After two months of complete closure due to the Covid-19 outbreak, Morocco reopened its airspace on February 7, 2022. The resumption of maritime traffic was scheduled for the same date,
the director general of the agency announced to
Le Figaro
. Moroccan National Tourist Office (ONMT), Adel El Fakir.
It is ultimately only partial and does not currently concern tourist transport but remains limited to business travel, according to a note from the Ministry of Tourism published in the process.
Ferries can also operate exceptionally, but only in the Morocco-France direction.
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Motivated by the desire to revive the tourist activity damaged by the pandemic, the decision to reopen Morocco is also based on the improvement of the health situation.
On site, the number of new cases has significantly decreased in recent weeks, falling to less than a hundred per day.
More than 23 million Moroccans had received a second dose of vaccine by March 10 and nearly 6 million a third injection, making Morocco the African champion of vaccination.
Unsurprisingly, the reopening has revived interest of French tourists.
Morocco, a traditional destination "winter sun" recorded a jump plane tickets research of over 500% in the days following the announcement.
According to the National Office of Airports (ONDA), the volume of air arrivals between 7 and February 28 reached 55% of the volume recorded in 2019 at the same time from all sources.
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Arrival in Morocco: what entry conditions for French tourists?
Compulsory vaccine
The Kingdom is classified as "green" by France ( "negligible traffic or moderate virus, in the absence of emerging concern variant") since mid-February.
However, only vaccinated French people can go there for tourism reasons.
The Moroccan government's protocol provides for the obligation to present a vaccination pass before boarding for all travelers.
It
goes
with
"comprehensive scheme"
is taken into account
"under the conditions of the issuing country"
, said the
BBC
Director General MNTO Adel El Fakir.
The French vaccination pass is recognized by the Moroccan authorities, in its paper or digital version, via the “Tous AntiCovid” app.
48 hour negative test
Before boarding, French travelers must also present the negative results of a PCR test of less than 48 hours (the short time between the sample and the registration).
A formality which Moroccan tourism professionals are calling for the abolition.
Passenger health card
Passengers must provide themselves with a passenger health card, to be downloaded or distributed in planes and ships
"duly filled in, in particular the address and two telephone numbers allowing them to be located, if necessary, during the 10 days which follow his arrival
," says the Office National des Aéroports (ONDA).
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Random test on arrival
Since March 1, “
on arrival at Moroccan airports, screening tests are no longer systematic for all passengers
”, indicates the National Airports Office (ONDA).
These antigenic tests are now carried out randomly.
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What happens in the event of a positive test upon arrival in Morocco?
Two scenarios in the event of a positive result of the rapid antigen test: if the traveler is “asymptomatic or has a mild picture”, treatment is planned “in self-isolation at home or at the hotel” for tourists, “according to the national protocol in force”.
The duration of any self-isolation is not specified.
In the event of "moderate symptomatology", there is provision for "management in a public or private hospital".
Morocco uses including azithromycin to treat moderate cases, with the possibility of using the molnupiravir, an antiviral for systemic use since January.
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What are the conditions for children?
Minors aged 6 to 18 (against 12 to 18 years old) are required to present the result of a negative PCR test within 48 hours of boarding and may be subjected to a random rapid antigen test at the airport. arrival.
For children under 6, no vaccination pass or PCR test is required.
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Vaccination pass, hotels, restaurants… The measures in force in Morocco
While the state of health emergency is extended until March 31, restrictions (curfew, limitation of inter-city travel, etc.) have been lifted in Morocco where most public places have been authorized to reopen, apart from nightclubs and casinos.
Last on the list with still waiting casinos, discos are again allowed to open since March 9, indicate local operators.
Since 21 October, the
vaccine passes
is theoretically required to access all public places, government offices, hotels, restaurants, cafes, shops, gyms and steam rooms, and to move between the different regions of the Kingdom.
The
use of masks
(simple) is also compulsory throughout the country.
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How much anti-Covid test in Morocco?
The
price of the tests
is limited in Morocco: about 19 € rapid antigen test, € 40 RT-PCR assay and 60 € the PCR and isothermal variations (rapid tests).
Many centers are available and tests can also be carried out in hotels or places of residence.
Back in France: what is the protocol?
A
PCR or antigenic test is no longer necessary
since mid-February to return to France, regardless of origin, if you have a vaccination pass (vaccines recognized by the European Medicines Agency: Pfizer/ Cominarty/Astrazeneca/Vaxzevria/Covishield/Janssen).
Persons not vaccinated or vaccinated with the Sinopharm vaccine must produce the negative results of a PCR test less than 72 hours, an antigen test less than 48 hours or a certificate of recovery.
SEE ALSO -
King Mohammed VI launches the construction of a manufacturing plant for vaccines against Covid-19 in Morocco.
This article is subject to regular updates.