Morocco Travel Uncertainty: French Tourists Await Border Reopening

"We are in the most complete artistic fog," summarizes to Le Figaro René-Marc Chikli, president of the Syndicat des Entreprises du Tour-Opérating (Seto). The reason is the health restrictions in force. Any entry into France and any exit to or from Morocco remains, for the time being, prohibited except for compelling reasons. "We are putting pressure to ensure that the destinations of the Maghreb are on the list of countries without compelling reasons and without quarantine," says Jean-Pierre Mas, president of the professional association Les Entreprises du Voyage.

On the Moroccan side, the state of health emergency has been extended until June 10. To date, the kingdom has suspended air links with 54 countries including France. No visibility on the resumption of air traffic. However, hope seems to be reborn. Morocco is increasingly easing its health restrictions depending on the epidemiological situation in the kingdom and the progress of the anti-Covid-19 vaccination campaign. As of June 1, 8,772,982 people have received the first dose, while 5,640,992 people have received the two doses.

Morocco could follow the example of Algeria in opening its borders. For Expedia, Marrakech is in 10th place among the most sought-after destinations for the summer. Enough to partly provoke the lifting of travel restrictions and the opening of Moroccan borders. The tourism sector represents 7% of Morocco’s GDP.