some safety tips to keep in mind:

• Avoid Displaying Valuables: Keep your belongings secure, especially in crowded areas like souks or markets. It’s best to carry a cross-body bag with zippers.
• Stay Aware of Your Surroundings: Keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded places like markets, train stations, and busy streets.
• Dress Conservatively: Respect Morocco’s cultural norms by dressing modestly, especially in rural areas. Women may feel more comfortable with covered shoulders and knees.
• Be Cautious with Street Vendors: In tourist areas, you may encounter people offering services or goods, sometimes persistently. Politely decline if you’re not interested, and avoid engaging with anyone who seems overly insistent.
• Use Licensed Taxis and Rides: Only use officially licensed taxis with meters, and agree on a price before getting in if the meter isn’t being used. Alternatively, consider arranging transportation through your accommodation to ensure safe and reliable rides.
• Stay Hydrated and Be Cautious with Food Choices: Tap water may not always be safe to drink, so stick to bottled water to avoid stomach issues. When trying street food, choose busy stalls where food turnover is high for better freshness.

Another way that you can keep safe is to consider booking a guided tour.

Guided tours can offer in-depth cultural insights, and they handle logistics, making it easier to explore places without worrying about directions or transportation.

During our trip to Morocco, we took a guided tour. Not only was it more comfortable and relaxing, but most importantly, it also made us feel safe.

3. Get Travel Insurance for Peace of Mind

Travel insurance is a smart choice for any trip, especially if you’re visiting Morocco for the first time.

A comprehensive travel insurance plan can cover unexpected issues such as:

• Medical Expenses: Some insurance plans cover medical expenses if you fall ill or have an accident during your trip.
• Trip Cancellation: If you need to cancel due to unforeseen reasons, insurance can reimburse you for non-refundable expenses.
• Lost Luggage: Travel insurance often covers delayed or lost luggage, so you can relax if there are any issues with your belongings.

Take time to compare plans, making sure the one you choose includes medical coverage, as well as trip and baggage protection.

4. Must-See Places in Morocco

If you’re visiting Morocco for the first time, you won’t want to miss the following iconic locations.

Make sure to include these places on your itinerary.

Fez

When visiting Morocco for the first time, Fez is one of those destinations that absolutely must be on your itinerary.

Often considered Morocco’s cultural and spiritual heart, Fez is known for its history, well-preserved medieval architecture, and deep-rooted traditions.

The city feels like a living museum, where every corner holds stories from centuries past, making it a must-see for travelers seeking an authentic Moroccan experience.

Must see in Fez:

• Medina of Fez el Bali: A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world’s most famous medinas.
• Al Quaraouiyine University:  Widely recognized as the oldest continuously operating university in the world.
• Chouara Tannery: One of Fez’s most iconic sights and a testament to the city’s long-standing leather industry.
• Bou Inania Madrasa: One of Fez’s architectural masterpieces and a spiritual center for Islamic education.

Marrakesh

If you’re visiting Morocco for the first time, Marrakesh is an unmissable stop, offering an exciting blend of history, culture, and vibrant energy.

Known as the “Red City” for its distinct reddish-pink buildings, Marrakesh is a feast for the senses with its bustling souks, breathtaking gardens, and architectural marvels.

Here’s why Marrakesh deserves a prime spot on your Morocco itinerary.

• Jemaa el-Fnaa Square: This lively market square comes alive at night with food vendors, entertainers, and musicians.
• Majorelle Garden: A beautiful garden that’s a peaceful escape from the city’s busy streets.
• Bahia Palace: A stunning 19th-century palace built to be one of the grandest of its time.
• Koutoubia Mosque: Marrakesh’s largest mosque and one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Its towering minaret and its design have influenced numerous buildings across the Islamic world.
• Souks: Marrakesh’s souks are some of the most famous markets in Morocco, and exploring them is one of the best ways to experience local life. 

The Sahara Desert

For many travelers visiting Morocco for the first time, the Sahara Desert is the ultimate bucket-list experience.

As the largest hot desert in the world, the Sahara spans several countries, but Morocco offers some of the best ways to experience its vast, golden sands and unforgettable starry nights.

Here’s why a trip to the Sahara should be part of your Moroccan adventure.

• Camp Under The Stars: The Sahara has some of the clearest skies in the world, offering a phenomenal view of the stars.
• Ride A Camel Across The Dunes: Riding a camel through the vast dunes allows you to experience the desert the way travelers did centuries ago.
• See The Sunrise or Sunset: The Sahara is known for its breathtaking sunrises and sunsets, which paint the dunes in vivid shades of gold, orange, and pink. 
• Learn About Berber Culture: The Sahara is home to Morocco’s indigenous Berber people, and many tours to the desert include cultural insights, providing a fascinating look at their way of life.

5. How to Dress for Morocco

Morocco has a conservative culture, so dressing modestly shows respect and helps you blend in.

Here are a few tips for dressing comfortably while respecting local norms:

• For Women: Loose-fitting clothing like maxi dresses, long skirts, and blouses with sleeves are ideal. A scarf can be useful to cover your shoulders or head, especially in religious sites.

For a deeper dive into what to wear for women in Morocco read our blog post How To Enjoy Traveling To Morocco As A Woman.

• For Men: Light, long pants and T-shirts or short-sleeved shirts work well. Avoid shorts in more conservative areas.
• Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes are a must, especially if you plan to explore medinas or do any hiking.

Dressing modestly doesn’t just help with blending in; it also keeps you cool in the heat and protects you from the sun.

6. Top Tips for Visiting Morocco for the First Time

Before you go, here are some top tips to make visiting Morocco for the first time an experience to remember:

• Learn Basic Arabic or French Phrases: Moroccan Arabic and French are widely spoken, especially in cities. A few phrases like “hello” (salam), “thank you” (shukran), or “how much?” (besh-hal) can go a long way in connecting with locals.
• Haggle in Markets: Bargaining is common in Moroccan markets. Don’t be afraid to negotiate for a fair price, and remember it’s all part of the experience.
• Bring Cash: While larger hotels and restaurants may accept credit cards, many smaller establishments only accept cash.
• Tap Water: Tap water is generally safe in cities, but it’s often better to stick with bottled water to avoid any stomach issues.
• Respect Local Customs: Morocco is a Muslim country with unique cultural traditions. Be mindful of Ramadan if you’re visiting during that period, as many restaurants and shops may have limited hours.
• Plan for Transportation: Trains, buses, and taxis are widely available, but if you want a more relaxed experience, consider arranging transportation through your accommodations or tour providers.

Visiting Morocco For The First Time

Visiting Morocco for the first time is an unforgettable journey into a world of vibrant culture, ancient history, and breathtaking landscapes.

From exploring bustling souks and ancient cities to taking in the stunning Sahara Desert, Morocco offers experiences that truly enrich the soul.

With the right preparation—understanding visa requirements, packing wisely, and learning a few cultural tips—you’ll be ready to make the most of everything Morocco has to offer.

Embrace the adventure, respect the local customs, and savor each moment. Your first trip to Morocco is just the beginning of a lifelong connection to this captivating country!