Zero tolerance for drugs, including cannabis
Morocco has a zero-tolerance approach to drugs. Possessing, using or trafficking illegal drugs, including cannabis, are serious offences with severe penalties.
Local Rules for Travellers
🇲🇦 Local Rules in Morocco for Travellers
Morocco is used to tourists, but some of its laws differ sharply from Europe's: bringing a drone without permission can see it confiscated, drinking alcohol outside licensed venues can lead to arrest, and trying to convert Muslims is a crime. These rules were checked against the UK government's official travel advice for Morocco.
🚫 Drugs & cannabis
🍺 Alcohol
Drink only in licensed restaurants and bars
Drinking alcohol in the street, or anywhere other than a licensed restaurant or bar, is illegal and can lead to arrest.
Methanol in alcoholic drinks has killed people
There have been deaths and serious illness in Morocco from alcoholic drinks containing methanol, which can't be detected by taste or smell.
🏛️ Public places & behaviour
Trying to convert Muslims is a crime
It is illegal to try to convert a Muslim to another faith or to distribute evangelical literature, with fines or up to 3 years in prison. Public criticism of Islam, including online, can bring heavy fines and up to 2 years in prison.
Same-sex relations are illegal
Same-sex sexual relations are illegal in Morocco, and showing affection in public can lead to prosecution.
Ask before photographing people; no photos of sensitive sites
Always ask permission before photographing people, especially children. Taking photos near sensitive political or military sites is illegal.
🤝 Local customs
During Ramadan, don't eat, drink or smoke in public by day
During Ramadan, eating, drinking, smoking, chewing gum or swearing in public in the daytime may cause offence, and clothing that ignores local dress codes causes more offence at this time. The next Ramadan starts in February 2027.
Avoid public displays of affection
Avoid showing affection in public, especially near religious sites and in tourist areas.
Dress modestly
Follow local dress codes: loose-fitting clothing that covers arms, legs and chest is advised, especially for women.
🚗 Driving
Zero alcohol when driving
Drink-driving is a serious offence: if you are tested and have any alcohol in your system, you will be fined and may be imprisoned.
🛸 Drones
Drones need permission, or they can be confiscated
To bring and fly a drone in Morocco you must first get permission from the Directorate General for Civil Aviation. Without it you risk fines and confiscation of your equipment.
🛃 Customs & what you can bring
The dirham is a closed currency; declare large sums
You must declare foreign currency worth 100,000 dirham or more when you enter or leave Morocco. The dirham is a closed, non-convertible currency, so it is hard to exchange outside the country.
Law, venue rule, custom or advice?
Every rule on this page is labelled, so you can tell what is enforced by law from what is simply polite.
- Law
- Set by national, regional or city law. Breaking it can mean a fine or worse.
- Venue rule
- A rule set by a venue or operator, such as a bath, museum, hotel or transport company.
- Local custom
- Not a law, but expected behaviour. Ignoring it can cause offence.
- Safety advice
- Practical advice from an official source to keep you out of trouble.
Sources checked for this page
Spotted something out of date? Tell us and we'll check it against the source.