There have been many cases of the H1N1 virus, also known as Swine Flu in Morocco. The Moroccan authorities have been screening all arrivals at its airports using heat sensing devices. The World Health Organization (WHO) Pandemic Threat Alert Phase has been raised to Level 6. The Moroccan authorities have said that anyone suspected of having Swine Flu (H1N1) will be placed into isolation for monitoring, in a specialized medical unit within one of the Kingdom’s large hospitals.
In the 2008 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic the UNAIDS/WHO Working Group estimated that around 21,000 adults aged 15 or over in Morocco were living with HIV; the prevalence rate was estimated at around 0.1% of the adult population. You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS.
You may need to get the following vaccinations and medications for vaccine-preventable diseases and other diseases you might be at risk for in Morocco: Diphtheria, Hepatitis A, Rabies, Tetanus, Typhoid, and Yellow fever.
You should seek medical advice before traveling to Morocco and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up-to-date.
Bottled water is best, as water sources outside the main cities and towns may be contaminated.
There is a high threat from terrorism in Morocco. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travelers. You should be aware that there is a threat of kidnapping in the area and particular care should be taken in remote regions and border areas.
On 13 August 2007 a man attempted to explode a small device near a tourist coach in the city of Meknes. No-one apart from the bomber was injured.
On 14 April 2007 two suicide bombers killed themselves and slightly injured one passer-by near to an American Language Center and the US Consulate in Casablanca. It is suspected that the bombers were targeting US interests.
On 10 April 2007 three others blew themselves up, killing one policeman and injuring another, during police raids in Casablanca and another suspected terrorist was shot and killed during one of the raids.
On 11 March 2007, a suicide bomber killed himself and injured four others at an internet cafe in Casablanca. Moroccan police have greatly enhanced security and made a number of arrests but continue to hunt for further suspected terrorists.
In August 2006, the Moroccan authorities arrested a number of individuals allegedly plotting to attack a number of targets, including noticeably Western interests.
In May 2003, 45 people were killed in a series of terrorist attacks in Casablanca. These attacks were against relatively soft targets, including hotels and restaurants frequented by foreigners or those with Jewish links.
You should be aware of the impact that the situation in Iraq, as well as the ongoing violence between Israelis and Palestinians has caused across the Arab world and the potential risk of public disturbance in response.
There are occasional incidents involving theft at knife point in the major cities and along beaches. Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, continues to increase.
There has have been an increase in reports of shootings and of car jacking in Casablanca. Whilst driving, you should avoid stopping at the side of the road and drive defensively, keep the vehicle doors locked and windows closed at all times.
Morocco has a poor road safety record. According to the Moroccan Ministry of Equipment and Transport, road accidents claimed the lives of 3,600 people in 2006.
Accidents are especially frequent on busy major routes but also on narrower secondary roads.
If you are involved in a road accident resulting in a fatality and the Moroccan authorities consider you responsible, you may be detained pending a trial hearing.
Local laws reflect the fact that Morocco is a Muslim country. You should respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions at all times and be aware of your actions to ensure that they do not offend other cultures or religious beliefs, especially during the holy month of Ramadan.
Homosexuality is a criminal offense in Morocco. Sexual relations outside marriage are also punishable by law and there were a number of arrests in 2007.
The penalties for possession of even small amounts of drugs are severe. You can face up to 10 years of imprisonment, with no reduction of your sentencing for good behavior.
It is against the law to carry bibles in Arabic, to attempt to distribute any non-Muslim/evangelical literature or be involved in any such activity.
Morocco requires that your passport continues to be valid for at least six months after your date of entry into the country.
You should also be aware that the border between Algeria and Morocco is closed, and no attempt should be made to cross it at any point.
We recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before traveling.
