Washington advises against urban buses in Morocco and deems the police response “inconsistent”

In its recommendations concerning Morocco, dated August 13, 2026, the U.S. Department of State devotes several passages to transportation, crime, and the steps to take with the Moroccan police.

U.S. diplomacy draws a clear distinction between the various means of transportation. Trains in Morocco are described as “generally safe,” although thefts may occur on them. By contrast, urban buses are “not considered safe,” without the document detailing the cities, networks, or incidents that led to this assessment.

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This warning comes as some Moroccan cities continue to operate particularly old buses, while a major public transportation renewal program is underway in the kingdom.

A Police Response Deemed Inconsistent

Washington is also critical of how complaints filed by its citizens are handled. According to the Department of State, the police response to reports of crimes committed against American citizens may be “inconsistent.” Language barriers can complicate the filing of a complaint, and follow-up on cases would sometimes be limited.

The U.S. authorities nevertheless acknowledge that the police may intervene more quickly when a tourist is the victim of a crime in a busy tourist area. They recommend that travelers systematically request an official report, particularly for their insurance, and contact the U.S. embassy or consulate in case of difficulty.

The advice focuses mainly on pickpocketing in souks, tourist sites, and public transportation. The theft of bags or objects left in cars is also reported. Violent assaults against tourists are described as less frequent than petty theft, but remain possible, particularly at night or in isolated places.

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Regarding taxi travel, Washington is less severe. Petit taxis are considered generally free from crime during the day, but travelers are encouraged to ask for the meter to be used. The document also mentions harassment and violence linked to tensions between taxis and drivers using ride-hailing apps.

These recommendations do not constitute either a ban on taking buses or a change in the general alert level. Morocco remains classified at Level 2 by the United States, with a recommendation to “exercise increased caution,” mainly motivated by the terrorist threat. They nevertheless reveal Washington’s reservations about two very concrete aspects of American tourists’ stays: the safety of urban buses and the handling of their complaints.