Tourism to Morocco is increasing annually as more people become aware of the country’s beauty, history, culture and cuisine. It’s also inexpensive, safe, hospitable and exotic, providing a very different experience for visitors.
Canadians are no exception. More tourists from Canada visited Morocco in 2023 than ever before. They are seeking everything from budget holidays to luxury trips and experiencing the trip of a lifetime. Canadians are no longer just following “The Marrakech Express”, but come to delight in the wonders of the country; the marvels of Marrakech – The Red City, camel trekking in the golden sands and towering dunes of the Sahara Desert, the narrow, winding streets of the ancient Medina of Fes, water sports and art at Essaouira and so very much more. Our Canadian friends particularly seem to enjoy the long, unspoiled, sandy beaches of the Mediterranean coast and watersports on Morocco’s Atlantic west.
After all, Canada has a long association with Morocco due to the French link. Many Moroccans live and work in Canada and especially Quebec, and speaking French can help greatly in your visits to Morocco as the language is spoken widely here.
From Europe, it’s a short flight or a hop over the straits of Gibraltar by ferry, but the big question for Canadians is “How do I travel to Morocco from Canada?”.
In this article, we will help you assess the different methods of travelling to Morocco from Canada and provide you with some guidelines and requirements for travel. We are also more than happy to answer any questions that you may have.
Before You Travel From Canada To Morocco:
Ensure that you have a passport that is valid for at least six months from your expected date of leaving Morocco. Your passport must also have at least one blank page. A Canadian passport entitles you to a stay in Morocco of up to ninety days, if you wish to stay longer you will need a business or student visa or have to apply for an extension.
Although the Canadian Government issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, you may find problems trying to enter Morocco with this. Check with your nearest Moroccan Embassy or Consulate before you leave.
Remember that the time zones in Morocco are rather different from those in Canada so beware of jetlag.
You should have comprehensive travel health insurance. Moroccan doctors and hospitals may charge you before treatment and the cost can be heavy.
It is no longer a requirement to be vaccinated against Covid-19 or to present a negative test result. However, other vaccinations are necessary or recommended.
You are allowed to take your pets to Morocco, as long as they are microchipped and have a valid pet passport, and health certificate and are not classified as a protected or dangerous breed. In the likely case that you are flying to Morocco, pets will have to enter via Casablanca Mohammed V airport. A rabies vaccination and test are also necessary for cats, dogs and ferrets. Other animals, especially tortoises and parrots, must not be CITES-listed species.
FLYING TO MOROCCO FROM CANADA.
This is pretty much the only option unless you’re travelling to Europe first.
Several Canadian airports offer regular flights to and from Morocco and the number of flights on offer is increasing. The Moroccan Tourism Agency is currently very active in responding to the needs of Canadian travellers.
Several airlines offer flights including Air Canada, Royal Air Maroc (RAM), American Airlines, British Airway, Delta, KLM and Air France.
The majority of flights to Morocco from Canada are not direct and have one or two layovers in Europe. Direct flights are available, notably from Air Canada and RAM from Montreal. Indirect flights leave from Montreal, Ottawa, Vancouver and Toronto but may take quite a while:
Flight Times from Canada to Morocco:
- Montreal to Casablanca (direct) – 6 or 7 hours.
- Montreal to Agadir (one stop) 10 hours.
- Ottawa to Casablanca (one stop) 11 hours, 15 minutes.
- Ottawa to Marrakech (two stops) 18 hours, 15 minutes.
- Vancouver to Rabat (one stop) 14 hours, 45 minutes.
- Toronto to Tangier (two stops) 14 hours, 45 minutes.
There are ten international airports located in Morocco and they are all interconnected with domestic flights. Most flights from Canada go to Casablanca, Marrakech, or Agadir. You can fly at any time of the year, but it is cheaper to do so in the winter. It is usually much warmer in Morocco compared to Canada and the winter will seem quite warm, but it is ideal to travel in the spring or autumn as the temperatures are ideal, while it can get uncomfortably hot in Morocco during the summer, though breezy coastal resorts can be more bearable.
You can frequently find last-minute cheap flights to Morocco and out-of-season flights can be very reasonable if you can be flexible. 2024 return flights are available from as little as CA $140.
Charter flights can be cheaper than the regular scheduled flights, but then there are more penalties for cancelling.
It is a good idea to book a package that includes flights and accommodation.
If your baggage gets lost or misplaced in transit to Morocco and then recovered, Morocco will not deliver it to you, but you will have to go to the airport to collect it.
Getting to Morocco via Europe.
Other than flying direct, or if you have your own personal yacht, the only other way to get to Morocco from Canada is via a European country, as direct access from Algeria is currently prohibited and access from Mauretania is complicated.
For access from Europe, which usually means Spain, see our “Travel to Spain from Morocco” page.
N.B. This information is up-to-date as of December 2023. Please always check for possible changes and updates.
FAQs – FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS.
Can Canadian Citizens Enter Morocco?
Yes, and you will be made to feel most welcome. Just ensure you have a Canadian passport valid for at least six months from your planned departure date from Morocco and full insurance cover.
How do I get to Morocco From Canada?
Flying is the only real option, either directly from one of the several Canadian airports offering direct flights, or indirectly via Europe with a connecting flight or a ferry from Spain.
Does a Canadian Need a Visa to Enter Morocco?
No, not if you are travelling as a tourist for less than 90 days. A valid Canadian passport with at least six months before it expires after your expected date of leaving Morocco will allow you entrance as a tourist. If you plan on studying, working or staying in Morocco for more than 90 days you will need a visa.
