All questions
When is the 2030 World Cup? To be confirmed
It is expected in June and July 2030. FIFA has not yet published the exact dates and match schedule.
Which countries host the 2030 World Cup?
Morocco, Spain and Portugal, with three centenary celebration matches in Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay.
Which Moroccan cities host matches?
Casablanca, Rabat, Tangier, Marrakech, Fes and Agadir.
Where will the final be played? To be confirmed
Not decided yet. Morocco has proposed the new Grand Stade Hassan II near Casablanca; Spain has proposed the Santiago Bernabéu (Madrid) and Camp Nou (Barcelona). FIFA will decide.
How do I buy World Cup tickets? To be confirmed
Only through FIFA's official website and app. Sales usually open in phases about a year before the tournament. Do not buy from social media or resellers outside FIFA's official resale platform.
Do I need a visa to visit Morocco?
Citizens of many countries (EU, UK, USA, Canada, Australia, Japan, China, Brazil, Argentina and others) do not need a visa for stays up to 90 days. Others need a visa, often available online as an e-Visa at acces-maroc.ma. Always check with a Moroccan consulate before booking.
How long can I stay without a visa?
Usually up to 90 days for visa-exempt nationalities.
Can I travel from Morocco to Spain or Portugal for a match?
Yes. Tangier is about 1 hour by ferry from Tarifa, and there are many flights. Morocco is not in the Schengen area, so make sure you are allowed to enter Schengen (and re-enter Morocco). If you need a Schengen visa, get a multiple-entry one.
Can I bring my drone?
No, not without official authorization. Drones are usually confiscated at the airport.
What currency is used?
The Moroccan dirham (MAD or DH). About 10 DH ≈ 1 US dollar (rates vary).
Can I pay by card?
In hotels, malls, supermarkets, train stations and many restaurants, yes. In markets, small shops, cafés and taxis, cash is usually needed.
Where can I change money?
At banks and exchange offices (bureaux de change) in every city, which give official rates. ATMs are everywhere. Keep receipts to change dirhams back when you leave.
Can I take dirhams out of Morocco?
Only a small allowance. Change your remaining dirhams back at the airport or port before leaving (keep exchange receipts).
Should I bargain?
In souks and markets, yes: it is normal and friendly. In malls, supermarkets, restaurants and fixed-price craft centres, no.
How much should I tip?
About 10% in restaurants, a few coins in cafés, round up for taxis, and 5–20 DH for small services.
How expensive is Morocco?
Good value compared to Europe. Street food from 20 DH, a simple tagine 50–90 DH, a nice dinner 200–500 DH. Expect higher prices during the World Cup.
How do I get from Casablanca airport to the city?
By train from the station under the terminal (about 35–45 minutes to Casa Voyageurs or Casa Port), or by official airport taxi with fixed fares.
How do I travel between host cities?
Trains are the easiest: the Al Boraq high-speed train links Tangier, Rabat and Casablanca; normal trains reach Marrakech and Fes. For Agadir, fly or take a CTM/Supratours bus from Marrakech.
How long is the train from Casablanca to Marrakech?
About 2h40 today. A high-speed extension is under construction and should shorten the trip before 2030.
Is there a train to Agadir?
No. Take a bus from Marrakech (about 3–3.5 hours, Supratours connects with trains) or fly.
How do I buy train tickets?
On the ONCF website or app (oncf-voyages.ma), at station machines or counters. Book early for match days.
Are taxis safe? How do they work?
Yes. Petit taxis are for trips inside a city (up to 3 passengers) and should use the meter. Grand taxis go between towns; agree the price first. Night fares are higher.
Can I use Uber?
Uber stopped operating in Morocco in 2018; check whether it has returned before you travel. Apps like Careem, inDrive and Heetch work in major cities, but availability can change.
Can I rent a car?
Yes, with your licence (an international permit is recommended). Motorways are excellent. Avoid driving in medinas and on rural roads at night.
How do I get to the Grand Stade Hassan II? To be confirmed
It is outside Casablanca, about 35–40 km northeast, between Casablanca and Rabat. Official match-day transport will be announced closer to the tournament.
Which city is best to stay in?
It depends on your matches. Casablanca and Rabat are central and well connected by train; Marrakech is the most famous for tourism; Agadir is the best for beaches; Fes for history; Tangier if you also go to Spain.
What is a riad?
A traditional Moroccan house built around an inner courtyard or garden, often a small hotel with a few rooms, a rooftop terrace and breakfast.
When should I book accommodation?
As early as possible, ideally as soon as you know your match cities, with free cancellation.
Is Morocco safe for tourists?
Yes, generally very safe. Watch for pickpockets in crowds and small scams. Violent crime against tourists is rare.
What is the emergency number?
Police 19 (in cities), Gendarmerie 177 (outside cities), ambulance and fire 15, or 112 from a mobile.
Is Morocco safe for women travelling alone?
Many women travel alone in Morocco. You may get verbal comments in busy areas; ignoring them and walking confidently usually works. Dress more modestly in medinas and rural areas.
Is Morocco safe for LGBTQ+ travellers?
Same-sex relations are illegal under Moroccan law. Many LGBTQ+ visitors travel without problems by being discreet; public displays of affection are best avoided by all couples.
Can I drink alcohol?
Yes, in licensed hotels, bars and some restaurants. Drinking in public streets is not allowed. It is not sold everywhere.
Can I drink tap water?
City tap water is treated, but most visitors drink bottled water to avoid stomach problems. It is cheap and everywhere.
Do I need vaccines?
No vaccine is mandatory for most visitors. Keep routine vaccines up to date and ask a travel clinic for advice.
Where can I find a pharmacy at night?
Each pharmacy posts the list of the 'pharmacie de garde' (on-duty pharmacy) on its door.
How hot will it be?
Coastal cities (Casablanca, Rabat, Tangier, Agadir) are pleasant, around 20–29°C. Marrakech and Fes are hot, often 35–42°C during the day.
What should I wear?
Light, comfortable clothing; covering shoulders and knees is appreciated in medinas and religious sites. Swimwear only at the beach or pool.
Can non-Muslims visit mosques?
Most mosques are closed to non-Muslims. The big exception is the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, which offers guided tours.
Will it be Ramadan during the World Cup?
No. Ramadan 2030 is expected around January–February.
Are there public holidays in June–July 2030?
Mawlid (expected around 12–13 July 2030, depending on the moon) and Throne Day on 30 July.
What languages do people speak?
Darija (Moroccan Arabic) and Amazigh. French is widely used; Spanish in the north; English is spoken in tourism and by many young people.
How do I say thank you?
'Shukran' in Darija, 'Tanmirt' in Amazigh, 'Merci' in French.
What time zone is Morocco in?
GMT+1 most of the year (same as the UK and Portugal in summer, one hour behind Spain in summer).
What plugs are used?
Type C and E (European two round pins), 220 V.
How do I get a SIM card?
Buy one at the airport, an operator shop (Maroc Telecom, Orange, inwi) or a kiosk with your passport. Data is cheap. eSIM also works.
Is there Wi-Fi?
Yes, in most hotels, riads, cafés and malls.
What should I eat?
Tagine, couscous (on Fridays), pastilla, harira soup, tanjia in Marrakech, fresh seafood on the coast, msemen pancakes, and mint tea.
Is food halal?
Yes, meat is halal by default in Morocco.
Can vegetarians eat well?
Yes: vegetable tagines and couscous, salads, lentils, bissara soup. Say 'bla lham' (without meat).
Is street food safe?
Generally yes if it is busy, freshly cooked and hot. Start gently to let your stomach adjust.
What are the best souvenirs to buy?
Argan oil, carpets, leather goods, ceramics, lanterns, spices, babouches, silver jewellery, tea sets and black soap.
Where can I buy real argan oil?
From women's cooperatives in the Souss region around Agadir and on the road to Essaouira, or at reputable shops. Very cheap 'argan' is often diluted.
Where are the best carpets?
Marrakech souks (Souk des Tapis), Rabat's Rue des Consuls and Middle Atlas towns. Check the back for hand-knotting and ask about shipping.
Where can I buy leather?
Fes (around the Chouara tannery) and Marrakech souks are the leather capitals.
What is an Ensemble Artisanal?
A government-supported craft centre in each big city with fixed prices and good quality. Visit it first to know fair prices.
Is Morocco good for kids?
Very. Moroccans love children, and there are beaches, camels, zoos, water parks and markets. Plan around the midday heat.
What can kids do in Marrakech?
Oasiria water park, camel rides in the Palmeraie, Agafay desert quad bikes, cooking classes and Jardin Majorelle.
What can kids do in Agadir?
Beach, surf lessons, Crocoparc, the Valley of the Birds and camel rides on the beach.
What can kids do in Rabat?
The National Zoo, the Jardin d'Essais, beaches at Temara and Harhoura, and a boat across the river to Salé.
What are the must-see sights in Casablanca?
Hassan II Mosque, the Corniche, Quartier Habous, the Art Deco downtown, and the Museum of Moroccan Judaism.
What are the must-see sights in Marrakech?
Jemaa el-Fna, the souks, Bahia Palace, Ben Youssef Madrasa, Jardin Majorelle and the YSL Museum, Saadian Tombs.
What are the must-see sights in Fes?
Bab Boujloud, Fes el-Bali medina, Al Quaraouiyine (from outside), Bou Inania Madrasa, the Chouara tannery and the Royal Palace gates.
What are the must-see sights in Rabat?
Kasbah of the Udayas, Hassan Tower and Mausoleum of Mohammed V, Chellah, and the Mohammed VI Museum of Modern Art.
What are the must-see sights in Tangier?
Kasbah and medina, Caves of Hercules, Cap Spartel, Café Hafa and the American Legation.
Can I visit the desert during the World Cup?
The Agafay stone desert is 40 minutes from Marrakech and easy. The Sahara dunes (Merzouga, Zagora) are 8–10 hours away and very hot in summer; consider a guided trip with a night stop.
Can I visit Chefchaouen, the blue city?
Yes, about 2.5–3 hours from Tangier or 3.5–4 hours from Fes by road. Staying one night is best.
Which beaches are best?
Agadir's big bay, Taghazout for surfing, Achakar near Tangier, and Temara/Harhoura near Rabat. The Atlantic has strong currents: swim at guarded beaches.
Can I watch matches outside the stadium? To be confirmed
Yes. Fan zones are expected in host cities (locations to be announced), and Moroccan cafés show football everywhere.
What can I bring into the stadium? To be confirmed
FIFA will publish the official rules. Usually: no large bags, glass, flares, alcohol or professional cameras.
Is Morocco accessible for wheelchair users?
Modern stadiums, airports, high-speed trains, trams and malls generally are. Old medinas are difficult; choose accommodation with step-free access.
How do I visit a hammam?
Public hammams are cheap and local (bring your own soap, glove and towel); spa hammams in hotels are more comfortable. A scrub with black soap and a kessa glove is a must-try experience.
Is it OK to take photos of people?
Always ask first. Some people may refuse or ask for a small tip, especially performers.
What do I do if I lose my passport?
Report it to the police (get a report), then contact your embassy or consulate for an emergency travel document.
Who are the Atlas Lions?
Morocco's national football team. In 2022 they became the first African and Arab team to reach a World Cup semi-final.