Travel to Morocco

[abbi627 43]

Hi everyone. I'm leaving for my trip to Morocco on Wednesday. Originally I had planned to go in August but it had to be postponed until September. Lucky me - I'm traveling just when all of the problems are happening in that part of the world. I have never been to Morocco before - never been anywhere out of the USA before. So for those of you in Morocco or have been there I have to ask - should I be worried? I noticed from reading that the protests in Morocco at the US Embassy in Casablanca have all been peaceful and that does make me feel better. But I am still really frightened.

[Rae Anne 44]

Hi everyone. I'm leaving for my trip to Morocco on Wednesday. Originally I had planned to go in August but it had to be postponed until September. Lucky me - I'm traveling just when all of the problems are happening in that part of the world. I have never been to Morocco before - never been anywhere out of the USA before. So for those of you in Morocco or have been there I have to ask - should I be worried? I noticed from reading that the protests in Morocco at the US Embassy in Casablanca have all been peaceful and that does make me feel better. But I am still really frightened.

I can't speak specific to Morocco but I have traveled quite a bit in the ME/NA region during times of "crisis". Best thing you can do is blend in as much as possible. Don't talk about politics with anyone. I assume you are female - wear modest clothing. Beware of gross, grabby men. I would also refrain from going to the Embassy (unless you lose your passport or something) and if you spend much time in hotels and restaurants, stay away from the popular ones generally associated with western tourists. There was a cafe blown up in Marrakech last year, more than a dozen people died.

But none of this should deter you from seeing the world. If you are smart and cognizant of your surroundings you will be fine. It will be a great experience for sure!

[abbi627 43]

Thanks for the information. I'm actually going to be staying with my fiance's family so I won't actually be on my own. I know a lot of you on this forum have traveled to Morocco many times and I knew some of you would have some suggestions. I really appreciate it. I am very excited about my trip but having a huge fear of flying and now all of this happening has made me somewhat apprehensive. And I don't want to ruin my trip by being so scared I can't enjoy myself. Thanks again for the information.

[vosnmars 25]

I've not been to Morocco, but one other suggestion for all travelers - If you are interested and haven't done so already, I enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) through the Department of State when I travel anywhere. You put in some details about your trip and contact information while you are there and if they need to reach you in an emergency they have the information. Here is the link:

STEP

Have a safe and wonderful trip!

Edited September 14, 2012 by vosnmars

[Shoot Em Straight 385]

I am in Morocco right now and it is nice. Only real reminder of the turmoil is on the news. True I am in an exclusive area but it is not much different than the last five times visiting here.

Have a safe trip

[bombyjuly 13]

I visited Morocco before,and I'll be there on Monday,that country is Uist and also I saw before the police there take control of all,don't worry,but u must to be careful,don't talk about politic of religion,just enjoy your estance and your love there,before go to travel.gov and fill a form that will help u eveyqhere u go around the world

[kristen_maroc 126]

I lived there for 4 years.

As far as the turmoil goes, let's put it this way: listen to the travel advisories that are put out by the Consulate and State Dept. Part of my job my last two years involved American students, and somehow I became stuck as the safety coordinator during the Arab Spring/Feb 13th (or whatever date that was) protests. On that day that the big protests were scheduled (I've blocked it from my memory), we had 51 student in home stays less than half a mile away from where the protests took place. I had no idea if it'd get violent, or what would happen.

I spoke with the DSO (I think that's the acronym-- the man who is in charge of safety at the consular/embassy level and makes decisions about safety announcements, etc.) right after the bombing of Argana in Marrakech. He very specifically told me that if we as an organization stopped going to Jamaa Al-Fna (the main square, where the bombing happened, and a HUGE tourist destination), it wasn't following the advice put out by the consulate. He said he couldn't tell me what to do because of liability, but said that drastically changing our itinerary seemed to be an over-the-top response and encouraged us to keep bringing our students there.

The advice that he kept giving was to stay away from protests. You can stay away from the consulate or McDonalds or what not, but I'd think that's a bit overboard. If you're staying with your fiancés, family, they will have the best intuitions about your safety. Stick with them if you are worried. Being a part of a Moroccan "group" can absolutely help a lot.

For example, when i was in Peace Corps, I was in a small town outside of Ouarzazate when there was a large anti-American protest. They were protesting Israeli aggression towards Palestine (this was in early 2009, I think), and I heard them chanting not just anti-Israeil slogans, but also anti-American things.

All the shopkeepers around knew me and a few other PC volunteers who lived nearby. I was sitting outside a hotel drinking soda and using their wifi when the procession started... and I watched... and when I heard anti-American things, I got a bit worried and went inside to talk to the waiter, though it was peaceful. There were some children carrying dismembered dolls with fake blood on them to protest the killing of children, and even thought it was peaceful, it made me nervous.

"Should I be worried? Will they blame me? Should I stay inside until it's over?" I asked him. The man was confused.

"What are you talking about?"

I explained that they were saying things against America and that I was American and that maybe they'd blame me or maybe I should go lay low for awhile. He laughed in my face and shook his head.

"Nobody will think that. You're not some American. You're one of us."

Granted... this was a small town. It wasn't Casa or Rabat. People did know me as a person, not just as some American. But, still... it goes to show that unless it's some random act of violence, like a bombing that can target bystanders, if you are "in" with a group of Moroccans, it's some of the best protection you can have.

Don't fear Morocco. There'll be some culture shock moments. Generally speaking... you might find things like a lack of privacy or free time, people pointing out physical flaws, people telling you to eat, staying up late and eating at all hours of the night sometimes, the squat toilets (not in a lot of homes, but often if you are out), difficult to adjust to. You may be shocked at the difference in atmosphere in a mixed gender vs. single gender group. You might be surprised at a lack of bedtime routine for kids, the volume and expressiveness of Darija (it might sound like arguing but be typical conversation), the sweetness of the tea, the generosity of people... the difference you find walking down the street alone versus with your fiancé. It might be strange to see men so physically affectionate with each other, or the differences in what people look like and diversity of appearance, whether it's diversity with the color of skin of Moroccans, the type of dress, or the different socioeconomic levels all coming together at some common places. If you can and are up for it, see if your female in-laws might take you to a hammam-- THAT is an experience! But enjoy it. Know your limitations... but enjoy it.

(I miss it every day, if you can't tell).

[bombyjuly 13]

go to https://step.state.gov/step/ and fill this form that will help u,God bless u and good luck

[Peace.... 281]

You'll be fine, just as others have mentioned, just check the website a few days before you leave to make sure traveling conditions are safe for you.

Been there 6 times and loveeeeeeeeeeeeee it and people are wonderful and you will be safe, just use common sense and all is good.

have funnnnnnnnnnnnn

[Shoot Em Straight 385]

go to https://step.state.gov/step/ and fill this form that will help u,God bless u and good luck

I filled out the steps and only got 2 spam emails that i promptly deleted??

[Dr. A ♥ O 203]

At this time and for your safety:

Register with the local Embassy to inform them of your travels there so they know when you're coming and when you'll be there. Know that they will cross check your records if something happens to you and also it helps to keep record of your visits for the visa process. Check their websites for updates to know where protests are being held so you can stay away from them and also receive any emergency messages to American citizens while visiting the country. Listen to others if you learn of protests being held and stay far away as the protests may spread. You can always email the US embassy to ask them questions or call them directly. So make sure you keep their contact information with you at all times encase you get separated or lost and need help. Also get their emergency contact number if they have to evacuate the Embassy and you need Emergency help. They may have a plan to evacuate all American citizens safely if need be.

I wish you safe travels and a wonderful trip.

[abbi627 43]

Thanks again for all of your information and advice. I'm starting to feel better about everything now. Of course I am still dealing with a horrible fear of flying but that is something I have always had and will just have to deal with. I always said I would never fly. But I fell in love with a wonderful man from Morocco and at that point there was no question - I was going to Morocco! Thank you all again - you have all been so nice to give me lots of advice with my many questions I have had over the past couple of months.

[hamigirl710 112]

Thanks again for all of your information and advice. I'm starting to feel better about everything now. Of course I am still dealing with a horrible fear of flying but that is something I have always had and will just have to deal with. I always said I would never fly. But I fell in love with a wonderful man from Morocco and at that point there was no question - I was going to Morocco! Thank you all again - you have all been so nice to give me lots of advice with my many questions I have had over the past couple of months.

I too have been to Morocco various times including getting married there also. I found the people to be warm and welcoming and excited to meet you. You will be accepted right away as your SO's wife and considered one of them. Just be careful and don't go out alone. Your SO knows his hometown and will not let anybody bother you. You will be fine so relax and enjoy yourself! Best wishes for a safe trip!