With its rich history, landscape, and culture, Morocco is one of tourists’ favorite places on earth. From the blazing Atlas Mountains to the bursts of color in the markets, this place has incredible charm and is a must-visit.
However, before you plan a trip to Morocco, you need to understand the process of applying for a Moroccan tourist visa.
Here is a complete guide on how to apply for a Morocco tourist visa, from understanding whether you need a visa, and the types of visas available, to the steps to follow in the application process. With careful preparation, you will explore the beauty of Morocco smoothly without any obstacles.
Do You Need a Visa for Morocco?
Whether or not you need a visa for Morocco depends on your nationality, because there are several countries where Moroccan visas are free. This means they can visit Morocco without a visa. You can check the details here before continuing.
Morocco Visa-Free Countries
Some countries get Moroccan visa exemptions for short stays. If you come from one of these countries, you don’t need a visa to go to Morocco and can stay up to 90 days, unless there are other provisions from the Moroccan government. Check the details on their website as this list is subject to change.
What If Your Country Is Not Visa Free?
If your country is not on the list of visa-free countries above, then you need to apply for a tourist visa. In the visa application process, there are steps you must go through and documents you must prepare.
Morocco Tourist Visa
First, you must understand what is meant by a Morocco Tourist Visa. This tourist visa is the same as a short stay visa, issued to those who wish to enter Morocco as a tourist, or for other purposes which are at most 90 days. For example, for business visits, attending sporting events, attending for journalism, or medical treatment.
Apart from tourist visas, there are also transit visas and long-term visas. A transit visa is used if you want to go to another country but have to pass through Morocco. Long-term visas are usually issued to those entering Morocco for long-term purposes, such as work.
Morocco Online E-Visa
Morocco also provides online e-visas, which are issued for business and tourism purposes. Not all countries get this privilege. Citizens of Thailand, and India can apply for a Morocco e-visa.
Meanwhile, e-visas are also permitted for those with a residence permit card in the US, UK, Australia, Canada, and several other countries for 180 days.
You can learn how to apply for an e-visa from the following documents. The document is in French, but you can translate it via a browser translator.
How to Apply for a Morocco Tourist Visa?
Morocco visa applications can be made at the Moroccan diplomatic mission in your country. The application process depends on the Moroccan representative office, but in general, the steps are as follows:
- Make an appointment at the Moroccan consulate or embassy
- Complete the Morocco visa application form
- Gather all the necessary documents
- Submit the application to the Moroccan embassy or consulate
- Pay visa fees
- Waiting for Moroccan visa to be processed
- Get the visa.
For those of you who are in Dubai or other parts of the UAE, here are the steps to apply for a Morocco visa.
Step 1: Make an Appointment at the Moroccan Consulate
Most representative offices will only accept visits with an appointment, so you must make an appointment, either by coming directly to the location or online. It all depends on the embassy policy in your country.
For Dubai, so far you can come directly as long as you have completed the documents. But it would be better if you confirmed first. Below is the Moroccan Consulate number that you can contact: +9718000320301.
Step 2: Complete the Morocco Visa Application Form
You can pick up the Morocco Visa application form at the embassy or consulate in your country, or you can also download the Morocco visa form online.
Fill in the form completely because this is the first document requirement apart from other documents.
Step 3: Gather all the required documents
You have filled out the application form completely. Now, prepare other documents that will support your visa application.
The required documents for the Morocco Visa Application are as follows:
Original passport and photocopies of your passport
Make sure your passport is still valid for at least 6 months and still has one or two blank pages. Bring your original passport and photocopy. The photocopy of the passport must clearly show the relevant pages, such as the date of issue, expiry date, etc.
Passport size photo
Prepare 2 photos with size 35mm x 45mm, with a plain white background. Photos are printed on the best quality photo paper, in color, and show your face clearly.
Round-trip plane ticket
You must have a paid plane ticket, scheduled departure, and return within 90 days or as long as the Visa is issued. This return ticket proves you intend to return to your home country after visiting Morocco. If you still want to continue your journey to another country, then the onward travel ticket will be an alternative.
Proof of accommodation
Include proof of your hotel reservation or other type of accommodation where you will stay in Morocco. Or if you come based on someone’s invitation and will stay overnight at that person’s place, then attach an official invitation letter as a document.
Proof of sufficient financial ability
Bring your printed bank statements for the last 3 months. This is to prove that you have sufficient funds for your visit to Morocco. If you do not have a bank account, you must provide your sponsorship statement along with a No Objection Certificate (NOC) letter
Travel Insurance
Morocco is one of the countries that requires tourists to have health insurance and travel insurance when applying for a visa. The easiest way to get insurance is to buy it along with your plane ticket
Health and identity documents
In addition to travel insurance, you must include a copy of your Birth Certificate with a copy of your polio immunization certificate if you are coming from a country affected by polio. Check this link for full details of medical entry and vaccination requirements.
Step 4: Submit the Application
Now you have completed the form and have prepared all the required documents. Continue to apply directly at the Moroccan embassy or consulate.
The address of the Moroccan Embassy in Dubai
Google Maps: General Consulate of the Kingdom of Morocco in Dubai
Pay attention to their working hours.
Monday to Thursday, open 9.00 – 15.00
Friday, open 9.00 – 12.00
Step 5: Pay the Morocco Visa fee
You can pay the Moroccan visa application fee when you apply. The cost is around AED 80 – AED 127 depending on the option you apply for, single entry, dual entry, or transit visa.
Step 6: Wait for the Visa to be processed
Usually processing a Moroccan tourist visa takes 1-2 weeks or it could take longer. It depends on whether your documents are complete or not, or whether they are very busy.
Step 7: Receive Your Morocco Visa
If your Moroccan visa application is approved, you will get a Moroccan visa sticker in your passport. You can take documents directly to the embassy.
Tips for applying for a Morocco Visa for UAE citizens!
- Start as soon as possible because visa processing can take two or three weeks to get approval. Especially if there are additional documents that must be completed.
- Make sure you contact the consulate to confirm the process and requirements.
- Make sure all documents are complete before you come to the consulate during operating hours. Check Step number 3 again.
Now you know how to apply for a Morocco Visa. That means you are ready to explore Morocco with us. We hope our guide is useful. Happy travels, ladies!
