How Does Photography Rules Work in Morocco?
Last verified: 2025-06 · Middle East
1The Quick Answer
Always ask before photographing people in Morocco as many demand payment or flat out refuse, and never photograph military or police.
2What You Need to Know
Morocco is extraordinarily photogenic — medinas, kasbahs, the Sahara, and the Atlas Mountains offer world-class photography. However, photographing people without permission is considered intrusive and some individuals, particularly women, will take strong offence. Many people in tourist-heavy areas will expect payment (5-20 MAD) for being photographed. Military installations, police, and checkpoints must never be photographed — this can result in arrest. Some mosques prohibit photography entirely and entry is restricted for non-Muslims. Photography of demonstrations or security operations is also prohibited.
3Practical Tips
Practical Tips
- 1Hire a local photographer-guide in Fes medina for the morning — they know exactly when and where to shoot the famous tanneries and can negotiate access to rooftop views.
- 2The Chefchaouen blue medina is one of the world's most photographed places — go before 8am to capture empty streets and golden morning light.
- 3If you want to photograph locals, learn the Arabic phrase 'Momkin tsawwer?' (Can I take a photo?) — the attempt at local language almost always generates goodwill.
Important Warning
Photographing police, military personnel, checkpoints, or government buildings is strictly prohibited and can result in immediate detention and deletion of your images.
How does this compare?
Photography Rules rules in nearby and similar countries:
Photographing government buildings, military sites, and people without consent is illegal. Tourists have been arrested for innocent-seeming photos.
Never photograph military sites, police, bridges, airports, or government buildings — tourists have been arrested for this.
Avoid photographing government buildings, military sites, and women without explicit consent — tourist sites like AlUla are freely photographable.
Traveling to Morocco?
You might also need:
SafetyWing Travel Insurance
Medical coverage for travelers worldwide. Covers emergency care, hospital stays, and evacuation.
Airalo eSIM
Instant eSIM for 190+ countries. Set up before you leave — no physical SIM card needed.
Pocket WiFi Rental
Unlimited mobile internet in your pocket. Rent a WiFi hotspot device for your entire trip.
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
Several activities legal elsewhere are criminal offences in Morocco, including same-sex relations, sex outside marriage, and public displays of affection between unmarried couples.
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
📷 See Photography Rules rules in all countries
Compare all countries →