Travel health guide
Required shots, recommended vaccines, pharmacies, hospitals and medical tips for travel in Morocco.
No vaccinations are legally required for most travelers entering Morocco. Unlike some African and South American countries, Morocco does not mandate any vaccine for entry from most nations. That is not a reason to skip pre-travel health preparation.
The one exception is yellow fever: if you are arriving from or have transited through a country where yellow fever is endemic (parts of sub-Saharan Africa and South America), you must show proof of yellow fever vaccination. Travelers coming directly from Europe, North America, Asia, the Middle East or Australia are not affected.
The WHO and CDC strongly recommend several vaccinations, listed below. Morocco has good healthcare infrastructure, and basic precautions cover most of the rest.
See a travel medicine clinic 4-8 weeks before departure for advice for your trip.
Highly Recommended
The most important vaccine for Morocco travel. Hepatitis A is transmitted through contaminated food and water. Even in high-end restaurants, the risk exists. The first dose provides protection within 2-4 weeks, and the second dose ensures long-term immunity.
Recommended
Transmitted through blood, bodily fluids, and contaminated medical equipment. Important if you might need medical treatment in Morocco, plan to get tattoos or piercings, or if your trip is longer than 6 months. Many adults are already vaccinated from childhood immunization schedules.
Highly Recommended
Typhoid fever is transmitted through contaminated food and water. The risk increases when eating street food or visiting rural areas. The injectable vaccine is a single dose; the oral vaccine is 4 capsules taken over a week. Both are effective but the injectable vaccine is more convenient.
Recommended
Most adults received tetanus vaccines in childhood but may need a booster. Tetanus is found in soil and can enter through cuts and scrapes, which are common during adventurous travel. The combination vaccine also protects against diphtheria and whooping cough.
Recommended for Adventure Travelers
Morocco has stray dogs and cats in many cities and rural areas. Rabies is fatal once symptoms appear. The pre-exposure vaccine is strongly recommended if you plan to trek in the Atlas Mountains, cycle through rural areas, visit caves, or spend extended time outdoors. It does not eliminate the need for post-exposure treatment but gives you critical extra time to reach medical care.
Morocco requires proof of yellow fever vaccination only if you are arriving from, or have transited through, a country where it is endemic. That includes parts of:
Travelers from Europe, North America, Asia, the Middle East and Australia are exempt.
As of 2025-2026, Morocco has lifted all COVID-19 entry restrictions. You no longer need proof of vaccination, a negative PCR or antigen test, a health declaration form, or quarantine on arrival.
Insurance is not required for entry, but it matters. Private healthcare is good but expensive, and emergency evacuation can cost tens of thousands of dollars.
Risk: High
The most common health issue for visitors. Caused by unfamiliar bacteria in food and water. Symptoms include loose stools, stomach cramps, and nausea, usually lasting 2-3 days.
Prevention
Risk: High (Summer)
Morocco's sun is intense, especially in summer (June-September) when temperatures exceed 40 degrees C in cities like Marrakech, Fes, and the desert. Heatstroke and severe sunburn are genuine risks even for experienced travelers.
Prevention
Risk: Moderate (Atlas Mountains)
Trekkers heading to the High Atlas Mountains, particularly Jebel Toubkal (4,167m), may experience altitude sickness above 2,500m. Symptoms include headache, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, and shortness of breath.
Prevention
Tap water in major cities is treated but differs in mineral content from what most Western travelers are used to, and often upsets the stomach. Stick to bottled water.
Pharmacies (green crescent or cross sign) are on almost every main street. Pharmacists complete a 6-year degree and are often the first stop for common ailments, and many medicines are sold over the counter at low cost.
Prices are approximate and can change.
Morocco strictly regulates some medicines, and carrying restricted substances without documents can have serious legal consequences. Keep prescriptions in their original packaging with a doctor’s letter, ideally translated into French.
| Category | Examples | Rule |
|---|---|---|
| Cannabis-derived products | CBD oil, THC edibles, medical marijuana | Illegal regardless of prescription from home country |
| Codeine-based painkillers | Co-codamol, Tylenol with codeine, Nurofen Plus | Restricted; carry prescription and doctor's letter |
| Strong opioid painkillers | Tramadol, Oxycodone, Morphine patches | Strictly controlled; requires detailed documentation |
| Certain psychotropic medications | Some ADHD medications (Adderall), some benzodiazepines | Carry prescription, doctor's letter in French, and only trip supply |
Private clinics are faster and have English-speaking staff, at greater cost. For emergencies, dial 15 (fire and ambulance), or 112 from a mobile.
| City | Facility | Type | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marrakech | Clinique Internationale de Marrakech | Private | English-speaking staff, 24/7 emergency, international standard |
| Marrakech | Polyclinique du Sud | Private | Well-equipped, multiple specialties available |
| Marrakech | CHU Mohammed VI | Public | Largest public hospital, can be crowded but has specialists |
| Casablanca | Clinique Badr | Private | High standard, English and French speaking, most specialties |
| Casablanca | Hopital Cheikh Khalifa | Private | Modern facility with international accreditation |
| Casablanca | CHU Ibn Rochd | Public | Major teaching hospital, all specialties available |
| Fes | Clinique Atlas | Private | Reliable private clinic with emergency services |
| Fes | CHU Hassan II | Public | Main public hospital, dental and surgical departments |
Pharmacies are everywhere in cities, but in the Atlas, the Sahara or rural areas the nearest one may be hours away.
| Item | What for | Priority |
|---|---|---|
| Oral rehydration salts (ORS packets) | Critical for dehydration from diarrhea or heat | Essential |
| Loperamide (Imodium) | Stops diarrhea symptoms for travel days | Essential |
| Broad-spectrum antibiotic (prescribed) | For bacterial infections when medical care is distant | Essential |
| SPF 50+ sunscreen | Protection from Morocco's intense sun | Essential |
| Insect repellent (DEET-based) | Mosquito and insect bite prevention | Essential |
| Adhesive bandages and gauze | Minor cuts, scrapes, and blisters | Essential |
| Antiseptic wipes and cream | Wound cleaning and infection prevention | Essential |
| Paracetamol / Ibuprofen | Pain relief, fever reduction, altitude headaches | Essential |
| Antihistamine tablets | Allergic reactions and insect bite relief | Recommended |
| Motion sickness tablets | Winding mountain roads in the Atlas | Recommended |
| Throat lozenges | Dry air and dust in southern Morocco and desert | Recommended |
| Water purification tablets | Emergency water treatment in remote areas | For Trekkers |
| Blister plasters (Compeed) | Essential for hiking and long medina walks | For Trekkers |
| Altitude sickness medication (Diamox) | Prevention and treatment above 2,500m | For Trekkers |
No vaccinations are legally required for entry into Morocco for most travelers. However, if you are arriving from a country where yellow fever is endemic, you must show proof of yellow fever vaccination. Health authorities strongly recommend being up to date on routine vaccines and getting Hepatitis A and Typhoid vaccines before traveling.
Yellow fever vaccination is only required if you are arriving from or have recently transited through a country where yellow fever is endemic (parts of sub-Saharan Africa and South America). Travelers coming directly from Europe, North America, Asia, or Australia do not need this vaccine for Morocco entry.
As of 2025-2026, Morocco has lifted all COVID-19 entry restrictions. Travelers no longer need to show proof of vaccination, negative test results, or health declarations. However, it is recommended to stay updated on any changes by checking official Moroccan government sources before travel.
Yes, Morocco has a well-developed pharmacy network. Pharmacies (identifiable by a green crescent or cross sign) are found in every city and most towns. Many medications that require prescriptions in Western countries are available over the counter in Morocco at significantly lower prices. Pharmacists are well-trained and can often advise on common ailments.
Tap water in major Moroccan cities like Rabat and Casablanca is technically treated and safe by local standards, but most travelers are advised to drink bottled water. The mineral content and treatment processes differ from what your body may be accustomed to, which can cause digestive discomfort. Bottled water (Sidi Ali and Ain Saiss are popular brands) is widely available from 5 MAD.
Morocco has strict drug laws. Codeine-based medications, some strong painkillers, certain psychotropic medications, and any cannabis-derived products (including CBD oil) may be restricted or illegal. If you take prescription medications containing controlled substances, carry your doctor's prescription and a letter explaining your medical need, translated into French if possible.
A rabies pre-exposure vaccine is recommended if you plan to spend significant time outdoors, visit rural areas, go trekking in the Atlas Mountains, or if you will be around animals. Morocco has stray dogs and cats in many areas. The pre-exposure vaccine does not eliminate the need for post-exposure treatment but gives you more time to reach medical care.
While not legally required, travel health insurance is strongly recommended. Private healthcare in Morocco is good but can be expensive. Emergency evacuation costs can reach tens of thousands of dollars. Ensure your policy covers treatment, hospitalization, evacuation, and repatriation.
