Safety in Morocco

General safety in Morocco

While tourism has suffered in recent years due to fear of terrorist attacks, Morocco has actually remained quite safe. One factor protecting the country is the informal system of communication with authorities. Many people around each neighbourhood are able to keep watch on what is going on with the area's residents and report anything suspicious. For example, your concierge or local vegetable seller may have a lot of information about the activities of your neighbours, which serves as a kind of neighbourhood watch. Additionally, security is quite high in Morocco, and most major cities are patrolled by security officers that uniquely watch for threats of terrorism. Although this threat is unpredictable, Morocco has undoubtedly taken the necessary precautions to keep the country safe.

Safety in cities

A significant problem in bigger cities is theft. Make sure to keep your belongings in sight, and avoid wearing expensive jewellery or carrying large amounts of cash in public. Be particularly careful of thieves on motorcycles, who may try to grab a purse and then flee. Petty theft is probably worst in Marrakesh and Casablanca, Salé and Fes where there are the most tourists. You're more likely to lose your phone and cash, so be vigilant. Downtown areas are generally safe but tend to be crowded, and at night it's better to stick to main streets and boulevards, other than that it's very safe. Violent crime is rare, and there is little access to weapons in Morocco.

A good rule of thumb is to avoid most old neighbourhoods in most metropolitan cities. Other cities in the north of the country tend to be safer.

Accidents in Morocco

Many roads are poorly built or in need of repairs in Morocco. Unfortunately, many traffic accidents are the result of this poor infrastructure. Additionally, motorcyclists and small cars often disregard traffic laws. Accidents are particularly common on poorly constructed countryside highways, where cars usually try to weave in and out of their lanes—exercise caution when driving or taking taxis. Choose to take the train or newer taxis when possible. And for safety, avoid buses, take the tramway instead.

Unsafe areas in Morocco

Some areas in the southern regions of Morocco, and the southeast areas bordering on Algeria and Mauritania are not very safe places to visit. The same for the eastern regions of the country, near mountainous areas, where roads are rough and extend for lengths without service-stations and less authority supervision.

Safety for women in Morocco

Safety is a big question for any expat, particularly female expats. It is fairly common for men on the streets in Morocco to catcall or stare at women, which can be very uncomfortable. You may receive unwanted advances or attention from men if you walk in public areas or take public transportation. Women are generally safe in Morocco, even as an expatriate, you may find it different, but it's better to avoid dangerous and generally unrecommended places. However, this is not to say that women cannot travel alone. Moroccan culture holds women in high esteem and values their protection, and often the men who harass women are marginalized by society in some way. Generally, women can ask for help from fellow travellers or from other women.

Women do tend to dress more conservatively in Morocco. While it is not necessary to be covered entirely, it is usually a good idea to cover your shoulders and knees and be respectful of the culture and dress code. More revealing clothing will bring even more unwanted attention in unrecommended areas, but it's safe in downtown areas.

Children in Morocco

The biggest danger for children in Morocco are traffic accidents. If you're visiting Morocco with your children, keep them close when crossing the road, and never rush it. It may not be a good idea to let your child walk around alone in some neighbourhoods, but in central areas, it can be safe as long as you avoid sketchy individuals and areas. It's also a safe environment for households; family relations are the main staple of Moroccan culture, so people are rather vigilant when it comes to children's safety in general.

Precautions to take in Morocco

It's always better to avoid some crowded areas. Still, in some metropolitan cities like Rabat and Casablanca, it's better to remain indoors when there's a football game (especially the Derby and a match between teams of opposing cities -notably Casablanca and Rabat). Riots usually take place, fights as well, and if you do go out in such a day, make sure to avoid wearing any football jersey (obviously). In the last few years, however, there has been more and more policing on this matter.

In most touristic areas, you will always find a small tourist police stations, and officers are usually vigilant regarding this matter. People, in general, tend to be vigilant if someone snatches your purse or phone, chances are you will get help if you ask.

 Important:

If anything happens, tourist is taken seriously in Morocco, so make sure you report to the police