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Security Overview for Morocco
Morocco is a modern, secular, traditionally Western-leaning, constitutional monarchy. Although crime rates are lower than in most North African countries, crime is a concern in Morocco, especially in the major cities. Pickpocketing, muggings, assaults and scams are common, especially in tourist areas. Due to the influx of poor farmers, petty crime rates in Casablanca and Tangier are quickly rising.
Due to its secular government and typically close ties with the West, Morocco has been a target for Al-Qaeda attacks. On May 16, 2003, Salafiya Jihadia, a group affiliated with Al-Qaeda, staged a complex attack using 14 suicide bombers in Casablanca. In the years since, security forces have arrested thousands of suspected militants and foiled numerous plots, including a major operation in August 2006, in which soldiers and police officers were involved. In March and April 2007, militants again attempted attacks in Casablanca. These attacks, however, were unsophisticated, did little damage and killed only the attackers. Future attacks against Moroccan or Western targets are possible.
Morocco has not been immune to the Arab Spring movement, and protests have seeking greater democracy have become a regular feature in major cities. Prior to early 2011, the Moroccan government had to approve all demonstrations in advance, but the regime has become more lax over time. Police still monitor such gatherings. Most demonstrations occur in cities in reaction to current events and/or economic and political policies.
Public transportation is relatively safe, however, the petty crime threat is high on public transportation. Avoid public transportation in rural areas and after dark.
The threat of kidnapping in Morocco is low. There have been few reported incidents of expatriates being kidnapped in recent years. However, a specific kidnapping threat does exist. Expatriates on occasion have been forced to disembark from trains in the near the city of Asilah, south of Tangier. Once the expatriate arrived in Asilah, they were briefly held hostage and were forced to make credit card purchases and remove cash from their accounts. The kidnappers did not harm the expatriates.
Female travelers in Morocco, especially those traveling alone, may be subject to verbal harassment by Moroccan men. Violent physical assaults are rare, but women have reported gropings and threats. The risk of harassment rises in poor neighborhoods, medinas (the old sections of cities) and conservative cities. Harassment in tourist areas may occur, as well. Women should dress very conservatively and avoid direct or prolonged eye contact with men.
Scams are common in tourist areas. Credit card fraud is a concern; only use credit cards in upscale hotels, stores and restaurants, and watch your card throughout the transaction. Locals masquerading as tour guides often scam expatriates, and in some cases have led foreigners into out-of-the-way locations to rob them.
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