What the official advice says in 2026
- France (Conseils aux voyageurs, Morocco, page updated 15 September 2026): Morocco remains relatively safe, but the terrorist threat persists (the Tiznit attack in 2022, the murder of two hikers in the High Atlas in 2018). The page asks for "increased vigilance" in large cities, naming Marrakech and Casablanca, against petty crime: bags and phones snatched by motorcyclists, valuables not to be displayed, travelling alone at night to be avoided. It formally advises against the Mauritanian border and isolated Sahara tracks. A general "reinforced vigilance" alert for French nationals abroad (10 September 2026) and a measles alert (13 March 2026) also appear on the page.
- United Kingdom (FCDO, updated 19 August 2026): terrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks in Morocco, notably at tourist sites, transport hubs and crowded places. The text also points to pickpocketing and bag-snatching in medinas, fake guides, bank card fraud, demonstrations that may occur without warning in large cities, frequent road accidents and the danger of unregulated, uninsured ride-share taxis.
Neither piece of advice warns against Marrakech itself. The areas to avoid they mention are the Mauritanian border, the remote Sahara and some minor roads in the Rif. Check the latest version on the diplomatie.gouv.fr site (Conseils aux voyageurs, Maroc) and on gov.uk (Foreign travel advice, Morocco) before you leave: these pages change.
The real risks in Marrakech
Pickpocketing and bag-snatching
This is the most common problem. Pickpockets work the crowd on Jemaa el-Fna square, in the souks and near bus stations; bag and phone snatchers come by scooter. Wear your bag across your body in front of you, hold your phone on the wall side, do not take it out for a long look in the street and do not show a wad of notes.
Fake guides and scams
Fake guides posing as officials, "the street is closed", forced henna, taxis without meters, fake "cooperatives": everything is detailed in our guide to scams to avoid in Marrakech. These traps cost money and energy, rarely more.
Traffic
In the medina, scooters, handcarts and donkeys squeeze through lanes two metres wide. Outside the city, France cites dangerous roads, including the Casablanca-Marrakech route and the pass to Agadir, and advises against driving at night. The UK reminds readers that accidents are frequent. For getting around, prefer a metered taxi, a transfer arranged by your accommodation or a ride-hailing app, and avoid driving at night if you rent a car.
Harassment
Insistent remarks and advances are frequent, especially for women on their own: France speaks of persistent harassment. They rarely go beyond words. Practical tips are in travelling alone in Marrakech and what to wear in Marrakech.
Alcohol, drugs and health
The UK reports fatal methanol poisonings from contaminated alcohol; buy from licensed venues (see alcohol in Marrakech). Never accept an offer of hashish, which is illegal in Morocco. For water, heat and care, read health in Marrakech.
Areas and times of day
| Place or time | What to know |
|---|---|
| Medina, by day | Very busy and lively: risk of theft, fake guides and scooters; no particular danger if you stay alert |
| Jemaa el-Fna, late afternoon and evening | Dense crowds, touts, pickpockets: keep bags and phone in front of you |
| Medina lanes (derbs) at night | Poorly lit and empty: avoid walking them alone late, take a taxi or have the riad meet you |
| Guéliz and Hivernage | Wide streets, restaurants and hotels; snatching from a two-wheeler is possible, especially late at night |
| Palmeraie, Agafay, Atlas | The risks are the road, the heat and isolation: go with a driver or a reputable operator |
The September 2023 earthquake: where do things stand?
On 8 September 2023, a magnitude 6.8 earthquake struck the High Atlas about 70 km from Marrakech and killed nearly 3,000 people according to the FCDO, mostly in mountain villages. The French page reminds readers that seismic risk exists; the UK page mentions it too. Neither piece of advice bars visits to Marrakech. Monuments may have changing hours and access: see our tickets and opening hours for monuments and, for the mountains, the High Atlas from Marrakech; on the spot, follow the advice of your accommodation.
Emergency numbers
| Service | Number |
|---|---|
| Police (in town) | 19 |
| Police from a mobile phone | 112 |
| Royal Gendarmerie (outside built-up areas, roads) | 177 |
| Civil protection: fire brigade, ambulance | 15 |
| SAMU (medical emergency) | 141 |
These are the numbers we use in health in Marrakech and in our guide to scams; the tourist police, on Jemaa el-Fna square, take visitors' complaints. Also save your consulate's number.
Practical tips
- Take out travel insurance covering care and repatriation before you leave.
- Photograph or scan your passport and tickets, and keep the copies apart from the originals.
- Keep an offline map and a mobile connection (eSIM and SIM cards in Morocco).
- Withdraw cash from a bank's cash machines, in daytime (money and tipping).
- Choose accommodation that is easy to reach at night (where to stay in Marrakech).
- Avoid political gatherings and demonstrations, which can form without warning.
- Ask your accommodation for advice before a hike or an isolated journey.
Information checked on 7 October 2026.
Further reading
To prepare your arrival, read from the airport to the city centre and our guide to the Marrakech medina. For entry formalities, see visa and entry to Morocco.
