Tangier Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in Tangier.
Healthcare System
Tangier has both public and private healthcare facilities. Private clinics and hospitals generally offer better quality care and shorter wait times than public facilities. Many doctors in private facilities speak French and some speak English, though Arabic is the primary language in public hospitals.
Hospitals
Main facilities include Clinique Al Moustakbal, Clinique du Croissant Rouge, and Hôpital Mohamed V (public). Private clinics are recommended for tourists and typically require upfront payment or proof of insurance. The Spanish Hospital (Clinique Espagnole) is well-regarded by expatriates.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies (pharmacies/صيدلية) are widely available throughout Tangier and identifiable by green crosses. Pharmacists are well-trained and can provide advice for minor ailments. Many medications available by prescription-only in other countries can be purchased over-the-counter. Pharmacies operate on a rotating schedule for night and weekend coverage (pharmacie de garde).
Insurance
Travel health insurance is not legally required but strongly recommended. Most healthcare facilities require payment upfront, and comprehensive insurance with evacuation coverage is essential. Keep all receipts for reimbursement claims.
Healthcare Tips
- Bring sufficient supplies of prescription medications in original packaging with doctor's letter
- Tap water is generally not safe to drink; stick to bottled water to avoid gastrointestinal issues
- Private clinics may require upfront payment even with insurance; keep emergency funds available
- For serious emergencies, consider the proximity to Spanish healthcare facilities in Tarifa or Algeciras
- Pharmacies can help with minor issues like traveler's diarrhea, sunburn, or headaches without seeing a doctor
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Pickpocketing, bag snatching, and theft of unattended belongings occur in tourist areas, particularly in crowded spaces. Thieves often work in teams to distract victims.
Unofficial guides and touts can be very persistent in approaching tourists, offering unsolicited help, directions, or guiding services. Some may become aggressive if refused or demand payment after unwanted assistance.
Traffic in Tangier can be chaotic with aggressive driving, poorly maintained vehicles, motorcycles weaving through traffic, and pedestrians sharing narrow streets. Traffic rules are often ignored.
Traveler's diarrhea and food poisoning can occur from contaminated water, ice, unwashed produce, or food prepared in unsanitary conditions.
Some travelers, particularly women, may experience catcalling, unwanted attention, or inappropriate comments. While usually not physically threatening, it can be uncomfortable and persistent.
Individuals may approach tourists offering to sell hashish or other drugs. Possession and use of drugs is illegal in Morocco with serious penalties including imprisonment.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Someone approaches offering to show you around the medina or help you find your hotel/restaurant. After leading you around (sometimes to shops where they receive commission), they demand an inflated payment and may become aggressive if you refuse.
Always confirm directly with your hotel if there are any issues. Ignore strangers who tell you your accommodation has problems. If concerned, call your hotel yourself rather than trusting a stranger's information.
Shop owners convince tourists to purchase expensive carpets or goods with promises of cheap international shipping. Items either never arrive, arrive damaged, or shipping costs are much higher than promised.
Unofficial money changers offer better rates than banks but use sleight of hand, miscounting, or counterfeit bills to cheat tourists. Some distract you during counting or swap bills.
Restaurants without clear menus add unexpected charges, bring items you didn't order, or charge significantly more than the menu price, claiming special tourist pricing or misunderstanding.
Someone approaches offering a 'free' friendship bracelet, henna tattoo, or small gift. Once accepted or applied, they demand payment and may become aggressive or claim you've damaged their work.
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
Money and Valuables
- Use ATMs inside banks during business hours rather than standalone machines at night
- Carry only what you need for the day; leave passports and extra cash in hotel safes
- Keep small bills separate for purchases to avoid displaying large amounts of money
- Divide money between different locations on your person
- Be discreet when accessing money belts or hidden pouches
- Notify your bank of travel plans to avoid card blocks
Navigating the Medina
- Download offline maps before entering the medina (Google Maps works reasonably well)
- Take photos of landmarks to help retrace your steps
- Getting 'lost' in the medina is normal and part of the experience, but stay calm
- Walk with purpose even if uncertain; appearing confident deters unwanted attention
- Note the direction of the sea (downhill generally leads to the port)
- Consider hiring an official guide for your first medina exploration
- Avoid very narrow, empty alleys, especially after dark
Transportation Safety
- Use official taxis (petit taxis are blue in Tangier) and insist on the meter or agree on price before departure
- For airport/port transfers, arrange through your hotel or use official taxi stands
- Avoid unlicensed taxis or accepting rides from strangers
- Keep valuables secure and bags on your lap in taxis, not in the trunk
- Use reputable ride-sharing apps if available, or have your hotel call a trusted taxi
- Train travel is generally safe; keep belongings secure and in sight
Cultural Respect and Awareness
- Dress modestly, especially in non-touristy areas and religious sites; cover shoulders and knees
- Ask permission before photographing people, particularly women
- Remove shoes when entering mosques (non-Muslims cannot enter most mosques in Morocco)
- Avoid public displays of affection beyond hand-holding
- Use your right hand for eating and greeting (left hand is considered unclean)
- Learn basic Arabic or French greetings; locals appreciate the effort
- Respect prayer times and Ramadan practices if visiting during the holy month
Accommodation Security
- Use hotel safes for passports, extra cash, and valuables
- Check that doors and windows lock properly upon arrival
- Don't leave valuables visible in your room
- Keep your room number private; don't announce it in public
- Verify the identity of anyone claiming to be hotel staff before opening your door
- Choose accommodations in well-reviewed, established areas for first-time visitors
Communication
- Purchase a local SIM card for reliable communication and data
- Share your itinerary with someone back home
- Keep your embassy or consulate contact information saved
- Have your hotel's address written in Arabic for taxi drivers
- Download translation apps for offline use
- Keep emergency numbers saved in your phone
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
Women travelers can safely visit Tangier, though they may experience more attention and harassment than in Western countries. Solo female travelers report varying experiences, from entirely positive to occasionally frustrating due to persistent attention. Morocco is more conservative than European countries, and women are expected to dress and behave modestly. Harassment is usually verbal rather than physical, but it can be uncomfortable. Many women travelers successfully navigate Tangier by dressing conservatively, projecting confidence, and being firm with unwanted attention.
- Dress modestly: cover shoulders, chest, and knees; loose-fitting clothing is recommended
- Wear a fake wedding ring and mention your 'husband' to deflect unwanted attention
- Avoid eye contact with men if you don't want to engage; sunglasses can help
- Walk confidently and with purpose; appearing uncertain attracts more attention
- Consider joining group tours or activities to meet other travelers
- If harassed, enter a shop or café rather than engaging with harassers
- Use women-only train compartments when available
- Book accommodations in well-reviewed, tourist-friendly areas
- Avoid walking alone in the medina at night; take taxis after dark
- Trust your instincts; if a situation feels wrong, remove yourself
- Connect with other travelers at your accommodation for medina exploration
- Ignore catcalls and comments; responding usually encourages more attention
- In restaurants, women-only or family sections may offer more comfortable dining
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Homosexuality is illegal in Morocco under Article 489 of the Penal Code, with penalties including fines and imprisonment of up to three years. Same-sex marriage is not recognized, and there are no anti-discrimination protections for LGBTQ+ individuals. While prosecutions of tourists are rare, the law creates a climate of risk.
- Avoid all public displays of affection with same-sex partners
- Do not discuss sexual orientation openly with strangers or in public
- Book accommodations carefully; consider international hotel chains that may be more discreet
- Request separate beds if needed to avoid unwanted questions
- Be extremely cautious about using dating apps; entrapment and blackmail have been reported
- Dress and behave according to local conservative norms to avoid additional scrutiny
- Do not assume that people are safe to confide in, even if they seem friendly
- Be aware that photography or evidence of same-sex relationships could be used against you
- Understand that legal protections available in your home country do not apply
- Consider whether the risks align with your comfort level before traveling
- Have contact information for your embassy in case of legal issues
- Travel insurance may not cover issues related to activities that are illegal locally
Travel Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance is essential for visiting Tangier. Morocco's healthcare system requires upfront payment for services, and quality private care can be expensive. Medical evacuation to Europe or major Moroccan cities could cost tens of thousands of dollars. Insurance also protects against trip cancellations, lost luggage, theft, and other common travel disruptions. Without insurance, you could face significant financial burden from medical emergencies or unexpected incidents.
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