Short answer: yes. Morocco welcomes millions of visitors every year and is one of the most visited countries in Africa. The main problems tourists meet are petty theft, persistent touts and small scams, not violent crime. The US State Department rates Morocco at Level 2, “Exercise increased caution”, mainly because of a general terrorism risk, the same level it gives several popular European destinations.
We have run private tours in Morocco for many years. Here is what you should really watch out for, and what you can stop worrying about.
What official travel advice says
Government advice changes, so check it before you leave: the US travel advisory for Morocco and the UK Foreign Office advice. Both cover the whole country as safe to visit with normal precautions, and advise caution near the closed border with Algeria and in some remote parts of Western Sahara. None of our tours go to those areas.
The real risks for tourists
- Pickpocketing in crowded places such as Jemaa el-Fna in Marrakech, the Fes medina, train stations and markets. Use a cross-body bag and keep your phone in a front pocket.
- Touts and fake guides who offer to show you the way, then ask for money or lead you to a shop.
- Road safety: driving at night on mountain roads is the biggest real danger. Private drivers who know the routes reduce that risk a lot.
- Heat and sun in summer, especially in the desert and inland cities.
- Stomach problems from tap water or poorly cooked street food.
Common scams and how to avoid them
- “This street is closed”: someone tells you the way is blocked and offers to guide you. Smile, say “la, shukran” (no, thank you) and keep walking.
- The tannery tour: a stranger walks you to a terrace above the Fes tanneries and then asks for a large fee or pushes you into a leather shop.
- Photos with performers: snake charmers, monkey handlers and dancers in Jemaa el-Fna expect money for photos. Agree a price first, or do not take pictures.
- Henna: a woman draws henna on your hand before you agree, then asks for a high price.
- Taxis without a meter: in cities, ask the petit taxi driver to use the meter (“compteur”), or agree on the fare before you get in.
Is Morocco safe for women and families?
Yes. Families with children are welcomed everywhere, and Moroccans are famously warm with kids. Women travellers mostly meet verbal attention in busy medinas, which is unpleasant but rarely threatening. Read our guide for women travelling in Morocco and our advice on what to wear.
Health and practical safety tips
- Drink bottled or filtered water and avoid ice of unknown origin.
- Take travel insurance that covers medical evacuation, especially for desert and mountain trips.
- Carry a photocopy of your passport and keep the original in the hotel safe.
- Use ATMs inside banks or hotels rather than on the street at night.
- Emergency numbers: police 19, gendarmerie (outside cities) 177, ambulance and fire 15.
- Large cities have a tourist police; your riad or hotel can call them for you.
Why a private tour removes most of the hassle
Most stressful moments in Morocco happen on arrival, in transport and when you are lost in a medina. With a private driver and a licensed local guide in each city, you skip the taxi negotiations, the fake guides and the night drives. That is how all our Morocco tours work, from a Casablanca day tour to a two-week trip.
Frequently asked questions
Is Morocco safe to visit right now?
Yes. Morocco is a stable country that welcomes millions of tourists each year. Check your government’s travel advice before leaving, and follow the usual precautions against petty theft and scams.
Is Marrakech safe for tourists?
Yes. The main risks in Marrakech are pickpockets in Jemaa el-Fna, persistent touts and overpriced photos with street performers. Stay alert in crowds and agree prices in advance.
Is it safe to drink tap water in Morocco?
Tap water is treated in the cities, but most visitors prefer bottled or filtered water to avoid stomach problems.
Is the Sahara desert safe to visit?
Yes, with an organised trip. Desert camps near Merzouga have staff on site, and your driver knows the tracks. The main risks are heat in summer and cold at night in winter.
Travel with peace of mind. Contact us to plan a private tour with your own driver and local guides.