Travel to Morocco and Covid-19: test, vaccination pass... The formalities for traveling there in the spring

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, which was scheduled for the same date, is ultimately only partial, according to a note from the Ministry of Tourism.

Ferries can operate exceptionally, but only in the Morocco-France direction.

On the other hand, maritime traffic is restored between Morocco and Spain, following the April 7 summit between the two countries.

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Motivated by the desire to revive the tourist activity damaged by the pandemic, the decision to reopen Morocco to visitors 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 the country an African champion in vaccination.

Unsurprisingly, the reopening has revived the interest of French tourists.

Morocco, a traditional “winter sun” destination, is also popular in April and May, especially during the spring holidays.

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Arrival in Morocco: vaccine, test... what entry conditions for French tourists?

• Compulsory vaccine

The kingdom has been classified as “green” by France (“negligible or moderate circulation of the virus, in the absence of an emerging variant of concern”) 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.

This

with

is taken into account

, specified to

the director general of the ONMT, Adel El Fakir.

The French vaccination pass is recognized by the Moroccan authorities, in its paper or digital version, via the “Tous AntiCovid” app.

• Negative 48-hour PCR 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

," says the Office National des Aéroports (ONDA).

Read alsoMorocco: “we are planning a gradual but lasting return of travelers”

• Random test on arrival

Since March 1, "

 ", 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 azithromycin in particular to treat moderate cases, with the possibility of using molnupiravir, an antiviral for systemic use since January.

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What are the conditions for children?

Minors from 6 to 18 years old are required to present the result of a negative PCR test within 48 hours on boarding and may be subjected to a random rapid antigen test on 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 casinos still pending, nightclubs have been allowed to open again since March 9, local operators say.

Since October 21, the

is in theory required to access all public places, administrations, hotels, restaurants, cafes, shops, sports halls or hammams, and to circulate between the different regions of the Kingdom.

Wearing a

(simple) is also compulsory throughout the territory.

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How much does an anti-Covid test cost in Morocco?

The

is capped in Morocco: around €19 for the rapid antigen test, €40 for the RT-PCR test and €60 for the PCR test and its isothermal variants (rapid tests).

Many centers are available and tests can also be carried out in hotels or places of residence.

Return to France: what is the protocol?

A

since mid-February to return to France, regardless of origin, if you have a vaccination pass.

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.

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King Mohammed VI launches the construction of a manufacturing plant for vaccines against Covid-19 in Morocco.

This article is subject to regular updates.