Morocco

Drugs are illegal in Morocco and penalties for drug offences are severe, including long-term prison sentences.

The prosecutor can automatically appeal in drug cases; foreigners are detained pending trial.

Cannabis is illegal to possess or use in Morocco, and the penalties are severe — the UK government warns travellers to expect a long jail sentence and heavy fines, including when merely transiting a Moroccan airport. Morocco's 2021 cannabis law legalised only licensed farming and industry for medical, pharmaceutical and industrial products in three northern provinces; it did not legalise recreational or personal use. The 1974 drug law that punishes possession and use remains fully in force.

Possessing, using or smuggling cannabis is punished by imprisonment and fines under the 1974 narcotics dahir (n° 1-73-282), which Law 13-21 leaves in force. The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office warns travellers to expect a long jail sentence and heavy fines for possessing, using or smuggling illegal drugs, including when transiting through the airport. The exact prison and fine ranges depend on the offence charged — use, possession, or trafficking.

Carry prescription medication in original packaging with your prescription, and verify with Moroccan authorities that the medication is legal in Morocco.

Medications mailed or couriered into Morocco are impounded by customs and not released.

Moroccan customs strictly regulate the temporary import or export of firearms, along with drones, religious materials, and antiquities.

Restricted items may be seized; contact a Moroccan consulate before traveling with such items.

The dirham is a closed currency: declare 100,000 MAD or US$10,000 on entry, exporting dirhams is prohibited, and you can only reconvert dirhams on departure with an exchange receipt.

Undeclared or exported currency can be seized by Moroccan customs.

Proselytizing is prohibited in Morocco; customs enforce strict rules on religious materials, and US citizens have been arrested, detained, or expelled for trying to engage Moroccans about Christianity.

Arrest, detention, and/or expulsion within 48 hours

Moroccan customs may enforce strict rules on importing or exporting antiquities; contact the Embassy of Morocco for specific requirements.

Photographing anything of military or security interest — palaces, diplomatic missions, government buildings, sensitive facilities — without permission may cause problems with Moroccan authorities.

Problems with authorities; possible detention

Consensual same-sex sexual relations are criminalized in Morocco.

Fines and up to 3 years' imprisonment