Is it safe to visit Morocco? Latest travel advice

Everything you need to know about travel to Morocco and Marrakech amid escalating tensions in the Middle East

Following the recent escalation of conflict in the Middle East, some people may be concerned about the safety of travelling to Morocco or other areas in North Africa.
Here’s everything you need to know about travel to Morocco, whether it is safe to visit, and your rights if you do decide to cancel your upcoming holiday.
Marrakech is approximately 2,500 miles away from the conflict zone on the Israel-Lebanon border. To put that into perspective: London is closer to the conflict zone and Marrakech is closer to Iceland. So despite being part of North Africa, a region that borders the Middle East, Morocco is very far away from the military action.
There are no travel advisories against visiting Morocco. However, the FCDO has updated its Morocco advice regarding the conflict in the Middle East: “Ongoing hostilities between Israel and Lebanon could escalate quickly and pose risks for the wider region”, it says.
The FCDO also advises to avoid political demonstrations in Morocco.
“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 disruption in the affected areas. Avoid political gatherings and demonstrations and follow local news and directions from security officials,” the FCDO advises.
The FCDO also gives advice regarding crime, scams, LGBT+ rights and extreme weather events among other safety issues in Morocco.
In 2018, two tourists were murdered while hiking near Mount Toubkal in Morocco’s Atlas Mountains. The FCDO advises: “There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.”
Attacks could be indiscriminate, the FCDO warns, including places frequented by foreign nationals like tourist locations, transport hubs, crowded areas and businesses with Western interests. 
“There is an increased threat linked to the number of Moroccans sympathetic or belonging to Daesh (formerly ISIL) and other extremist groups,” the FCDO adds. “Authorities regularly disrupt terrorist cells. In some places, including hotels and tourist sites, there may be protective security measures, including security guards.”
Yes. Flights from the UK to Morocco do not go near the Middle East. 
If you have booked a package holiday to Morocco and want to cancel your trip for any reason, contact your tour operator and they might offer flexibility with alternative dates. 
But bear in mind that, because the Foreign Office has not issued any formal advice against travel to Morocco, there is no guarantee you will receive a refund, nor will you be able to claim money back with your travel insurance company. 
If you have booked flights and accommodation independently, and wish to cancel your holiday, contact your travel providers as soon as possible to see if you can rearrange your plans. Note, however, that given the circumstances, it is unlikely you will receive a full refund.
This story was first published in October 2023 and has been revised and updated.