Morocco’s Customs Crackdown: 4 Costly Mistakes Expats Must Avoid This Summer

Here are the main mistakes identified by the customs administration - and above all, how to avoid them.

1. Importing a drone without authorization
This is one of the most common cases of immediate seizure at customs. Whether it’s a recreational drone, a miniature model or a semi-professional device, no motorized drone with a remote control is allowed without prior administrative authorization.

To avoid: Thinking that a small drone or toy is "harmless" and will get through.
To do: Do not travel with a drone, unless you have an official document issued by the Moroccan authorities.

2. Bringing household appliances during a temporary stay
Refrigerator, washing machine, television, vacuum cleaner... These items are not part of the personal effects allowed during a simple stay in Morocco.

To avoid: Thinking that "it’s for the house", or that the object is used is enough to get it through.
To do: Only bring household appliances as part of a permanent return, with supporting documents.

3. Exceeding the legal duration of stay for a vehicle
The temporary admission regime allows MREs to travel with their foreign-registered car for 180 days per year, non-renewable. Beyond that, a fine can be applied, which can reach 10,000 dirhams.

To avoid: Forgetting the vehicle’s entry date or believing the car can stay if it’s not driven.
To do: Note the dates, request an extension in December if necessary, or re-export/clear the vehicle through customs.

4. Transporting currency without declaration
Upon entry and exit from Morocco, any traveler carrying more than 100,000 dirhams (or equivalent in currency) must fill out a customs declaration. In case of omission, the penalty is heavy: a fine equal to 50% of the undeclared amount.

To avoid: Thinking you won’t be checked.
To do: Systematically declare any amount exceeding the set threshold, even if it is for personal use.

5. Believing that "anything goes because you’re an MRE"
Many travelers wrongly believe that as an MRE, they automatically have the "right" to import without tax. This is not the case. Customs strictly distinguishes between temporary stays, permanent returns, gifts, personal items, and commercial goods.

To avoid: Bringing suitcases full of identical items (shoes, phones, clothes) without justification.
To do: Respect the quantitative exemptions, keep receipts, and avoid any excess that could be interpreted as a disguised commercial activity.

6. Not declaring medicines or health products
The import of medicines is allowed for strictly personal use, provided you present a prescription or medical certificate. Regular checks are carried out.

To avoid: Transporting bulk treatments, without justification, or for other people.
To do: Bring all the necessary documents, only take the quantity corresponding to the length of stay, and declare the products upon arrival.

What to remember

The status of MRE entitles you to customs facilities, but it also implies strict obligations. A forgetfulness, a misinterpretation or an excess can lead to:
• Seizure of an object,
• Heavy fines,
• Or significant delays at the border crossing.