Morocco awaits the return of tourists.
After an outbreak of Covid-19 cases in August, the health situation improved markedly at the start of the school year.
The number of weekly contaminations, critical cases and deaths has decreased thanks to the progress of the vaccination campaign which has affected 12/17 year olds since the end of August.
More than 22 million people have been fully vaccinated (over 60% of the population) according to John Hopkins University, making the Cherifian kingdom the African champion in vaccination, despite delays on initial targets.
Arrival and travel conditions have become more flexible in recent days for travelers from a B-list country, such as France, especially for children.
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What entry formalities for French people traveling to Morocco?
Morocco is currently in the list of orange countries for France, which means that the unvaccinated French must justify a compelling reason to go there. If they are not vaccinated or incompletely, travelers from France must complete a declaration on honor committing them to observe a ten-day quarantine in one of the hotels designated by the Moroccan authorities. The Cherifian kingdom having placed France in the B list, French travelers, whether vaccinated or not, are required to produce negative results on arrival from a PCR test of less than 48 hours and a health card. The National Airports Office (ONDA) also comes fromannounce that children under 12 years old - against 11 years previously - could now travel to Morocco, without the obligation of a negative PCR test or vaccination certificate. They will be subjected to a rapid antigenic control on arrival in the national territory.
For travelers arriving by ferry, a second test can be carried out on board in order to meet the deadlines.
Morocco recognizes most vaccines, the vaccination schedule being considered complete two weeks after the administration of the last required dose.
Once there, thermal cameras are installed in airports.
Any abnormal temperature now results in an antigen test.
Upon return to France, no formalities are required for vaccinated travelers.
Others must produce a PCR test of less than 72 hours or an antigen of less than 48 hours, submit to a random antigen test on arrival and commit to self-isolation for seven days.
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Curfews, travel ... What are the restrictions on site?
A new easing of restrictions has been in effect since November 9: the curfew in effect since the start of the pandemic has been lifted.
The vaccination certificate is necessary to access all enclosed places: hotels, cafes and restaurants, cinema, sports halls and hammams.
Inter-city travel, previously subject to presentation of a vaccination pass or an administrative travel authorization, is now free.
While welcoming the management of the pandemic, tourism professionals deplored a lack of visibility before the announcement of this easing.
"
In the very short term, the situation is still difficult
", summed up Hamid Bentahar, president of the National Tourism Confederation (CNT), "
but overall confidence is returning
".
Among the good news, “
the number of flights is increasing and we are even seeing new airlines taking an interest in Morocco
”.
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Between June 15, date of resumption of international flights and August 31, air traffic totaled 3.56 million passengers, or 65% of the 2019 volume according to the National Airports Office (ONDA), four routes with the France appearing in the top 5. In this regard, the “Airport Health” certification of 16 Moroccan airports by ACI World (Airport Council International) is a positive signal, as is the recent recognition of the Moroccan vaccine pass by the European Union (the Sinopharm vaccine is not recognized by France but since September 22, people who have received both doses can complete their vaccination course with a dose of messenger RNA vaccine). Another good news in the general opinion of professionals is the emergence ofa new majority at the end of the legislative elections of September 8 carried by entrepreneurs considered more interested in the development of tourism than their predecessors.
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Museums, monuments: what activities are possible in Morocco this winter?
Beaches, monuments, museums and gardens are to be enjoyed without the usual crowds.
If the riads are far from having returned to their usual activity, the schedules are starting to fill up and the medina is regaining color amid renewed effervescence on the Jemaa El Fna square.
What to hope for an improvement for the winter and beyond with the lifting of the main restrictions, in particular for the night life.
"There is a whole category of customers who appreciate Marrakech for the festive side at night and who will not come back until there is no longer a curfew"
, notes Fabrice Castellorizios, general manager of the five-star hotel. Radisson Blu.
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