Morocco Travel Security

Morocco has suffered recent terrorist attacks, and the potential for terrorism remains high. In early 2007, several suspected Islamic militants set off suicide bombs in Casablanca. These attacks mainly resulted in the deaths of the bombers themselves, some of whom detonated their devices to evade capture by police, but nearly two dozen other people were injured, and a police officer was killed. An August 2007 suicide bombing against a bus in Meknes was unsuccessful but underscores the need for caution.

In February 2007 and again in July 2007, prompted by continued calls from senior al-Qaida leaders for continued attacks, authorities raised the terror alert to its highest level. This, along with the possibility of further attacks, is the main reason for Morocco's risk rating of 6.

Maintain a high level of security awareness and keep a sharp lookout for suspicious objects, vehicles and people. Do not move about the city in predictable patterns and avoid places where Westerners congregate, as these are attractive targets for terrorists. Avoid protests and demonstrations and pay close attention to advisories from your local embassy and wardens in Morocco.

High-risk Areas

The disputed territory of Western Sahara is restricted and bristling with land mines. Travelers to the Rif Mountains may face harassment from drug traffickers.

Following constitutional reforms in 1992 and 1996, Morocco is a constitutional monarchy with a king who retains much executive power while allowing a parliamentary system to evolve. King Mohammed appoints the prime minister, but the bicameral parliament and most of the government are democratically elected.

In the September 2007 legislative elections, Morocco's oldest political party, Istiqlal, emerged as the biggest in parliament after polls marred by the lowest turnout ever recorded. Istiqlal won 52 seats, five more than the moderate Islamist Justice and Development Party--the Union of Socialist Popular Forces trailed in third place with 36 seats. Under Morocco's proportional representation system, no party has a majority, prompting intense negotiations about forming a governing coalition.

Morocco has particularly close links with Spain and France and is bidding for membership in the European Union, with which it conducts most of its trade--there appears to be little enthusiasm for the idea in Europe. The economy, though stable, is excessively dependent on agriculture, and the government's key economic challenge is to accelerate growth in order to reduce high unemployment.

To this end, the telecommunications sector has been liberalized and, more controversially, a U.S. and a French company have been given permission to prospect for oil in the disputed Western Sahara on Morocco's southern border. Economic liberalization has attracted foreign investment, and officials point to better basic services in shantytowns and rural areas. But some nongovernmental groups say little has changed, with poverty still widespread and unemployment remaining high.

Ongoing drought in 2007 undermined the performance of the agricultural sector, before but growth in gross domestic product is expected to rebound to 5.1% in 2008.

International terrorism

Although most visits to Morocco are trouble-free, the threat of terrorist action, particularly against economic targets and tourism, remains. Security authorities believe that some 600 Moroccans have trained in Afghanistan in camps sponsored by Osama bin Laden and that there are about 100 cells with links to al-Qaida now in the country. Moroccan police say that, although they keep tabs on some of the suspected foreign Islamic terrorists, they have lost track of most. Nevertheless, they claim to have broken up several extremist groups in 2006. Nearly all the suspects in the March 2004 train bombings in Madrid were Moroccans.

A series of bomb attacks in Casablanca in May 2003 killed 45 people, including several suicide bombers. The 12 bombers' attacks struck a hotel, a Jewish community center, the Belgian Embassy and a restaurant that served as a Spanish social club. The attacks were attributed to militant groups loosely associated with al-Qaida. However, in April 2008, nine members of the group, later arrested and sentenced to long prison terms for the bombings, tunneled their way out of prison and escaped.

Domestic terrorism

In August 2007, a man blew himself up close to a bus full of tourists in Meknes in an attempted suicide attack--the explosives packed in a cylinder badly wounded the attacker without harming anyone else. Police later identified the bomber as a member of the country's main opposition group, al-Adl Wa al-Ihsane. The government tolerates the group but does not recognize it as a legal party.

A suicide bomber killed himself and wounded three people in an attack on a Casablanca Internet cafe in March 2007. Police traced the bomber to a cell of suicide bombers in Casablanca. Confronted by police, three of the bombers blew themselves up, and a fourth was shot dead.

Border and regional issues

Morocco's contested claim to the Western Sahara area has been the primary issue in the country's foreign affairs for a long time. Polisario, an independence movement based in and supported by Algeria, challenged Morocco's occupation of the region, leading to a period of hostilities.

Following a cease-fire in 1991, the United Nations supported plans to hold a referendum to decide the territory's status. However, the referendum was postponed repeatedly, and since March 2007, Morocco has continued to separately lobby the U.N. to grant the region autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty.

In August 2007, Morocco and Polisario began U.N.-sponsored talks in New York, but no agreement has been reached.

Because of the ongoing dispute, the border with Algeria is closed. Transit to the Western Sahara area is restricted, and people planning to travel in the region require advance clearance.

Spain has two small enclaves in North Africa, at Ceuta and Melilla on the Mediterranean coast. The territories, which are claimed by Morocco, are seen as stepping stones into Europe, and thousands of migrants attempt to storm razor-wire border fences and enter the enclaves from Morocco every year in a bid to enter Spanish territory.

Religious and sectarian issues

Islam is the official religion of Morocco, and the constitution designates the king as "Commander of the Faithful," with the responsibility of ensuring "respect for Islam." Morocco's constitution also provides for freedom of religion, and Jewish and Christian communities openly practice their faiths; however, the government places restrictions on religious materials and proselytizing. The small Hindu community also has been granted the right to perform cremations and to hold services, but members of a fringe Islamic sect, the Baha'is, are forbidden to meet or participate in communal activities.

The government monitors the activities of mosques and places other restrictions on Muslims and Islamic organizations whose activities are deemed political. Despite efforts to depoliticize Islam, however, the Islamic Justice and Development Party made significant gains in the past elections, raising concerns that Islamic law, or Shariah, might be applied in the future.

Civil unrest

Tensions in the Middle East can cause demonstrations and strikes to flare up in Morocco, and these sometimes have turned violent. However, the Moroccan police have a history of squashing any unauthorized demonstrations before they gather momentum. In September 2007, police and demonstrators protesting high food prices clashed in Sefrou, leaving 50 people injured-- the Moroccan Human Rights Association, which organized the demonstration, said that police had detained 28 people, including two of its activists.

In early 2006, thousands gathered to protest the publication of cartoons satirizing the prophet Muhammad in European media. That summer, several major demonstrations took place to protest the war in Lebanon. All were authorized by the authorities and passed off peacefully.

Human-rights abuses

Although Morocco's human-rights record has improved since King Mohammed's accession in 1999, human-rights organizations, including Amnesty International, continue to report instances of ill treatment, torture and illegal secret detention of political and human-rights activists that have increased since the 2003 Casablanca bombings.

In its 2007 report, AI said that unlawful expulsions of refugees, asylum-seekers and migrants have continued, during which some were allegedly sexually abused by security force personnel.

The judiciary is subject to government influence, and press freedom is restricted. Violence and societal discrimination against women is widespread.

Land mines and unexploded ordnance

Land mines are a serious problem in the disputed area of Western Sahara and in areas of Mauritania adjacent to the border with Western Sahara.

In destinations with areas that have been contaminated with land mines or unexploded ordnance, never pick up any unidentified metal or plastic object. Report any finds to local authorities. Exercise caution around construction areas, as mines or ordnance could be uncovered during excavation. Travelers should be accompanied or briefed by guides familiar with mined areas. To the extent possible, remain on well-traveled roads, tracks and paths. Under no circumstances should you enter an area marked as mined.

Additional information

Most business transactions are conducted in French.

Crime has not been a major issue in Morocco, but the incidence of it is increasing. In addition, crimes have been growing more brazen and the use of weapons has become more frequent.

Petty crime

Illegal drug manufacturing and fuel smuggling make for high levels of petty crime, especially in urban areas.

Most crimes against visitors in Morocco are crimes of opportunity. Purse snatching, pickpocketing and thefts of personal belongings occur with greater frequency in tourist areas, shopping districts and transportation centers. Be alert for pickpockets and purse snatchers riding on mopeds.

Harassment of tourists by unemployed Moroccans posing as guides is a common problem. Hire only official tour guides through hotels and travel agencies. Traveling alone in the Rif Mountains is risky, because tourists have fallen victim to schemes involving the purchase and trafficking of hashish.

Violent crime

In recent years, violent crime directed at travelers has occurred infrequently. Since 2006, however, there have been several attacks reported. In two separate incidents in 2006, three Europeans were murdered in their homes. In November 2006, a British tourist was beaten to death in Marrakech, and also in Marrakech, in May 2007, two Australian visitors were stabbed in their hotel room. In August 2007, a French tourist was repeatedly stabbed in the resort town of Asila--the perpetrator had reportedly attacked two other people earlier on the same day. Police have usually said the attackers suffered from mental illness. Such attacks often can be avoided by practicing commonsense precautions. Stick to well-traveled areas after dark. Avoid carrying large sums of cash and secure credit cards and other valuables in the safe-deposit box at your hotel.

Incidents of robbery at knifepoint have also been reported at beaches and in major cities.

Locals reportedly have offered some travelers drugged food, drink and cigarettes.

In cities where armed robbery is a problem, keep valuables in hotel safes when available. Avoid displays of affluence, such as wearing obviously expensive jewelry or designer clothing. Keep cell phones and other electronic devices hidden from view. Carry only the cash or credit cards that will be needed on each outing. Avoid deserted, remote or poorly lit areas. If the worst happens and you are accosted, most authorities advise cooperating with the robbers--resisting can provoke a violent response.

Drug-related crime

There are heavy penalties for drug-related crimes.

Police effectiveness

The Moroccan security apparatus includes several overlapping police and paramilitary organizations. The police generally are well-trained and responsive to the needs of visitors who become victims of crime. However, the police suffer from a lack of resources that can inhibit response times and investigative capabilities. Occasionally, police will solicit or accept a bribe. Foreign nationals living or traveling in Morocco are advised to not pay bribes, no matter what the circumstances.

Police officers are likely to speak only French or Arabic.

Additional information

Women traveling alone in Morocco may invite the unwanted attention of single men. At the extreme, women walking alone at night in seedy urban areas (especially in Casablanca and Tangiers) may be presumed to be prostitutes. As a general rule, women should ignore overtures and try to avoid confrontation. There have been incidents of minor assault such as grabbing, slapping or hitting. In more upscale urban areas and shopping districts, women routinely wear current Western fashions with no problems. However, as you move into more rural sections of the country, dress becomes increasingly conservative.

Heavy rains November-March can lead to localized flooding.

Earthquakes

The mountainous northern regions are in an active seismic zone and are subject to earthquakes.

Desert conditions

In addition to being a disputed area, the Western Sahara is a forbidding desert environment. Take precautions for desert travel should you have to travel there.

Preparedness can mean the difference between adventure and disaster in the desert. While planning your trip, make sure someone responsible knows when and where you will be going and when you will be back. Stick to your schedule, and let your contact know when you return.

Carry a compass and a Global Positioning System device, and take appropriate maps, especially those that show land contours and specific features. Carry a fully charged cell phone and a spare battery, but don't count on a cell phone alone: Many desert locations are outside cell-phone range. Travel with a companion, if at all possible. Carry clothing appropriate for hot sun and for cold. Desert temperatures can vary greatly from night to day.

Drinking water is essential even for the shortest trips: One gallon for each person each day is the absolute minimum. Make sure your vehicle is in good working order before your trip. Desert conditions put stress on vehicle systems. In addition, desert and mountainous regions often don't feature service stations or repair facilities. Get a full-service tune-up (including coolant check and oil change) at least a week before your trip.

Desert roads and temperatures can be hard on tires--make sure yours are in good shape and inflated properly, including the spare(s). Check that your jack and tire tools are in good condition. Sharp rocks could damage more than one tire, so it's wise to carry an extra spare. In case your tires get stuck in soft sand, carry two wide strips of lightweight metal mesh (often called "hardware cloth") to place under the tires for traction. If your vehicle breaks down, stay with it, as it is much more visible by air than someone on foot.

Be sure you are properly supplied before venturing into desert terrain. At the least, you should have the following:

• Drinking water (1 gallon per person per day is the absolute minimum)
• Basic auto repair tools
• Cell phone and spare battery
• First aid kit
• Emergency food
• Appropriate clothing for heat and cold
• Compass, signal mirror and whistle
• Topographic maps
• Global Positioning System device and extra batteries
• Flashlight and spare batteries
• Sunscreen
• Two strips of wire mesh (hardware cloth) in case tires sink in sand

Adequate medical care is available in Morocco, particularly in Rabat and Casablanca, although not all facilities are of high quality, and specialized care and treatment may not be available. Travelers planning to drive in the mountains and other remote areas should carry a medical kit and a Moroccan phone card for emergencies. In the event of car accidents involving injuries, immediate ambulance service usually is not available.

Most medical personnel speak only French or Arabic.

Additional information

Avoid swimming in the ocean to the north of Casablanca, as the water is reported to be polluted.

Although travel conditions in Morocco are generally satisfactory, you should maintain a degree of caution at all times.

Road conditions

Roads in Morocco are generally quite good, but traffic conditions are frequently dangerous. Secondary routes in rural areas often are narrow and poorly paved. As might be expected, roads through the Rif and Atlas mountains are steep, narrow, winding and, consequently, dangerous.

Congested streets characterize urban driving. Moroccan drivers tend to drive fast and exhibit poor judgment. Accidents, including those with fatalities, are common. Traffic signals do not always function and sometimes are difficult to see. Drive defensively, wear a seat belt and avoid rural nighttime driving. Pedestrians, scooters and animal-drawn conveyances are common on all roadways, including freeways. Driving becomes particularly hazardous during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, as drivers pay even less attention to safety, and there are many more cars on the road.

Modern freeways link the cities of Tangier, Rabat, Fez and Casablanca. Two-lane highways link other major cities.

Public transportation

Trains generally are considered safe, but there have been reports of incidents on the Tangier-Rabat train. Foreigners have been invited to break their journeys and get off the train at Asilah. They have then been held hostage for several days and robbed or forced to make credit-card purchases. Some also have been threatened with serious injury if they refused to buy cannabis.

City buses often are overloaded and are not considered safe. In January 2006, two buses collided on a main road near Marrakech, killing at least 25 people and injuring more than 60.

Similarly, taxis may be overloaded and/or poorly maintained, and drivers sometimes operate the vehicles in a reckless manner.

In areas where crime on buses, subways or trains is a problem, stay alert at all times. Use only well-lighted, busy bus and subway stops. Try to sit near the driver or conductor, or in a car that contains several other passengers. Keep a good grip on your bag or purse. If you're carrying a cellular phone, keep it secure. Watch to see who gets off at the same time you do--if it's someone you feel is suspicious, go at once to the nearest public place and ask for help.

Additional information

Moroccan police often pull drivers over for inspection and document checks. They may confiscate a violator's driver's license if the motorist can't pay a fine at the time of the traffic stop.

In the event of a traffic accident, the parties are required to remain at the scene and not move their vehicles until police have documented all necessary information.

Morocco is one of Africa's leading travel destinations. Infrastructure and facilities for travelers are generally well-developed, especially in cities and resort areas.

No matter how safe you perceive a destination to be, it's important to use good judgment.

• Pay attention to local media.
• Avoid open displays of wealth, jewelry or other valuables. Safeguard travel documents such as passports and airline tickets.
• Avoid confrontations with locals.
• Avoid demonstrations and protests, especially if they appear political in nature.
• Don't permit people you don't know to enter your accommodations. Keep your door locked. Don't leave valuables in your room unless they can be locked in a safe.
• Avoid illegal drugs, and don't drink alcohol if its use is prohibited. Even if drinking is legal, don't overindulge.
• Be cautious of unsolicited offers of assistance from strangers.

In recent years, political terrorism has become a global phenomenon - an attack could occur with little warning anywhere in the world, even in destinations long regarded as safe. Travelers should keep themselves informed of developments that could affect their safety, no matter what their destination.