- 1 h / - 2 h during our summer time

Rabat

Arabic

• 220 volts
• A travel plug adapter for Type C and E sockets is required.

Banks

8.30 a.m.–3.30 p.m. (Mon–Fri)
8.30 a.m.–12.30 p.m. (Sat)

Shops

9.00 a.m.–12.00 noon and 2.00–5.00 p.m. (Mon–Sat)

• 1 January: New Year’s Day (Ras as-Sanah al-Miladiyah)
• 11 January: Independence Day (Eid Al-Istiqlal)
• 14 January: Amazigh New Year (Yennayer)
• Eid al-Fitr (Eid al-Fitr): the date varies as it is based on the Islamic lunar calendar
• 1 May: Labour Day (Eid Ash-Shughl)
• Eid al-Adha (Eid al-Adha): the date varies as it is based on the Islamic lunar calendar
• Islamic New Year (Ras as-Sanah al-Hijriyah): the date varies as it is based on the Islamic lunar calendar
• 30 July: Throne Day (Eid Al-Arch)
• 14 August: Oued Ed-Dahab Day (Eid Oued Ed-Dahab)
• 20 August: Revolution of the King and the People Day (Eid Thawrat al-Malik wa-sh-Sha'b)
• 21 August: Youth Day (Eid Al-Shabab)
• Birthday of the Prophet Mohammed (Eid al-Mawlid an-Nabawi): the date varies as it is based on the Islamic lunar calendar
• 6 November: Green March Day (Eid Al-Massira al-Khadra)
• 18 November: Independence Day (Eid Al-Istiqlal)

The following documents are required to enter Morocco:

• A Swiss passport valid at least until the end of the stay. It is not possible to leave the country with an expired passport.
• Swiss citizens do not require a visa for tourist or business stays of up to 90 days.
• Proof of sufficient financial means for the entire duration of the stay is required.
• Minors: a travel consent form is recommended for minors travelling alone, with only one parent or without their parents.

As of: July 2024

Coastal regions

• Northern Atlantic coast, including Casablanca and Rabat: this region has a mild Mediterranean climate, with warm summers and mild, wet winters. Temperatures generally range from 22°C to 30°C in summer and from 8°C to 17°C in winter.
• Southern Atlantic coast, including Agadir and Essaouira: this region also has a mild climate, although temperatures are slightly higher than on the northern coast. Summers are warm to hot, with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 35°C, while winters are mild, between 10°C and 20°C.

Inland and mountain regions

• Atlas Mountains, including Marrakech and Fès: the climate in the mountain regions can vary considerably. Summers are hot, with temperatures ranging from 30°C to 40°C, while winters can be very cold, particularly at higher altitudes where snowfall is common. Marrakech experiences very hot summers, with temperatures between 35°C and 45°C, and mild winters, ranging from 5°C to 20°C.
• Rif Mountains, including Chefchaouen and Tétouan: this region has a Mediterranean climate but receives more rainfall than the rest of the country. Summers are warm, with temperatures between 25°C and 35°C, while winters are cool, between 5°C and 15°C.

Sahara region

• South-eastern Morocco, including Merzouga and Ouarzazate: this region has a typical desert climate, with extremely hot summers ranging from 35°C to 50°C and cool winters between 0°C and 20°C. Rainfall is very low, and there are considerable temperature differences between day and night.

North-eastern regions

• Eastern Morocco, including Oujda and Berkane: these areas have a semi-arid climate, with hot summers ranging from 30°C to 40°C and cold winters between 0°C and 15°C. Rainfall is moderate and occurs mainly during winter.

Western highlands

• Middle Atlas, including Ifrane and Azrou: this region is known for its cooler temperatures and higher levels of precipitation, often falling as snow in winter. Summers are pleasantly cool, with temperatures between 20°C and 30°C, while winters are cold, ranging from -5°C to 10°C.

The ideal time to visit Morocco

• City breaks: spring, from March to May, and autumn, from September to November, offer mild weather and fewer tourists. These seasons are ideal for visiting Marrakech, Fès and Rabat.
• Hiking and nature: spring and autumn provide the best conditions for hiking in the Atlas Mountains and visiting national parks, with blossoming vegetation and colourful landscapes.
• Beach holidays: summer, from June to August, is ideal for beach holidays along the Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts, with warm temperatures and pleasant sea conditions. Agadir and Essaouira are among the most popular destinations.
• Winter sports: winter, from December to February, offers good conditions for skiing and snowboarding in the High Atlas Mountains, including at Oukaïmeden.

• Using a mobile phone in Morocco may incur roaming charges. Travellers are advised to check the applicable charges before departure and, where necessary, purchase a suitable roaming package to reduce costs.
• Free Wi-Fi is available in many cafés, hotels, public spaces and on public transport.
• Purchasing a local SIM card is recommended. The main mobile network operators are Maroc Telecom, Orange and Inwi. A passport must be presented when purchasing a prepaid SIM card.

• Marrakech: known as the “Red City”, Marrakech is home to the famous Jemaa el-Fna square, magnificent palaces, gardens and museums.
• Fès el-Bali: this UNESCO World Heritage Site is considered the world’s largest car-free urban area, with labyrinthine lanes and historic souks.
• Chefchaouen: this picturesque town in the Rif Mountains is famous for its blue-painted houses and relaxed atmosphere.
• Sahara Desert: experience the majestic dunes of the Sahara on a camel trek or spend a night beneath the stars.
• Atlas Mountains: ideal for hiking, skiing and exploring Berber villages, this mountain range offers spectacular scenery.
• Essaouira: this laid-back coastal town offers beautiful beaches, excellent windsurfing conditions and a charming medina.
• Aït Ben Haddou: an impressive earthen village frequently used as a filming location.
• Volubilis: Morocco’s best-preserved Roman ruins are well worth visiting, particularly for history enthusiasts.
• Dadès Valley: this region is known for its dramatic gorges and picturesque Berber villages.
• Hassan II Mosque: located in Casablanca, this vast mosque is the largest in Morocco and impresses with its architecture and seafront setting.

Morocco is known for its rich and diverse cuisine, deeply rooted in the country’s traditions and history. Shaped by its geographical location and historical influences, Moroccan cuisine offers unique flavour experiences.

• Couscous and tajine: couscous, considered the national dish, consists of steamed semolina, often served with meat and vegetables. Tajine is a slowly cooked dish prepared in a distinctive earthenware pot with meat, fish or vegetables and a variety of spices.
• Spices and flavours: typical spices include saffron, turmeric, cinnamon and cumin. Ras el hanout is a complex spice blend used to enhance many dishes.
• Bread and pastries: bread is an essential part of Moroccan cuisine, particularly khobz, a type of flatbread, and msemen, a buttery layered flatbread. Sweet pastries such as chebakia, coated in honey, and kaab el ghazal, filled with almonds, are especially popular.
• Soups: harira, made with lentils, chickpeas and tomatoes, is particularly popular during Ramadan. Bissara, a thick soup made from broad beans and split peas, is another favourite.
• Fish and seafood: grilled fish and seafood tajines are common along the coast. Pastilla, a flaky pastry pie filled with fish or seafood, is another typical speciality.
• Drinks: the famous Moroccan mint tea, served heavily sweetened, is the national drink. Moroccan coffee is also often enjoyed strong and sweet.
• Markets and festivals: lively souks offer fresh produce and traditional dishes. Events such as couscous festivals celebrate the country’s culinary diversity.
• Street food: popular snacks include sfenj, Moroccan doughnuts, briouats, filled pastries, and maakouda, potato fritters or croquettes.

• Greetings: when greeting someone, offer your right hand and say “Salam Alaikum” (Peace be upon you). The customary response is “Wa Alaikum Salam” (And peace be upon you too).
• Saying please and thank you: use polite expressions such as “Shukran” (thank you) and “Afak” (please). Courtesy is highly valued.
• Clothing: dress respectfully. Women should cover their shoulders and knees, particularly in rural areas. Men should also avoid overly revealing or excessively casual clothing.
• Dining etiquette: eat with your right hand and wait for the host to begin the meal. Try a little of everything and compliment the food.
• Smoking: smoking is widespread, but designated smoking and non-smoking areas in restaurants and cafés should be respected. Ask whether smoking is permitted if you are unsure.
• Tipping: tips are generally expected. Around 10% is appropriate in restaurants, while a few dirhams are suitable for smaller services such as taxis or hotels.

• Drinking bottled water is recommended, particularly in less developed regions, to reduce the risk of gastrointestinal illness.
• No specific vaccinations are generally required for entry into Morocco. However, travellers are advised to ensure that their routine vaccinations are up to date. Vaccination against hepatitis A is recommended for travel. For longer stays, vaccinations against hepatitis B, typhoid and rabies may also be advisable.
• Travellers are advised to protect themselves against mosquito bites.

• The quality of medical care in Morocco varies considerably between urban and rural areas and is not entirely comparable with European standards. However, major cities such as Rabat and Casablanca have good private clinics offering a high standard of care. In rural regions, medical treatment may be limited, particularly in terms of technical equipment and hygiene standards.
• Travellers are strongly advised to carry a personal travel medical kit and protect it from high temperatures.
• Take out comprehensive travel health insurance that also covers additional risks, such as medically necessary repatriation to Switzerland and treatment by private doctors or in private clinics.

• Before and during your trip, keep informed about the current situation through the media and remain in contact with your tour operator.
• Despite extensive security measures, there remains a risk of terrorist attacks. Stay vigilant and regularly consult the latest security advice.
• There is an increased risk of robbery and theft near tourist attractions and in historic city centres.
• Further information on the current security situation is available on the website of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA).

As of: July 2024

• A Swiss driving licence is recognised for car rentals, provided that it was obtained at least one year previously, depending on the rental company.
• An international driving permit is recommended.
• The minimum age for renting a car ranges from 21 to 25, depending on the company.
• Blood alcohol limit: 0.0‰.

• Long-distance trains: the national railway company ONCF operates Morocco’s rail network. The Al Boraq high-speed train, which runs between Tangier and Casablanca, is particularly well known.
• Regional trains: ONCF also operates regional rail services connecting the country’s main cities. These trains are generally slower than long-distance services.
• Buses: intercity buses are widely available and provide connections to almost every part of the country. Major operators include CTM and Supratours.
• Metro: Morocco currently has no metro systems. However, modern tram networks operate in cities such as Rabat and Casablanca.
• Tickets: tickets can be purchased at railway stations, bus stations and online. Advance booking is recommended for the high-speed train.
• Apps: various apps, including ONCF TRAFIC and CTM, allow travellers to check timetables and book tickets.

Morocco has an extensive network of airports offering numerous domestic and international connections.

The following Moroccan airports can be reached by direct flights from Switzerland:

• Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK): direct flights from Zurich, Geneva and Basel.
• Agadir Al Massira Airport (AGA): direct flights from Zurich, Geneva and Basel.
• Rabat–Salé Airport (RBA): direct flights from Geneva and Basel.
• Mohammed V International Airport, Casablanca (CMN): direct flights from Geneva and Basel.

These direct connections are mainly operated by airlines such as Swiss International Air Lines, EasyJet, Air Arabia, Royal Air Maroc and Edelweiss.

00 41 (omit the initial zero of the Swiss area code)

• Police: 190
• Fire brigade: 150 or 0524 43 04 15
• Royal Gendarmerie: 177

Embassy of Switzerland
Square de Berkane
10020 Rabat

Tel. +212 537 26 80 30
Email: rabat@eda.admin.ch

The following acts are punishable in Morocco:

• Insulting the monarchy or the state: this also includes showing disrespect towards the national flag or the currency, including on social media.
• Same-sex and extramarital relationships.
• Drinking alcohol in public: licensed hotels and restaurants are exempt.
• Photographing uniformed personnel or military and police facilities.
• Offences under drug legislation: even small quantities and all types of drugs are severely punished. Penalties may include prison sentences of up to 20 years and substantial fines.

Natural hazards: earthquakes, floods and droughts may occur in Morocco. Familiarise yourself with the risks and the appropriate conduct in such situations.