Morocco will celebrate Eid Al Adha (the Feast of the Sacrifice) on Friday, July 31. Both July 30 (Throne Day) and July 31 are official holidays in the country. During this time, many Moroccans travel to visit their hometowns and to spend time with family. The Government of Morocco has urged anyone traveling domestically for the holidays to take precautions against the spread of COVID-19. There are reports that some cities/regions in Morocco are not permitting residents to depart that city/region during the Eid holiday, but the situation is fluid. Ensure you are familiar with local requirements prior to travel between regions and remember to follow the instructions of local authorities.
As a reminder, the Government of Morocco has extended the country’s “Health State of Emergency” until August 10. 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). While a broader range of activities is now permitted in most locations – including hotel occupancy of up to 100%, public transportation at up to 75% of capacity, and gatherings of up to 20 people – U.S. citizens should monitor social media and local press reports for more information regarding specific location/zones of travel in Morocco, and be aware that travel and other restrictions may change with little notice.
The Government of Morocco has not announced when it will reopen the country’s borders. All regularly scheduled international commercial flights remain suspended. During this time, the only flights in/out of Morocco are special operation flights taking place on Royal Air Maroc (RAM) and Air Arabia. At present, RAM is operating two direct flights per week from Casablanca to New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). U.S. citizens wishing to return to the United States at this time should book directly with RAM. There is no requirement for COVID-19 testing to depart Morocco, nor does the United States 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.
Most European nations reopened 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 under European rules. U.S. citizens with questions about travel to Europe should contact the embassy or border control authority of the European country that they wish to visit.
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. 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 a negative PCR test dated within 48 hours of departure and a serological test.
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)
