Tangier Entry Requirements

Visa, immigration, and customs information

Tangier, Morocco's gateway between Africa and Europe, welcomes millions of international visitors each year. The city is served by Ibn Battouta Airport (TNG) and the Tangier-Ville Port, both offering immigration facilities for travelers arriving by air or sea from Spain and other destinations. Entry requirements for Tangier follow Morocco's national immigration policies, which vary significantly based on nationality. Most Western tourists can enter Morocco visa-free for stays up to 90 days, making Tangier an accessible destination for short-term visits. Upon arrival, travelers will go through passport control where immigration officers will stamp your passport and may ask basic questions about your stay. The process is generally straightforward, though wait times can vary depending on arrival times and season. Having all required documents ready and organized will help ensure a smooth entry. Whether you're arriving at the airport or by ferry from Spain, it's essential to have a passport valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay, proof of accommodation, and evidence of sufficient funds or a return ticket. Morocco has modernized its immigration procedures in recent years, but travelers should always verify current requirements with official sources before departure, as policies can change with little notice.

Visa Requirements

Entry permissions vary by nationality. Find your category below.

Morocco operates a tiered visa policy that grants visa-free access to many nationalities while requiring others to obtain a visa in advance. The allowed duration of stay and visa requirements depend entirely on your nationality.

Visa-Free Entry

Up to 90 days within a 180-day period

Citizens of these countries can enter Morocco without a visa for tourism or business purposes

Includes

United States Canada United Kingdom All European Union countries Australia New Zealand Japan South Korea Brazil Argentina Chile Mexico United Arab Emirates Saudi Arabia Hong Kong Singapore Turkey Tunisia Algeria Indonesia Philippines

Passport must be valid for at least 6 months from date of entry. The 90-day period is strictly enforced, and overstaying can result in fines, detention, or future entry bans. Some nationalities may have different durations - always verify your specific country's agreement with Morocco.

Visa on Arrival

Varies by nationality

Very limited countries eligible for visa on arrival

Includes

Currently not widely available - most countries require visa in advance if not visa-exempt

How to Apply: Morocco does not generally offer visa on arrival. Travelers requiring visas must obtain them before travel.
Cost: N/A

If you are not from a visa-exempt country, you must apply for a visa at a Moroccan embassy or consulate before traveling. Do not arrive without proper documentation.

Visa Required

Typically 30-90 days depending on visa type granted

Nationals of countries not listed in the visa-free category must obtain a visa prior to travel

How to Apply: Apply at the nearest Moroccan embassy or consulate in your country of residence. Processing typically takes 10-15 business days but can take longer. Required documents usually include: valid passport (6+ months validity), completed application form, passport photos, proof of accommodation, return flight ticket, bank statements, and travel insurance. Some nationalities may require additional documentation or an invitation letter.

Countries requiring visas include most African nations (with some exceptions), many Asian countries, and others not listed in visa-free category. Business visas and long-term visas have different requirements. Always apply well in advance of travel dates.

Arrival Process

Whether arriving at Ibn Battouta Airport or Tangier-Ville Port, the entry process follows a standard procedure. Most travelers find the process straightforward, though language barriers can occasionally occur as officials may speak Arabic, French, or limited English.

Disembarkation

Exit your aircraft or ferry and follow signs to 'Passport Control' or 'Immigration' (Contrôle des Passeports). Keep your passport and any required documents easily accessible.

Immigration Queue

Join the appropriate queue - typically separated into 'Moroccan Nationals' and 'Foreign Passports'. EU/Schengen passport holders may have a separate fast-track lane at the airport.

Document Check

Present your passport to the immigration officer. They will check your passport validity, visa status (if applicable), and may ask questions about your visit. The officer will stamp your passport with an entry stamp showing your arrival date.

Customs Declaration

Collect your luggage (if arriving by air) and proceed to customs. You may need to complete a customs declaration form if carrying items to declare. Most travelers can proceed through the 'Nothing to Declare' (green) channel.

Final Exit

Exit through customs into the arrivals area. Currency exchange offices, ATMs, and transportation options are available in the arrivals hall.

Documents to Have Ready

Valid Passport

Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned departure date from Morocco. Must have at least one blank page for entry stamp.

Return or Onward Ticket

Proof of departure from Morocco (flight, ferry, or bus ticket). While not always checked, immigration officers may request this to confirm you don't intend to overstay.

Accommodation Details

Hotel reservation, rental agreement, or invitation letter if staying with friends/family. Officers may ask where you're staying.

Proof of Sufficient Funds

Bank statements, credit cards, or cash to demonstrate you can support yourself during your stay. Rarely requested but good to have available.

Visa (if required)

If your nationality requires a visa, it must be obtained before travel and presented at immigration.

Customs Declaration Form

Completed if you're carrying items that need to be declared (large amounts of currency, restricted goods, etc.). Forms are usually provided on aircraft/ferry or at customs.

Tips for Smooth Entry

Have all documents organized and easily accessible before reaching the immigration counter to speed up the process.

Dress modestly and respectfully when going through immigration, as Morocco is a conservative Muslim country.

Be polite and patient with immigration officers. Answer questions clearly and honestly.

Take a photo of your passport entry stamp or note the date - you'll need to track your 90-day limit if on a visa-free entry.

Exchange a small amount of currency before leaving the airport/port for immediate expenses like taxis, as not all vendors accept cards or foreign currency.

If arriving by ferry from Spain, the process can be slower during peak summer months and holidays. Allow extra time.

Keep your passport secure at all times - you'll need it for hotel check-ins and it's your most important travel document.

If you have dual nationality, use the same passport for entry and exit to avoid complications.

Customs & Duty-Free

Morocco's customs regulations are designed to prevent smuggling while allowing reasonable personal items for travelers. Most tourists carrying standard luggage will pass through customs without issues, but it's important to be aware of allowances and restrictions.

Alcohol

1 liter of spirits and 1 liter of wine

Must be 18 years or older. Morocco is a Muslim country where alcohol consumption is less common, but tourists are allowed to bring reasonable amounts for personal use.

Tobacco

200 cigarettes OR 50 cigars OR 250g of tobacco

Must be 18 years or older. These are for personal consumption only.

Currency

Amounts exceeding 100,000 Moroccan Dirhams (approximately 10,000 USD/EUR equivalent) must be declared

There is no limit on foreign currency you can bring in, but amounts exceeding the threshold must be declared on arrival. Keep declaration forms if you plan to take currency out. Moroccan Dirhams cannot be imported or exported - exchange must happen within Morocco.

Gifts/Goods

Personal items and gifts up to 2,000 Moroccan Dirhams in value

Items clearly for personal use during your stay are generally not scrutinized. Commercial quantities of any goods will attract duties and require proper documentation.

Perfume

150ml of perfume and 250ml of eau de toilette

Reasonable amounts for personal use are typically allowed without issue.

Prohibited Items

Illegal drugs and narcotics - Morocco has very strict drug laws with severe penalties including long prison sentences
Pornographic materials - Morocco has strict decency laws and such materials will be confiscated
Weapons and ammunition - unless you have special permits (extremely difficult to obtain)
Drones - require special authorization from Moroccan authorities; recreational drones are generally prohibited
Counterfeit goods - fake designer items, pirated media, etc.
Moroccan Dirhams (MAD) - the local currency cannot be imported or exported
Certain religious materials - materials deemed offensive to Islam may be prohibited
Endangered species products - ivory, certain animal products, protected plants

Restricted Items

Professional camera/video equipment - may require a temporary import permit and deposit; tourist cameras are fine
Prescription medications - bring original packaging, prescriptions, and doctor's letter. Carry only what you need for your stay
Pets - require health certificates, rabies vaccination records, and import permits (see special situations)
Satellite phones and certain telecommunications equipment - may require authorization
Large amounts of the same item - could be considered commercial and subject to duties

Health Requirements

Morocco does not have extensive mandatory vaccination requirements for most travelers, but health precautions are recommended. Health requirements can change, especially in response to disease outbreaks, so always check current requirements before travel.

Required Vaccinations

Yellow Fever - Required ONLY if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Travelers arriving from Sub-Saharan Africa or tropical South America must present a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate. Not required for travelers from Europe, North America, or most of Asia.

Recommended Vaccinations

Routine vaccinations - Ensure you're up to date on routine vaccines including MMR, DPT, chickenpox, polio, and yearly flu shot
Hepatitis A - Recommended for all travelers as it can be contracted through contaminated food or water
Hepatitis B - Recommended for travelers who may have intimate contact with locals or require medical treatment
Typhoid - Recommended, especially if visiting smaller cities or rural areas, or if adventurous eating is planned
Rabies - Consider for travelers spending time outdoors, working with animals, or in areas where medical care may be limited

Health Insurance

Morocco does not require proof of health insurance for entry, but comprehensive travel health insurance is strongly recommended. Medical facilities in Tangier are adequate for routine issues, but serious conditions may require evacuation to Europe. Ensure your insurance covers: emergency medical treatment, hospitalization, medical evacuation, and repatriation. Keep insurance documents and emergency contact numbers accessible.

Current Health Requirements: COVID-19 requirements have been lifted as of 2023, but this could change. Check the Moroccan Ministry of Health website and your government's travel advisory before departure for any reinstated health screening, testing, or vaccination requirements. Some countries may have requirements for returning home that differ from Morocco's entry requirements.

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Important Contacts

Essential resources for your trip.

Embassy/Consulate

Contact your country's embassy or consulate in Morocco for citizen services, lost passport assistance, or emergencies

Major embassies are in Rabat (capital), with some consulates in Casablanca and Tangier. Register with your embassy's traveler program before departure. Check your government's travel advisory website for contact information and current travel warnings.

Moroccan Immigration Authority

Direction Générale de la Sûreté Nationale (DGSN) - National police and immigration authority

For visa extensions, registration requirements, or immigration questions. Website: www.dgsn.gov.ma (primarily in Arabic and French). Visa applications are processed through Moroccan embassies abroad, not within Morocco.

Emergency Services

Emergency number: 190 (Police), 150 (Ambulance/SAMU), 15 (Fire Brigade)

For general emergencies, dial 19. Tourist Police in Tangier can assist with tourist-related issues and often speak English or Spanish. Located near major tourist areas.

Ibn Battouta Airport

Tangier's international airport - for flight information and airport services

Airport code: TNG. Phone: +212 539-39-37-20. Located approximately 15km from Tangier city center.

Tangier Port Authority

For ferry schedules and port information

Main port for ferries from Spain (Tarifa, Algeciras, Barcelona). Tangier-Ville Port handles passengers; Tanger-Med Port handles primarily cargo but also some passenger ferries.

Special Situations

Additional requirements for specific circumstances.

Traveling with Children

Children must have their own passport (family passports are no longer accepted). Minors traveling without both parents should carry: a notarized letter of consent from the absent parent(s) authorizing travel, copies of the absent parent(s)' passport or ID, and the child's birth certificate. Single parents should carry the child's birth certificate and may need to provide proof of sole custody if applicable. Morocco is strict about child welfare, and authorities may question children traveling with only one parent or with non-parents. Divorced parents should carry custody documents. These requirements help prevent international child abduction.

Traveling with Pets

Pets (dogs and cats) can enter Morocco but require: a health certificate issued by an accredited veterinarian within 10 days of travel, proof of rabies vaccination administered at least 21 days before travel (and not expired), microchip identification (ISO 11784/11785 compliant), and import permit from Moroccan veterinary authorities. Certain breeds may be restricted. Pets must enter through designated ports of entry. Airlines have additional requirements for pet transport. Consider quarantine possibilities. Morocco can be challenging for pets due to climate and local attitudes toward animals. Check with your airline and the Moroccan Office National de Sécurité Sanitaire des Produits Alimentaires (ONSSA) well in advance.

Extended Stays

Tourist visas/visa-free stays are typically limited to 90 days. To extend your stay: apply at the local police station (Préfecture de Police) before your authorized stay expires - ideally at least one week before. Extensions are granted at the discretion of authorities and are not guaranteed. You'll need: valid passport, proof of sufficient funds, proof of accommodation, reason for extension, and application fee. Overstaying your authorized period can result in fines (approximately 200-300 MAD per day), deportation, and future entry bans. For long-term stays, consider: residence visa (requires employment, student status, or retirement proof), business visa for work purposes, or student visa for enrolled students. These must be arranged before entering Morocco or may require exiting and re-entering with the proper visa. Working on a tourist visa is illegal.

Business Travelers

Business travelers from visa-exempt countries can enter for business meetings, conferences, and negotiations under the standard 90-day visa-free entry, but cannot work or receive payment from Moroccan sources. For actual employment or long-term business activities, a work permit and business visa are required. Business travelers should carry: invitation letter from Moroccan company, business registration documents, proof of business purpose, and return ticket. If establishing a business, consult with Moroccan commercial authorities about registration requirements.

Students

Students planning to study in Morocco need a student visa obtained before arrival. Requirements include: acceptance letter from recognized Moroccan educational institution, proof of sufficient funds for duration of study, proof of accommodation, health insurance, and clean criminal record. Apply at Moroccan embassy/consulate in your home country. Student visas are typically issued for the duration of the academic program. You may need to register with local authorities after arrival.

Dual Nationals (Moroccan-Foreign)

If you hold Moroccan citizenship in addition to another nationality, Moroccan authorities will consider you Moroccan and may require you to enter and exit on your Moroccan passport. Dual nationals may face restrictions on leaving Morocco if there are legal issues (military service obligations, family law matters, etc.). Male dual nationals may be subject to compulsory military service requirements. Consult with the Moroccan embassy about your specific situation before travel.

Journalists and Media Professionals

Professional journalists, film crews, and media professionals should obtain proper accreditation before arrival. Contact the Moroccan Ministry of Communication for press credentials. Filming permits may be required for professional video/photography. Tourist photography is generally unrestricted, but avoid photographing military installations, government buildings, or people without permission. Drone photography requires special authorization and is generally prohibited for tourists.