A complete pre-departure checklist for a Fes and Morocco trip: documents, riad and medina-guide bookings, money, health, connectivity and packing — everything to confirm before you board so nothing is left to chance.
In this guide
Documents: what do you need before you fly?
Morocco entry is straightforward for most nationalities, but the basics must be right before you leave home.
- Passport: valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date, with at least one blank page for the entry stamp.
- Visa: most US, Canadian, UK, EU, Australian, NZ and Japanese passport holders enter visa-free for up to 90 days. Confirm your specific nationality's status before booking.
- Travel insurance: essential — covering medical evacuation, cancellation and lost luggage. Check that adventure activities (trekking, camel treks) are included if relevant.
- Printed riad name and nearest Fes medina gate in Arabic: petit taxi drivers need it since they can't enter Fes el-Bali; your riad will provide it on request.
- Digital and printed copies of your passport photo page, travel insurance and key booking confirmations.
Bookings to lock in before departure
Morocco's best riads, luxury desert camps and licensed guides book out weeks or months ahead, especially in spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November). Leave these to the last minute at your peril.
- Riad or hotel: book early, especially for Fes in April and October. Read reviews for location — proximity to a main gate like Bab Bou Jeloud and distance from the busiest souk lanes matters.
- Airport transfer: arrange a name-board private pickup from your carrier, with flight tracking. Don't queue for taxis at Fès–Saïss (FEZ).
- Desert camp: if you are extending to Erg Chebbi from Fes, book the luxury camp months ahead; the best properties have very limited capacity.
- Guides: a licensed private medina guide for Fes el-Bali is worth every dirham, especially for your first day in the labyrinth — book through your riad or a trusted operator.
- Intercity transfers: if using a private driver for the Volubilis loop or the Sahara run, confirm itinerary, route and price well in advance.
Money: what to sort before you land
The Moroccan dirham (MAD) is a closed currency — you can't buy it outside Morocco. Withdraw from ATMs on arrival at Fès–Saïss or in the Ville Nouvelle (rates are reasonable; limit airport bureau de change use). Cards are accepted at riads and larger restaurants but the medina souks, artisan workshops, petits taxis and tips are cash-only.
- Notify your bank and card provider of travel dates to avoid fraud blocks.
- Bring two different cards in case one fails or an ATM malfunctions.
- Carry sufficient small notes (10 and 20 MAD) for tips, taxis and small purchases.
- Budget a daily cash float of roughly 200–400 MAD per person for incidentals.
Health: what to check before you go
No special vaccinations are required for Morocco, but routine immunisations should be up to date. Consult your GP or a travel clinic 4–6 weeks before departure if you have specific health concerns or are trekking.
- Routine vaccinations: MMR, DTP, hepatitis A recommended as up to date.
- Prescription medications: bring a full supply plus a few days' extra; include a written prescription.
- Travel pharmacy: anti-diarrhoeal (loperamide), oral rehydration sachets, paracetamol, antihistamine, blister plasters, high-SPF sun cream.
- Tap water: drink bottled water throughout Morocco; avoid ice in budget street stalls.
- Travel insurance: ensure emergency medical evacuation is included.
Connectivity and practical logistics
Getting online in Morocco is cheap and easy if you plan it; arriving without data is an unnecessary complication.
- SIM card or eSIM: purchase a Maroc Telecom, Orange or Inwi prepaid SIM at Fès–Saïss on arrival (bring your passport), or activate a travel eSIM before boarding.
- Offline maps: download Fes and Morocco on Google Maps or Maps.me before you fly; navigating Fes el-Bali without data is genuinely hard, though even GPS struggles in the deepest lanes.
- WhatsApp: the standard communication tool for riads, guides and drivers in Morocco. Ensure your number is activated.
- Power adaptor: European two-pin Type C/E plug, 220V. Most modern phone and laptop chargers are dual-voltage.
- Share your itinerary with someone at home, including riad addresses and driver contact details.
Frequently asked
What documents do I need to enter Morocco?
A passport valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date, and proof of onward or return travel if requested. Most nationalities (US, UK, EU, Canada, Australia, NZ) enter visa-free for up to 90 days. Confirm your specific nationality's requirements before you book.
Do I need travel insurance for Morocco?
Yes — comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended. Ensure it covers medical costs, emergency evacuation, trip cancellation and any adventure activities you plan (trekking, camel treks). Morocco's medical facilities are adequate in the cities but limited in rural areas.
Should I get dirham before flying to Morocco?
No — the Moroccan dirham is a closed currency, unavailable outside Morocco. Withdraw cash from an ATM at the airport on arrival. Rates at ATMs are reasonable; avoid airport bureau de change if possible.
How far in advance should I book a riad in Marrakech?
For travel in April and October (peak seasons), book your Fes riad at least 2–3 months ahead for the best properties — and even earlier if your dates overlap the Fes Festival of World Sacred Music. Luxury desert camps at Merzouga sell out well in advance too. January and February can be booked with less lead time.
What plug adaptor does Morocco use?
Morocco uses European Type C and Type E two-pin plugs at 220V. Bring a European travel adaptor. Most modern phones, laptops and camera chargers are dual-voltage (100–240V) and need only an adaptor, not a converter.
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Planning
Morocco Visa & Entry Requirements
Most travellers — including US, Canadian, UK, EU/Schengen, Australian, New Zealand and Japanese passport holders — enter Morocco visa-free for up to 90 days, whether they land at Fès–Saïss or arrive overland. You need a passport valid for at least six months beyond arrival.
Practical
What to Pack for Morocco
Pack light, modest and layered. A Fes trip swings from hot, dusty medina lanes to cool evenings and chilly desert or Middle Atlas nights, so breathable layers, genuinely comfortable walking shoes and a warm top cover almost everything.
Planning
Morocco Travel Costs & Budget
Fes can be done on almost any budget. Mid-range travellers spend roughly US$80–150 per person per day; private, riad-based trips with a local guide and driver typically run US$200–400+ per day depending on season and style.