Dating apps, quad bikes, hot-air balloons: Britain’s new warnings for Morocco

The British Foreign Office carried out a general revision of its Morocco travel advice on 19 August. This update does not mean that London is advising against travel to the Kingdom: it adds or reinforces several precautions intended for British tourists.

Among the new points is the use of dating apps. London warns that using them can lead to situations that violate Moroccan laws concerning sexual relations outside marriage. Travellers are also alerted to risks to their safety and privacy.

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Britons travelling to Morocco to meet someone they got to know online are advised to keep their return ticket, passport and personal belongings in a safe place. The ministry recalls that some of its nationals have already fallen victim to fraudulent marriages or attempted extortion.

The update also emphasises leisure activities. Quad-bike accidents involving Britons are reportedly frequent in Moroccan tourist areas. London recommends always wearing a helmet, checking the operator’s safety conditions and ensuring that the activity is covered by travel insurance.

For hot-air balloons, bookings should be made only with licensed operators. Unauthorised providers may fail to comply with the required safety standards. This recommendation comes as a hot-air-balloon flight had recently ended in an accident in Marrakech.

From beaches to banknotes

Electric scooters and bicycles also appear in the new official British advice for Morocco. Wearing a helmet is recommended, as is removing earphones while riding. London points out that cycle lanes are often nonexistent.

On beaches, supervision may be limited or even absent, and signage may be inadequate. Strong currents and unexpected waves pose an additional danger. Swimming in dams and rivers is also discouraged without taking precautions, because of deep mud and steep underwater slopes that may trap swimmers.

The British ministry also calls for hikes, boating excursions and other adventure activities to be booked with reputable operators. Some insurance policies exclude water sports, quad biking or other leisure activities considered risky.

On Bladi.net : British Tourist Loses Finger in Quad Bike Accident During Marrakech Birthday Trip

Other changes concern formalities and health. A damaged passport may result in refusal of entry to Morocco. Travellers carrying the equivalent of 100,000 dirhams or more in foreign currency must make a declaration when entering or leaving the country.

London also warns about stray dogs, which sometimes gather in aggressive packs. Any bite or scratch should be followed by an immediate medical consultation because of the risk of rabies. Regarding food, people with allergies are urged to exercise extra caution: allergen information may not always be provided, and the risk of cross-contamination could be higher than in the United Kingdom.

Finally, the British government recalls that possession, consumption and trafficking of drugs, including cannabis, can result in heavy fines and lengthy prison sentences.