Morocco: Authorities extend health state of emergency through Oct. 31 to combat COVID-19 /update 71

Event

Authorities in Morocco have extended the existing health state of emergency (SoE) through Oct. 31 to combat COVID-19. The SoE grants the government authority to impose proactive measures, including curfews and travel restrictions. Under the current restrictions, stores, restaurants, and cafes can operate until 21:00 daily. Many businesses, including hotels and restaurants, are also subject to capacity limitations. Domestic flights and public transport, including train and bus services, are in operation. However, authorities have banned private and public gatherings.

Officials previously extended the nightly 21:00-05:00 curfew until further notice. Authorities have also banned travel to and from Agadir, Casablanca, and Marrakesh; only vaccinated individuals and those with a permit can travel to those cities.

For disease monitoring and tracking purposes, the 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 have reopened; all businesses must operate at 50 percent capacity and comply with social distancing guidelines. Zone-2 areas are those where authorities have eased fewer restrictions. Additionally, individuals may not travel outside their municipalities of residence without a special permit.

International Restrictions
As part of its pandemic response, Morocco classifies foreign countries as "List A" or "List B" based on local disease activity. Travelers arriving from List A countries require a COVID-19 vaccination certificate and/or a negative result from a PCR test taken within 72 hours before arrival in order to be allowed to enter Morocco.

Travelers from List B countries must obtain special authorization prior to travel and present a negative result from a COVID-19 PCR test taken in the 48 hours before entry to Morocco. Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated individuals traveling from List B countries must also undergo a mandatory 10-day quarantine period at a government-designated facility at their own expense. Travelers from List B countries who present a certificate indicating full vaccination against COVID-19 are exempt from quarantine requirements. Moroccan nationals traveling from List B countries are allowed to undergo a five-day quarantine period at home. For a full explanation of List A and B countries, click here.

International flights to and from Morocco are gradually resuming. Sea travel to Spain, however, remains suspended.

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)