Travel Vaccines and Advice for Morocco
A colorful blend of cultures, Morocco is becoming an increasingly popular tourist destination. Only a little more than 15 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 theater, prominently played out in Djemaa el-Fna, Marrakech’s main square, named a ‘Masterpiece of World Heritage’ by UNESCO.
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Morocco?
Other Ways to Stay Healthy in 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
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: typhoid, hepatitis A, polio, rabies, hepatitis B, influenza, pneumonia, meningitis, chickenpox, shingles, Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) and measles, mumps and rubella (MMR).
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- 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. - Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travellers. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Required if arriving from a region with polio transmission. Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Recommended for travellers to most regions. - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually. - COVID-19 –
Airborne –
Recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Meningitis –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. - 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. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended.
See the table below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Morocco |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| 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. |
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travellers. |
| Polio | Food & Water | Required if arriving from a region with polio transmission. Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. |
| Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Recommended for travellers to most regions. |
Routine Vaccinations for Morocco |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
| COVID-19 | Airborne | Recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. |
| Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
| Meningitis | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. |
| 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. |
| TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
| Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
Specific Vaccine Information
- Typhoid – Typhoid, a bacterial infection, is primarily transmitted through contaminated food, water, or direct contact with infected people. Vaccination is a key preventive measure, recommended for travellers to endemic regions and those at risk due to occupation.
- Hepatitis A – Be sure to protect yourself from hepatitis A, a contagious liver infection caused by HAV, through vaccination. The virus spreads through contaminated food, water, and close contact. Along with vaccination, maintaining proper hygiene and avoiding undercooked shellfish are essential for prevention.
- Rabies – Rabies is a deadly viral disease affecting mammals, including humans, primarily transmitted through bites or scratches from infected animals. Vaccination is key to preventing rabies, with pre-exposure shots effectively preventing infection.
- Hepatitis B – The hepatitis B vaccine is a potent shield against this liver virus, recommended for all travellers and crucial for healthcare workers. Alongside vaccination, practicing safe sex and avoiding needle sharing are essential in hepatitis B prevention.
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) – Measles, mumps, and rubella are highly infectious diseases, emphasizing the importance of vaccination. The MMR vaccine, given in two doses, is the key to personal and public health safety. It strengthens immunity, minimizing the risk of infection, and is a critical component in halting the spread of these contagious viruses.
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.
Other Ways to Stay Healthy in Morocco
Prevent Bug Bites in Morocco
Prevent bug bites by covering up and using insect repellents with DEET or picaridin. If bitten, wash the bite, resist scratching, and soothe with hydrocortisone or antihistamines. Seek urgent care for severe reactions.
Food and Water Safety in Morocco
Safely enjoying meals abroad involves precautions like washing hands, avoiding street food, and consuming well-cooked dishes. Opt for bottled or canned drinks and stay vigilant about seal integrity. Preventing travellers’ diarrhea means maintaining hand hygiene, avoiding raw foods, and selecting reputable eateries.
Altitude Sickness in Morocco
Altitude sickness, or acute mountain sickness (AMS), manifests at high elevations due to insufficient oxygen intake. To prevent AMS, ascend slowly, hydrate adequately, and consider medication. If symptoms arise—headaches, nausea—descend to lower altitudes immediately for rest and recovery.
Infections To Be Aware of in Morocco
- Leishmaniasis – Infected sand flies are the primary vectors of leishmaniasis. Preventive measures include the use of insect repellents, protective clothing and staying indoors during sand fly peak hours.
- Schistosomiasis – Schistosomiasis is a parasitic infection transmitted through contaminated water. Avoiding contact with infected water sources and using protective clothing can reduce the risk of infection. Seeking medical evaluation promptly if symptoms such as fever and fatigue manifest enables timely diagnosis and treatment, preventing complications and promoting recovery.
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 United States website.
Morocco Entry Requirements |
||
| 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 is a popular tourist destination with a Mediterranean climate. The weather in the most popular tourist destinations varies depending on the season. Marrakech is hot and dry during the summer and mild in winter. Casablanca has pleasant weather throughout the year but can get strong winds and rain during winter. Fez is hot in summer and cool with rain in winter. Essaouira has mild weather throughout the year but can be windy during the summer.
In Marrakech, temperatures can reach 40 degrees in the summer and 20 in winter. Casablanca has temperatures ranging from 15 in winter to 25 in summer. Fez can get as hot as 40 in summer and as cool as 10 at night in winter. Essaouira’s temperatures range from 20 degrees in winter to 25 in summer.
It’s essential to check the weather forecast before travelling to Morocco and pack accordingly. Tourists should remember to bring appropriate clothing for the weather and possible weather changes.
Is Morocco Safe?
Avoid an Embarrassing Stop
Over 70% of travellers
will have diarrhea.
Get protected with Passport Health’s
travellers’ diarrhea kit!
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 un-exploded 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 West 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 Canada 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.
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.”
US – English
CA – English
UK – English
Rest of World – English
