Morocco: Authorities to lift nightly curfew as of Nov. 10 amid efforts to ease COVID-19 measures /update 77

Event

Authorities in Morocco have announced plans to lift the country's nightly 23:00-05:00 curfew effective Nov. 10 as part of the government's gradual easing of COVID-19 restrictions. Under the current restrictions, stores, restaurants, and cafes can operate until 23:00 daily through at least Nov. 10. Domestic flights and public transport, including train and bus services, are operating. Public transport is, however, restricted to operating at no more than 75 percent capacity. Restaurants, gyms, public baths, and cafes can operate at up to 50 percent capacity.

Authorities previously extended the existing health state of emergency (SoE) through Nov. 30. The SoE grants the government authority to impose proactive measures, including curfews and travel restrictions.

A COVID-19-related vaccine pass system has been implemented. Individuals cannot access public buildings or enter businesses, including hotels and restaurants, unless they possess a vaccination pass. The pass is also required for travel between cities, regions, and provinces. Violations are punishable by up to three months' incarceration or a fine of up to USD 143.

International Entry Measures
Suspended flights to and from the UK, Germany, and the Netherlands effective Oct. 20. All direct flights with Russia remain suspended. The measures will remain in place until further notice and are in response to rises in COVID-19 cases in those countries. The ban does not apply to transit flights that operate via 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 within 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)