Applying for a Morocco Tourist Visa: The Complete Guide
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
10 Best Places to Visit in Morocco
Morocco has everything – lively cities, peaceful coastal towns, rich history, and delicious food!Planning an itinerary can be overwhelming, but don’t worry, we’re here to help! This article lists the top 10 best places to visit and what to do there. Come on, follow us! Why visit Morocco? Morocco is a treasure trove waiting to be discovered, filled with beauty and culture. With its rich culture, diverse landscapes, and welcoming hospitality, it’s a country that offers something for every traveler. Explore the bustling markets of imperial cities, relax in serene coastal towns, marvel at the majestic mountains, and wander through charming villages frozen in time. Morocco invites you with endless possibilities for adventure and exploration. 10 Best Places to Visit in Morocco Here is our top 10, pick some to build your itinerary: Marrakesh Ouzoud Waterfalls Essaouira Ouarzazate Sahara Desert Casablanca Rabat Tangier Chefchaouen Fes Marrakesh Called the Red City because of its buildings made from red-colored clay, it’s a lively city bursting with energy and one of the favorite among travelers. Marrakesh invites you to discover iconic landmarks like the Koutoubia Mosque and Bahia Palace, each telling a story of centuries past. Step into the heart of the old town, the medina, and lose yourself in its maze of small streets. Here, you’ll discover charming riads, visiting the souks is a must to get your souvenirs. Even if you hadn’t planned to, you’ll find yourself crossing Jemaa el Fna square for sure. From mesmerizing snake charmers to storytellers weaving tales, there’s never a dull moment here. We have created a special ladies tour package to visit Marrakesh and Ouzoud, two must-visit destinations. Ouzoud Waterfalls Marrakesh can be busy and noisy. Taking a three-hour drive to Ouzoud for a peaceful break is a good idea Get ready to be amazed by Morocco’s biggest waterfall, a must-visit spot for nature lovers. Once you’re there, walk along the paths, admiring the incredible views of the falls and green scenery. Enjoy some outdoor fun like hiking and swimming in this picturesque setting. For an extra thrill, join the boats and cruise around below the falls. Just be prepared to get a little wet—it’s all part of the fun! Essaouira Essaouira is another option to escape the hustle and bustle of Marrakech if you crave some peace and quiet.This coastal city is on Morocco’s west coast. It is just a 3-hour drive from Marrakech. This makes it a feasible option for a day trip. Because it’s on the Atlantic coast, Essaouira enjoys cooler weather than other Moroccan cities, even in summer.The long sandy beach in Essaouira is perfect for water and sand sports, especially kite-surfing, thanks to the steady winds. The lively fishing port is a must-visit, where you can buy fresh fish and have it cooked on-site while watching seagulls in the sky. Essaouira is the ideal place to relax and soak in the beauty of Morocco’s coast. Ouarzazate Ouarzazate is known for its stunning kasbahs. One of the most famous ones is Ait Ben Haddou. It is a great representation of 17th-century Moroccan architecture. Ait Ben Haddou is also a UNESCO World Heritage site. Perched on top of the Atlas Mountains, Ouarzazate overlooks the valleys. Despite being close to the Sahara Desert, the city is surrounded by palm groves, trees, and green fields. Nearby, you’ll find the famous Atlas Film Studios, known as the “Hollywood of the Desert.” These sets have been used for filming movies like “Gladiator” or “Game of Thrones,” and you can visit them! Take a scenic drive through the High Atlas Mountains. Explore Berber villages and go on hiking trips. Experience the hospitality of the locals. They might even offer you tea. Sahara Desert Embark on a Sahara adventure from various points across Morocco. Ouarzazate, known as the gateway city to the desert, provides access to the vast Sahara expanse. Immerse yourself in a realm of sand dunes and tranquility, experiencing the lifestyle of Sahara nomadic tribes. Adventurers seeking thrills should head to Erg Chebbi. Hop on a 4×4 for an exhilarating exploration of these stunning dunes. In Merzouga, another iconic Sahara destination, you can enjoy camel rides and birdwatching at Lake Dayet Srij, home to flamingos and other bird species. And of course, you can plan to camp under the stars! For those with limited time to explore the Sahara, consider the trendy alternative, the Agafay Desert near Marrakech. You can reach this place by car or join a tour.Enjoy delicious Moroccan food and stay overnight to fully experience it. Casablanca Casablanca, the economic capital and modern industrial center of Morocco, offers a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity for visitors to discover. A must-visit attraction is the magnificent Hassan II Mosque, showcasing Moroccan craftsmanship. Don’t miss the guided tour inside, which is open to non-Muslims! Explore the nearby historic Old Medina with its ancient walls and bustling streets. To end the day, a leisurely stroll along the Corniche is a must! Lined with cafes, restaurants, and shops, this lively promenade offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. Explore the charming Habous Quarter, renowned for its narrow streets and bustling markets, offering an authentic glimpse into traditional Moroccan life. After a day of adventures, pamper yourself with a hammam, try out one of the trendy restaurants or visit some art galleries. Rabat After exploring Casablanca, why not venture north to the capital city, Rabat? It’s just an hour’s drive away and offers a different pace compared to bustling Casablanca. Start your journey at the Kasbah of the Udayas, an ancient fortress built in the 12th century. As you enter through its imposing gates, immerse yourself in its rich history. Make sure to visit the iconic Tour Hassan, considered the symbol of Rabat, and admire its impressive architecture. And of course, stroll along the medina, indulge in some more shopping because we never have enough, and relax on the beach while enjoying some delicious tajine and tea! Tangier Tangier, situated just a 3-hour drive from Rabat along