Morocco Visa RequirementsFor New Zealand passport holders
New Zealand citizens can visit Morocco visa-free for up to 90 days. Morocco is a captivating blend of ancient and modern: labyrinthine medinas, Sahara desert dunes, snow-capped Atlas Mountains, and vibrant souks.
Great news! New Zealand passport holders can enter Morocco without a visa for tourism or business purposes. You can stay up to 90 days.
No visa is required for NZ citizens for stays up to 90 days. Entry is by stamp in the passport. Marrakech Menara (RAK) and Casablanca Mohammed V (CMN) are the main international airports. Fez (FEZ) and Agadir (AGA) also have international connections. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay. Keep your entry stamp receipt. Morocco is separate from the Schengen Area: time spent in Morocco does not count toward the Schengen 90-day allowance.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond date of entry
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Required Documents
Valid New Zealand Passport
Must be valid for the duration of your stay.
Return or Onward Ticket
Proof of departure from Morocco, such as a return flight booking or onward travel itinerary.
Proof of Accommodation Recommended
Hotel reservation, Airbnb booking, or address where you will be staying in Morocco.
Proof of Sufficient Funds Recommended
Credit cards, bank statements, or cash to cover your expenses during your stay in Morocco.
Travel Insurance Recommended
Strongly recommended for all international travel, covering medical emergencies.
Current Travel Situation
New Zealand to Morocco: What You Need to Know
Morocco is an increasingly popular destination for New Zealand travellers seeking an exotic but accessible experience. Marrakech, Fez, Chefchaouen (the blue city), the Sahara Desert near Merzouga, the Atlas Mountains, and the Atlantic coast (Essaouira, Agadir) are all major draws. Morocco is geographically accessible from Europe, making it a natural add-on for NZ travellers already in Spain or France. Morocco has a fascinating mix of Berber, Arab, French, and Spanish cultural influences.
How to Get There
Morocco is easily reached from Spain (Tarifa-Tangier ferry: 35 minutes; Algeciras-Ceuta: 1h) and France (direct flights from Paris, Lyon, Marseille). Most NZ travellers reach Morocco via Madrid or Paris connections, or via Casablanca on Royal Air Maroc. The train from Tangier to Marrakech runs daily (5.5h to Casablanca, then connection). The Marrakech-Fez-Chefchaouen-Casablanca circuit takes 7-10 days comfortably. Buses (CTM, Supratours) are cheap and comfortable between cities.
Money & Banking
Morocco uses the Moroccan Dirham (MAD). Currently around 6-7 MAD per NZD. Morocco is very affordable. A bowl of harira soup costs MAD 10-20. A tagine at a mid-range restaurant costs MAD 70-120. Riad accommodation in Marrakech ranges from MAD 400-2000/night. ATMs are available in all major cities and tourist areas. Credit cards accepted at hotels and larger restaurants but carry MAD cash for medinas and rural areas.
Practical Tips
Haggling is expected at Moroccan souks and markets: start at around one-third of the asking price and negotiate upward. Carry small denomination Moroccan Dirhams (MAD) as many medina vendors and food stalls do not accept cards. Respect local customs: dress modestly (shoulders and knees covered) when outside beach or pool areas. The call to prayer (adhan) five times daily is part of life. Marrakech medina can be disorienting: hire a licensed guide from your riad for the first day to learn the layout.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do NZ citizens need a visa for Morocco?
No. NZ citizens can visit Morocco visa-free for up to 90 days. No advance application is needed. Simply present your NZ passport at Moroccan immigration.
What are the best places to visit in Morocco?
Marrakech (Jemaa el-Fna square, Majorelle Garden, souks), Fez (oldest medieval medina, Chouara tannery), Chefchaouen (blue-painted mountain village), the Sahara Desert (camel trek and overnight camp near Merzouga or M'Hamid), the Atlas Mountains (Toubkal hike, Berber villages), and the coastal cities of Essaouira (windsurfing, medina) and Casablanca (Hassan II Mosque).
Is Marrakech safe for NZ visitors?
Marrakech's medina can be disorienting and some touts are persistent, but it is not dangerous. Tips: ignore unsolicited guides (use your hotel's recommended guides), agree on taxi fares before getting in (meter is rarely used), be aware of your surroundings in the souks, and do not follow people who offer to show you something for free. The main square (Jemaa el-Fna) is safe but busy.
How do I visit the Sahara Desert from Marrakech?
The most popular route: Marrakech to Merzouga (near the Erg Chebbi sand dunes) is approximately 9 hours by bus or private transfer. Most NZ visitors take a 3-day overland tour from Marrakech (through Ait Benhaddou UNESCO kasbah, Dades Gorge) ending in Merzouga for a camel trek and desert camp. Return via Ouarzazate. Overnight desert camps are magical for stargazing.
What should NZ female travellers know about Morocco?
Morocco is generally safe for solo female NZ travellers with standard precautions. Dress modestly (covering shoulders and knees, especially in medinas and rural areas) to reduce unwanted attention. Wearing a headscarf is not required for non-Muslims but reduces hassle in very conservative areas. The main tourist areas of Marrakech, Fez, and Chefchaouen are accustomed to Western tourists.
What is the currency in Morocco and how do I pay for things?
Morocco uses the Moroccan Dirham (MAD), which is a non-convertible currency: you cannot purchase MAD outside Morocco and must reconvert or spend your remaining MAD before leaving. ATMs are widely available in cities. Credit cards accepted at hotels and tourist restaurants. Cash is essential for souks, street food, and smaller establishments.
Is there good transport between Morocco and Spain for NZ travellers?
Yes. Ferries connect Tangier (Morocco) to Algeciras and Tarifa (Spain): the Tarifa-Tangier crossing takes just 35 minutes and ferries run multiple times daily. This makes Morocco an excellent add-on for NZ travellers who are already in Spain. Cheap budget flights (Ryanair, easyJet) also connect Marrakech, Casablanca, and Agadir to many European cities.
What is the Berber culture in Morocco and how does it enrich a NZ visit?
The Berbers (Amazigh) are the indigenous people of North Africa, predating Arab arrival. Morocco has a large Berber population, particularly in the Atlas Mountains and Sahara regions. Traditional Berber villages, carpet weaving, silver jewelry, and music are culturally distinct from Arab Moroccan culture. A visit to a Berber village in the Atlas Mountains or a stay at a desert camp near Merzouga provides authentic cultural exchange.