Schengen Visas Morocco: 437,000 Approved in 2024

Traveling to Europe remains a priority for many Moroccans. Despite the visa requirement, European countries continue to concentrate a large share of international travel from Morocco, particularly France and Spain.

On Bladi.net : Morocco Ranks 4th Globally in Schengen Visa Applications, EU Data Shows

According to the 2025 Turespaña report, which relies notably on data from the European Commission, 437,029 Schengen visas were granted to Moroccan citizens in 2024. Morocco thus ranks fourth among countries applying for Schengen visas.

This strong demand is first explained by geographical proximity to Europe, but also by the weight of the Moroccan diaspora. France and Spain remain the two most important European destinations for Moroccan travelers, due to family, economic and tourism ties.

In 2024, French consulates in Morocco granted approximately 229,000 Schengen visas, representing 52.3% of the total visas issued to Moroccans. Spanish consulates granted approximately 138,000, representing 31.5% of the total.

The report recalls that more than 6.5 million Moroccans are registered as Moroccans residing abroad. Over one million live in France, while Spain has more than 853,000 Moroccans holding a residence permit under foreign status.

This family presence abroad plays a central role in visa applications. For many Moroccans, travel to Europe is not solely about conventional tourism. It is also about visiting loved ones, maintaining family ties, or enjoying vacation in a country where part of the family lives.

The Schengen visa allows travel within the Schengen area for a maximum of 90 days. Applicants must justify the purpose of their stay, present a hotel reservation or host declaration, have sufficient financial means, and take out travel medical insurance with a minimum coverage of 30,000 euros.

The visa question therefore remains decisive in choosing destinations. The report emphasizes that Moroccans can travel visa-free to only 39 countries, while a visa remains mandatory for 120 countries, including the United States and all European Union countries.

Despite these constraints, Europe continues to strongly attract Moroccan travelers. In 2024, Moroccan spending on trips to European destinations represented 70% of their total international spending, or 2.847 billion euros.

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These figures confirm Morocco’s weight in the Schengen visa market. They also show how much mobility to Europe remains a major issue for Moroccan families, travelers, students and tourists.