Morocco, a North African kingdom bordering Algeria to the east and southwest, beckons travelers with its vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and historic cities such as Fez, Casablanca, Tangier, and Marrakech. With a population of nearly 40 million people and a GDP of roughly $385 billion, Morocco boasts a unique blend of Berber, Arab, and European influences, reflected in its vibrant culture, architecture, and cuisine.
Travelers flock to experience the bustling marketplaces, called souks, overflowing with handcrafted treasures, from intricate carpets to aromatic spices. Additionally, Morocco's diverse landscapes offer a taste of adventure for every type of traveler, from trekking in the High Atlas Mountains to unwinding on Atlantic Ocean beaches. Morocco's rich history comes alive in its ancient imperial cities, with majestic palaces and captivating ruins.
Planning a trip to Morocco? It's natural to be curious about safety and crime rates. In fact, it is wise to be extra cautious when planning a trip to any third world country. Many of those destinations do pose risks to visitors, and a trip to them could turn into a nightmare. Is Morocco one of them?
Global Guardian analysts assess Morocco as a generally safe destination. Morocco boasts good security services, and the government prioritizes tourist safety. Petty theft is the most common issue you might encounter, but terrorism and kidnapping, though less frequent, are also concerns. In addition, certain travelers, namely women, may need to take certain precautions during their travels.
By exercising caution, staying informed about current events, and familiarizing yourself with local customs, you can navigate Morocco with confidence. Here’s everything you need to know about traveling safely in Morocco.
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In general, Morocco is safe for travelers. As is the case with nearly any country, there are varying risk factors to consider when visiting Morocco.
However, as in any other country in the world, Morocco has its share of petty crimes, incidents, and accidents. Though Morocco is considered safe travel destination overall, there are few areas that travelers should specifically avoid. Global Guardian recommends not traveling to the Western Sahara region, the Algerian border, and the Rif Mountains.
Most travel to Morocco takes place in the country’s major cities and cultural destinations, which have developed tourist and business infrastructure. Marrakech, Casablanca and Tangier are considered safe for travelers, and normal travel precautions can be taken.
Your safety needs can change depending on who you are, what you’re doing, and where you’re going in Morocco. Local transportation is generally reliable. For executives, we recommend car and driver. Self-driving is never recommended.
General Overview: Is Morocco Dangerous?
Morocco is generally considered a safe destination for tourists, especially in popular areas. Major cities like Marrakech, Casablanca, and Fes are the safest and most secured destiniations in Morocco. However, the country's cities overall has a lower crime rate compared to many other countries in the region.
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Violent crimes, such as armed robbery and assault, are rare, particularly in tourist zones. The Moroccan government has invested significantly in law enforcement and security measures to ensure the safety of visitors. Tourism is a vital sector in the Moroccan economy.
Despite these efforts, crimes can still occur, of course. Yes, Morocco's overall crime rate is low, but visitors should remain vigilant, particularly in less crowded areas or late at night. Petty crimes like pickpocketing or scams can happen, especially in busy markets or tourist hotspots. In fact, scams are very common in such places.
So, it’s always advisable for tourists to take standard precautions. Simple, common-sense measures, such as avoiding poorly lit areas and keeping valuables secure, can be enough to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience in Morocco and any other country for that matter.
Morocco Crime Statistics
Alright, let's talk statistics. According to the latest UNODC data, Morocco has seen a stable crime rate over recent years. The most common types of crimes reported are non-violent, such as theft and pickpocketing, particularly in crowded places like markets and medinas. These minor offenses can often be avoided with basic precautions, such as keeping your belongings secure and being aware of your surroundings.
The homicide rate in Morocco remains low, with about 1.4 cases per 100,000 people. This is below the global average and it means that Morocco is relatively safe in terms of serious violent crimes. Additionally, Morocco has a strong legal framework and policing system, which contributes to the overall safety of the country.
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When it comes to terrorism, Morocco has faced threats in the past, but the country has taken significant measures to counteract these risks. The Moroccan government has implemented a comprehensive counter-terrorism strategy, which includes intelligence cooperation, preventive security measures, and community engagement.
According to the Global Terrorism Index, Morocco is considered to have a low risk of terrorist attacks, especially when compared to other countries in the region. The truth is that no country is completely immune to the threat of terrorism, including Morocco of course, however, the likelihood of an attack in Morocco is relatively low, and tourists can generally feel safe while traveling in the country.
According to the figures presented in its annual report, DGSN recorded a 10% decrease in the overall crime rate. This annual report comes as Morocco is reiterating its pledges to contribute to crack down on drug trafficking, including l’Poufa. This past November, the Country Terrorism Report by the State Department said in November that counterterrorism tasks are part of DGS’s top priorities.
Crimes related to cybercrimes included cases of sexual extortion, DSGN said, adding that 508 such cases were recorded this year, representing an increase of approximately 18 %.
Crime Index in Morocco
As of 2022, Morocco achieved a crime index of ***** points. The index measures the level of crime in a given country or city. Crime in Morocco was considered as being on a moderate level in 2022. In the period under review, the index peaked in 2016 at ***** points.
Intentional Homicides (per 100,000 people)
It is always best to have a travel companion and utilize taxis from point to point, particularly at night and when moving about unfamiliar areas. Women walking alone in certain areas of cities and rural areas are particularly vulnerable to assault by men. Women are advised to travel with a companion or in a group when possible and to ignore any harassment. Responding to verbal harassment can escalate the situation. The best course of action is generally not to respond or make eye contact with the harasser.
The list of countries by homicide rate is derived from United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) data, and is expressed in number of deaths per 100,000 population per year. The class of violent deaths documented in this article is intentional killing of others outside of war.
Map of countries by their intentional homicide rate per 100,000 people (2023)
Within the broad range of violent deaths, the core element of intentional homicide is the complete liability of the direct perpetrator, which thus excludes killings directly related to war or conflicts, self-inflicted death (suicide), killings due to legal interventions or justifiable killings (such as self-defence), and those deaths caused when the perpetrator was reckless or negligent but did not intend to take a human life (non-intentional homicide).
The U.N. recognizes that variability in the quality and integrity of data provided by certain countries may minimize country murder rates.
A 2024 study by InSight Crime revealed that the Turks and Caicos Islands had the highest homicide rate in Latin America and the Caribbean. Haiti ranked second, followed by St.
Tourist Safety Measures in Morocco
Morocco's main cities and tourist attractions are well-patrolled and equipped with modern surveillance systems. Tourist police are visible in most areas and are known to be helpful and approachable. You can easily get help from the police and locals if you encounter an issue in those locations. However, as with any travel destination, it's important to exercise caution.
When you're in Morocco, it's a good idea to keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded places like markets. At night, try to avoid walking alone and stick to well-lit, busy areas to stay safe. Moroccans are known for their friendliness, but it's smart to be cautious if someone shows too much interest in your plans or belongings.
We always recommend visiting Morocco with a trustworthy travel agency or a licensed guide. Always remember this: If you want to hire a guide, make sure they're registered and recommended by your hotel or a trusted source. Guides and travel agencies are required to be legally licensed to offer services to tourists. Always do your research before booking your tour.
Travel advisories should be consulted ahead of and during a trip. As mentioned earlier, a safety level of 2 indicates travelers should exercise increased caution, 3 that they should reconsider travel, and 4 that they should not travel to Morocco. The letters included at the heading denote the manner of threat to travel. The present advisory is for travelers to exercise increased caution. That can change, so continue to check advisories as your trip approaches.
Business travelers should seek advice and intelligence from their duty of care provider prior to and during their trip.
Additionally, while Morocco generally poses a low risk to travelers, there is always the possibility of an emergency, such as a sudden medical issue. Morocco’s medical infrastructure is sound, but there is unequal distribution of resources, as most specialists, equipment, and quality care are clustered in major urban areas, as well as reported workforce shortages. Consider the use of medical evacuation and repatriation coverage while traveling in Morocco.
Special Considerations to Stay Safe in Morocco
In rural or remote areas, it's a good idea to be more cautious. Crime in Morocco can be more common in places with less police presence, so if you're planning to explore off-the-beaten-path destinations, it's best to travel with a group or a guide.
Respecting local customs and laws is also important, especially since Morocco is a predominantly Muslim country with its own cultural norms. Being mindful of these will help you have a smooth and enjoyable trip. Locals are friendly, so just be friendly and you'll get along with them easily.
Also, consider dressing modestly, especially in rural areas or when visiting religious sites. It's wise to carry some cash, as credit cards might not be accepted everywhere, especially in smaller towns. However, be careful to avoid losing your money or getting pickpocketed. Always keep your important documents, like your passport, in a safe place.
Travelers should inform themselves of Moroccan cultural customs and observe them. There are practices surrounding food, greetings, interacting with members of the opposite sex, and matters concerning Islam. Avoiding cultural transgressions can help travelers avoid negative attention and possible arrest, prosecution, detention, or searches by authorities. Morocco is a conservative country where women are routinely harassed, mainly by “catcalling.” Dressing modestly is advised. Frommer’s says that “dressing conservatively can range from loose, long pants, shoulder-covering short-sleeve shirts, and shoes or sandals to a full-length Moroccan robe, called a jellabah.
Travelers should avoid soccer stadiums and environs on days of scheduled matches as large groups of team supporters have been known to become unruly and harass and even assault bystanders. Joggers should be mindful of traffic and remain in more heavily populated areas. It is always best to have a jogging companion and avoid isolated areas or jogging at night. Taxis in Morocco are generally crime-free, although city buses are not considered safe. Trains are generally safe, but theft, regardless of the time of day, sometimes occurs. Avoid carrying large sums of cash and be particularly alert when using ATM machines.
Fraud in Morocco may involve a wide range of situations from financial fraud to relationship fraud for the purpose of obtaining a visa. If you believe you are the victim of a fraudulent scheme, you may wish to consult with an attorney to best determine what your options are under Moroccan law. citizen has met a Moroccan online and come to live with or visit him or her in Morocco and found themselves in financial or otherwise difficult situations while in country. Don’t buy counterfeit and pirated goods, even if they are widely available.
Morocco presents a blend of cultural richness and natural beauty for travelers to explore. While generally safe, it's wise for visitors to remain vigilant, especially in crowded areas where petty theft can occur. Although terrorism remains a concern, major incidents have been infrequent. To ensure a positive experience, travelers, particularly women and Americans, should respect local customs, stay informed about current events, and utilize embassy resources. As you plan your trip, know that Global Guardian offers comprehensive support to ensure your journey is safe and memorable, from pre-travel intelligence reports and executive transportation and protection to 24/7 access to our operations centers.
The Global Guardian team is standing by to support your duty of care and security requirements with a comprehensive suite of solutions.
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