Covid-19: Morocco lifts its health restrictions at the borders

Something to rejoice the tourism industry, hard hit by two years of crisis.

The Moroccan authorities have decided to end the health restrictions imposed at the borders to prevent the spread of Covid-19, the National Airports Office (ONDA) announced on Friday evening.

This measure, which responds to a very marked improvement in the epidemic situation, immediately became effective.

"Following the decision of the Moroccan authorities, the health restrictions (PCR or Vaccinal Pass) on entering Moroccan territory are lifted from today," wrote ONDA on its Twitter account.

"Only the passenger's health card must be presented duly completed" and delivered on arrival at a Moroccan airport, she adds.

Notice to travelers:

Following the decision of the Moroccan authorities, the health restrictions (PCR or Vaccinal Pass) on entering Moroccan territory are lifted from today.

Only the passenger's health card must be presented duly completed.#ONDA pic.twitter.com/lWYVYsl7Zq

— ONDA (@ondaofficiel) September 30, 2022

Since May 18, travelers wishing to travel to Morocco had to present a vaccination passport or the negative result of a PCR test of less than 72 hours, in addition to this health form.

More than 12 million passengers welcomed during the first eight months of the year

According to the Ministry of Health, Covid-19 contaminations have dropped in recent weeks and the situation is now characterized by a very low spread of the virus throughout the kingdom.

In addition, out of 36 million inhabitants, more than 23.4 million people received a second dose of vaccine, and nearly 7 million the third.

Since the appearance of the virus in Morocco on March 2, 2020, 16,278 patients have died from Covid-19 in the Maghreb country.

Economically, the closure of Morocco's borders has hit the tourism, hotel and catering industry hard, a vital sector for the country's economy.

But since the reopening of Moroccan airspace in February, tourism has been able to start again.

According to ONDA, Morocco's airports welcomed more than 12 million passengers during the first eight months of the year, representing a recovery rate of 74% compared to the same period of 2019, before the pandemic.