Morocco: Authorities tighten restrictions as of Aug. 3 to combat COVID-19 and its variants /update 70

Event

Authorities in Morocco have tightened several restrictions as part of their efforts to combat COVID-19 and its variants as of Aug. 3. Authorities have extended and expanded the existing nightly curfew by several hours. The nightly curfew will run from 21:00 to 05:00 beginning Aug. 3. 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.

Authorities previously extended the existing health state of emergency (SoE) through Sept. 10. The SoE grants the government authority to impose swift and proactive measures, including curfews and travel restrictions. Stores, restaurants, and cafes can operate until 21:00 daily. 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.

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 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.

International Restrictions
As part of its pandemic response, Morocco classifies foreign countries as being on one of two lists - the "List A" or "List B" - based on local disease activity. List A countries are those that the government in Rabat deems to demonstrate indicators of improved control of COVID-19. 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.

List B countries are those that are experiencing the spread of virus variants or which lack precise COVID-19 case statistics. Travelers from these countries must obtain special authorization prior to travel and present a negative result from a PCR test taken less than 48 hours prior to arrival to enter 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, consult the Moroccan Ministry of Foreign Affairs website by clicking 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)