Morocco — one of the world’s most popular destinations for its ancient medinas, Sahara camel treks, and vibrant souks — is the subject of an updated travel advisory warning travelers of escalating security risks. Both Canada and the United States are now urging travelers to exercise heightened caution, with warnings covering petty theft, armed robbery, card fraud, terrorism, and a specific threat of kidnapping against Westerners in remote regions.
What the Advisories Say
Canada’s updated advisory, issued this week, urges travelers to exercise a high degree of caution throughout Morocco. The notice covers a wide range of threats — from street-level crime to organized attacks. Specifically, the advisory warns of petty theft, armed robberies, and credit and debit card fraud that travelers may encounter, particularly in crowded tourist areas and busy markets.
Beyond everyday crime, the advisory highlights more serious security concerns: terrorism and attacks that have specifically targeted foreigners, and a threat of kidnapping against Westerners in remote regions and in areas bordering Algeria and Mauritania. The notice urges travelers to avoid the Algerian-Moroccan border area entirely, citing increased military presence, an unstable security situation, and even difficulty determining the border’s exact location.
“Maintain a high level of vigilance at all times, especially when traveling in the southern and border areas of Morocco.”
“Don’t hike alone in remote mountain regions.”
— Government of Canada Travel Advisory, April 2026
The advisory also warns that demonstrations — particularly those near government buildings in major cities including Rabat and Casablanca — can turn violent without warning and may cause significant disruptions to traffic and public transportation. Travelers are advised to avoid all protests and large gatherings.
The U.S. State Department’s current advisory for Morocco aligns closely with Canada’s assessment. Morocco is listed as a Level 2 destination — “Exercise Increased Caution” — with the State Department noting that terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in the country, potentially targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets, shopping malls, and government facilities, possibly with little or no warning. The April 21 update also added a new recommendation that travelers purchase travel insurance before visiting.
The Specific Risks Travelers Face
Pickpocketing, bag snatching, and tourist scams are common in busy medinas, souks, and crowded tourist areas in cities like Marrakech and Fez. Keep valuables secured and be wary of unsolicited “guides.”
Armed robberies have been reported, particularly in less-patrolled areas and after dark. Travelers are advised to avoid displaying expensive jewelry, cameras, or electronics in public.
Credit and debit card fraud is flagged as a specific risk. Use ATMs inside banks where possible, cover your PIN, and consider using a travel card with limited funds rather than your primary account.
Both Canada and the U.S. warn of ongoing terrorist threats, with attacks having previously targeted foreigners. The U.S. notes that attacks may occur with little or no warning at tourist sites, markets, and transport hubs.
A specific threat of kidnapping against Westerners is identified in remote regions and border areas near Algeria and Mauritania. Solo hiking in remote mountain regions is explicitly discouraged.
Demonstrations near government buildings in Rabat and Casablanca can turn violent without warning. Protests may also disrupt traffic and public transportation across major cities.
Morocco remains a popular and beautiful destination — but travelers who go without researching current conditions are taking on risks that are entirely avoidable with the right preparation.
High-Risk Zones to Avoid
While the advisory applies broadly to Morocco as a whole, certain specific areas carry significantly elevated risk and are explicitly flagged by both governments:
Avoid entirely. Increased military presence, unstable security situation, and difficulty locating the exact border. The advisory specifically warns against travel to this area.
Solo hiking is explicitly discouraged. Kidnapping risk against Westerners is specifically identified in remote areas. If visiting mountain regions, travel with a reputable guide and inform someone of your itinerary.
Areas near the Mauritanian border also carry elevated kidnapping risk. The advisory calls for heightened vigilance specifically when traveling in southern Morocco.
Demonstrations near government buildings in Morocco’s major cities can escalate without warning. Avoid protest areas entirely and monitor local news for updates during your stay.
Part of a Broader Wave of Travel Warnings
Morocco’s updated advisory is part of a broader trend of escalating travel warnings issued in recent weeks. Earlier this month, U.S. officials issued a travel advisory for Albania — a budget-friendly destination along the Adriatic coast — citing Iran-related tensions in the region. Separately, the U.S. Embassy in Trinidad and Tobago urged Americans to reconsider travel to the Caribbean nation due to crime and a heightened risk of terrorism.
For Morocco specifically, the U.S. State Department’s advisory notes the country’s four-tier system applies: Level 1 is Exercise Normal Precautions, Level 2 is Exercise Increased Caution, Level 3 is Reconsider Travel, and Level 4 is Do Not Travel. Morocco’s Level 2 designation means the risks are real and should be taken seriously — but they don’t categorically prevent Americans from visiting. They do require informed, prepared travel.
If You Still Plan to Visit Morocco
Despite the advisory, Morocco continues to welcome millions of tourists each year and the major tourist cities remain accessible with appropriate precautions. If you’re planning a trip, here’s what both governments recommend:
Know Before You Go
Morocco is a remarkable country with extraordinary cultural heritage, and millions of travelers visit safely every year. But the updated advisories from both Canada and the United States reflect real, current risks that any traveler planning a trip should take seriously. Research the specific areas you plan to visit, register with STEP, purchase travel insurance, keep your distance from border regions and protests, and stay alert in crowded tourist areas. Informed travelers are safer travelers.
