Morocco Reopens Borders: Vaccination Required for Outbound Travel to Select Countries

"To leave Morocco, to countries on list A, vaccination is mandatory (unless vaccinated people have an exceptional authorization). As for the PCR test, it depends on the requirements of the destination countries. So you have to comply with the requirements of the countries of arrival," Najlae Benmbarek told Médias24. In other words, the PCR test is mandatory when leaving Morocco if the destination country requires it. "If you can’t come from a country on list B, you can’t travel there either," she said.

According to the explanations of the director of public diplomacy at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, foreign tourists can come to Morocco this summer, as the conditions apply to all categories in the same way. Moroccan nationals, foreign residents in Morocco, citizens of foreign countries on list A, or foreign residents there will have to present a vaccination pass (valid after 4 weeks of administration of the 2nd vaccine dose) and a negative PCR test of less than 48 hours.

As for Moroccans residing abroad (MREs) coming from list B, "a prior authorization is necessary," she added, stating that it is issued by the embassies and consulates of the kingdom. In addition, "there will probably be no direct flights from the countries on this list," she specified. "To come to Morocco, you will have to go through a third country, and have the prior authorization for an imperative reason. A 10-day quarantine is required in a non-hospital facility," she summarizes.

Regarding professional travel, "an authorization for an imperative reason as well as 10 days of isolation are required for Moroccans residing in Dubai," the official said. As for the cost of quarantine, it will be borne by the travelers. She also confirmed that only the ports operational last year (Genoa in Italy and Sète in France) have been renewed this year as part of the Marhaba 2021 operation. What about students who have to study abroad? "For students, they could already travel, even if they are not vaccinated. They just need to justify this to the local authorities. Studies are an imperative reason. Parents will be able to accompany them if they are vaccinated," she said.

Najlae Benmbarek also said that the Nasser Bourita department intends to develop and publish a guide on its website, which will contain useful details on the reopening of Morocco’s borders.