Morocco: Authorities suspend direct flights with Russia as of Oct. 6 over COVID-19 concerns /update 73

Event

Authorities have suspended all direct flights with Russia as of Oct. 6. The measure will remain in place until further notice and is in response to the rise in the number of COVID-19 cases in Russia. The measure does not apply to transit flights that operate through a third country.

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.

Domestic Restrictions
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 to 05:00. Only vaccinated travelers and those with permission from authorities can travel during the curfew.

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)