Morocco Visa Requirements – Types, Documents and Application
Citizens of over 81 countries do not need a visa to visit Morocco for stays of up to 30 days and more. Thus, they do not need to worry about satisfying the Morocco visa requirements.
However, countries not Morocco visa-exempt citizens must apply for a Moroccan visa online or at an embassy. Are you troubled about whether or not you need a Moroccan visa? No need to fret; this blog post will help you out.
Generally, Morocco visa requirements are not hard to meet. You can obtain your Morocco visa without stress with little guidance and proper planning. This article will walk you through the process of getting a Moroccan visa. Including the visa requirements, cost, processing time, etc.
About Morocco
Morocco is a country located in North Africa. Spanning an area of 1,030,000 square kilometers, Morocco is the world’s fifteenth largest country. Algeria borders the country to the north and west, Tunisia to the northeast, Libya to the east, and Spain to the south. Morocco has a population of over 31 million people.
The capital and largest city are Rabat. Other major cities include Casablanca, Marrakesh, Fes, Meknes, and Tangier. Morocco exhibits a variety of cultures and languages, including Arabic, Berber, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Turkish, Italian, and Greek. Moreover, the country has a rich history dating back to antiquity, with significant contributions from the Phoenicians and Romans.
What is Morocco Visa?
If you’re planning a trip to Morocco, you’ll need a visa. A Moroccan visa is a document that allows a person to enter Morocco and stay for a certain amount of time. You can get a visa at an embassy or a consulate.
A Moroccan visa requires a passport valid for at least six months. Other requirements are below:
Who is exempt from requiring a visa to visit Morocco?
If you are a citizen of one of the following countries, you do not need a visa to enter Morocco for stays of up to 90 days (except as otherwise specified):
- Algeria
- Andorra
- Argentina
- Australia
- Bahrain
- Brazil
- Canada
- Chile
- China
- Dominican Republic
- European Union countries
- Gabon
- Hong Kong*
- Iceland
- Indonesia
- Ivory Coast
- Japan
- Kuwait
- Liechtenstein
- Macau
- Malaysia
- Mexico
- Monaco
- New Zealand
- Niger
- Norway
- Oman
- Peru
- Philippines
- Qatar
- Russia
- San Marino
- Saudi Arabia
- Senegal
- Singapore*
- South Korea
- Switzerland
- Tunisia
- Turkey
- The United Arab Emirates
- The United States
*Hong Kong and Singapore citizens can only stay in Morocco for 30 days.
Types of Moroccan Visa
Morocco has three main types of visas:
- Morocco Tourist Visa (short-term)
- Morocco Transit Visa (short-term)
- Long-Term Morocco Visa
Morocco Tourist Visa
The Morocco Tourist Visa is allowed for visa-required citizens who intend to enter Morocco as a tourist or for other short-term objectives, such as business, personal visits, or attending a cultural or academic event, such as a conference or sporting activities.
Single or multiple entries for Moroccan tourist visas may be permitted for stays up to 90 days.
However, because several nations are eligible for visa-free entrance, not everyone must apply for a tourist visa before traveling to Morocco.
Morocco Transit Visa
A Morocco Transit Visa is needed if you pass through Moroccan territory on your way to another country. This transit visa is valid for one or two transits and allows you to stay in Morocco for up to 72 hours.
Morocco Long-Term Visa
Generally, a long-term visa for Morocco is issued to foreigners who intend to stay in Morocco for an extended period, such as for work or to join family members.
It is technically valid for three months, just like the tourist visa. This type of visa, however, allows the holder to apply for a Residency Card (Carte de Séjour) from the Moroccan General Directorate of National Security’s competent services. You apparently cannot apply for residency if you enter Morocco on a tourist visa.
Morocco long-term visas are broadly classified into three types: Morocco Work Visa, Morocco Student Visa, and Morocco Visa for Family Reunification.
How to Apply for a Morocco Visa?
Overall, you must apply for a Moroccan visa at a Moroccan diplomatic mission in your home country. The exact application process varies depending on your country and the Moroccan representative office, but it usually goes something like this:
To begin, schedule an appointment with the Moroccan consulate or embassy. Depending on the country, you may be able to schedule an appointment online, but you may also need to call or appear in person. However, most offices will not accept an application unless an appointment is made.
Because some Moroccan embassies have outsourced visa applications to private agencies, you must contact the relevant agency to begin the process.
Next, Gather the necessary documents, fill out the visa application form, and attach a photograph of yourself if one is required.
Once you have all the documents supporting your visa application, you can submit them at the embassy or consulate – usually in person. Still, depending on the application, you may submit it through a legal representative or mail.
If the latter, you must include a self-addressed, prepaid special delivery envelope for the return of your passport.
You must pay the visa processing fee when applying for and required documents.
The next step is to wait for the visa to be processed, which typically takes two weeks (10 business days); however, it could take longer if you have a unique travel document.
Finally, the visa-issuing authorities will stamp your passport with a Morocco visa sticker when your application is approved. You must pick it up in person if you applied, but if you used it by mail, the embassy/consulate would mail it back.
Visa Requirements for Morocco
When you apply for a Moroccan visa, you must provide numerous documents to satisfy the Moroccan visa-issuing authorities that you are eligible to acquire one.
The criteria vary depending on the reason for your travel, your nation, and the length of your stay. However, the typical list of documents includes:
- The Morocco visa application form must be fully completed and signed.
- Your passport, as well as photocopies of the first page of your passport with your photo: Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months from your return date and contains at least two blank pages.
- Four passport-size images taken within the last six months clearly show your face.
- Return plane ticket
- Evidence of accommodation
- Evidence of sufficient financial resources.
- Travel insurance.
- Proof of payment of Morocco visa fee
In addition, depending on the nature and purpose of your visit, additional documentation may be required:
If you’re going on business:
- Invitation letter from the company you will visit.
- A suggestion from the relevant Ministry (for public business).
Traveling to a conference:
- Invitation from the event’s organizers
- If you work for the government: Your Mission Assignment
On assignment as a journalist:
- Prior consent from the government’s communication authority
- The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation has granted permission to film in Morocco.
- A list of all the filmmaking equipment you intend to bring.
If you are going to a cultural or sporting event:
Invitation from the Moroccan event’s organizing department. If you are heading to Morocco for medical treatment:
- Your medical license
- Evidence that you can afford the healthcare bills
- Proof of hospitalization in Morocco
For all long-term Moroccan visas:
- Proof of long-term Moroccan residence, such as a tenancy agreement or student housing
- Criminal records collected from police authorities in your home country
- A medical certificate showing your physical fitness
Work Visa in Morocco:
Certified copies of your employment contract from the Ministry of Education
Student Visa for Morocco:
- Evidence of enrollment in an educational institution
- Proof of tuition payment
- Evidence of your financial resources during the study period
- A Moroccan guarantor’s letter says they will cover your lodging and financial needs.
For a Family Visa to Morocco:
Proof of family relationships, such as a marriage certificate for spouses, a birth certificate for parents and children, etc.
Please Note: Some of your documents may also need to be translated into Arabic, English, or French. For language requirements, contact the Moroccan embassy or consulate.
How to Apply for a Morocco Visa in India
You must go to a Morocco Visa Application and Information Center (MVAIC), which is run by Cox & Kings Global Services, to apply for a visa from India (CKGS). The embassy of Morocco in India has contracted CKGS to handle all visa applications.
New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Pune, Goa, Cochin, Hyderabad, and Bangalore all have MVAIC centers.
Contact the Moroccan Embassy in New Delhi or the Moroccan Honorary Consulate in Mumbai if you require more information.
Obtaining a Visa for Morocco from the UK
You do not need a visa to enter Morocco if you are a citizen of the UK and currently reside in the UK.
However, if you are a resident of the UK and you are from a nation that requires a visa, you must apply for a Moroccan visa at the Moroccan Consulate General in London.
You cannot apply at the Moroccan consulate in London if you are on a tourist visa for the UK. Instead, you must apply for a visa from the nation where you legally reside.
Morocco Visa Fees
You must also pay a visa processing fee at the time of application. The following are Morocco visa fees:
- Single entry (up to Ninety days): DH220 (appx. $23).
- Two entries (up to Ninety days): DH330 (appx. $34).
- Transit visas: DH170 (appx. $18).
How long does a Moroccan visa last?
A Moroccan visa is valid for 90 days and can be issued for a single or repeated entry.
The Morocco Tourist Visa and the long-term visa are valid for the same period; however, the latter allows the holder to apply for a Residence Card after entering Morocco, while the tourist visa does not.
Even if you have a long-term visa, you must depart after three months if you do not extend your stay and obtain a Residence Card.
See Also: Visit Morocco – Top Places, Culture, Arts, and Experience
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply for a visa to Morocco?
You’ll need to take a few steps to apply for a visa to Morocco. First, you’ll need to gather the required documents, which include a passport, a completed visa application, and two passport-sized photos. Next, you’ll need to submit your application and pay the visa fee.
What are the documents required for applying for a visa?
There are a few documents you’ll need to apply for a visa:
-Your passport.
-A recent photograph.
-An application form.
-Proof of financial means.
-A letter of invitation (if applicable).
-Other supporting documents (depending on the country).
How much does a Morocco visa cost?
A Morocco visa costs approximately $60. This price may change depending on the type of visa and the country of origin.
Conclusion
To sum up, whether you are planning a business trip or a holiday, it is critical to understand the many types of visas and their requirements. The visa application process might be time-consuming, but with appropriate planning, it can be a pretty straightforward procedure. After all, is said and done, there is no better way to enjoy Morocco’s beauty and culture than to go there in person.