UK Updates Travel Guidance for Morocco Amid Middle East Tensions

Is Morocco safe right now? In its latest note, the Foreign Office does not advise against traveling to any region of the kingdom. However, it urges British nationals wishing to go there to avoid areas considered to be at higher risk, particularly crowded areas, government buildings, transport networks, businesses with Western interests and areas where foreign nationals and tourists are known to gather, as terrorists will very likely attempt to carry out attacks. It mentions in particular the increased threat due to the number of Moroccans affiliated with Daesh and other extremist groups. The British Foreign Ministry also asks to avoid places where demonstrations of support for Palestine are organized. "You must remain vigilant and follow the advice of the local authorities," the ministry advises.

The Foreign Office also warns of the risk of kidnapping. The threat comes from terrorist groups in Libya, Mauritania and the Sahel, who use it for financial or political purposes. In addition to minor offenses such as snatching, bag theft and motorcycle theft, especially in tourist areas such as historic neighborhoods and beaches, violent crimes have also been occasionally reported, in which weapons such as knives have been used against tourists during street attacks and burglaries. The ministry then advises to avoid quiet areas after dark and not to carry large amounts of cash or valuables.

Is Morocco safe for LGBT travelers? In Morocco, homosexuality is a criminal offense prohibited by Article 489 of the Penal Code. This article states: "shall be punished by imprisonment of six months to three years and a fine of 120 to 1000 dirhams, unless the act constitutes a more serious offense, anyone who commits an indecent or unnatural act with an individual of the same sex." In June, the minister had assured that homosexuality cannot be legalized in a Muslim country like Morocco, despite the manipulations of Islamist currents on the issue. "No one can legalize homosexuality in Morocco. We remain a Muslim country, but the Islamist currents want to make this issue a cause around which they intend to unite and form a political force. But I will never allow the political instrumentalization of the issue of reforming the Penal Code," he said in an interview with the website Al3omk. As homosexuality is criminalized in Morocco, the United Kingdom advises against public displays of affection, which could offend and lead to prosecution.

Is Morocco safe for adventurous women? With its assets that combine ancestral tradition and modern trends, Morocco has become a privileged tourist destination for women in search of unique experiences, writes the South African newspaper Independent Online, noting that "every corner invites exploration, making the country an essential destination for women seeking an enriching travel experience." However, if a woman travels alone, she risks being harassed by men. The Foreign Office advises wearing loose clothing that covers the arms, legs and chest.

Last Friday, the Foreign Office (British Foreign Ministry) advised its nationals to avoid traveling to 18 countries including Morocco, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Algeria, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, Libya, Jordan, Lebanon, Bahrain, Syria, Iraq and Qatar. This new alert is motivated by the high risk of terrorist attacks that could be caused by the war between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip, as well as the serious developments in the tensions between the Jewish state and Iran. The latter launched more than 300 drones and missiles against Israel on Saturday night to Sunday, in response to a strike against its consulate in Damascus. An unprecedented attack carried out by the Islamic Republic against Israeli territory. Israel did not take long to retaliate.