Morocco Is Open to Vaccinated Tourists — What to Know

Morocco has officially welcomed tourists back after being closed to visitors due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The North African country has reopened its airspace to flights to and from Morocco on Monday, a milestone which was first announced by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates in January.

According to the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Morocco, travelers will need a vaccination pass issued by the Moroccan government, along with a negative PCR test taken within 48 hours of departure. Upon arrival, travelers must then undergo a rapid antigen test and if applicable, comply with random COVID-19 testing, the U.S. Embassy states.

While the country's air space will reopen, passenger ferries continue to be suspended, the Embassy noted.

In Morocco, proof of vaccination is required to enter most private and public establishments, including hotels, restaurants, cafes, and public modes of transportation, according to the Embassy. The Embassy recommends U.S. citizens carry their paper CDC vaccination card as proof they have been inoculated.

Morocco is currently classified as a "Level 3" destination by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, indicating a "high" level of COVID-19 transmission in the country. Morocco saw a small spike in coronavirus cases in mid-January, but those have started to decline and the country is reporting about 2,500 new infections on average each day, according to Reuters, which is tracking cases around the world.

Travelers who are ready to visit should plan to explore the authentic food vendors and medinas in Casablanca, the rolling sand dunes in the Sahara desert, the narrow streets of Fez (and the smells of the tanneries), and experience an indulgent afternoon tea in Marrakech before eating their way through the Jemaa el-Fnaa square at night.

Alison Fox is a contributing writer for Travel + Leisure. When she's not in New York City, she likes to spend her time at the beach or exploring new destinations and hopes to visit every country in the world. Follow her adventures on Instagram.