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Visa Information
Weather
General Info
Travel Tips
Festivals
Country Map

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

To travel to Morocco for tourism or business, South African passport holders must obtain a visa. However, travellers holding valid visas or residency permits from Canada, the USA, Japan, Ireland, any Schengen country, New Zealand, the UK, or Australia are eligible to apply for a Morocco e-Visa for short stays of up to 30 days. Those who do not meet these criteria, or who intend to stay longer, must apply for a traditional visa through the Moroccan Embassy or Consulate.

VISA INFORMATION

Basic Requirements

  • Completed visa application form
  • Passport valid for at least 6 months after return
  • Photocopy of passport
  • Two recent passport photos
  • Identity documents
  • Bank statement (last three months)
  • Flight itinerary (reservation only)
  • Travel insurance
  • Proof of accommodation

Tourist Visa

e-Visa (Short Stay, up to 30 days):

  • Apply online via the official portal.
  • Upload required documents.
  • Pay applicable fees.
  • Receive confirmation electronically.
  • Invitation letter (if visiting family or friends).

Traditional Visa:

  • Required for applicants without a qualifying visa/residency.
  • Necessary for longer stays.
  • Includes all basic requirements, plus:
    •   Invitation letter (if visiting family or friends).
  • Apply directly at the Moroccan Embassy or Consulate.

  • Apply via the Moroccan Embassy or Consulate.
  • Includes all basic requirements, plus:
    • Invitation letter from a host company or business partner in Morocco.

e-Visa:

  • Approximately 3 working days.

Embassy Visa:

  • Around 5–10 working days, depending on application volume.

e-Visa:

  • Approximately USD 30–50, depending on the type.

Embassy Visa:

  • Varies by duration and number of entries.

e-Visa:

  • Valid for 30 days, single entry.

Embassy Visa:

  • Usually valid for 30–90 days, depending on what is issued.

Embassy

Moroccan Embassy in Pretoria:

WEATHER

Morocco’s climate spans Mediterranean along the coast, alpine in the mountains, and desert in the southeast. Summers are hot, particularly inland, while winters bring snow to the Atlas Mountains and cooler conditions to the coast. Rain is most common in winter, particularly in the north. The Sahara remains arid and extreme year-round.

  • Spring (March to May): Spring is one of the best times to visit Morocco, with mild to warm temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C. Coastal cities like Casablanca and Rabat enjoy pleasant breezes, while the Atlas Mountains are covered with wildflowers. It is an ideal season for trekking and exploring the countryside.
  • Summer (June to August): Summers are hot, especially in inland cities like Marrakech and Fez, where temperatures can exceed 40°C. The Atlantic coast remains cooler with highs around 30°C. Desert regions, such as the Sahara, are scorching during the day but cooler at night.
  • Autumn (September to November): Autumn brings relief from the summer heat, with comfortable temperatures between 20°C and 30°C. The weather is dry and pleasant, perfect for visiting markets, medinas, and mountain regions.
  • Winter (December to February): Winters are mild along the coast, with average highs of 15°C to 20°C. The Atlas Mountains can get quite cold and even snowy, creating opportunities for winter sports. Inland cities remain cooler but still comfortable for sightseeing.
  • Best Time to Travel: Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) offer the most pleasant weather for all activities.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Country: Morocco
Capital City: Rabat
International Airports: Mohammed V International Airport (Casablanca)
Menara International Airport (Marrakech)
Rabat-Salé Airport (Rabat)
Fes-Saïss Airport (Fes)
Agadir Al Massira Airport (Agadir)
Tangier Ibn Battouta Airport (Tangier)
Area: Approximately 710,850 square kilometres
Population: 37 million (2024 est.)
Time Zone: GMT+1 (Western European Time; daylight saving time observed)
Religion: Islam (predominantly Sunni)
Language: Arabic (official),
Berber (Tamazight) (official),
French (widely spoken)
Currency: Moroccan Dirham (MAD)
Exchange Rate: 1 USD ≈ 10 MAD (subject to fluctuations)
Credit Card Payment Availability: Widely accepted in urban areas.
Cash recommended in rural areas
ATM Accessibility: ATMs widely available in cities and towns, accepting international cards
Dialing Code: +212

TRAVEL TIPS

Electricity: 220V, 50Hz.
European plug types C and E are used.
Water: Tap water is generally safe in cities.
bottled water recommended in rural areas.
Business Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
some businesses open on Saturday mornings.
Banking Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 12:00 PM and 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM.
Some banks may open on Saturday mornings.
Photography Restrictions: Ask permission before photographing people
Avoid military and government buildings.
Tipping: Customary, around 10% in restaurants; small tips for services.
Vaccination Requirements: No mandatory vaccines, but routine vaccines are recommended.
Dress Code Restrictions: Generally relaxed but modest dress is preferred, especially in religious sites and conservative areas.
Peculiar Customs to Observe: Respect local traditions, especially during Ramadan.
Use your right hand for eating and handing objects.

FESTIVALS

  • Moussem of Tan-Tan
  • Marrakech International Film Festival
  • Fes Festival of World Sacred Music
  • Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha
  • Rose Festival in El Kelaa M’Gouna
  • Gnaoua World Music Festival in Essaouira

MAP

“To visit Morocco is still like turning the pages of some illuminated Persian manuscript all embroidered with bright shapes and subtle lines”

– Edith Wharton