Travel Vaccines and Advice for Morocco
A colorful blend of cultures, Morocco is becoming an increasingly popular tourist destination. Only a little more than 10 kilometres away from the Spanish coast, Morocco is a bridge between North Africa and Europe that features impressive architecture, beautiful desert vistas and exciting markets.
Morocco is incredibly picturesque, with endless alleys decorated in colorful tiles. Moroccan food is famous for its use of spices that culminate in an interesting mix of Arabic, Berber and Mediterranean influences.
Morocco also has some great options for visitors looking to shop, with street markets in Marrakech recognized as some of the best in the world. Marrakech is also famous for its street theatre, prominently played out in Djemaa el-Fna, Marrakech’s main square, named a ‘Masterpiece of World Heritage’ by UNESCO.
Do I Need Vaccines for Morocco?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Morocco. The PHAC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Morocco: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza.
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travellers - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Accelerated schedule available - Typhoid –
Food & Water –
Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Required if arriving from a region with polio transmission. Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - Chickenpox –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. - Shingles –
Direct Contact –
Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given seperately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually. - Meningitis –
Airborne & Direct Contact –
Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students.
See the tables below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Morocco |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travellers |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Accelerated schedule available |
| Typhoid | Food & Water | Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. |
| Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
| Polio | Food & Water | Required if arriving from a region with polio transmission. Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. |
Routine Vaccinations for Morocco |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
| TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
| Chickenpox | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. |
| Shingles | Direct Contact | Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. |
| Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given seperately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
| Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
| Meningitis | Airborne & Direct Contact | Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. |
For more details on any of the above vaccinations, visit our vaccination pages. Or, make an appointment with your local Travel Medicine Specialist. Call or book online to schedule your appointment today.
Customer Reviews
Passport Health – Travel Vaccines for Morocco
“The nurse was superb. She was very knowledgeable and informative. She answered all my questions about Morocco and more.”
“Very knowledgeable, patient and friendly. Had a great experience. Ready for my Morocco trip.”
“Staff spent whatever time was required to provide care. They explained the potential illnesses, the preventative measures available, and were not rushing me when listening to my questions about Morocco. Very professional, knowledgeable and welcoming.”
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Morocco?
Canadians do not need a tourist visa for visits of up to 90 days. Travellers must have a passport with at least one blank page. For updated visa information, visit the Embassy of the Kingdom of Morocco to the U.S. website.
Morocco Entry Requirements |
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| Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Morocco? | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport |  |
|
| Tourist Visa | ||
| Business Visa | ||
| Vaccinations | |
|
Sources: Embassy of Morocco and Canadian Travel and Tourism
Visit the Canadian Travel and Tourism website for more information on entry and exit requirements.
What Is the Climate Like in Morocco?
Morocco’s climate is generally tropical, though the coast features a mediterranean climate. Morocco’s rainy season lasts from November through March, at which time flash floods are common. In Marrakech, the average temperature is 28 in July and 12 in January.
Is Morocco Safe?
The Canadian Government recommends all travellers exercise a high degree of caution while in Morocco due to terrorist threats. Travel is particularly risky in the Western Sahara border region, where there are thousands of unexploded mines and reported incidents of violence.
Terrorist threats are higher in crowded public places, government buildings, transportation hubs and places of worship. Establishments associated with the U.S. are at a heightened risk. Travellers should also avoid all political and social demonstrations.
Travellers should be aware of risks of petty crime and maintain vigilance. City buses are not considered safe.
Public beaches around major cities are sometimes unsafe to swim in due to pollution. Travellers should exercise caution to ensure water is safe to swim in.
Moroccan Rules, Customs and Laws
Morocco has some laws and cultural norms many are not used to. These include:
- In Morocco, dress conservatively and avoid public displays of affection.
- Public alcohol consumption outside of licensed hotels, bars and restaurants is illegal.
- LGBT travellers may face considerable risks as consensual sexual acts between same-sex individuals are illegal in Morocco.
- Women should to travel with a companion or in groups to avoid assault in public places.
- The export of Moroccan currency is not prohibited.
- Islam is the official religion in Morocco, and proselytizing is illegal.
- Photographing government or security facilities should be avoided.
Travellers should review Morocco’s laws before entering the country.
What Should I Take To Morocco?
Here are some essential items to consider for your trip to Morocco:
- Modest clothing, especially for women.
- Umbrella and waterproof clothing if you plan to travel during rainy season.
- Comfortable shoes for wandering through markets.
- Light clothing for hot temperatures, with warmer options for cool nights.
- Bug repellent and sunscreen.
High Commission of United States in Morocco
Canadian consular services can help travellers with many issues they may face including passport services. Once in Morocco, the information for the Canadian Embassy is:
Embassy of Canada to Morocco and Mauritania
66, Mehdi Ben Barka Avenue
Rabat-Souissi, Morocco
Telephone: (+212) (0)537 54 49 49
If you have any questions about travelling to Morocco or are wondering what shots you may need for your trip, schedule an appointment by calling or book online now.
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Morocco?
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Morocco?
What Is the Climate Like in Morocco?
Is Morocco Safe?
Moroccan Rules, Customs and Laws
What Should I Take To Morocco?
High Commission of United States in Morocco
