Formalities for Preparing Your Trip to Morocco (and Essaouira)
Morocco is just a 3-hour flight away from Europe, so why not take a weekend getaway or a road trip? The requirements for visiting Morocco are relatively simple, as no visa is required. However, it is important to take note of some helpful advice and information before departing for Morocco.
Check Your Passport
To stay in Morocco, your passport must be valid for at least 3 months from the date of entry for French, Belgian, or Swiss nationals, and at least 6 months for other passport holders.
Determine the Duration of Your Stay
The maximum duration for a tourist stay in Morocco is 3 months. Once in the country, you can apply for a 3-month extension of your stay.
Have an Accommodation Address
Previously, a landing card was required upon arrival. However, this document no longer exists. Now, when passing through Moroccan border control at the airport, security officers will also ask for your residential address in Morocco. Therefore, it is necessary to provide the address of a hotel, riad, or apartment that you have booked in advance. If you plan to travel to multiple cities in Morocco, simply provide the address of your first-night accommodation in Moroccan territory.
Choose Your Luggage
Most low-cost airlines that connect Europe to Morocco do not include checked baggage. While flight prices can be enticing, adding checked baggage can double the ticket price. Therefore, carefully consider what you need to bring and be mindful of traveling with a carry-on-sized suitcase.
Packing for Essaouira
When packing for Essaouira, consider the regions you plan to visit and the season in which you are traveling. Unlike the rest of the country, Essaouira has a mild climate, with temperatures rarely exceeding 30°C. Due to the Atlantic wind, it can feel quite cool. Keep in mind the contrast between the warm sun and cool air, and pack accordingly with sunscreen, swimwear, shorts, and t-shirts, as well as fleece, jacket, and pants.
Bringing Souvenirs
It's hard to resist the temptation of bringing back souvenirs from your trip to Morocco. Whether it's a traditional tagine dish, spices, pottery, Fes ceramics, leather bags, Beni Ourain rugs, handicrafts, Berber decorations, olive oil, or argan oil, there are plenty of options. Plan to either leave space in your suitcase or purchase an additional one locally to accommodate your treasures. However, please note that when returning, liquids such as oil must be packaged in containers of a maximum capacity of 100ml in your carry-on baggage. It is not allowed to bring back sand, seashells, or stones collected from the beach in your carry-on baggage.
Planning Withdrawals and Payments
Currency Conversion
The approximate exchange rate for the Moroccan Dirham is 1€ = 11 MAD (subject to change). Dirhams cannot be obtained outside of Morocco, meaning you cannot request a withdrawal of dirhams in your home country, nor can you leave the country with dirhams in your possession. For your trip, it is advisable to carry cash (up to the legal limit of €10,000 in cash to exit the Schengen area). Currency exchange offices, banks, and hotels throughout Morocco can easily facilitate the exchange of your currency at the official rate.
ATM Withdrawals
ATM machines are readily available throughout Morocco, especially in major cities. However, be aware that your bank may charge a commission for withdrawals, usually a fixed fee plus a variable percentage.