Morocco Visa RequirementsFor South Africa passport holders
South African citizens require a visa to enter Morocco. The Moroccan tourist visa costs approximately $30 USD and is applied for at the Embassy of Morocco in Pretoria or through designated visa application centers. Approved visas allow stays up to 90 days.
South Africa passport holders require a visa to enter Morocco.
Apply at the Embassy of Morocco in Pretoria (799 Schoeman Street, Arcadia). Required documents: valid passport (minimum 6 months validity), completed visa application form, passport photo, return air tickets, proof of accommodation, bank statements (3 months), and employment letter. The fee is approximately $30 USD equivalent. Processing time is 5 to 10 business days. Apply at least 3 weeks before travel.
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
For Your Visa Application
Completed Moroccan Visa Application Form
Obtain from the Moroccan Embassy in Pretoria. Complete in full in block capitals.
Valid South African Passport
Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended Morocco stay, with at least 2 blank pages.
Passport Photos (2)
Two recent color photos, white background, facing forward.
Confirmed Return or Onward Air Tickets
Confirmed flight tickets showing entry to and exit from Morocco.
Proof of Accommodation
Hotel bookings, riad reservations, or host address in Morocco for the full stay.
Bank Statements (3 months)
Three months of bank statements demonstrating adequate funds.
Employment Letter
Employer letter confirming position, salary, and approved leave.
Required at Entry
Morocco Visa Stamp in Passport
Visa stamp must be valid.
Current Travel Situation
South Africa to Morocco: What You Need to Know
South Africa and Morocco have significant bilateral ties rooted in African Union membership and the AU's two major African powerhouses north and south of the Sahara. Morocco rejoined the African Union in 2017 after decades of absence. South Africa and Morocco occasionally compete for continental leadership positions within the AU. Trade ties are growing, particularly in phosphates (Morocco is the world's largest phosphate exporter), agriculture, and services. Morocco is also a major gateway between Africa and Europe.
How to Get There
Royal Air Maroc operates direct flights from Johannesburg (JNB) to Casablanca (CMN). This is a direct connection between the continent's two most significant economies. South African Airways has also served the route. Flight time is approximately 7 to 8 hours. Connections via Paris, London, and Istanbul are also available.
Money & Banking
Morocco uses the Moroccan Dirham (MAD). The Dirham is not officially convertible outside Morocco; exchange money on arrival. ATMs are widely available. Cards accepted in hotels, riads, and larger restaurants; cash is preferred in souks and small establishments. Budget 400 to 800 MAD (approximately 40 to 80 USD) per day for mid-range travel.
Practical Tips
Morocco is a magnificent destination: Marrakech's medina and Djemaa el-Fna square; Fes's 9th-century medina (UNESCO World Heritage); Chefchaouen's blue-painted streets; the Sahara Desert near Merzouga; the Atlas Mountains; and the Atlantic coast (Essaouira, Agadir). Morocco is notably more affordable than European destinations. The cuisine (tagine, couscous, pastilla, mint tea) is world-class. French and Arabic are the main languages; English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do South Africans need a visa to visit Morocco?
Yes. South African passport holders require a Moroccan tourist visa. Apply at the Embassy of Morocco in Pretoria (799 Schoeman Street, Arcadia). The fee is approximately $30 USD equivalent. Processing takes 5 to 10 business days. The visa allows stays up to 90 days.
Are there direct flights from South Africa to Morocco?
Yes. Royal Air Maroc operates direct flights from Johannesburg (JNB) to Casablanca (CMN). South African Airways has also served the route. Flight time is approximately 7 to 8 hours. This direct connection between the two largest African economies is one of the continent's more important aviation routes.
What currency does Morocco use?
Morocco uses the Moroccan Dirham (MAD). The Dirham is not officially exchangeable outside Morocco; convert money on arrival at the airport or at bank branches. ATMs are widely available in cities. Cards are accepted in hotels and larger establishments; cash is preferred in souks, riads, and local restaurants. Budget 400 to 800 MAD (40 to 80 USD) per day for mid-range travel.
What are the top Moroccan destinations for South African travelers?
Marrakech (Djemaa el-Fna square with food stalls and entertainers, souks, Koutoubia Mosque, Majorelle Garden, hammams), Fes (one of the world's best-preserved medieval cities, the 9th-century medina UNESCO, tanneries, Al-Qarawiyyin University the world's oldest), Chefchaouen (the blue-painted mountain town in the Rif Mountains), the Sahara Desert near Merzouga (camel treks, overnight camps under stars), the coastal city of Essaouira (ramparts, wind sports, gnawa music), and the High Atlas Mountains.
What is the Sahara Desert experience like from Morocco?
The Merzouga dunes (Erg Chebbi) in southeastern Morocco are the classic Sahara experience: massive orange sand dunes up to 150 m high. Most travelers do a 2-night excursion from Marrakech or Fes by 4WD or minibus (8 to 10 hours). Activities include camel trekking at sunset, an overnight camp with dinner and drumming under stars, and early morning dune sunrise. The drive from Fes passes through dramatic Middle Atlas and High Atlas mountain scenery.
What is Moroccan food culture like?
Moroccan cuisine is one of the world's great food traditions. Tagine (slow-cooked meat or vegetable stew in a conical clay pot, typically with preserved lemon, olives, and argan oil), couscous (the Friday national dish), harira (spiced tomato-lentil-chickpea soup), pastilla (sweet-savory pigeon or chicken pastry), and mechoui (slow-roasted whole lamb) are classics. Argan oil and preserved lemon are uniquely Moroccan condiments. Mint tea poured from height is the ceremonial welcome drink.
Is Morocco safe for South African travelers?
Morocco is generally safe for tourists. Standard precautions apply in medinas: fake guides (faux guides) will attempt to charge for unsolicited assistance; politely decline and navigate with GPS. Bargaining in souks is expected and part of the experience. The main squares in Marrakech (Djemaa el-Fna) and Fes are tourist-police patrolled. Women traveling alone should be aware of persistent attention in some medina areas; dressing modestly reduces unwanted interaction.
What is the connection between South Africa and Morocco within the African Union?
Morocco and South Africa are the two most economically significant African nations (by GDP) and have a complex AU relationship. Morocco rejoined the African Union in 2017 after a 33-year absence over the Western Sahara dispute. South Africa supports the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (Western Sahara's independence), while Morocco considers Western Sahara its territory; this has been a source of diplomatic tension between the two countries. Despite this, bilateral trade and cultural ties are growing.