Border Crossings Decoded: What Moroccan Customs Really Wants to Know

Here are the main questions that Moroccan customs agents may ask Moroccans residing abroad, and what they are trying to verify.

1. "Is this vehicle registered in your name?"
Why this question?
To ensure that you are the legal owner of the vehicle, or that you have a valid power of attorney if that is not the case.

If the vehicle belongs to a third party or is rented, you must present:

• A written power of attorney + ID of the owner,
• A rental contract in your name.
Without an official document, entry may be refused or taxed.

2. "Do you have anything to declare?"
Why this question?
Because certain items must be reported, even if they are not prohibited:

• Currency > 100,000 DH or equivalent,
• Large quantities of electronic devices,
• Medicines,
• Gifts or donations in volume...
• > Failure to declare can result in a fine or seizure.

3. "Are you transporting any currency?"
Why this question?
Customs officers must control cross-border financial flows to combat:

• Money laundering,
• Tax evasion,
• Illicit transfers.
• > Any amount exceeding 100,000 dirhams (or equivalent) must be declared in writing.
Otherwise: a fine equivalent to 50% of the undeclared amount.

4. "How long is your stay?"
Why this question?
To correctly apply the temporary admission (AT) regime:

An MRE can keep a vehicle registered abroad in Morocco for a maximum of 180 days per year.
Beyond that, flat-rate fines are applied, and the vehicle must be re-exported or cleared through customs.

5. "Are all the items you are transporting for personal use?"
Why this question?
To distinguish between private use and disguised commercial import.

• Bringing:

• 20 smartphones,
• 5 televisions,
• 10 suitcases full of new clothes
can be reclassified as a commercial activity, resulting in customs duties, or even seizure.

6. "Do you have any medications with you?"
Why this question?
Because the import of medicines is only authorized for personal use, with a prescription or medical certificate.

— > Medicines without justification, in excessive quantities or unidentified are confiscated, or even prohibited from entry.

7. "Does the content of your luggage match your declaration?"
Why this question?
A visual or scanner check may reveal a difference between the declaration and the actual contents of the luggage.

— > In case of false declaration, you are exposed to:

• Customs fines,
• Immediate seizure,
• Prosecution for fraud.