Summary (tl;dr)

Canada has issued an updated travel advisory urging citizens to exercise a high degree of caution when traveling to Morocco due to an increased risk of crime, including violent armed robberies, and an ongoing threat of terrorism against Westerners.

Essential Background

Morocco is a significant tourist destination in North Africa, popular among Canadian travelers. The Canadian government, through Global Affairs Canada, regularly updates its travel advisories for countries worldwide to inform its citizens about potential safety and security risks abroad. These advisories are based on current intelligence and evolving situations in each region.

The Full Story

The Canadian government has recently updated its travel advisory for Morocco, advising travelers to "exercise a high degree of caution." This heightened warning is attributed to reports of increased petty crime, violent armed robberies, and the persistent threat of terrorism targeting Western tourists in the country. Specific concerns highlighted include crime hotspots in popular tourist areas like Marrakech's Jemaa el-Fnaa and Fes's old medina. Additionally, the advisory warns against travel to areas within 20 kilometers of the closed border between Morocco and Algeria due to heightened military presence and regional instability. Travelers are also urged to avoid non-essential travel to Western Sahara, particularly within 20 kilometers of the Berm, a militarized boundary, due to the presence of unexploded landmines and a volatile security situation.

Why It Matters

This updated travel advisory is crucial for Canadian citizens considering or planning travel to Morocco, prompting them to review their safety measures and reconsider itineraries. It emphasizes the need for increased vigilance, especially in crowded tourist areas, and highlights specific regions to avoid due to elevated risks. For the travel industry, it may lead to increased inquiries about safety protocols and potentially influence travel bookings to the region.

Geographic Location

• Morocco (general travel advisory to exercise a high degree of caution due to crime and terrorism)
• Jemaa el-Fnaa, Marrakech, Marrakech-Safi Region, Morocco (petty crime hotspot)
• Old medina, Fes, Fès-Meknès Region, Morocco (petty crime hotspot)
• Border region with Algeria, Morocco (increased military presence, instability, closed border)
• Western Sahara, Morocco (avoid all travel or non-essential travel due to terrorism threat, unexploded landmines, and unstable security situation, especially within 20 km of the Berm)