FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Get all the answers to your questions before starting your adventure
Planning a vacation to Morocco is exciting, but you probably have a lot of questions and maybe some concerns. We want you to be prepared and have all the facts to have a carefree trip.
Below you will find detailed information about our company, expeditions, ecotourism, tourist logistics, local culture, currency, and documentation.
If you have any other questions, contact us at Info@cherg.com so that we can organize your Moroccan adventure!
FAQs: COVID-19
Yes we are open for business! While our offices remain closed due to the pandemic, we are working remotely and actively booking tours.
On February 1, 2021, Morocco’s borders opened for international travel from VISA exempt countries for business travelers and tourists with confirmed hotel reservations. International flights to Morocco further resumed on June 15, 2021, under certain conditions. To implement this resumption, Morocco has classified countries into two lists (A and B) following recommendations of the Morocco Ministry of Health.
A state of emergency remains in place and is currently scheduled to be extended or lifted on September 10, 2021. The state of emergency allows the Kingdom to take exceptional measures against COVID, such as:
- Restricted travel to and from certain location based on the prevalence of COVID within these locations.
- Nightly curfews (currently 9:00 pm to 5:00 am).
- Limitations on group gatherings, public transportation, restaurants, cafes, and public swimming pools (currently at 50%).
- Limitations on hotels and other tourism establishments at 75%
- Early or total closure of hammams, beaches, and other public places in select locations.
- Personal distancing, masking, temperature taking, and other hygiene practices.
List A countries include any country not on list B and includes the US and most EU countries. Travelers from List A countries must present a vaccination pass or certificate of vaccination to enter Morocco. The vaccines authorized in Morocco are AstraZeneca, Pfizer/BioNTech, Moderna, Sinopharm, Sputnik, Janssen, Covishield, and Sinovac. Travelers who could not be vaccinated or fully vaccinated must have a negative PCR test on boarding not older than 72 hours. Children under 11 years of age are exempt from PCR screening.
Tourists coming from list B countries are classified in two categories. Please note that Spain, France, Portugal, and Russia were recently moved from list A to list B. Vaccinated travelers or holders of a certificate attesting that the person is vaccinated with one of the vaccines authorized by Morocco are exempt from quarantine, however, must present a negative PCR test dated less than 48 hours of boarding. Unvaccinated or incompletely vaccinated persons must observe a 10-day controlled quarantine by presenting a negative PCR test less than 48 hours old, a completed and signed declaration of honor for a 10-day confinement, and a voucher confirming this confinement in one of the hotels designated by the Moroccan authorities. A PCR test is mandatory on the 9th day. Minors accompanying their fully vaccinated parents who hold appropriate vaccination certificates, and a negative PCR test are not required to quarantine, even if the minor is not vaccinated. Travelers from a List B country transiting through another country must complete the 10-day isolation. However, if the traveler is in transit for more than 10 days in a List A country, they are not required to quarantine in Morocco.
All travelers entering Morocco must complete and sign the health form located at www.onda.ma/form.php.
For US travelers: As of July 17, 2021, travelers from the US to Morocco are required to show either a valid CDC vaccination card or certificate of full vaccination that was performed at least two weeks prior to travelling. Without vaccination, travelers from the US need to present a negative PCR test performed within 72 hours before arrival in Morocco. For travelers from Morocco to the US, a negative PCR test is also required for fully vaccinated people. We will help with arrangements for your return PCR test and the cost is between 600 and 700 dirhams. For all travelers between the US and Morocco masks are mandatory during flights. Children of travelers from the US under the age of 10 are exempt from these requirements. Children of travelers to the US under the age of are exempt from these requirements.
Morocco has adopted an aggressive vaccination program and has currently fully vaccinated approximately 40% of its population (13,973,650 people) and fully vaccinated approximately 30% of its population (10,283,660 people). All residents of Morocco over the age of 25 qualify for the vaccine.
Please do not rely on this COVID information as your sole source of information, as it is subject to change without notice. Contact your designated local or Moroccan embassy, or airline, for current information prior to travel.
The Kingdom-issued state of emergency remains in place until at least August10, 2021. The state of emergency is currently scheduled to be lifted or extended on September 10, 2021.
The state of emergency allows The Kingdom to take exceptional measures against COVID, such as:
- Restricted travel to and from certain location based on the prevalence of COVID within these locations.
- Nightly curfews (currently 9:00 pm to 5:00 am).
- Limitations on group gatherings, public transportation, restaurants, cafes, and public swimming pools (currently at 50%).
- Limitations on hotels and other tourism establishments at 75%
- Early or total closure of hammams, beaches, and other public places in select locations.
- Personal distancing, masking, temperature taking, and other hygiene practices.
Please contact your local Moroccan embassy for current information prior to travel.
Contact us at Info@cherg.com with concerns or for additional information.
It was announced on July 11, 2021, that Morocco ranked 24th in Global Finance's "World's Safest Countries 2021" list, outperforming other North African countries. The news outlet ranks the world's safest countries based on three "fundamental factors," namely, war and peace, personal security, and natural disaster risk -- which includes various problems that arose with the emergence of COVID-19. There is little gun violence in Morocco due to gun control measures. As Morocco experiences some of the same criminal activity found in other major countries, we advise you to take precautions as you normally would for travel in a foreign country.
We have implemented certain measures to protect clients and staff from COVID-19, based on the procedures mandated by the Kingdom of Morocco, local jurisdictions and generally accepted best practices at the time of your tour, and the status of the pandemic at the time of travel. These measures are not meant to be overly burdensome but rather as protection measures.
These include but are not limited to:
- Practicing personal distancing to the extent possible
- Our drivers and guides have received at least the initial dose of the vaccines available in Morocco
- Our drivers and guides will wear masks and clients will be required to do the same, as appropriate
- Temperature checking of clients on arrival (this may be performed at the airport), at our office, and during the tour, and testing, if the health of the client is in question
- Our vehicles will be disinfected with disinfectant or a bleach solution, depending on what is available, before and after each tour
- Our vehicles will rest for a minimum period of 24 hours between tours
- A questionnaire may be required of all clients relative to coronavirus upon arrival, and clients may be denied participation based on responses
- Evidence of current medical insurance
We understand that this is a trying time for everyone and that none of us can predict what will happen tomorrow let alone next month and onward. Many COVID-19 related concerns can impact your travel and we want to work with you as best we can. We encourage you to carefully consider whether this is an appropriate time for you to travel to Morocco.
If you have a confirmed tour and you need to cancel due to COVID-19, please contact us as soon as possible at Info@cherg.com. We will do our best to present options to you that are reasonable for both you, our suppliers, and Cherg. These options may include rescheduling your tour for a later date, or canceling your tour and receiving a voucher for future travel.
It is possible that we may need to cancel your confirmed tour due to COVID-19 reasons, if for instance, Morocco's borders are again closed. If we cancel your tour, you will have the options of us refunding any deposit that we have received from you, or rescheduling your tour to a later date.
FAQs: General
Our standard tours include:
- Transport by 4x4, minivan and/or minibus, driver, tolls and gasoline
- Accommodations
- Meals: half board (breakfast and dinner each day, except arrival and departur days)
- Camel treks
- Taxes
Our custom tours include enhanced services which are reflected in your tour itinerary.
Our standard tours do not include:
- Guides
- Beverages (water, soda, coffee, tea and alcoholic)
- Entry fees for attractions
- Airfare
- VISA fees
- Gratuities for our drivers, guides, and lodging staff
Our custom tours include enhanced services which are reflected in your tour itinerary.
Ecotourism combines the idea of discovery and education about a natural environment, while preserving ecology and supporting the well-being of the local population. Recycling, for example, is an integral part of ecotourism, as is saving energy, conserving water, and creating economic opportunities for local communities.
Our goal is to support responsible tourism. Cherg Expeditions will show you the best behaviors to adopt for sustainability in Morocco and the Sahara Desert. It is important that you are aware of the impact that you have as a tourist on our fragile environment.
To see the list of our standard tours, see the Expeditions page. We also offer customized tours according to your desires and needs.
We want you to get everything you hope for from your tour, but if a change should happen at the last minute, rest assured, it is usually not difficult to change your itinerary even shortly before your arrival. However, for lodging, last minute changes are difficult and depend on availability, especially during high season. If you want to change your itinerary before arriving, contact us for options.
As soon as we receive your deposit, your tour is confirmed and we begin making arrangements for lodging, drivers, and other aspects of your tour.
Our drivers can pick you up at your airport of arrival in Morocco. We can also pick you up at other locations throughout Morocco or your lodging facility. Our driver will accompany you throughout your visit.
It's best for you to travel with 1 main suitcase, if possible (group tours are limited to 1 piece of luggage per person). For the desert, we recommend that you also bring a carry on travel bag or a light backpack which is the one you will take with you to the desert camp. Your main suitcase will be securely stored while you are at the camp. In addition, a small daypack to use during your tour is recommended for items you want to carry easily (camera, sunscreen, water, money, etc.).
Yes! We have specific lodging partners that we use depending on the quality of the accommodation and price included in your tour. If you would like a specific lodging facility, please inform us before confirming your tour. Lodging price is based on a double room with 1 double bed or 2 twin beds, a private bathroom, and breakfast (dinner may also be included as noted in your itinerary).
Regarding clothing, our suggestion is conservative. You can dress however you like especially in the larger cities, but our suggestions are geared to make you fit in and show respect to the locals.
The best dress is in layers, cotton or other fabric that is lightweight and absorbs perspiration. A light jacket, sweater or wrap is recommended at all times, except the hottest of summer months. Ladies do not need to wear a scarf however you will show respect in the small villages (and at your homestay events) if you cover your head with a light scarf.
Good walking shoes and or sandals with an ankle strap are also necessary, especially in the desert.
We can also provide you with other suggestions specific to your tour.
As they say here, Morocco is a cold country with a very hot sun. Morocco enjoys an average of 360 days of sunshine a year. In the desert, you are subject not only to the rays of the sun coming from above, but also from below, because they are reflected off of the sand. Sunburn and heatstroke are common problems in the desert, for those who are not prepared. Bring good anti-UV sunglasses, sunscreen with high protection index (50-70 SPF is recommended), head covering, and a good water bottle.
Our tours usually include half-board (breakfast and dinner) and sometimes full-board (3 meals) per day and are noted in your itinerary. Meals are prepared by local chefs and served in the traditional Moroccan way. Please let us know in advance if you have specific dietary needs, such as vegetarian or gluten free.
- Travel sickness medication if you are suseptible
- Proof of personal medical insurance
- Quick cleaning wipes and dry shampoo for desert treks
- Insect repellent if you are sensitive to bites
- Band-Aids or moleskin for foot blisters
- A good diarrhea medicine, just in case
- An adapter for electrical outlets (identical to Europe)
- Portable phone charger
We accept payment by VISA, MasterCard, and bank transfers. A 3% fee is added to payments made by credit card. Your deposit must be received by us at least 30 days in advance of your tour start date. The balance will be due at the beginning of your tour. If you book your tour 30 days or less before the start date, full payment is due upon booking. Although we accept credit cards, we prefer cash payment in Moroccan dirhams.
We understand that sometimes things happen that might prevent you from attending your tour and we want to work with you in the best way possible.
Your tour is only confirmed upon our receipt of your deposit. Once we receive your deposit, you can cancel more than 30 days before the start date of your tour and we will refund your full deposit, less any costs we have already incurred. If you cancel your tour 30 days or less from the start of your tour, we will refund half of your deposit less the costs we have already incurred. If you cancel your tour 7 days or less from the start of your tour or do not show up for your tour, your deposit is nonrefundable.
If you have special circumstances that require you to cancel your tour, we will work with you in good faith on available options.
FAQs: Traveling to Morocco
Currently a negative PCR test taken within 48 hours of departure and a Public Health Passenger Form - Coronavirus, available at www.onda.ma/form.php are required for entry.
To enter Morocco, you need a passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into Morocco with at least 1 blank page. Generally, Visas are not required for tourists with a passport valid for a stay of less than 90 days. However, check with the Moroccan embassy in your country to find out what entry conditions are specifically required for your country.
The currency is the Moroccan dirham, but the Euro and US Dollar may also be accepted in some places in larger cities. You will have to exchange currency to be able to pay for things that are not included in your reservation in dirhams, such as meals, drinks, snacks, shopping, gratuities, and personal expenses. Your driver can show you where to change money.
ATMs are available virtually everywhere, except in the smallest villages and distribute dirhams.
If you are planning to change money in Morocco, make sure to bring new, large issue bills in pristine condition. Most change houses will not change bills that are torn or that have any writing or other markings.
Credit cards are usually only accepted in major cities. Plan to have cash for most of the shopping, especially in the souks and the desert. Remember that using ATMs and credit cards results in foreign transaction fees, unless you use a fee-free card.
Businesses generally charge an additional 3-5% for using a credit card, depending on the total amount of the transaction.
Remember to notify your bank before the trip if you plan to use your ATM or credit card abroad.
Shopping is one of the main attractions of Morocco. The souks are traditional markets where you can buy almost anything, and it's an exciting experience. Bargaining and price haggling is a typical art form in Morocco.
All you need to have is time to know the value you place on the product you are interested in, and the price you are willing to pay. In these situations, local guides will be of great help to explain how to do it.
Also remember that the price you are willing to pay for a product should be reasonable with respect to the seller.
Morocco is on Greenwich Mean Time. The same time zone as France, and 5 hours ahead of New York most of the year, unless there are changes for daylight savings time.
Due to a varied geographical relief (sea, mountain, oasis, and desert), Morocco benefits from all climates. December and January are typically the coldest months of the year, and July and August are the hottest.
Summer temperatures in the desert can be above 120 ° F (49° C) during the day and winter temperatures can be as low as 35 ° F (2° C) at night.
The temperature can vary everywhere by several degrees from sun to shade at all times of the year.
Morocco has a great linguistic diversity. Moroccan Arabic (Darjeea) is the most spoken language and Amazigh (Berber) is the native language. French and English are commonly spoken, and other languages are spoken in large cities.
Guides are a necessity in Morocco, especially if you are traveling solo. They know the best and off-the-beaten path sites to show you and help you navigate in the medinas and souks. Being with a guide also discourages unwanted advances from locals.
No vaccinations are usually required to enter Morocco. Ask your doctor. Depending on your health, your doctor may recommend vaccination against typhoid, tetanus, hepatitis, or meningitis.
Tap water is generally ok to drink in the big cities, but you may not like the taste. Most travelers prefer bottled water which is available everywhere. You should also bring good anti-diarrhea medication, just in case.
Medical insurance, including emergency evacuation, is recommended.
See our FAQs on Covid for additional information.
Morocco uses 110 V and 220 V power outlets. Generally, you will only need a 2-pin power adapter, the same as used in Europe. Since power outlets can vary in voltage, a universal converter is ideal for electronic and small devices. A portable phone adapter also comes in handy.
Regarding clothing, our suggestion is conservative for both men and women. You can dress however you like especially in the larger cities, but our suggestion is geared to make you fit in and show respect to the locals.
The best dress is in layers, cotton or other fabric that is lightweight and absorbs perspiration. A light jacket, sweater or wrap is recommended at all times, except the hottest of summer months. Ladies do not need to wear a scarf however you will show respect in the small villages (and at your homestay events) if you cover your head with a light scarf.
Good walking shoes and or sandals with an ankle strap are also necessary, especially in the desert.
We can also provide you with suggestions specific to your tour.
Mobile phones work in most places in Morocco, but using your home network for calls and texts can cost you a small fortune while roaming. Check with your operator if they offer a special rate for Morocco. You can buy a local SIM card at the airport and in most cities. Connections speeds vary greatly throughout Morocco.
WiFi is generally available in the airports and in most lodging facilities and cafes, but the connection speed varies considerably and may be nonexistent in the desert. WhatsApp is available for text messages and phone calls, but can only be used on WiFi unless you have a local SIM card.
You should consult your airline and/or the authorities in your country for any restrictions on traveling with electronic devices that may apply to you.