Travel health tips for Morocco

While Morocco is generally safe for travelers, it’s always important to be proactive about health. With that in mind, read on for our essential travel health tips for Morocco to help you make the most of your trip, whether you’re planning to enjoy the best weekend in Marrakech, or fancy discovering Chefchaouen, Morocco’s best kept secret.

Essential vaccines for traveling to Morocco

When it comes to figuring out how to plan a trip to Morocco, you’re most likely wondering whether you need to get any vaccines ahead of your trip.

While no vaccines are legally required to enter Morocco, while planning your Morocco itinerary, you might want to consult a health professional to discuss whether you should get the following:

• Routine vaccines: check whether you’re update with MMR (measles-mumps-rubella), DTP (diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis), polio and influenza vaccines.
• Hepatitis A: spread through contaminated food and water, vaccines are often recommended.
• Typhoid: also often recommended, especially for rural travel.
• Hepatitis B: often recommended for longer stays.
• Rabies: this can be recommended for those planning extensive outdoor activities, and if you expect to come in contact with animals, especially stray dogs and cats.

Editor’s tip: for more practical information beyond health matters, read our Morocco travel advice.

Pre-travel health checklist

• First aid kit: err on the side of caution and pack band-aids, antiseptic, antihistamines, diarrhoea medication, rehydration salts and painkillers.
• Prescription medications: bring enough for the full trip, plus copies of your prescription.
• Hand sanitizer and wet wipes: useful for hygiene in remote areas.
• Sun protection: high-SPF sunscreen, a sun hat and sunglasses are essential.
• Water bottle and purification tablets: these could come in handy on hiking trips.
• Bug spray: DEET-based repellents to avoid mosquito bites.

Mosquito-borne illnesses in Morocco

Good news — Morocco is malaria-free since 2010, which means the risks are very, very low, and there’s also a very low risk of dengue and chikungunya.

As a precaution, and to avoid discomfort, use insect repellent on exposed skin, sleep under mosquito nets where possible, and wear long sleeves and trousers in rural or humid areas, especially at dusk.

Staying healthy in Morocco

Here are more tips for staying healthy in Morocco.

Seasonal health considerations

First, up some seasonal considerations, that will vary in accordance with when you decide is the best time to visit Morocco, depending on your travel preferences, budget and interests.

Note that heatstroke and dehydration risks are higher in summer (June–September), especially inland (Marrakech, Sahara). So, be sure to drink plenty of bottled water and avoid intense midday sun.

In addition, mosquitoes are more common in humid areas (like the north, near Tangier or Chefchaouen) on late spring and summer.

Water and food safety

Only drink bottled or filtered water, and avoid ice unless you’re 100 % certain it’s made from bottled water.

While Morocco is a wonderful destination for foodies, especially if you visit Fez, Morocco’s new culinary capital, it’s wise to only eat freshly cooked hot food, and to be cautious with salads and uncooked foods unless you trust the hygiene standards, even when visiting the best souks of Marrakech, for example.

On the subject of souks, wise up on the best markets in Morocco ahead of your trip.

Hiking safety

If you’re planning to go trekking in Morocco, for example in the Atlas Mountains or desert, you should always hire a reputable guide, and carry sufficient water and a basic first aid kit.

Animal safety

Snakes and scorpions are found in desert areas, so always wear closed shoes while hiking. Also note that stray dogs and cats may carry rabies — avoid petting them, no matter how friendly they might seem.

Transport safety

When it comes to getting around Morocco, it’s worth being aware that it can be a bit of an adventure, especially if you opt to rent a car.

For example, Moroccan road rules are often loosely followed and driving can be erratic, so keep your wits about you.

When walking in cities, watch for traffic, as drivers often ignore pedestrian crossings. And, when exploring busy medinas (like Marrakech), watch out for motorbikes weaving through narrow streets.

Why travel insurance is a must

While medical care in Morocco is generally high quality, if you need treatment, costs can add up fast.

As a result, coming armed with travel insurance ensures you’re covered for medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and unexpected mishaps, so you can enjoy your trip with more peace of mind. 

Hospital costs in Morocco

While Morocco’s public hospitals are affordable, they’re often crowded, with limited English spoken, so private clinics and hospitals — which have more English/French-speaking doctors — are recommended for travelers.

This means you need insurance to cover any medical costs, which can rack up. Here’s an overview of average costs, though they’ll vary considerably depending on what the issue is.

What to look for in a policy

Trusted providers

We recommend Heymondo, who provide all types of traveller – from single-trippers, to long-stay digital nomads — with personal service, comprehensive cover and 24/7 support. 

Emergency help: what to do if you get sick

• General emergency (police, fire, medical): 19 (from landlines) or 112 (from mobile phones).
• Ambulance/Medical Emergency: 15.
• Tourist Police (assistance in English/French): available in major cities like Marrakech, Casablanca and Rabat.

• Marrakech: Clinique Internationale Marrakech and Polyclinique du Sud
• Casablanca: Clinique Ghandi and Clinique Littoral
• Rabat: Clinique Oum Keltoum andCheikh Zaid Hospital 
• Fès: Clinique Les Narcisses and Hôpital International Fès

Now you’re armed with helpful Morocco travel health tips, you can focus on deciding which of the best things to do in Morocco to include in your own Morocco itinerary.

Not keen on planning? Our local Morocco travel experts can handle every last detail of your trip, from curating your ideal itinerary through to booking your Morocco accommodation and transfers.

Insider tip: if you’re short on time, it’s perfectly possible to see stacks of top attractions on a 7 days in Morocco itinerary.