How Does Local Laws Work in Morocco?
Last verified: 2025-06 · Middle East
1The Quick Answer
Several activities legal elsewhere are criminal offences in Morocco, including same-sex relations, sex outside marriage, and public displays of affection between unmarried couples.
2What You Need to Know
Morocco's penal code criminalises homosexuality (up to 3 years imprisonment), sexual relations outside marriage, and public displays of affection between unmarried couples — these laws apply to tourists. Cannabis is technically illegal despite being widely grown and used in the northern Rif region; possession can result in arrest even where tolerance appears high. Alcohol is restricted but available in licensed venues. Import of prescription medications requires documentation. Insulting the King, Islam, or the territorial integrity of Morocco (including regarding Western Sahara) is a serious criminal offence.
3Practical Tips
Practical Tips
- 1Unmarried couples — including heterosexual couples — can face difficulties booking a shared room at traditional guesthouses in conservative areas; city riads and hotels are generally more pragmatic.
- 2Carry your prescription medications in original packaging with a doctor's letter stating the medical necessity and your diagnosis.
- 3Do not express political opinions about the Western Sahara, the monarchy, or Islam to strangers — the legal risk is real and enforcement has caught tourists.
Important Warning
Same-sex relations are illegal in Morocco and prosecutions of tourists have occurred — LGBTQ+ travellers should exercise significant caution and discretion throughout the country.
How does this compare?
Local Laws rules in nearby and similar countries:
The UAE has strict laws around alcohol, public behavior, drugs, and dress. What is legal in your home country may be a criminal offense here.
Drug possession, LGBTQ+ activity, photographing government or military sites, and criticising the president are all serious criminal offences in Egypt.
Alcohol is completely banned, drugs carry the death penalty, LGBT relationships are illegal, and criticizing the royal family is a criminal offense.
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More About Morocco
Tipping is expected and culturally embedded in Morocco — budget 10% at restaurants and 10-20 MAD for guides and hotel staff.
Updated 2025-06
ONCF trains connect major cities reliably, while petit taxis serve city travel and CTM buses cover intercity routes not on the rail network.
Updated 2025-06
Travel insurance is essential in Morocco as public hospitals are overcrowded and private clinic fees must be paid upfront.
Updated 2025-06
Dial 19 for police, 15 for the SAMU ambulance, 150 for fire, and 0800 00 2424 for the dedicated tourist hotline.
Updated 2025-06
Dress modestly throughout Morocco — cover shoulders and knees especially in medinas, souks, and rural areas.
Updated 2025-06
Alcohol is available at licensed hotels, tourist restaurants, and specialist off-licences but is not sold in general supermarkets and is restricted during Ramadan.
Updated 2025-06
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