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Tourists who loved to fly to Egypt on vacation were initially disappointed because this country had become inaccessible for vacation. But after surviving for several days, they began to rejoice again, because there is such a country as Morocco, which is better than Egypt, and maybe cheaper in price! And it was to this tourist country that hundreds of thousands of our compatriots flocked. To spend your vacation. Let's get a look. Do Russians need a visa to Morocco in 2019 to vacation here? We will tell you how to get a visa and what documents are needed. So, let's begin.
And so, let’s say right away that you don’t have to apply for a visa to vacation in Morocco. According to the agreement signed by the countries, Russians will be able to visit Morocco for a holiday without a visa in 2019. But you still have to collect some documents.
And this only document is a foreign passport. Yes, you only need a passport and you can enter the country for a holiday. Upon arrival, or maybe even on the plane, you will have to fill out a form, which will need to be handed over to customs officers. And you can calmly step onto the earth and begin your vacation.
True, Moroccan customs officers still have some requirements for a foreign passport. First, your passport must be valid. And also it should not end for another 6 months from the moment you leave the kingdom of Morocco. This rule is quite common in other countries. So there is nothing surprising here.
The application form, or emigration card, can be filled out in our country or, as we have already said, on the plane or at customs. If you fill out everything in Russia, then you can go straight from the plane to the hotel. And if you decide to fill out the form on the plane or upon arrival, then you will have to wait a little before starting your vacation.
The form is easy to fill out: enter all the information in printed Latin letters.
This is how you can get to Morocco and enjoy your holiday in the country. But remember that without a visa you can only relax there. If you decide to earn extra money and you are caught, then be prepared to be deported from the country. And you will be banned from visiting Morocco for ten years, and maybe for the rest of your life. So it’s better not to violate customs rules.
Visa
For citizens of the Russian Federation, a visa-free regime is applied.
Flight
Moscow - Casablanca direct flight is carried out from Moscow by Royal Air Maroc (Royal Moroccan Airlines), the flight is also carried out with a stopover in any city in Europe (Paris, Frankfurt, Milan, Rome, etc.) and takes an average of 10 hours, including connecting time, Moscow - Agadir 6 hours. The domestic flight from Casablanca to Agadir (or Marrakech) takes 45 minutes. (a/k Royal Air Maroc).
Customs regulations
Import allowed: 3 bottles. and wine or 2 bottles. (1 liter) of strong alcoholic drinks, 200 pcs. cigarettes, 50 cigars, or 250g. tobacco per person. Hunting equipment is subject to mandatory declaration; a permit must first be obtained. The import of foreign currency is limited to multiples of 100,000 Moroccan dirhams (approximately 9,000 euros). You cannot export dirhams. The export of objects and things of historical and artistic value without special permission is prohibited. To import animals and birds, special documents are also required.
Airport tax
There is no airport tax.
general information
The Kingdom of Morocco is located in western North Africa. In the east and southeast it borders with Algeria, in the south with Mauritania, in the north it is washed by the Mediterranean Sea, in the west by the Atlantic Ocean, and only 14 km separates Morocco from Spain through the Strait of Gibraltar. From southwest to northeast, the country's territory is crossed by the Atlas Mountains. The flat coastline of the Atlantic coast consists mostly of sandy beaches.
The capital is Rabat. Morocco's population is more than 33 million people. More than 5 million live in the city of Casablanca. The main ethnic composition is Arabs and Berbers.
Transport
All major cities in the country have airports. Trains in Morocco are regular and high-speed, which run on long-distance lines. In addition to speed, these trains have other advantages: comfortable soft seats, air conditioning, sound insulation. 1st and 2nd class carriages. Buses are the most popular form of transport in the country; fares range from 3 to 10 euros depending on the distance. The difference in comfort between the first and second class buses is very insignificant. Tickets can be purchased at bus stations or from the driver (in the provinces). Buses are almost always overcrowded and do not stop on the highway, so “voting” is almost pointless. Inside the city limits there are “small taxis” (maximum three people), which are clearly visible due to the characteristic color of each city (red in Casablanca, blue in Rabat, orange in Agadir, sand in Marrakech, etc.). They can pick up other passengers. The fare is about 1 euro per 1 km, but more often the price of the trip can be discussed in advance with the driver (bargaining is appropriate), but it is better to ask to turn on the taximeter. There are other types of taxis in cities; the cost of a trip in them is determined by the tariff schedule and is announced to the passenger when boarding the car. The so-called “large taxis” (analogous to “minibuses” for six people), intended for intercity and suburban trips (depart only after all seats in the cabin are filled). The fare is agreed upon in advance and divided among all passengers (paid to the driver at the end of the trip). The cost of a taxi from the airport to Agadir (30 km) is approximately 30 euros. Traveling around the city by taxi costs 5-20 MDH.
Money
The national currency of Morocco is the Moroccan dirham. 1$ is approximately equal to 9.3 Moroccan dirhams, 1 euro is 11.3 dirhams. 1 dirham = 100 centimes. There are banknotes in denominations of 200, 100, 50 and 10 dirhams, and coins in denominations of 10, 5, 2, 1 dirhams, as well as 50, 20, 10, and 5 centimes. Banks are open from Monday to Friday from 8.30 to 11.15 and from 14.15 to 16.00. Saturday and Sunday are days off. During Ramadan they are open from 8.30 to 14.00. It is illegal to change money on the streets in Morocco. The best place for exchange is a bank or a special exchange office with the inscription Ghange, or machines that operate around the clock; they are found in almost all tourist centers. There are also exchange offices at airports. As for credit cards (Eurocard, Master Card, Visa, American Express), they are accepted in most restaurants, almost all hotels and many shops. Changing currency
You should definitely take a certificate in case you need to make a reverse exchange.
Time
Time lags behind Moscow by 2 hours in summer, and by 3 hours in winter.
Climate
Mostly subtropical marine off the coast, and quite dry on the continental part of the country. In general, the climate in the country is comfortable for staying. The complexity and height of the relief, as well as the influence of the Atlantic, determine the climate. In summer, hot and dry weather prevails over the entire territory. In winter, the influx of humid and relatively cool sea air dominates. The bulk of precipitation falls in the mountains, while the plains receive significantly less atmospheric moisture. Most of the country has an average rainfall of about 300 mm per year. Fluctuations in seasonal and daily temperatures are quite significant, especially in winter. Average temperatures in January are 16-20°C, in July 25-38°C. The tourist season lasts almost all year round; you can swim from April to November.
Language
There are three official languages - Arabic, French, Berber. In cities and tourist centers, French, German and English are spoken. The local population speaks mainly a Moroccan dialect.
Religion
The majority of the population (99%) professes Islam; there are Jewish and Christian communities
Tips
It is customary to tip 5-10% of the order amount in restaurants and hotels (they are not included in the bill), maids 10 MDH per day, car guards in parking lots 3-5 MDH, guides, drivers 50-100 MDH per excursion. Tips must be given personally to the person who performed the service. The size of the tip is at the discretion of the tourist.
Electricity
Mains voltage: 220 V, no adapter needed.
Kitchen
The national cuisine includes both traditional Arab dishes and specific local ones. We recommend trying “tagine” - a traditional dish of the Moroccan Berbers. The dish got its name from the clay pot in which, when preparing tagine, meat, fish, or chicken with spices and vegetables are simmered for a long time. The tagine also serves couscous, a cereal dish with meat and vegetables. “Harera” - a thick soup made from legumes, “Mishui” lamb - a whole lamb carcass prepared by long simmering in an underground oven, “Kukli” chickens, various dishes from fish, seafood, meat and vegetables - all this is pleasant to our taste. Be sure to try Moroccan sweets; there are thousands of varieties of them in Morocco. Morocco also serves famous mint tea and amazing coffee.
The shops
In all major cities there are chain supermarkets Marjan, Asima, Carefur, where you can buy food, water, hygiene items, etc. Opening hours, from 08:30 to 22:00. Alcohol is sold in the special wine departments of Carefur stores and in licensed specialized stores - from 10:00 to 20:00. In the city’s “medinas” (the area of the old city), in markets and shops you can buy souvenirs for every taste. In Essaouira, it is better to buy souvenirs (paintings, leather lamps), Berber silver, national clothes and thuja products. In a large salon, the quality is higher, but the price is also higher. In Medina, the shops are 30-50% cheaper, but the quality is lower. In Casablanca - European items from famous fashion houses, clothes, shoes. In Fez - leather goods, souvenirs, ceramics, silver chasing. In Rabat - souvenirs, carpets, leather. Marrakech has a lot of European goods, but also a lot of different local traditional goods, a large oriental bazaar surrounds the Jemaa el Fna square. In Agadir, as a resort town, prices are slightly higher, but in any case it is customary to bargain. Bargaining in Morocco is a centuries-old tradition; bargaining is not limited to boutiques and fixed-price stores.
Car rent
To rent a car you must have an international driver's license and pay in cash or by credit card. Offices of international rental companies are widespread and prices are low. Renting a middle class car costs about 450 MDH per day. Taxes, mileage, insurance, roadside assistance and transportation costs are paid separately depending on the type of vehicle. In large resort areas, it is recommended to reserve a car in advance. Before renting, you should especially carefully familiarize yourself with the technical condition of the car: it happens that cars have hidden defects that will have to be paid for upon return. The car must be picked up and returned with a full tank of fuel.
Road markings are internationally marked and road signs are usually written in French and Arabic. Seat belts are required. Often cars are offered for rent right on the street, but it is better to refuse this option. Local drivers usually follow traffic rules, but sometimes violations occur. Traffic police are very serious, fines for violations are high, so everyone tries to follow the rules. All cities have parking attendants, they regulate the parking of cars on the streets, and can wash the car if desired. The cost of their services is from 5 to 20 MDH.
Features of staying in the country
The country is socially and politically stable and relatively safe in terms of crime. However, in markets and places with large crowds of people, you must keep a bag with valuables in front of you and do not leave things unchecked. The local population has great respect for the police. Access to mosques for non-Muslims, with rare exceptions, is prohibited. It is not customary to hug in public, nor is it acceptable to show strong emotions in general. You should only drink bottled water. Juices with ice, which are offered everywhere, should also be drunk with great caution. Women and girls are not recommended to dress provocatively (short shorts and skirts, open back, belly, deep neckline), especially outside tourist complexes. It is not customary to sunbathe topless. Clothing on city excursions should correspond to the clothes you wear around your city in the summer, and in no way be beach or evening wear. Remember that you are in a Muslim country and respect its traditions and people. Do not eat a lot of unfamiliar foods, vegetables and fruits. Do not use the services of intrusive well-wishers who offer assistance in finding or purchasing goods and souvenirs. Resolutely refuse their services. If you get lost, do not try to get out on your own, ask a shopkeeper or a policeman. The attitude towards tourists is friendly and not indifferent towards women. At any time of the year, it is advisable to have a light, windproof jacket, a hat, and from October to June - a warm jacket or sweater (in the evening, a cold wind can blow from the ocean).
Ramadan. During Ramadan, the month of Muslim fasting, services in hotels, shops, restaurants, cafes and public places may be limited, as well as the sale of alcohol. But these restrictions, as a rule, do not apply to non-Muslim foreigners.
Attention! Tourists are required to comply with local laws, norms of behavior, and respect traditions, cultural and religious customs. Failure to comply with the above rules, either knowingly or unknowingly, may result in prosecution. It is necessary to exercise caution while traveling, follow personal safety rules, and monitor the safety of your property and documents. Keep valuables in the hotel safe and make a photocopy of your passport. Read the insurance conditions specified in the insurance policy!
Already in 2005, Russians had the opportunity to visit the Kingdom of Morocco without a visa. However, not everyone can do this, only tourists.
Why is Morocco attractive for Russians?
Morocco is a North African state that offers ample opportunities for people who want to get closer to the Arab world or who are simply eager to experience a new culture.
Since the official languages in this country are Arabic and French, this largely limits the employment of foreign citizens in this state. Although the population in the Kingdom of Morocco is quite poor, the state itself is quite promising for foreigners in terms of education and vacancies. At the same time, education in Morocco is organized according to classical French standards and is significantly cheaper than in the European Union, the USA or the United Arab Emirates.
Only in the Kingdom of Morocco does the famous argan tree grow, the properties of which have become widely known outside the country. His rejuvenating abilities, so to speak, are widely used in practice in this state.
Morocco is also famous for its shoes called babouches.
Among the points that have a positive impact on the development of the tourism sector, I would like to note:
How to get from Russia to Morocco?
You can fly to Morocco from Russia on regular flights, flights with transfers, as well as charter flights. Charter flights and flights with transfers are carried out by aircraft both from Moscow and from the northern capital of Russia. Regular flights from Moscow to Casablanca are operated by the Moroccan airline Royal Air Maroc. Charter flights during the season (which usually lasts from May to November) usually fly exclusively to Agadir.
Among the cheapest route options, many tourists recommend using the services of Turkish Airlines with a transfer in Istanbul.
Airport in Istanbul - Ataturk
And since you don’t need a visa to visit Turkey, one of the best options for traveling by air would be a connecting flight using this airline and an eight-hour delay in Istanbul, which you can devote to a short excursion around this large Turkish city.
Find out detailed information on when and how to apply for a visa to Morocco from the new article -
Entry into the territory of the state without a visa
In order to get to the state of Morocco without any problems, a Russian tourist (the purpose should be only touristic) must have a number of documents with him:
- a foreign passport with a standard validity period in such cases of 6 months or more from the date of your departure from Morocco;
- migration card filled with data. It is filled out either on the plane with the help of the staff on board, or upon arrival at the airport in Morocco;
- consent to remove a child from Russia, certified by a notary (when only one parent goes to the kingdom with the child);
- tickets from the country (papers indicating that you have booked these tickets will do);
- a guarantee of sufficient financial independence for the period of travel (a bank statement will do).
The latter paper is not inspected as often, but still a customs officer from the Kingdom of Morocco has the right to check it.
For a tourist, it may be very prudent to stock up on other documents that may be useful:
- medical insurance;
- tourist voucher;
- confirmation of a hotel room reservation.
Although these documents are not of particular interest to customs officers, the guarantees they give still do not seem superfluous.
Important! The discrepancy between your actions in the Kingdom of Morocco and the purpose stated upon entry or visa application is fraught!
The movements of beach tourists in Morocco are limited to special tourist areas. In these cases, the tourist is usually accompanied by highly professional guides. In the case of an independent trip to the Kingdom of Morocco, a tourist can travel quite freely without a guide, but still a number of places are prohibited for foreigners in this state.
It is possible to stay in this country, but this will require you to go to the police station. A very important circumstance in this case is the number of days before the date on which departure is scheduled. It must be equal to at least 15. The deferment in this case is only one-time and can be 3, 6 or 12 months. The duration depends on the purpose of your stay in the country.
How to get a long-term visa to Morocco on your own?
There is no point for tourists from Russia to apply for a long-term visa to the kingdom, since its duration is the same 90 days. These visas are most often issued by entrepreneurs and participants in scientific or scientific-practical conferences. It is rare, but tourists also show interest in this visa. In order for a Russian to obtain a long-term visa to Morocco, it is necessary to contact the embassy of this state in Moscow.
Documents for visa
To obtain a visa to the Kingdom of Morocco, you should collect the following series of papers and submit them to the embassy of this country. Let's list these papers:
- the form you filled out;
- paper that confirms your purpose for traveling to Morocco (this could be a hotel reservation document, a travel voucher, an invitation from a job offerer or educational institution);
- photograph of the applicant (1 copy) 3X4, in color, without ovals and corners;
- air tickets or copies of them (a document confirming their reservation is suitable) with well-written numbers indicating when the flights will take place;
- a copy of a certificate indicating your permanent place of residence in Russia;
- foreign passport with a photocopy of it;
- a receipt showing that you have paid the consular fee.
As of December 2017, the price of the consular fee is just under 1,800 rubles. For the exact price as of today, please contact the Consular Section on the website of the Moroccan Embassy in Russia, or the Embassy itself.
Customs regulations
In order to fearlessly travel both to and from Morocco, it is important to clearly know the rules for the import and export of various objects into the country. Let us give the most general description of customs control requirements for different situations.
Foreign money can be imported without restrictions, as well as exported. Still, dirhams (local currency) will be required within the state - you can get them by exchanging dollars or euros within the country. You cannot pay with foreign money in the kingdom.
Important! The export of dirhams from Morocco is prohibited! You shouldn’t take them with you when leaving the kingdom, even as a souvenir!
Per adult, it is possible to import strong or weak alcohol in the amount of 1 bottle of both.
All professional video and photographic equipment, as well as professional equipment for sports or hunting purposes, will have to be declared.
For any particularly valuable item from the field of art, export is possible only with special permission from the Ministry of Culture of the Kingdom.
Banned for import:
Important! In the Kingdom of Morocco, rights to Russian-style equipment are not valid! International laws will do.
Tricks for extending visa-free stay
It has already been said that the period of stay in the Kingdom of Morocco without a visa is limited to 90 days. For cases when you have not abused this, departure or departure from the country and subsequent return to it is suitable. This method, if you go to the nearest country, is cheaper than flying back to Russia and then returning to Morocco. Among all the options for this action, the so-called downshifting, the cheapest would definitely be a flight to Tunisia for this purpose, since this country is free for Russians to enter, just like Morocco.
Another way is to purchase a Schengen visa so that you can use it to either go to the Canary Islands or Spain and return back.
You can live the next 90 days the same way, but you should not abuse this method. A large number of stamps in a foreign passport for customs officers may serve as grounds for denying you entry.
Video - Morocco
Morocco is located in the northern part of Africa, in this country the holiday season lasts almost nine months a year, and the low cost of tours and accommodation makes it a great holiday destination. Plus, Russian travelers do not need to apply for a tourist visa. The word Morocco is translated into Russian as “Western Kingdom”. Well, let's figure out what Russian tourists will need to visit the “Western Kingdom”.
Visa-free entry for Russians into this country has existed since 2005, when the Kingdom of Morocco unilaterally introduced this permit. If a longer stay is necessary (more than 3 months), Russians must apply for a residence permit. To do this, you should contact the local authorities of the Ministry of Internal Affairs no later than 15 days before the end of the visa-free stay.
To enter Morocco, Russians will need:
fill out the migration card correctly;
undergo inspection at customs;
Show your foreign passport; it must still be valid for at least six months.
Note! The visa-free regime is provided only for citizens of the Russian Federation. Foreign citizens permanently residing in Russia and having the appropriate permission to do so are required to obtain an entry visa to enter the Kingdom of Morocco. To do this, you should contact the Moroccan Embassy in Moscow.
Sometimes the passport control procedure can become a little more complicated: the customs officer has the right to require you to present a hotel reservation and proof of financial solvency. Please note that you are required to have these documents with you in any case; of course, they may not be asked, but you must have them with you. In addition, if for some reason airport employees consider you suspicious, they may require you to undergo a personal search. There is nothing wrong with this procedure, especially given the turbulent situation in the world. There is no need to resist if you have nothing to hide and do not intend to bring anything prohibited. The inspection will be quick and painless.
If everything is fine and you have passed customs inspection, then they will not put a visa in your international passport, but a special stamp where your individual number will be indicated; when you depart from the country, exactly the same mark will be made in your passport.
When crossing the border by car, you should acquire an international license; ordinary Russian licenses are not valid in the Kingdom. Also at customs you will need to show the registration certificate for the car and insurance for it.
The rules for entering Morocco are slightly different from the standard ones. One of the main criteria for obtaining visa-free entry is unquestioning compliance with customs rules.
As for currency, things are as follows: you can import an unlimited amount of foreign money into the territory of the Kingdom of Morocco, but exporting local money is strictly prohibited! On the territory of the country, you can use only local money - dirhams, in fact, as in all other developed countries.
Alcohol and tobacco can be brought into the Western Kingdom, but in limited quantities:
- strong alcohol – 1 bottle;
- wine – 1 bottle;
- 10 packs of cigarettes.
If you want to bring in more alcohol or tobacco products, you must declare them.
- things that are prohibited by Islamic norms;
- weapon;
- drugs;
- gasoline in cans.
Photo and video equipment must be packed and declared. If you are bringing professional equipment with you, for example, large lenses, you must obtain special permission to import these items from the Moroccan Embassy in Russia. Also, any other equipment and sports equipment must be packed in special cases and sealed. Import/export of all kinds of art objects is possible only with permission, which must be obtained in advance.
Important! The customs policy of this country is very strict, if you break the rules, punishments follow, you can even be immediately deported from the country and banned from entering in the future.
Extension of visa-free stay
As such, there is no procedure for extending visa-free stay for Russians in Morocco. If you need to stay in the Kingdom for more than 90 days, you must apply for a residence permit by contacting the local police department 15 days before the end of the visa-free stay.
There is another unofficial way to extend your visa-free stay. You can leave Morocco and go for one day and return to the Kingdom again, thereby resetting the three-month counter of your stay in the country. However, everything is at your own peril and risk. There is no official ban on such a procedure, but most likely customs officers will have additional questions for you, which can lead to unpleasant consequences. If staying in Morocco for more than 3 months is not a whim, but a necessity, it is better to apply for a residence permit.
What visa is needed in Morocco, and in what cases
Russians who intend to visit Morocco for tourism purposes do not need to apply for a visa. However, a visa-free stamp does not allow you to stay in this country for a long period (more than 90 days), and it is also prohibited to work or study. For these purposes, Morocco issues special visas:
working;
business;
transit;
student;
long-term;
resident card.
Important! Citizens of the Russian Federation do not need to obtain a transit visa. Russians can stay in Morocco for up to 90 days without additional permits!
With the help of a student visa, a person has the opportunity to obtain higher education at one of the universities in Morocco.
With a work visa, you have the opportunity to legally work in this country and receive wages for your work. A business visa similar in principle, in addition to everything else, it gives the opportunity to open your own companies in Morocco.
Despite its name, a long-term visa is not actually a long-term visa; it is only issued for three months. The main purpose of this visa is a business trip, conference, etc.
A residence permit is initially issued for a period of one year; if a person plans to continue to stay in this country, he can apply for an extension of this visa, the maximum period of stay is 5 years. This type of visa opens many doors, with it you are almost on an equal footing with citizens of that country.
Documents for a visa to Morocco
To be eligible to apply for a visa, you must first prepare a package of papers. All documents must be translated into Arabic or French; the passport does not need to be translated; translations must be officially certified by a notary. It is worth reminding once again that Russians do not need to waste their personal time on obtaining a tourist and transit visa.
To apply for a visa you need to collect the following documents:
photographs – 4 pieces;
a copy of a foreign passport;
proof of payment of the visa fee;
present a document where you will be staying in Morocco (hotel reservation, rental housing, etc.);
honey. insurance.
The above is only a standard set of documents that is required for any type of visa. Depending on the type of visa, additional documents will also be required.
In order to obtain a tourist visa, you only need to have a reservation from the hotel where the applicant plans to stay during your vacation.
Students planning to study in the Kingdom need a letter of invitation from the university, which states that the student is enrolled in studies.
To obtain a work visa, you need to have a letter of invitation from your future employer, and you also need to have a certificate from your previous place of work.
To obtain a business visa, you need to submit an invitation from partners in Morocco and a letter from an employer from Russia, which confirms that you have the right to represent the company in your own person.
For a long-term visa, you only need to have round-trip tickets with you.
Almost everyone has the right to apply for a residence permit; to do this, you need to bring to the Consulate:
copy of foreign passport – 2 copies;
photographs – 6 pieces;
marriage certificate (if you have one);
documents confirming that you have a place to live in the Kingdom;
a bank statement confirming that the applicant actually has funds;
honey. insurance for the entire period of stay in the country.
