What is Prohibited in Morocco? Morocco is somewhat liberal compared to other Muslim countries, but there are still some important differences to consider if it’s your first time visiting.
What is Prohibited in Morocco?
Alcohol
Is Morocco a dry country? Alcohol consumption is permitted in Morocco. However, alcohol must be purchased and consumed in licensed hotels, bars, and tourist areas. You can also find alcohol in most supermarkets, usually in a separate section from the main store. Attempting to buy or consume alcohol outside these designated areas may lead to trouble with the police.
Licensed bars often have no windows because, while drinking is allowed, it should not be visible from the outside. A few bars and restaurants permit outdoor drinking, but only tourists are allowed to drink in public. Many Moroccans do drink alcohol, but they are restricted to drinking indoors.
You can legally bring alcohol into Morocco, but there are limits. The exact limits are unclear, but it is generally accepted that you can bring one liter of alcohol. Whether this refers to one liter of pure alcohol or one liter of spirits is not clear. So, to be safe, it’s recommended not to bring more than one bottle of wine or spirits. We do not recommend bringing more than this, as all luggage is x-rayed by customs upon arrival (both at airports and ports), and trying to bring in too much alcohol could lead to problems.
However, alcohol in Morocco is expensive due to taxes, so if you’re on a budget and plan to drink, it might be more cost-effective to bring alcohol from your home country.
Morocco has a zero-tolerance policy for drinking and driving, so it’s better to hire a taxi service instead.
Drugs
Possession, sale, or use of illegal drugs can lead to a lengthy prison sentence and a hefty fine. Drug laws in Morocco are very strict, so it’s best to avoid any involvement. The country faces issues with drug smuggling, particularly in the north, and there are regular police checkpoints. Tourists traveling in licensed tourist vehicles (like ours) are generally not bothered by the police, but they remain vigilant.
Is hashish legal in Morocco? No, it is not legal, but it is widely used and tolerated. Morocco is the world’s largest producer of cannabis, which is extensively cultivated in the Rif Mountains south of Tangier and near Chefchaouen. Many people travel from Tangier to Chefchaouen for this reason. Be aware that in Chefchaouen, you may be approached by people offering hashish on the streets. While you should be cautious, they generally won’t harass you, as what they’re doing is illegal. Smoking hashish in Chefchaouen is unlikely to cause trouble, but you should always exercise caution since this drug is technically illegal in Morocco.
Inappropriate Clothing
This point mainly applies to women. While there isn’t a specific law, it’s recommended that women—for their safety—wear clothing that covers most of their bodies. Clothes that reveal too much skin should be avoided, as this is unusual and may attract unwanted attention. This is an important cultural difference compared to Europe. Morocco is quite different in this respect, so be sure to dress modestly to avoid potential problems, even if the weather is very hot.
Religious Literature
In Morocco, people are free to follow the religion of their choice, but distributing Bibles or other religious literature is against the law. You cannot attempt to convert Muslims. This is a serious offense, so if your visit to Morocco involves religious activities, extreme caution is advised, as this is illegal. It’s best to seek professional advice.
Homosexuality
It’s important to be aware that Morocco remains a traditional Muslim country in this regard, and any evidence of homosexuality may lead to criminal charges. In practice, you are unlikely to encounter any issues, but this is an important consideration if you’re traveling as part of a same-sex couple.
Premarital Sex
Sexual relations with someone who is not your spouse are prohibited. Keep this in mind when booking hotel rooms with someone of the opposite sex, as some hotels may require separate rooms if you are Moroccan. For foreigners, this rule is generally not enforced, so you should be able to share a hotel room even if you are not married. Moroccans, however, would need to provide a marriage certificate in most cases.
Pornographic Material
It is illegal to possess or distribute pornographic material of any kind, and access to such websites is blocked within Morocco.
Taking Photos of Military Sites
This rule applies in most countries, so to avoid potential issues, refrain from taking photos of sensitive sites. There is usually a sign indicating this. You should also avoid taking obvious photos of soldiers, police, or borders. In most cases, this won’t be an issue, but it’s best to avoid causing any unnecessary trouble.
