The Government of Morocco has extended the country’s “Health State of Emergency” until August 10 as part of its emergency measures to limit the spread of COVID-19. The country continues its phased deconfinement strategy, classifying each region as Zone 1 (less restricted movements and activities) or Zone 2 (greater restrictions on movements and activities). On July 13, the northern region of the country which includes the cities of Tangier/Assilah and Tetouan, which is currently classified as Zone 2, put into place stricter lock down measures.
The Government of Morocco has also announced the partial reopening of its borders beginning on Tuesday, July 14 at midnight (meaning certain types of travel will be possible starting on July 15). This limited reopening is a “special operation” to allow Moroccan residents to return and foreign citizens to depart the country.
Under this special operation, U.S. citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs) in Morocco will be permitted to depart the country. According to the Ministry of Interior, non-resident foreign citizens who were unable to depart Morocco within the normal 90-day limit will be permitted to exit without a fine until August 10.
The only U.S. citizens who can return to Morocco at this time are those who are legal residents of Morocco. The Government of Morocco has not announced when it will allow non-residents or tourists to enter the country.
International Flight and Ferry Information
The special operation flights to/from Morocco will take place on Royal Air Maroc (RAM) and Air Arabia. Beginning July 15, RAM will begin operating a weekly direct flight between Casablanca to New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). The airline has indicated that flight’s continued operation will be based on demand.
The special operation will include ferries that will bring in Moroccan residents from Sète, France and Genoa, Italy. At this time there will not be ferries to/from Spain, and the borders with Ceuta and Melilla will remain closed.
U.S. citizens and LPRs wishing to book the RAM flight to JFK, or to another international destination, should book directly with the airlines. The U.S. Consulate General cannot make these bookings for you. The previously scheduled July 15 Special Repatriation Flight for U.S. citizens and LPRs arranged by the Consulate General will still take place and is fully booked.
Because limited commercial flight options now exist for U.S. citizens, the U.S. Consulate General does not anticipate arranging further repatriation flights. U.S. citizens not flying on the July 15 repatriation flight who wish to depart Morocco should do so on one of the RAM or Air Arabia special operation flights. All regularly scheduled commercial flights to/from Morocco remain suspended indefinitely.
There is no requirement for COVID-19 testing in order to depart Morocco. However, travelers should verify the testing requirements of their travel destination. At this time, the United States does not require COVID-19 testing in order to enter. Monitor the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for additional information: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/after-travel-precautions.html.
Travel from Morocco to Europe: Most European nations re-opened their borders on July 1 to nonessential travelers from select countries in which COVID-19 is deemed sufficiently under control. The United States is not included on the list. Residents of the United States are not allowed to enter the European Union at this time unless they qualify for an exception or currently reside outside of the United States in a country on the approved list.
European officials have generally made an exception for transit passengers. If you are flying from Morocco to the United States via Europe, you will likely be permitted to transit a European airport; however, if the European travel restrictions remain in place at that time, you will not be permitted to leave the airport.
U.S. citizens are currently allowed to fly to the United Kingdom, which is outside Europe’s free movement zone. U.S. citizens arriving in the UK, however, must self-isolate for 14 days and may be contacted to verify compliance.
If you are a legal resident of Morocco, it is possible that you will be allowed to enter Europe; however, you should check with the Embassy or border control authority of the European country that you wish to visit, as it is their decision.
Returning U.S. Citizen Residents of Morocco
U.S. citizens, who are also legal residents of Morocco, who intend to return to Morocco under the Moroccan special operation must undergo COVID-19 testing before departure. They must show negative results issued within 48 hours of departure of a PCR test and a serological test. These two tests will be required at boarding when traveling by air. Those who travel to Morocco by sea from France or Italy will have the choice between providing the results of their own tests when boarding or undergoing testing on the ferry.
Upon arriving in Morocco, travelers will undergo a clinical examination: a temperature check and examination by a doctor. Anyone who presents symptoms of COVID-19 will be accommodated for 7 days in dedicated structures. All others will have to sign a declaration of voluntary isolation at home and to repeat a PCR test after 7 days, which must also prove to be negative.
Resumption of Passport and Notarial Appointments
The American Citizen Services (ACS) has resumed a limited amount of routine ACS services. Such services are available by appointment only. U.S. citizens can make appointments for passports, Consular Reports of Birth Abroad (CRBAs), and notarizations using our website: https://ma.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/.
All visitors to the U.S. Consulate General must wear a mask.
Visa Services Remain Suspended
The U.S. Consulate General is not currently processing any routine visa applications. We will resume routine visa services as soon as possible but are unable to provide a specific date at this time.
Beginning July 21, the Consulate General will begin issuing replacement immigrant visas to individuals who were unable to travel to the United States (due to the Health State of Emergency) prior to the expiration of their visa. If you are in possession of an unused, expired immigrant visa packet, you will need to undergo a new medical exam and book a new appointment using www.ustraveldocs.com/ma/.
The American Citizen Services Unit is unable to answer U.S. visa-related questions. For any U.S. visa related questions, please contact our Visa Support Center:
05-20-48-50-13 (in Morocco)
1-703-520-2245 (from the U.S.)
support-morocco@ustraveldocs.com
Permanent Resident Status: U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents are free to travel outside the United States and temporary or brief travel usually does not affect their permanent resident status. Residents who return to the United States within a year are generally considered to be in status. LPRs that have been outside of the United States for more than a year (365 days) will need to apply for a returning resident visa (SB-1) when the Consulate resumes routine visa services. There are no special exceptions as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. For additional information regarding your lawful permanent resident status, contact U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) at www.uscis.gov or by calling +1-212-620-3418 (from overseas).
Assistance:
- The U.S. Embassy in Rabat
0537-63-72-00 - U.S. Consulate General in Casablanca
0522-64-20-99
0661-13-19-39 (after hours)
acscasablanca@state.gov - State Department – Consular Affairs
1-888-407-4747 or 1- 202-501-4444 - Morocco Country Information Page
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)
