Safest cities in Morocco
36 cities with 100k+ population · data updated 2026-09-04
What official travel advice warns about
Terrorism
- Terrorism in MoroccoTerrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks in Morocco.
Political situation
- Protests and demonstrations could occur across the country, particularly in large cities, often without warning. These events are typically monitored closely by law enforcement. While authorised protests are generally peaceful, unauthorised ones have sometimes led to clashes between protesters and police. Such gatherings can cause travel…
Crime
- Protecting yourself and your belongingsThere can be occasional violent crime in Morocco. Criminals have used knives against tourists in street attacks, thefts and burglaries in major cities and along beaches. To reduce your risk:
- ScamsCredit card fraud and scams are common. Beware of scammers substituting inferior goods for the ones you bought. Remain alert to potential confidence tricks.
- Bogus tourist guidesIt is common for people posing as official tourist guides to harass tourists.
- Marriage fraudBe cautious if you travel to Morocco for a relationship or to find someone you met on the internet. Incidents of marriage fraud and attempted extortion have affected British nationals. Make sure you keep your return ticket, passport and personal belongings safe.
- Methanol poisoningThere have been deaths and cases of serious illness caused by alcoholic drinks containing methanol in Morocco.
Laws and cultural differences
- RamadanRamadan is a holy month for Muslims. The dates vary by year and country, next starting in February 2027. During this time, eating or drinking, swearing, smoking or chewing gum in public in the daytime may cause offence.
- Laws against religious conversionIt is illegal to attempt to convert a Muslim to another faith and to distribute evangelical literature (such as Arabic-language bibles). Attempting to convert a Muslim to another faith can result in fines or up to 3 years’ imprisonment.
- Sexual relations outside of marriageSexual activity between unmarried people and adultery are illegal for Moroccan nationals – this includes sharing a hotel room, particularly with foreign nationals.
- LGBT+ travellersSame-sex sexual relations are illegal in Morocco. Showing affection in public can lead to prosecution. Meeting people through online applications, can carry legal, personal safety and privacy risks.
- Alcohol lawsAlcohol is available in licensed venues. However, drinking alcohol in the street and anywhere other than a licensed restaurant or bar is illegal and can lead to arrest. Travellers should respect local laws and customs at all times.
- Illegal drugsMorocco has a zero-tolerance approach towards drugs. Possessing, using or trafficking illegal drugs, including cannabis, are serious offences and carry severe penalties.
- Women travellersWomen may receive unwanted attention in Morocco, especially when travelling alone. Consider wearing loose-fitting clothing which cover the arms, legs and chest. See advice for woman travellers abroad.
- Photography and FilmingIt is illegal to take photographs near sensitive political or military sites. Always ask permission before taking pictures of people, especially children.
- PornographyIt is illegal to possess pornographic material. This includes printed and digital material, and any type of material contrary to Moroccan laws related to morality and public order.
- Flying dronesIf you plan to bring a drone to Morocco, you must get permission from the Directorate General for Civil Aviation (in French) to fly a drone. If you do not, you risk fines and confiscation of your equipment.
Transport risks
- Road travelIf you are planning to drive in Morocco, see information on driving abroad.
- Driving conditionsBe more alert to other vehicles, pedestrians and animals as poor lighting can make it dangerous to drive at night. When weather conditions are poor, secondary routes and mountain roads can be especially hazardous. On motorways, be cautious of overloaded lorries and trucks overtaking when there is no hard shoulder.
- Road accidentsRoad accidents are a frequent occurrence in Morocco. If you’re involved in a road accident, complete a form (‘constat amiable’), to be signed by both parties. Blank forms are available from insurance company booths in Tangier Port and tobacconists in all cities.
- Vehicle documentationThe authorities will record your registration number when you drive into Morocco. If you’re not in the same vehicle when you try to leave the country, they will detain you and refuse to let you exit.
- TaxisMany taxis booked through ride sharing applications may be unregulated and unlicensed. Travellers should therefore exercise caution and remain vigilant if using these applications. Drivers may not be registered with the authorities, and their vehicles may not be insured to carry passengers. The police may tell you to get out of an unlicensed taxi…
- Electronic scooters and bikesWhen riding an electronic scooter or bike, wear a helmet and do not use headphones or earphones while riding. Be aware there are often no cycle lanes on roads.
Outdoor activities and adventure tourism
- Hiking in the Atlas MountainsIf you’re planning to hike in the Atlas Mountains:
- Quad bikingQuad bike accidents involving British nationals frequently occur in resort areas. Take the same precautions as you would in the UK. Safety standards vary considerably. Always wear a crash helmet.
- Hot air balloonsBook hot air balloon trips only through licensed tour operators. Unlicensed providers may not meet required safety standards.
- BeachesMany beaches in Morocco have limited or no lifeguard cover, and safety signage may be minimal. Strong currents and unexpected waves can occur. Take care when entering the water and avoid swimming in isolated areas. See water safety guidance if swimming.
Extreme weather and natural disasters
- EarthquakesEarthquakes are a risk in Morocco. The last major earthquake, in 2023, killed almost 3,000 people. There are occasional minor earthquakes. Familiarise yourself with earthquake safety procedures and any instructions in hotel rooms.
- FloodingHeavy rain can cause flash flooding in some areas, particularly in the mountains or near rivers during winter months. Walking and driving can be dangerous in flooded areas. If you’re near a flood, monitor local media and follow instructions from local authorities.
Wildfires
- There is a risk of wildfires during the summer season. Wildfires are highly dangerous and unpredictable. The situation can change quickly. Always follow the advice and instructions of the local authorities. Make sure cigarettes are properly extinguished, do not light barbecues and do not leave empty glass bottles behind.
Headings and opening lines from the UK FCDO “Safety and security” travel advice for Morocco, updated 2026-08-19 (Open Government Licence v3.0). Read the full advice on gov.uk →
Country figures
- Homicide rate
- 1.67 /100k2024
- Income inequality
- Gini 39.52013
- Human development
- HDI 0.7102023
- Income
- $10,960/yrGNI per capita PPP
- Road deaths
- 17.0 /100kWHO, 2019
- Political stability
- 58/100WGI, 2024 · higher = more stable
- Rule of law
- 51/100WGI, 2024
- Corruption perceptions
- 39/100Transparency Intl, 2025 · higher = cleaner
- Natural-hazard risk
- 4.3/10EU INFORM, 2026 · higher = riskier
- Women, Peace & Security
- 0.67GIWPS, 2025 · 0-1, higher = better
- Air quality
- 18.7 µg/m³PM2.5, 2023 · WHO guideline is 5
- Safe drinking water
- 80%of population, 2024 · WHO/UNICEF JMP
- Healthcare capacity
- 0.7 doctors /1k0.7 hospital beds per 1,000
- Malaria
- 0 /1k at riskWHO, 2024 · endemic countries only
Natural hazards
- Drought
- 6.4/10EU INFORM, 2026 · higher = riskier
- Flood
- 5.0/10EU INFORM, 2026 · higher = riskier
- Tsunami
- 4.5/10EU INFORM, 2026 · higher = riskier
- Earthquake
- 4.4/10EU INFORM, 2026 · higher = riskier
Hazard types scoring under 1 out of 10 are not listed.
Same-sex sexual activity is criminalized in Morocco (as of 2025). This describes the law on the books, not necessarily enforcement practice.
How Morocco compares
| Measure | Morocco | World median | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Homicide rate | 1.7 /100k | 2.4 /100k | −0.7 /100k — better for Morocco |
| Income inequality (Gini) | 39.5 | 35.2 | +4.3 — better for World median |
| Human development (HDI) | 0.710 | 0.763 | −0.053 — better for World median |
| Road deaths | 17.0 /100k | 15.4 /100k | +1.6 /100k — better for World median |
| Rule of law | 51/100 | 52/100 | −1/100 — better for World median |
| Corruption perceptions | 39/100 | 39/100 | ±0/100 |
| Air quality (PM2.5) | 18.7 µg/m³ | 19.7 µg/m³ | −1.0 µg/m³ — better for Morocco |
| Natural-hazard risk | 4.3/10 | 3.8/10 | +0.5/10 — better for World median |
| Measure | Morocco | Africa median | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Homicide rate | 1.7 /100k | 4.7 /100k | −3.0 /100k — better for Morocco |
| Income inequality (Gini) | 39.5 | 38.3 | +1.3 — better for Africa median |
| Human development (HDI) | 0.710 | 0.560 | +0.150 — better for Morocco |
| Road deaths | 17.0 /100k | 28.2 /100k | −11.2 /100k — better for Morocco |
| Rule of law | 51/100 | 42/100 | +9/100 — better for Morocco |
| Corruption perceptions | 39/100 | 30/100 | +9/100 — better for Morocco |
| Air quality (PM2.5) | 18.7 µg/m³ | 27.7 µg/m³ | −9.0 µg/m³ — better for Morocco |
| Natural-hazard risk | 4.3/10 | 5.3/10 | −1.0/10 — better for Morocco |
Medians, not means, so one extreme country cannot drag the reference value. Each row compares only the countries that have a published figure for that measure, and differences are plain arithmetic between stored values.
All 36 cities, safest first
- Casablanca72.6 · #3106 worldwide
- Rabat71.4 · #3234 worldwide
- Marrakesh71.4 · #3235 worldwide
- Agadir71.4 · #3236 worldwide
- Meknes71.4 · #3237 worldwide
- Oujda71.4 · #3238 worldwide
- Kenitra71.4 · #3239 worldwide
- Tétouan71.4 · #3240 worldwide
- Safi71.4 · #3241 worldwide
- Nador71.4 · #3242 worldwide
- El Jadida71.4 · #3243 worldwide
- Khouribga71.4 · #3244 worldwide
- Beni Mellal71.4 · #3245 worldwide
- Aït Melloul71.4 · #3246 worldwide
- Taza71.4 · #3247 worldwide
- Berrechid71.4 · #3248 worldwide
- Khemisset71.4 · #3249 worldwide
- Berkane71.4 · #3250 worldwide
- Settat71.4 · #3251 worldwide
- Ksar el-Kebir71.4 · #3252 worldwide
- Larache71.4 · #3253 worldwide
- Sidi Slimane71.4 · #3254 worldwide
- Khenifra71.4 · #3255 worldwide
- Guelmim71.4 · #3256 worldwide
- Guercif71.4 · #3257 worldwide
- Fkih Ben Salah71.4 · #3258 worldwide
- Taourirt71.4 · #3259 worldwide
- Tiflet71.4 · #3260 worldwide
- Errachidia71.4 · #3261 worldwide
- Oued Zem71.4 · #3262 worldwide
- El Kelaa des Sraghna71.4 · #3263 worldwide
- Souk El Arbaa71.4 · #3264 worldwide
- Sidi Kacem71.4 · #3265 worldwide
- Fez65.4 · #3870 worldwide
- Sefrou65.4 · #3871 worldwide
- Tangier63.8 · #4084 worldwide