Emergency Help Abroad – Morocco

Crime & Legal Awareness

A concise overview of the key laws, legal expectations and enforcement practices travellers should understand before visiting Morocco — including behaviours that may be acceptable in the UK but carry stricter penalties or different interpretations abroad.

1. STRICT DRUG, WEAPON & ALCOHOL LAWS

• Possession or use of illegal drugs, including cannabis products, can result in arrest and lengthy prison sentences.

• Drug trafficking carries extremely severe penalties.

• Carrying knives, weapons or pepper spray is illegal without legitimate purpose.

• Drinking alcohol in public spaces or outside licensed venues can lead to arrest.

• Driving under the influence of alcohol is strictly prohibited and enforced through fines and court action.

2. RESPECT FOR CULTURE, PUBLIC MORALS & ENVIRONMENT

• Morocco is a conservative Muslim country — modest dress is expected, especially in rural areas and religious sites.

• Public displays of affection may attract unwanted attention or police intervention.

• Desecrating religious objects, mosques or cemeteries is a criminal offence.

• Insulting Islam, the monarchy or the Moroccan state is punishable by law.

• Littering or damaging natural landscapes, dunes or archaeological sites can lead to fines.

3. PUBLIC BEHAVIOUR & CIVIL ORDER

• Police may request identification; travellers should carry passports or copies.

• Aggressive bargaining, shouting or confrontational behaviour can escalate quickly.

• Scams are common in medinas — be cautious of unofficial guides or “helpers.”

• Bribery is illegal; offering unofficial payments can worsen the situation.

• Protests and demonstrations should be avoided — participation may lead to arrest.

4. TRAVEL, TRANSPORT & ADMINISTRATIVE OFFENCES

• Taxis and transport must use official meters or pre-agreed fares — disputes can lead to fines.

• Driving offences such as speeding, not wearing a seatbelt or using a mobile phone are enforced.

• Riding motorbikes without a helmet or correct licence is illegal.

• Entering restricted areas, ports, or administrative facilities without permission can result in detention.

• Overstaying your visa or entry period can lead to fines or exit delays.

5. PHOTOGRAPHY, DRONE & SECURITY RESTRICTIONS

• Taking photos of police, military, government buildings or borders is strictly prohibited.

• Drones require prior authorisation; unlicensed drone use can lead to confiscation or arrest.

• Some locals may object to being photographed — always ask permission.

• Photography inside mosques is restricted unless explicitly allowed.

6. ENVIRONMENTAL & SAFETY LAWS

• Lighting fires in forests or rural areas without permission is illegal.

• Swimming at unpatrolled or closed beaches may result in fines or danger.

• Damaging protected dunes, oases or nature reserves is prohibited.

• Feeding wildlife or disturbing fragile ecosystems is not allowed.

7. RESPECT FOR NATURE, CULTURE & HERITAGE SITES

• Removing stones, sand or artefacts from beaches or ruins is illegal.

• Climbing on fragile structures or crossing protective barriers is prohibited.

• Entering archaeological sites without tickets or permission leads to penalties.

• Buying artefacts made from endangered species is illegal and items may be seized.

What You Shouldn’t Do - Behaviours Travellers Should Avoid.

These are important behaviours and actions to avoid to stay respectful, safe and aligned with local expectations. Remember that what feels familiar or harmless in the UK may be perceived through a different cultural lens in Morocco.

• Don’t dress very revealingly in medinas, rural areas or religious sites, as modest clothing is appreciated in this predominantly Muslim country.

• Don’t show public displays of affection, particularly in conservative areas, where kissing and touching can attract unwanted attention.

• Don’t attempt to enter mosques if you’re not Muslim, unless clearly open to visitors; many are reserved strictly for worship.

• Don’t drink alcohol in the street or public places, as it’s only legal in licensed venues and certain hotels.

• Don’t buy or use illegal drugs, particularly hashish, which may be offered casually; penalties for possession can be serious.

• Don’t photograph people without asking, especially women, older people and stallholders, who may find it intrusive or ask for payment.

• Don’t accept unsolicited guiding from strangers in medinas, without agreeing a price first; unofficial “guides” may demand high fees at the end.

• Don’t ignore local advice about hiking or travelling in remote areas, including the Atlas Mountains or desert, where conditions can be harsh.

• Don’t eat or drink openly in public during daylight hours of Ramadan, out of respect for those fasting.

• Don’t leave valuables unattended at cafés or riads, particularly around entrances and busy streets.

• Don’t haggle aggressively or disrespectfully in souks, as bargaining is expected but should remain friendly and good-humoured.

• Don’t wear shoes inside some traditional homes or riads, if your hosts remove theirs or ask you to do the same.

• Don’t assume taxis are metered or fares fixed, and agree the price before setting off to avoid disputes.

• Don’t wander down very dark or deserted alleyways at night, particularly far from main squares or routes.

• Don’t ignore conservative norms around swimwear away from beaches and pools, where bikinis or short shorts may be inappropriate.

• Don’t use drones without checking regulations, as flying near government or military sites is forbidden and taken seriously.

• Don’t bring large quantities of alcohol into the country, beyond permitted limits, and avoid carrying it visibly in public.

• Don’t disregard heat and sun exposure, especially in summer and desert regions where dehydration and heatstroke are real risks.

• Don’t show disrespect when negotiating prices or declining offers, as polite firmness is more effective than visible frustration.