Morocco

Landmines

Unexploded landmines are an ongoing risk in the Western Sahara territory. This risk is higher within 30km of the Berm, but also closer inland.

To protect yourself against landmines:

• don’t travel to areas within 30km of the northern or western side of the Berm
• don’t travel south or east of the Berm
• stick to formed roads and paths in any areas where landmines are a risk

Tours

Transport and tour operators don’t always meet the safety and maintenance standards you might expect. This includes adventure activities, such as diving and desert excursions.

Safety equipment, such as life jackets and seatbelts, may not be provided.

To reduce your risks while taking a tour in Morocco:

• make sure the activity is covered by your travel insurance
• check the operator’s credentials and safety equipment, including communications, before you book
• ask about and insist on minimum safety requirements
• always use available safety equipment, even if others don’t
• avoid hiking alone in remote mountain areas

If you don’t have access to safety equipment, use another provider. See Safety

Driving permit

To drive in Morocco you must have both:

• a valid Australian driver’s licence
• an International Driving Permit (IDP)

You must get your IDP before you leave Australia.

Road travel

The death toll from road accidents in Morocco is high.

Hazards include:

• unsafe driving practices
• poor lighting and road quality in rural areas
• pedestrians and animals on rural roads

Driving on rural roads at night is particularly dangerous.

Drivers must carry an unfilled ‘accident report’ (constat à l’amiable) in the vehicle. You can buy these forms at local newsstands.

The police don’t usually intervene in minor road accidents where no one is injured. All parties involved need to complete an accident report.

If the accident involves injuries, you must wait for police to arrive before moving your vehicle.

Checkpoints are common. You must be able to show:

• personal identification (ID)
• vehicle-related documents

If you plan to drive in Morocco:

• learn local traffic laws and practices
• be alert to possible hazards, especially at night
• avoid road travel at night outside urban areas

Be alert on mountain roads and major highways.

Always carry personal ID and vehicle documents, including an accident report form.

More information:

Motorcycles

Your travel insurance policy may not cover you if you have an accident while driving a motorbike, quad bike or similar. Check before you drive.

Always wear a helmet. Make sure your passenger does too.

Taxis

Only use registered taxis and limousines, preferably booked through your hotel.

Public transport

Several fatal bus crashes on intercity routes have occurred.

Morocco’s rail network is relatively safe and reliable, but accidents happen.

In October 2018, a train derailed between the cities of Sale and Kenitra. Many passengers were injured or died.

Pickpocketing and petty theft on trains occurs. Stay alert and don’t leave luggage unattended.

Air travel

DFAT doesn’t provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

Check Morocco’s air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.

More information:

Read the original advice at SmartTraveller.gov.au by Australian Government