Updated Travel Advisory for Morocco
As of September 14, 2026, the travel and safety advisories for Morocco have undergone significant updates. It is crucial for travelers to familiarize themselves with the current security assessments before embarking on their journey, as safety conditions can vary considerably across different regions of the country. Notably, there is an urgent warning against travel to the Western Sahara area and the immediate border region with Algeria. These restrictions pertain to specific geographic zones and must be taken into account during trip planning, regardless of the purpose of the visit.
Security Risks and Travel Recommendations
Despite extensive security measures in place, there remains a fundamental risk of terrorist attacks throughout Morocco. Travelers are strongly advised not to travel alone or venture off paved roads. Trekking tours in mountainous regions and off-road excursions in desert areas such as Zagora or Merzouga should only be undertaken in groups and with registered, knowledgeable local guides. The political situation in Morocco is generally stable, but sporadic spontaneous protests may occur, typically sparked by economic or social issues. It is recommended to exercise caution and refrain from public political expressions.
The land border with Algeria has been closed since 1994 and is heavily monitored; the border area is under close scrutiny by Moroccan security forces. Travelers are explicitly advised against leaving main roads towards Algeria or attempting to cross the border, as this could result in arrest. Desert tours in the dune landscapes of southern Morocco, particularly around Erg Chebbi south of Merzouga or Erg Chegaga south of Zagora, are generally possible with local travel operators but should be checked for safety conditions on a daily basis.
A severe travel warning is in effect for the Western Sahara region. Consular assistance is not guaranteed there, and necessary permits must be obtained in advance from the relevant Moroccan authorities. Beyond paved roads, especially in the border area with Mauritania, there is a significant danger from landmines and unexploded ordnance. The separation barrier between the Moroccan-controlled area and the territory of the Frente Polisario is a restricted zone and must under no circumstances be entered. In the Rif Mountains in the northeast, known for cannabis cultivation, travelers may occasionally face harassment from drug dealers; purchasing drugs is strongly discouraged as it is subject to severe legal penalties in Morocco.
Even outside these special regions, heightened vigilance is required: Near tourist attractions and in historic city centers, particularly the medinas, there has been an increase in robberies and thefts, sometimes involving violence. Travelers are advised not to resist in the event of a robbery, always report incidents to the police, keep important documents secure, and create digital copies. Those planning a trip to Morocco should take care to obtain the necessary entry documents well in advance.
For organizing the required travel documents, careful and timely preparation is recommended. By consulting our overview of visa types, travelers can quickly ascertain the requirements for their planned trip, and the application can subsequently be submitted online with ease. This allows more time before the journey to familiarize oneself with the latest safety advisories and the unique regional characteristics of Morocco.
As reported by buch-dein-visum.de.
