Selecting the appropriate visa type is crucial to ensuring a smooth travel experience to Morocco. Each visa type has specific requirements and conditions which must be met to qualify. Whether you are visiting for tourism, business, study, work, or family reasons, it’s essential to understand the visa category that best suits your purpose.
Travelling to Morocco without a valid visa can have serious consequences. Not only could you be denied entry at the border, but you may also face fines, deportation, or even imprisonment. It's crucial to obtain the appropriate visa before your trip to avoid any legal issues and ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience in Morocco.
Moroccan authorities broadly classify entry visas into four main categories:
A short-term visa allows foreign nationals to enter Morocco for non-immigration purposes. This visa permits either a single uninterrupted stay or multiple short stays for those with a multiple-entry visa. The duration of each stay ranges from 1 to 90 days.
A long-term visa, valid for more than three months, is a multiple-entry visa issued by Moroccan diplomatic or consular offices after consultation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation. The maximum validity of this visa is 1 year, with each stay lasting between 1 and 90 days.
A transit visa allows foreign nationals travelling to a third country to pass through Morocco. This visa may be issued for either one or two transits, with each transit limited to a maximum duration of 72 hours. More details on the Morocco Transit Visa page.
In exceptional circumstances, Moroccan border authorities may issue short-term or transit visas at entry points.
The Morocco eVisa is an electronic visa that allows eligible travellers to enter Morocco for Tourism or Business purposes. The eVisa eliminates the need to visit embassies or consulates, enabling travellers to obtain their travel authorization easily from the comfort of their homes.
The Morocco eVisa is issued online, and the process involves submitting an electronic application, making it a convenient option for anyone looking to visit Morocco.
Since the Morocco e-Visa is designed specifically for either Tourism or Business purposes. Therefore, the e-Visa is only available in two distinct types, catering exclusively to these categories of visitors.
It is essential to understand that possessing a Morocco e-Visa does not, under any circumstances, provide the privilege to apply for residency in Morocco.
The eVisa serves strictly as a travel authorization and does not extend beyond its specified purpose.
The following descriptions provide an overview of each Morocco visa type currently available. Whether you're travelling for leisure, work, family, or other purposes, understanding them is key to making your journey smoother.
|
Note that Ordinary visas can only be applied for at the Embassies and Consulates. |
Designed for those interested in visiting Morocco for tourism, this visa allows individuals to explore the country's landscapes, culture, and attractions for a limited duration, typically up to 90 days.
A work visa permits foreign nationals to reside and work legally in Morocco. Applicants must secure employment in the country before applying, as this visa is strictly for those with a confirmed job offer. Know more on the Morocco Work Visa website.
This visa is issued for those travelling to Morocco for professional purposes, such as attending meetings, conferences, or exploring business opportunities. It supports short-term visits related to business activities without establishing permanent residency.
The investor visa is for those who intend to invest in Moroccan enterprises or initiate their own business within the country. It is aimed at individuals who contribute to economic growth.
A conference visa is granted to participants attending workshops, seminars, or conferences in Morocco. It allows for legal entry and participation in professional gatherings. Know more on the Official Conference Visa website.
This visa is issued to individuals pursuing their studies, internships, or academic research in Morocco. It facilitates access to educational institutions, providing opportunities for academic and professional development. Know more on Official Student Visa website
This visa permits foreign nationals to reunite with family members residing in Morocco. It applies to spouses, including those in mixed marriages or long-term relationships, fostering family unity. More on the Official Family Reunification Visa website.
Journalists and media professionals entering Morocco for coverage purposes require this visa. It ensures that journalistic activities are performed in compliance with local regulations.
The visitor visa is issued for personal visits, such as visiting friends or family. It allows short-term stays for non-commercial reasons, providing flexibility for personal travel.
Individuals seeking medical treatment in Morocco can obtain a medical stay visa, which permits them to access necessary healthcare services within the country. In detail on the Official Medical Visa website.
This visa provides entry to those seeking asylum or individuals without nationality, offering temporary residence under international agreements.
This visa is available for members of international flight crews. It allows entry for layovers or performing duties related to their work during their time in Moroccan territory.
Maritime crew members needing to dock at Moroccan ports can apply for the sailors visa, which grants shore leave for rest or activities related to their voyages.
For professionals providing technical services or expertise, the technical assistance visa ensures they can contribute to projects in Morocco, supporting knowledge and skill transfer.
This visa is designed for participants in cultural events, such as festivals, or sporting activities, allowing them to partake in their respective events legally.
Artists and performers planning to engage in shows, exhibitions, or cultural presentations can apply for this visa, encouraging cultural exchange and entertainment.
SUMMARY TABLE
|
Visa Type |
Purpose |
Eligibility |
|
Tourism |
Leisure travel, sightseeing |
Tourists |
|
Work |
Employment in Morocco |
Individuals with confirmed job offers |
|
Business |
Business meetings, conferences, exploring business opportunities |
Business professionals |
|
Investor |
Investment in Moroccan enterprises |
Investors |
|
Conference |
Attending workshops, seminars, or conferences |
Conference participants |
|
Student, Trainee, Researcher |
Studies, internships, academic research |
Students, trainees, researchers |
|
Family Reunification |
Reuniting with family members in Morocco |
Spouses, family members |
|
Journalist |
Journalistic activities |
Journalists, media professionals |
|
Visitor |
Personal visits (friends, family) |
Individuals visiting for personal reasons |
|
Medical Stay |
Medical treatment in Morocco |
Individuals seeking medical treatment |
|
Refugees and Stateless Persons |
Asylum, individuals without nationality |
Refugees, stateless persons |
|
Members of Aircraft Crew |
Layovers, work-related duties |
International flight crew members |
|
Sailors |
Shore leave for maritime crew |
Maritime crew members |
|
Technical Assistance |
Providing technical services or expertise |
Professionals providing technical assistance |
|
Cultural or Sporting Events |
Participation in cultural or sporting events |
Participants in cultural or sporting events |
|
Artistic Animations |
Participation in shows, exhibitions, or cultural presentations |
Artists, performers |
Morocco issues official visas to individuals holding diplomatic, service, special, or official passportsfor specific purposes such as government missions, humanitarian work, or official business. These visas differ from standard tourist or business visas and often necessitate additional documentation and approval procedures.
The different types of official visas that Morocco provides are: Accreditation Visa, Diplomatic Visa and Service Visa.
The accreditation visa is managed exclusively by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, under the supervision of the Protocol Directorate. It is issued solely by Diplomatic Missions.
This visa is intended for diplomatic and consular representatives, as well as administrative and technical staff appointed by their respective governments to fulfil their official duties in Morocco. It also applies to individuals affiliated with international and regional organizations whose nationality and passport category require a visa.
The accreditation visa allows for a stay of up to 90 days. During this period, diplomatic and consular agents are expected to apply for diplomatic identity cards for themselves and their family members through the Protocol Directorate.
The diplomatic visa is issued by the Diplomatic or Consular Missions of the Kingdom, free of charge, to holders of diplomatic passports.
The duration of the diplomatic visa may vary depending on the purpose of the trip, ranging from 3 to 90 days, with options for single, double, or multiple entries.
Holders of diplomatic passports who wish to travel to Morocco for work or tourism and who are subject to the entry and stay visa requirement must submit the necessary documents to the Moroccan Diplomatic or Consular Missions for the application for a diplomatic visa.
The service visa is issued by the diplomatic or consular missions of the Kingdom, free of charge, to holders of a service passport or its equivalent.
The duration of the service or mission visa may vary depending on the purpose of the trip, ranging from 3 to 90 days, with options for single, double, or multiple entries.
Individuals holding a service passport or equivalent who wish to travel to Morocco for work or tourism and who are subject to the entry and stay visa requirement must provide the required documents to the Moroccan diplomatic or consular missions for the issuance of a service visa.
Before beginning the application process for a Morocco eVisa, make sure you fulfil the following important requirements:
These requirements are crucial to successfully apply for your Morocco eVisa and ensure a smooth application process.
For countries without a Moroccan consular presence, visa applications should be submitted to the accredited diplomatic mission or Honorary Consuls. If these options are unavailable, applications can be sent directly to the Directorate of Consular and Social Affairs at the Moroccan Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation in Rabat for processing at the airport.
While it's possible to extend your tourist visa in certain circumstances, it's generally best to apply for the appropriate visa duration before your trip. Unexpected extensions can be time-consuming and may involve additional fees.
As a digital nomad, you might consider a long-term tourist visa or explore options like a work visa if you have a remote job with a Moroccan company. However, specific regulations for digital nomads are still evolving, so it's advisable to consult with the Moroccan authorities for the most accurate information.
Minors under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. While the eVisa application process is typically straightforward for adults, it's essential to check the specific requirements for children and ensure they have the necessary documentation. eVisas allow minors to be added to the same visa application; you don't need a new application for your minor.
If your eVisa application is denied, you'll receive a notification with the reason for the denial. You can then reapply with additional documentation or consider alternative visa options, such as a traditional visa application through a Moroccan embassy or consulate.
Yes, you can volunteer in Morocco. However, it's crucial to volunteer through reputable organizations that have the necessary permits. Ensure you have the appropriate visa for volunteer work, as tourist visas may not suffice. Research the specific requirements and regulations for volunteering in Morocco by visiting the embassy.
Upon arrival at a Moroccan airport, you'll need to present your passport, visa, and customs declaration form. Be prepared for baggage inspection and security checks. It's essential to be respectful of local customs and avoid bringing prohibited items, such as drugs or excessive amounts of alcohol.
Disclaimer: Please note that while this information is current as of December 2024, it's advisable to double-check with relevant authorities, embassies, and airlines for the most up-to-date travel guidelines.