Common menu bar links
|
Last Updated:
November 13, 2007 12:52
EST
Still Valid: November 15, 2007 23:02 EST |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1. RECENT UPDATES Section 2 of this Travel Report has been updated. BACK TO TOP 2. WARNINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS There is no Official Warning for this country. Morocco
The number of terrorist incidents in Morocco is increasing. Suicide bombers blew themselves up in Casablanca in March and April 2007, and a terrorist attack was also foiled in April 2007. The number of arrests by local authorities is increasing. Based on this situation, travellers must pay close attention to the choice of places they wish to visit. Although Canadian citizens or Canadian interests are not specifically targeted by terrorism, Canadians should exercise caution in public places. They should monitor local news reports, avoid demonstrations and follow the advice of local authorities. OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: We offer a registration service for all Canadians travelling or living abroad. This service is provided so that we can contact and assist you in an emergency in a foreign country, such as a natural disaster or civil unrest, or inform you of a family emergency at home. Registration can be done on-line or by contacting a Canadian government office abroad. For more information, see our FAQs on Registration of Canadians Abroad. BACK TO TOP 3. SAFETY AND SECURITY The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety. The purpose of this Travel Report is to provide Canadians with up-to-date information to enable them to make well-informed decisions. The Western Sahara region between Morocco and Mauritania poses a risk for travellers, as thousands of unexploded landmines still litter the region, particularly in remote areas. You should also exercise caution in the mountainous Rif region, on the northern coast of Morocco, as hashish is produced in this area and tourists are occasionally tricked into unknowingly committing drug offences. The land border with Algeria is closed. No attempt should be made to cross into Algeria by car. Consult the Algeria Travel Report for travel advice on that country. It is illegal for visitors arriving by private boat to enter Morocco other than at a recognized port of entry. Petty crime, including pick-pocketing, purse snatching, assaults, muggings, scams and theft, occurs, particularly in the Medina/market areas, parks, and beaches. Thefts occur around ATMs. Panhandling is increasing and some panhandlers can be aggressive. Ensure your personal belongings are secured and do not show signs of affluence, particularly when walking at night. You should not accept food or drink from strangers, nor should you accept invitations from strangers or change your planned itinerary at the suggestion of such individuals. While Moroccans are generally very friendly and hospitable, you should always exercise common sense and travel wisely. There have been reports of tourists being taken to certain stores and then intimidated into making purchases. You should politely but firmly decline. Demonstrations and strikes can occur, as can confrontations between police and demonstrators. While swimming conditions in tourist areas are generally safe and problem-free, public beaches in major cities are often polluted and unfit for swimming. If unsure of conditions, check with your hotel. Tourist facilities are widely available, but quality varies according to price and location. BACK TO TOP 4. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS The following information on entry and exit requirements has been confirmed with Moroccan authorities and was valid on July 9, 2007. However, entry and exit requirements are subject to change. It is the sole prerogative of each country to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries have special requirements for persons intending to reside for extended periods (usually more than 90 days) or who plan to work, study, or engage in non-tourist activities. To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the country or countries to be visited. Violations of entry and exit requirements may result in serious penalties. Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada’s Office of Protocol provides contact details for the Embassy of the Kingdom of Morocco and its consulates, where you can obtain further information on entry and exit requirements. A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit Morocco. The passport should be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected departure from the country. Tourist Visa: Not required (for stays of less than 90 days) Business Visa: Not required (for stays of less than 90 days) Student Visa: Not required (for stays of less than 90 days) If you plan to extend your stay in Morocco beyond 90 days, you should communicate with the local police station, Service to Foreigners Section, at least 15 days prior to the expiry of the three-month limit, in order to secure proper authorization. A Certificate of Canadian Citizenship (CCC) is not a travel document. Airlines are known to refuse boarding to dual national Canadian passengers returning to Canada, travelling on a passport that requires a visa to enter Canada, regardless of whether the passenger presents a valid CCC as proof of Canadian citizenship. A Canadian passport is the only reliable and universally accepted travel and identification document for the purpose of international travel. It proves your admissibility to enter Canada. Selling, altering, or allowing another person to use your passport is a criminal offence. It could lead to the laying of charges and imprisonment if convicted. It could also lead to the denial of future passport services. Special and diplomatic passport holders should verify visa requirements for this and other countries, as they may differ from those that apply to regular passport holders. Any adult travelling with children may be required to show evidence of parental/custodial and/or access rights. Foreign and Canadian authorities may also require evidence that the adult has the consent of the parents, legal guardian, and/or the court to travel with the children. Some countries may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order. Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries do not recognize them. Attempting to enter as a same-sex married couple may result in refusal by local officials. For more information, contact the foreign government office accredited to Canada. BACK TO TOP 5. CANADIAN GOVERNMENT CONTACTS You can obtain consular assistance and further consular information at the following address: Morocco - AGDAL-RABAT, Embassy of Canada Address: 13 bis, Jaafar As-Sadik Street, Agdal-Rabat Postal Address: P.O. Box 709, Agdal-Rabat, Tel.: 212 (37) 68 74 00 Fax: 212 (37) 68 74 30 E-Mail: rabat@international.gc.ca Internet: http://www.rabat.gc.ca For emergency assistance after hours, call the Embassy of Canada in Agdal-Rabat, and follow the instructions. You may also make a collect call the Department in Ottawa at 613-996-8885. BACK TO TOP 6. LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS You are subject to local laws. A serious violation may lead to a jail sentence. The sentence will be served in local prisons. Canadians arrested or detained have the right to contact the responsible Canadian government office (embassy, high commission, etc.) listed in Section 5 above. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request. The procedures required in legal proceedings or police investigations may be different from the procedures in force in the Canadian legal system. Canadians wishing to undertake such proceedings can expect to face long delays and additional efforts in order to resolve their case. The Government of Canada cannot intervene in ongoing legal proceedings in other countries, unless requested to do so by local authorities. Such requests are rare. Dual nationality is recognized by Morocco, but Moroccan citizenship takes precedence. Children of Moroccan fathers automatically acquire Moroccan citizenship at birth, regardless of where they were born. The father's permission is required for any child to travel, regardless of whether the child is travelling on a foreign or a Moroccan passport. Moroccan immigration officials may request proof of the father's consent. Airport authorities regularly ask dual nationals to produce their Moroccan national ID card (CIN). The Embassy of Canada's ability to assist dual nationals is very limited. The Department publishes a booklet entitled Dual Citizenship: What Travellers Should Know, specifically targeted at Canadians with dual nationality. Morocco is a Muslim country and unescorted women may attract attention. Islamic practices and beliefs are adhered to in the country’s customs, laws, and regulations. Common sense and discretion should be exercised in dress and behaviour. Visitors should dress conservatively. Respect religious and social traditions to avoid offending local sensitivities. The use of drugs and public alcohol consumption is prohibited. Transgressions could be punished by detention or other penalties. During the lunar month of Ramadan (the ninth month of the Muslim calendar), visitors should refrain from drinking, eating, and smoking in public between sunrise and sunset. This year, Ramadan is expected to begin on or about September 13, 2007. Canadians are generally well treated in Morocco. In dealings with Moroccan authorities, you should proceed in a courteous manner and exercise good judgment. No attempt should be made to criticize Moroccan institutions or the monarchy. This is a crime and may result in imprisonment. Penalties for drug trafficking are severe and judgment is expeditious. Importation of Bibles or other religious material is prohibited, except for personal use. Proselytism is also forbidden. Homosexual activity and all extramarital sexual relations are illegal. Possession of pornographic material is illegal. Photography of military or security interests can result in problems with authorities. BACK TO TOP 7. LOCAL TRAVEL AND CURRENCY Road conditions vary according to location and weather (e. g. in the high mountains or during the rainy season). National roads are in good condition, but narrow and heavily congested. Police strictly enforce traffic regulations in cities and on major highways: always carry your identification and vehicle documents, as checkpoints are frequent. Exercise extreme caution on the Casablanca-Marrakech and the Casablanca-El Jadida roads due to high traffic volume. Accidents, which are numerous and often attributed to poor driving practices, have resulted in serious injuries and deaths. Be vigilant, particularly in cities, where driving practices may appear chaotic by Canadian standards. Priority is always given to the vehicle to your right. Pedestrians, scooters, and animals on roadways can pose risks. If possible, avoid driving at night. In the event of an accident that results in injuries or involves a government vehicle, drivers should not move their vehicles until the police arrive. In other cases, an accident report drawn up by the parties involved will suffice. Seek local advice prior to travel to the desert areas in the south, and hire only official guides recommended by hotels, travel agencies, or local tourist authorities. A four-wheel-drive vehicle and appropriate supplies are essential for off-road driving in the mountains or in the Sahara. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is required. The currency, the Moroccan dirham (MAD), cannot be exchanged outside the country, although some stores in Ceuta and Melilla may accept it. Any unused dirhams can be reconverted to hard currency at the airport exchange counter upon departure, provided the wickets are open and the travellers have kept the receipts for the dirhams purchased. Exchange only as much money as needed. Credit cards and traveller's cheques are accepted in certain stores and restaurants in urban centres, and in major hotels. Check with your bank for information on Automated Banking Machine ( BACK TO TOP 8. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE The rainy season extends from November to March. Flash floods can be frequent and sometimes severe during this period. They can be especially dangerous in the High Atlas Valley area. You should monitor regional weather forecasts and plan accordingly. BACK TO TOP 9. TRAVEL MEDICINE PROGRAM The Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) report on disease outbreaks that occur throughout the world. For the latest travel health advisories and related information, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Travel Medicine Program Web site. The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that your travel plans include contacting a travel medicine clinic or physician six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication and advise you on precautions to avoid disease. Travellers are reminded to ensure that their routine (childhood) immunizations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and measles) are up to date. Standards of medical care may differ from those in Canada. Treatment may be expensive, and payment in advance may be required. Travellers are advised to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure. Prescription medications should be kept in the original container and packed in carry-on luggage. The Public Health Agency of Canada also recommends that travellers who become sick or feel unwell on their return to Canada seek a medical assessment with their personal physician. Travellers should inform their physician that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada. BACK TO TOP 10. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION You should drink bottled beverages and avoid drinking water from "water sellers". Medical facilities are adequate for non-emergencies. BACK TO TOP 11. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Returning to Canada Traveller's Checklist Health and Travel Insurance: Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy. Some credit cards offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides adequate coverage. Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or relative, and/or travelling companion how to contact your insurer. Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you return to Canada. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes. See Canada's Health Portal. Cancelling a scheduled trip abroad could cost you money. Before cancelling a scheduled trip, you should discuss the matter with your travel agent, your travel insurer, or the airline. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. Adoption: Adoption by foreigners is almost impossible in this country. BACK TO TOP 12. ANNEX N/A BACK TO TOP |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
