Morocco: Authorities suspend flights to and from several additional countries until May 21 to combat COVID-19 /update 61

Event

Authorities in Morocco have suspended flights to and from 13 additional countries through at least May 21 as part of their efforts to combat the spread of COVID-19 and its variants. The countries in question are Albania, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, and Slovenia. The new directive is in addition to an existing ban on flights with the following other nations which is also in force through May 21:

• Algeria, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Cameroon, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Egypt, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Kuwait, Lebanon, Mozambique, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Tunisia, Turkey, the UK, Ukraine

The measure also bans the entry of passengers from the aforementioned countries who are transiting through other countries.

Most other international passenger flights remain suspended until further notice; however, some airlines operate limited repatriation and charter flights. Emergency and cargo flights are exempt. Sea travel to Spain, Gibraltar, and France remains suspended. The border with the Spanish autonomous cities of Ceuta and Melilla, located on the northern coast of Africa, is closed until further notice.

Nevertheless, the country's borders are open to authorized business visitors, such as people with invitations from Moroccan companies, to travel to the country with confirmed hotel reservations. The invitation from a Moroccan company must include the traveler's full name and passport number, the purpose of the visit, and the length of stay in the country. Royal Air Maroc (AT) has announced that it would accommodate and allow foreigners who meet the government's requirements to fly with the airline.

A 20:00-06:00 nightly curfew for the month of Ramadan is in force through May 13. All shops, malls, and restaurants across the country must close by 20:00 while the curfew remains in effect. Nationwide, some businesses and services, including hotels, intercity transport, and restaurants, are allowed to open, albeit under certain operating capacity limitations. Authorities have banned private and public gatherings. Domestic flights and public transport, including train and bus services, are in operation. A nationwide health state of emergency (SoE) remains in place through at least May 10. The SoE grants the government authority to impose swift and proactive measures, including curfews and travel restrictions.

For disease monitoring and tracking purposes, the Moroccan government has classified certain areas in the country as Zone-1 or Zone-2 regions, based on the local level of COVID-19 activity. In Zone-1 regions, authorities have eased restrictions due to lower disease activity. Residents can leave their homes without special permits but must carry their national identity cards at all times. Certain commercial establishments, such as restaurants, cafes, hotels, beaches, and public baths, are allowed to reopen; all businesses must operate at 50-percent capacity and comply with the country's social distancing guidelines. Zone-2 areas are those where authorities have eased only some restrictions; individuals may not travel outside their municipalities of residence without a special permit.

Authorities could reimpose, extend, further ease, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice depending on disease activity over the coming weeks.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all business appointments and travel arrangements. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions. Reconsider and reconfirm nonemergency health appointments. Plan for queues and delays at available shopping centers.

Resources

World Health Organization
Moroccan Ministry of Health (French)