26 Oct 2021 | 05:09 PM UTC
Morocco: Authorities introduce vaccine pass to access public buildings and businesses as of Oct. 26 /update 75
Morocco requires vaccine pass for travel between regions and to enter businesses as of Oct. 26; other COVID-19-related measures in effect.
Event
Authorities have introduced a COVID-19-related vaccine pass as of Oct. 26. Individuals cannot access public buildings or enter businesses, including hotels and restaurants, unless they comply with the measure. The pass is also needed to travel between cities, regions, and provinces. Failure to abide by the directive can result in up to three months imprisonment or a fine of up to USD 143. People who are fully inoculated can access the vaccine pass portal by clicking here.
Additionally, the health state of emergency (SoE) runs through Oct. 31. 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 23:00 daily. Restaurants, gyms, public baths, and cafes can operate at up to 50 percent capacity.
Domestic flights and public transport, including train and bus services, are in operation. Public transport will be allowed to operate at a maximum of 75 percent capacity. The nightly nationwide curfew runs from 23:00-05:00. Only vaccinated individuals and those with permission from authorities can travel during the curfew.
International Entry Measures
Authorities have suspended flights to and from the UK, Germany, and the Netherlands from Oct. 20. Authorities previously suspended all direct flights with Russia effective Oct. 6. The measures will remain in place until further notice and are in response to the rise in COVID-19 cases in those countries. The ban does not apply to transit flights that operate through a third country.
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 to be allowed to enter Morocco.
Travelers from List B countries must obtain special authorization before travel and present a negative result from a COVID-19 PCR test taken 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.
Sea travel to Spain 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.
Resources
World Health Organization
Moroccan Ministry of Health (French)