Morocco: Authorities to suspend all direct flights to country for two weeks from late Nov. 29 over concerns regarding COVID-19 Omicron variant /update 83

Event

Authorities in Morocco have announced that they will suspend all direct flights to the country from 23:59 Nov. 29. The suspension, which will remain in place for a period of two weeks, comes in response to the emergence of the COVID-19 Omicron variant. The measure comes two days after authorities suspended all flights from South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Lesotho, Eswatini, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe Nov. 26, and also barred these countries' nationals from entering Morocco via other means.

International Travel Restrictions
Once Moroccan officials lift the suspension on all direct flights to the country, they will likely reinstitute the following measures, updated Nov. 26, or similar controls:

• Morocco has classified foreign countries as part of either "List A" or "List B" based on local disease activity, assigning different international travel restrictions to each list. To enter Morocco, travelers aged 12 and older arriving from List A countries are required to present a COVID-19 vaccination certificate indicating at least two weeks have passed since the administration of the final dose of an accepted vaccine. Children between the ages of six and 11 arriving from List A countries must instead provide a negative PCR test result. Children under the age of six are exempt from all vaccination and pre-travel test requirements.

• To enter Morocco, travelers aged 12 and older arriving from List B countries must present a COVID-19 vaccination certificate indicating at least two weeks have passed since the administration of the final dose of an accepted vaccine, as well as a negative result from a PCR test taken within 48 hours before departure for Morocco. Children between the ages of six and 11 arriving from List B countries must instead present a negative PCR test result. Children under the age of six are exempt from all vaccination and pre-travel test requirements.

• All travelers to Morocco, including those arriving from countries on List A and List B, must also present a completed Public Health Passenger Form upon arrival; to access the form, click here.

• Incoming travelers are subject to temperature checks and may be subject to rapid antigen testing upon arrival in Morocco. Nonresident foreign nationals testing positive for COVID-19 upon arrival are denied entry. Moroccan citizens and residents testing positive for COVID-19 upon arrival are subject to a 10-day quarantine period. Children under the age of 12 are exempt from antigen testing upon arrival.

Maritime travel with Spain and France remains suspended.

Domestic Measures
Several domestic measures aimed at curbing the spread of COVID-19 remain in place nationwide. Proof of vaccination (i.e., a vaccine pass) is required to enter most public and private spaces, including hotels, restaurants, cafes, gyms, public baths, grocery stores, and public transport. Public baths, public swimming pools, and sports facilities are limited to operating at 50 percent capacity. Public and private gatherings are limited to 50 people. Wearing a facemask is mandatory in public spaces. Failure to adhere to COVID-19-related domestic restrictions may result in a fine of up to MAD 1,300 or up to three months' imprisonment.

A health state of emergency (SoE) remains in place in Morocco. The SoE grants the government authority to impose proactive measures, including curfews and travel restrictions, to curb the spread of COVID-19. No curfew measures or restrictions on interstate or intercity travel are in effect as of late November.

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)