Morocco Reopening to Canadian Travellers: What You Need to Know

Morocco reopened to tourism on June 15, 2021, following the increase of COVID-19 vaccinations worldwide. Visitors have flowed in accordingly, with Morocco reporting a 223.3% increase in tourism revenue as of October 2021. 

Indeed, the popular North African destination is fully open to Canadian travellers, meaning we can once again step into the Marrakesh Medina, marvel at the blue-on-blue buildings in Chefchaouen, and sleep under the stars in the Erg Chebbi desert.

Morocco Travel Restrictions

As of February 2022, people of all nationalities are eligible to enter Morocco, provided they meet all vaccination and testing requirements.

How Can Canadians Enter Morocco?

All Canadians are allowed to enter Morocco by sea as well as by air. As of October 2021, when departing Canada by air, travellers are required to present proof of vaccination.

By sea, permitted transit points include Genoa, Italy and Marseille, France. Travellers must have a PCR test result taken while on board in order to disembark in Morocco.

Buy air, travellers must fulfill one of the following criteria prior to boarding for entry without quarantine:

• Present a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken 48 hours prior to departure.
  • Children less than 11 are exempt.
• Be fully vaccinated at least 14 days prior to entry.
  • Recognized vaccines include AstraZeneca, Sinopharm, Sputnik, Pfizer/BioNTech, Janssen, Covishield, Moderna, and Sinovac.

Travellers must also complete a health form prior to entry.

Testing & Quarantine Upon Arrival

For those arriving from List A, there is no mandatory test or quarantine upon arrival.

Travellers from List B must complete a mandatory 10-day quarantine at a hotel designated by local authorities, as well as take a PCR test on Day 9.

Testing & Quarantine Upon Return

As of April 1, 2022, a negative test is no longer required prior to travelling back to Canada.

If you need to find a test in COVID-19 test in Morocco, they appear difficult to locate, so it’s best to reach out to your hotel for assistance. Tests appear to cost in the 700 MAD (~$96) range and you can also call the Moroccan Ministry of Health at +212 (0)8-01-47-47 to find options near you, as per the US Embassy.

Alternatively, consider purchasing a Switch Health RT-LAMP or antigen test kit for an easy remote testing option via telehealth video link.

Current Health Requirements in Morocco

Health and safety requirements are abundant in Morocco, with requirements resembling Asia more than Europe.

The early 9pm curfew is no longer in effect, and cafes, restaurants, beaches, shops, and museums are all open for business. Dining establishments have a mandatory closing time of 11pm.

That being said, there is still a shorter curfew from 11pm and 5am, and inter-city travel throughout the country is subject to the presentation of a vaccination pass.

All shops, resorts, museums, and cultural sites will be checking temperature at the entrance and mandating hand disinfection. 

Playgrounds and other green spaces are open, and masks are mandatory throughout the entire space.

Masks are required everywhere indoors and in all public transportation. Furthermore, masks are mandatory if you are travelling in a car accompanied (e.g., a taxi).

How to Get to Morocco

Morocco is surprisingly close to Eastern Canada in geographical terms. Direct flights such as Montreal–Casablanca cost just 60,000 Aeroplan points in business class one-way.

From Toronto, you can squeeze in just under the 4,000-mile threshold on the “Between North America and Atlantic zone” chart with a connection in Lisbon, also for 60,000 Aeroplan points.

A different routing through Europe, or a departure from Western Canada, will jump to the next distance band and will cost 70,000 Aeroplan points one-way in business class.

For greater luxury in First Class, consider flying Lufthansa First Class via Frankfurt for either 100,000 or 120,000 Aeroplan points one-way, depending on where in Canada you are originating.

For a more interesting “sweet spot” redemption, you can also book Royal Air Maroc business class for just 44,000 Etihad Guest miles one-way in business class. Royal Air Maroc serves Montreal, New York JFK, Washington, D.C., and Miami.

You can search for award space using the American AAdvantage calendar or ExpertFlyer, and call Etihad to book.

Conclusion

Morocco is currently open to all Canadian travellers, regardless of your COVID-19 vaccination status. Either present your vaccine card if you are vaccinated,or present a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within the last 72 hours if you are not.

That being said, proof of vaccination is required for inter-city travel – although not required anywhere else. All museums, restaurants, and tours are open and running with no capacity limits, but mandatory masking in effect.

As always, you can refer to our Travel During COVID-19 Resource for Canadians for the most up-to-date information on travelling in the pandemic era.