Visa
For citizens of the Russian Federation, a visa-free regime is applied.
Flight
Moscow - Casablanca direct flight is carried out from Moscow by Royal Air Maroc (Royal Moroccan Airlines), the flight is also carried out with a stopover in any city in Europe (Paris, Frankfurt, Milan, Rome, etc.) and takes an average of 10 hours, including connection time, Moscow - Agadir 6 hours. Domestic flight Casablanca - Agadir (or Marrakesh) takes 45 minutes. (a / c Royal Air Maroc).
Customs regulations
Import allowed: 3 bottles. and wine or 2 bottles. (1 liter) strong spirits, 200 pcs. cigarettes, 50 cigars, or 250g. tobacco per person. Hunting equipment is subject to mandatory declaration; a permit must first be issued. The import of foreign currency is limited to a multiple of 100,000 Moroccan dirhams (approximately 9,000 euros). Dirhams cannot be exported. It is forbidden to export objects and things of historical and artistic value without special permission. For the import of animals and birds, special documents are also required.
airport tax
There is no airport tax.
general information
The Kingdom of Morocco is located in the west of North Africa. In the east and southeast, it borders on Algeria, in the south - on Mauritania, in the north it is washed by the Mediterranean Sea, in the west - by the Atlantic Ocean, Morocco separates only 14 km from Spain through the Strait of Gibraltar. The Atlas Mountains cross the country from southwest to northeast. The flat coastline of the Atlantic coast is mostly sandy beaches.
The capital is Rabat. The population of Morocco is over 33 million people. More than 5 million live in the city of Casablanca. The main ethnic composition is Arabs, Berbers.
Transport
All major cities in the country have airports. Trains in Morocco are ordinary and high-speed, which run on long-distance lines. In addition to speed, these trains have other advantages: comfortable soft seats, air conditioning, soundproofing. 1st and 2nd class carriages. Buses are the most popular mode of transport in the country, with fares ranging from 3 to 10 euros depending on the distance. The difference in comfort between the first and second classes of buses is very small. Tickets are purchased at bus stations or from the driver (in the province). Buses are almost always overcrowded and do not stop on the highway, "voting" is almost pointless. Inside the city limits, “small taxis” (maximum three people) ply, which are clearly visible due to the color characteristic of each city (red in Casablanca, blue in Rabat, orange in Agadir, sand in Marrakech, etc.). They can pick up other passengers. The fare is about 1 euro per 1 km, but more often the price of the trip can be discussed with the driver in advance (bargaining is appropriate), but it is better to ask to turn on the taximeter. There are other types of taxis in cities, the cost of a trip to them is determined by the tariff scale and is announced to the passenger when getting into the car. The so-called "big taxis" (similar to "minibuses" for six people), intended for long-distance and suburban trips (they leave only after filling all the seats in the cabin). The fare is negotiated in advance and divided among all passengers (paid to the driver at the end of the trip). The taxi fare from the airport to Agadir (30 km) is approximately 30 euros. Travel around the city by taxi 5-20 MDH.
Money
The national currency of Morocco is the Moroccan dirham. 1$ is approximately equal to 9.3 Moroccan dirhams, 1 euro - 11.3 dirhams. 1 dirham = 100 centimes. Circulation has banknotes in denominations of 200, 100, 50 and 10 dirhams, and coins in denominations of 10, 5, 2, 1 dirhams, as well as 50, 20, 10, and 5 centimes. Banks are open from Monday to Friday from 8.30 to 11.15 and from 14.15 to 16.00. Saturday and Sunday are days off. During Ramadan they are open from 8:30 am to 2:00 pm. It is illegal to change money on the streets in Morocco. The best place to exchange is a bank or a special exchange office with the inscription Ghange, or machines that work around the clock, they are in almost all tourist centers. There are also exchange offices at airports. As for credit cards (Eurocard, Master Card, Visa, American Express), they are accepted in most restaurants, in almost all hotels and in many stores. changing currency,
you should definitely take a certificate in case you need to make a return exchange.
Time
The time is 2 hours behind Moscow in summer and 3 hours in winter.
Climate
Predominantly subtropical marine near the coast, and fairly dry on the mainland. In general, the climate in the country is comfortable for staying. The complexity and height of the relief, as well as the influence of the Atlantic, determine the features of the climate. In summer, hot and dry weather prevails over the entire territory. In winter, the influx of marine humid and relatively cool air dominates. Most of the precipitation falls in the mountains, and the plains receive much less atmospheric moisture. Most of the country has an average rainfall of about 300 mm per year. Fluctuations in seasonal and daily temperatures are very significant, especially in winter. Average January temperatures are 16-20 "C, July 25-38 C. The tourist season lasts almost all year round, you can swim from April to November.
Language
There are three official languages - Arabic, French, Berber. French, German and English are spoken in cities and tourist centers. The local population speaks mainly a Moroccan dialect.
Religion
The majority of the population (99%) is Muslim; there are Jewish and Christian communities
Tips
It is customary to tip in restaurants and hotels 5-10% of the order amount (they are not included in the bill), maids 10 MDH per day, car guards in parking lots 3-5 MDH, guides, drivers 50-100 MDH per excursion. Tipping must be given personally in the hands of the person who performed the service. The size of the tip is at the discretion of the tourist.
Electricity
Mains voltage: 220 V, no adapter needed.
Kitchen
National cuisine includes both traditional Arabic dishes and specific local ones. We recommend trying "tagine" - a traditional dish of the inhabitants of Morocco - the Berbers. The dish got its name from earthenware, in which meat, or fish, or chicken with spices and vegetables languish for a long time during the preparation of tagine. The tagine also prepares couscous, a cereal dish with meat and vegetables. "Harera" - a thick soup of legumes, "Mishui" lamb - a whole lamb carcass cooked by long languishing in an underground oven, "Kukli" chickens, various fish, seafood, meat and vegetable dishes - all this is pleasant for our taste perception. Be sure to try Moroccan sweets, there are thousands of varieties in Morocco. Also in Maroko they prepare the famous mint tea and amazing coffee.
The shops
All major cities have Marjan, Asima, Carefur supermarket chains where you can buy food, water, hygiene items, etc. Opening hours, from 08:30 to 22:00. Alcohol is sold in special wine departments of Carefur stores and in licensed specialty stores - from 10:00 to 20:00. In the city "medinas" (the area of the old city) in the markets and shops you can buy souvenirs for every taste. In Essaouira, it is better to buy souvenirs (paintings, leather lamps), Berber silver, national clothes and thuja products. In a large salon, the quality is higher, but the price is higher. In Medina, shops are 30-50% cheaper, but the quality is lower. In Casablanca - European items of famous fashion houses, clothes, shoes. In Fez - leather goods, souvenirs, pottery, silver chasing. In Rabat - souvenirs, carpets, leather. Marrakech has a lot of European goods, but also a lot of various local traditional goods, a large oriental bazaar surrounds the Djemaa el Fna square. In Agadir, as in a resort town, prices are somewhat higher, but in any case it is customary to bargain. Bargaining in Morocco is a centuries-old tradition, not only in boutiques and fixed price shops.
Car rent
To rent a car, you need an international driving license, payment in cash or by credit card. Offices of international rental companies are widespread, prices are low. Renting a middle class car costs about 450 MDH per day. Taxes, mileage, insurance, roadside assistance policy and transportation costs are paid separately depending on the type of car. In large resort areas, it is recommended to reserve a car in advance. Before making a lease, you should especially carefully familiarize yourself with the technical condition of the car: it happens that cars have hidden defects that will have to be paid upon return. The vehicle must be received and returned with a full tank of fuel.
Road markings are internationally marked, road signs are usually written in French and Arabic. Seat belts are required. Often cars are offered for rent right on the street, but it is better to refuse this option. Local drivers usually comply with traffic rules, but sometimes there are offenses. The traffic police are very serious, the fines for violations are high, so everyone tries to follow the rules. In all cities there are parking attendants, they regulate the parking of cars on the streets, and if desired, they can wash the car. The cost of their services is from 5 to 20 MDH.
Features of staying in the country
The country is socially and politically stable, relatively safe in terms of crime. However, in markets and in crowded places, a bag with valuables must be kept in front of you, and things must not be left unchecked. The local population has great respect for the police. Access to mosques for non-Muslims, with rare exceptions, is prohibited. Hugging in public is not accepted, as well as showing strong emotions in general. Water should be drunk only bottled. Juices with ice, which are offered everywhere, should also be drunk with great care. Women and girls are not recommended to dress provocatively (short shorts and skirts, open back, belly, deep neckline), especially outside of tourist complexes. Topless sunbathing is not accepted. Clothing on city tours should correspond to the clothes in which you walk around your city in the summer, and in no way be beach or evening. Remember that you are in a Muslim country and respect its traditions and people. Do not eat a lot of unfamiliar food, vegetables and fruits. Do not use the services of intrusive well-wishers offering help in finding or purchasing goods, souvenirs. Resolutely refuse their services. If you get lost, do not try to get out on your own, ask a shopkeeper or a policeman. Attitude towards tourists is friendly, women are not indifferent. At any time of the year, it is desirable to have a light windproof jacket, a hat, and from October to June - a warm jacket or sweater (in the evening, a cold wind can blow from the ocean).
Ramadan. During Ramadan, the month of Muslim fasting, service in hotels, shops, restaurants, cafes and public places may be limited, as well as the sale of alcohol. But these restrictions, as a rule, do not apply to non-Muslim foreigners.
Attention! Tourists are obliged to comply with local laws, norms of behavior, respect traditions, cultural and religious customs. Failure to comply with the above rules, whether knowingly or unknowingly, may result in liability. You must be careful while traveling, follow the rules of personal safety, monitor the safety of your property and documents. Keep valuables in the hotel safe, make a photocopy of your passport. Familiarize yourself with the insurance conditions specified in the insurance policy!
Morocco. Located 13 kilometers off the coast of Spain, this North African country mixes Middle Eastern magic, Berber traditions and European flair.
Since 2002, the tourist flow here has more than doubled, to almost 12 million visitors. King Mohammed VI plans to raise the number of tourists to 18 million by 2020. The ruler's strategy is reinforced by the development of infrastructure, which makes it easier to travel around the country. Add to this the program of ongoing social, political and economic reforms and it becomes clear that the Kingdom of Morocco is one of the most moderate and peaceful countries in the region. Morocco is an interesting tourist destination for Russians, and the number of Russian tourists is growing year by year.
Watch a report about Morocco, which reflects the entire oriental flavor of the state:
Do I need a visa to enter Morocco?
Since 2005, a visa to Morocco is not required if the traveler enters the Kingdom for tourism purposes. However, visa-free entry is designed only for citizens of the Russian Federation, but not for other residents of the former USSR, who will have to go to embassies and consular departments for permission. But Russian citizens can also stay in the country only as tourists, no more than 90 days, observing Moroccan law and customs.
Extensions of the standard 90-day period of stay are subject to special approval, which must be issued at least 15 days before the end of travel.
To cross the state border, you will need a valid passport with a 6-month “reserve” period of validity and a properly completed migration card. This questionnaire is usually issued on the plane, but you can find it on the Internet, download and fill it out in advance. It is filled with legible Latin letters.
Despite the fact that there are no direct requirements, it is recommended (according to tourists) to have medical insurance, a confirmed hotel reservation and documents proving financial independence. Since if any questions arise, these documents may be required to be provided at customs.
If the Moroccan customs officers do not have any questions, then a special stamp with an identification number will be affixed to the tourist's foreign passport. If the traveler is moving from Algiers by car, then he will additionally need to have an international driver's license.
Types of issued visit permits
This is how a visa to Morocco looks like:
Despite the fact that Russian citizens can travel to Morocco without a visa, the objectives of the trip may not be related to tourism. That's when you need a visa. The purpose of a visit to the Kingdom may be study, employment, business. Accordingly, the country (in addition to tourist) issues:
- student visas. Provide applicants with permission to stay in the country for the duration of the study period. Universities in Morocco are chosen by students for relatively low fees (compared to many European educational institutions), the invaluable experience of living in a North African state, and the fact that Moroccan diplomas are readily accepted all over the world for employment purposes;
- work visas, which allow you to legally engage in labor activity and exclude the possibility of deportation;
- business visas. Mandatory for carrying out commercial activities in the territory of the Kingdom;
- long-term. Such visas in Morocco are issued for three full months to participate in conferences, meetings, business, commercial trips;
- resident card. The first step to obtaining citizenship of the country is initially issued for 1 full year.
Documentation
In 2020, Russians do not need a visa to Morocco. This rule applies only to tourists. To work and run your own business, as well as obtaining a residence permit, you need to collect a whole package of documents. And the registration of Moroccan citizenship will be delayed for several years.
City by the sea in Morocco
Rest, study, live and work - this is the sequence in which you can indicate the most frequent goals of travel to Morocco. An excellent tourist area, reputable universities and successful business schools attract students and vacationers from Russia.
In addition, a visa to Morocco is not needed for walks and excursions. But the unusual Arab traditions and culture, as well as the difficult situation on the labor market, which those who wish to go to the kingdom to work or permanent residence will have to face, do not look so attractive. However, the services are in demand in the market.
To get to Morocco, you need to go through a series of bureaucratic procedures for issuing visas or obtaining documents permitting legal stay. For each category of entrants, this package should be different. We understand in order.
This is what a visa looks like in Morocco
Russians rest in Morocco without worries
The Kingdom turns out to be not only the easiest resort for Russians in terms of collecting the necessary documents and obtaining visas, but also in terms of the cost of a permit for legal stay. None of this is required.
In 2015, to visit Morocco, it was enough to take a foreign passport with you and fill out a migration card directly at customs or on the way to the country, on the plane. The rules are preserved in 2020 - the kingdom is again included in the list.
However, the rules that apply to our residents do not apply to Ukrainians, as well as residents of other CIS countries. They, like other foreigners, need to apply for a full visa to visit Morocco.
International passport
The main requirement for a foreign passport is that it must be valid. In addition, the validity period can expire no earlier than six months after departure from the kingdom. This is a very common rule that is valid in almost all countries of the world.
Such a document should be in the hands of not only all adults, but also children. Moreover, both those who have reached the age of 14, and very young ones. You need to take care of your passports in advance. The term of their manufacture in Russia ranges from 1 to 4 months, involves the collection of various certificates, documents and the payment of state duty.
Migration card
A migration card is a common document; to obtain a form, it is also not required to provide any certificates or visa documents. The sample can be viewed on the Internet, downloaded, printed and taken with you as an example to fill out.
Sample of filling out a migration card when visiting Morocco
It is worth remembering that you need to fill out a card for each family member, including children who have reached the age of 14 or just crumbs. All information must be entered in printed Latin letters, as legibly as possible. For this, a pen with black or blue ink is suitable.
Additional documents
They do not belong to the category of mandatory, but are desirable even only when crossing the Russian border.
Snow fell in Morocco, it is quite cool here in winter
In winter, the tourist flow does not dry out, but the type of vacationers simply changes. Those who come to Morocco from December to March are interested in the ski slopes and the availability of freeride tracks. Such entertainment is to the taste of both noisy youth companies and wealthy couples who come to actively relax. The best snow can be caught from January to February, in the remaining months the readiness of the slopes depends on the weather.
An alternative to seasonal snowboarding and skiing is surfing. There are waves in the kingdom all year round, and therefore the surfing season lasts all 12 months. Even when it is the middle of winter in Russia, splashing in the ocean with a board is very comfortable. Where it is better to relax in Morocco, if you go surfing, you can look at the pages of surf schools, including Russian ones, which are abundantly represented on the coast of the kingdom. Depending on the season, it is possible to do this north of the capital Rabat, Tangier, in Agadir, Marrakesh.
The classic beach season in Morocco begins, as in Russia, from the end of May, but lasts a little longer - until October. Velvet is considered the time from the end of August to the end of October. This is the best time to relax in the kingdom with your children.
Transit visa to Morocco
Morocco can be planned as not the only country in the list of countries that you plan to visit during your vacation. For example, it can be successfully combined with Tunisia, Spain and France. A transit Moroccan visa is not required for residents of Russia, but you will have to take care of obtaining the relevant documents in other countries.
At the surf school
If residents of Russia plan to receive a full-fledged higher education, then it is necessary to apply for a student visa, and then a residence permit. To do this, you need to collect a number of documents and contact the embassy.
The passport must be valid for the entire period for which the visa is issued, and it must also contain at least one blank page for stamping.
When the visa is received, all interviews and exams have successfully passed and you have been enrolled, you need to come to the local department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and apply for a residence permit. This will allow you to continuously stay in the country for more than 90 days.
To work in Morocco
A work visa in Morocco must be issued by all Russian citizens who are going to work in the kingdom or run their own business. This distinction is fundamental, since each type of employment needs its own document.
Work Visa
It can be issued only when a vacancy has already been found, and the employer is ready to accept you on the staff. According to this document, foreigners are allowed to be hired workers or specialists, but they must be in a Moroccan company or a foreign company registered in the kingdom and working according to internal rules.
Morocco has a very high unemployment rate, which is kept at the level of 20-25% from year to year. Hence the strict rules for foreign workers. Government agencies are very careful to ensure that local or permanent residents are employed first, and only in the absence of suitable candidates are foreign employees allowed to be hired.
To apply for a work visa, you need to provide:
The passport, which you will also hand over along with the rest of the documents, must be valid for the entire period for which the visa is obtained, and it must also contain at least one blank page for stamping.
Business visa
It is necessary if you are going to engage in entrepreneurial activities: organize your own business or establish business and partnership relations with Moroccan companies on behalf of your Russian employer.
A business visa is issued for three months and can be either single or multiple, allowing you to enter and leave the country several times.
This will affect the cost of the issued document and the difference in filling out the questionnaire.
In addition to the visa application, you must also provide:
The passport must be valid for the entire period for which the visa is issued, and it must also contain at least one blank page for stamping. You will also provide it to the consulate.
Long term Moroccan visa
Required if the purpose of your trip is not related to tourism and recreation. This can be attendance at scientific conferences, business trips not related to business activities, participation in colloquia, and so on.
A visa to Morocco is issued for 90 days, subject to the provision of the following documents:
Together with the passport, you will need to hand over its photocopy.
The cost of a visa will be in the range of 1200-1500 rubles.
Citizenship and temporary residence permit
The longest visa for Russians in Morocco is valid for 90 days. The embassy cannot issue documents for more than 3 months.
Everyone who comes to the kingdom for various purposes and is forced to spend more than the allowed time in the country must independently extend their validity and obtain a temporary residence permit. You can increase the time of stay for the first time by a year, the second - by five years, and the third - by ten.
All that is needed for this is to contact the territorial police department and provide a list of the following documents:
In addition, the services for issuing a residence permit must be paid according to the current rates. All documents must be translated into the state Arabic or the second most popular language - French. Notarized and endorsed.
After your application is accepted for consideration at the Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, you will be issued a temporary national card, and this document will be ready in 1-5 months.
It is possible to obtain Moroccan citizenship, but it will take time. On average, about 6 years. To begin with, it will be necessary to live in the country for three months, as long as the visa-free regime allows, then apply for a temporary residence permit. A year later, extend the national card for another five years and only after this period to write an application for citizenship.
You can get the citizenship of the kingdom in another way. For example, by marrying a Moroccan. But for this you need to live with him in a legal marriage for two years. Considering that this is a Muslim country, it is reckless to take such an act as marriage solely for the sake of obtaining citizenship.
The fact of owning your own real estate increases your chances of obtaining citizenship, more precisely, this is the basis for recognizing you as a citizen of this country. The procedure is similar to obtaining a residence permit. First, staying on the territory of the state according to the visa-free regime, then obtaining a national annual card and then trying to obtain citizenship.
On the video you can watch walks in Marrakech - one of the four imperial cities of Morocco.
The state of Morocco has become relatively new, but already very popular for a beach holiday and for tourism among Russians. This direction especially attracts lovers of oriental exoticism, beach holidays on the hot sand.
The stunning landscapes of Morocco intersect with modern technology in an amazing way. Periodically, it seems that time in this country has stopped, or lost in the narrow, intertwining streets.
The kingdom is located in the northern part of the African continent. The country is not suitable for a year-round beach holiday, but you can get acquainted with the sights at any convenient time. This direction is popular from early spring to late autumn.
This country attracts not only with its amazing color and warm climate, which is conducive to relaxation, but also with the fact that citizens of the Russian Federation do not need a visa to travel.
But before visiting Morocco, you should still read our article and find out what documents are required for entry, depending on the purpose, the features of the visa and visa-free regime for Russians, and how much it costs to apply for a visa.
Main Attractions
Nowadays, you can see the remaining buildings from the once majestic El Badi Palace. The construction of this palace required huge sums of money, precious materials for decoration were imported from many countries of Europe, Asia and neighboring countries.
There is a legend that during the construction of the palace, every working architect once a year received gold, which was equal in weight to its own weight. After the palace was destroyed, valuable materials were dismantled, and now ruins remain of it, which amaze with their scale.
The mosque is the third largest in the world. And this is not surprising. The two hundred and ten meter high minaret is visible from almost anywhere in Casablanca. In addition, the building was equipped with the most modern technological advances: a sliding ceiling, a laser beam directed towards Mecca, and much more. Outside and inside the mosque resembles a royal palace, the walls of the building were painted by about ten thousand craftsmen.
You can hardly find at least one person in the world who has never heard of the Sahara. It is a vast desert with majestic landscapes. Its area is more than eight million kilometers.
The desert borders eleven countries. But you can see the amazing Sahara only from three states: Tunisia, Egypt and, in fact, Morocco.
Fez has been considered the cultural capital of Morocco for many years. It attracts tourists from all over the world. And there is nothing strange in this, because it is here that you can see a lot of sights, see national traditions and rituals. This ancient city is divided into two parts.
It has more than six thousand streets. Each of which literally breathes history, and the houses on them seem to be frozen in time. The striking beauty of mosques, fountains and traditional Arab architectural ensembles, all this can be seen in Fes.
The collection located in the museum is not very large, literally a thousand exhibits. However, this does not mean at all that she is unattractive. The fact is that it presents unique interior elements, jewelry, carpets and much more. A very interesting place for those who are interested in history, culture and life.
Features of visa-free entry for Russians
A visa-free regime with Morocco is open to citizens of the Russian Federation who enter the country for the purpose of tourism.
Important! Citizens of Ukraine and Belarus living in the Russian Federation will need to apply for a visa.
But for the visa-free regime, there are some restrictions, in addition to the citizenship of the Russian Federation:
- The purpose of the trip must be tourism.
- Period of stay up to 90 days.
- Do not import prohibited substances.
- Compliance with local laws and regulations.
To extend your stay, you will need to issue a special permit. This must be done no later than 15 days before the end of the three-month visa-free period.
Documents for crossing the border
To cross the Moroccan border without a visa, you must:
- Issue a migration card.
- Carry out customs control.
- Carry a passport with a validity period of at least six months.
You will need to take care of drawing up a migration card in advance, the form will be issued during the flight. Registration is made in Latin letters, black or blue ink.
You should not print the card form yourself, there is a very high probability that it will not be accepted.
Despite the fact that Russians do not need a visa to visit Morocco, but during passport control, employees may ask for proof of booking a hotel room and the availability of finances for staying in the country. In addition, they may ask for additional comments about the purpose of the visit. However, this happens extremely rarely. As a rule, in cases of suspicion among customs officers.
When customs control is passed, a stamp will be affixed to assign a special tourist registration number. At the time of departure, a corresponding mark will be placed.
When the border of the state is crossed by car, then in addition to a passport, a issued migration card and a customs declaration, a driver's license is required, which is valid at the international level. A Russian driver's license is not valid within Morocco. In addition, it is necessary to present the car for inspection by customs services, provide a registration certificate and an international insurance policy.
Types of visas in Morocco
It is not required to apply for a visa to enter Morocco when the purpose of the trip is tourism. However, it should be noted that the right to stay in the state for a long time or conduct work activities is given only if you have a visa.
transit
This type of visa is not required for citizens of the Russian Federation to enter Morocco. People from other states will need it in order to cross Moroccan territory, on their way to third countries. The list of documents for this visa will be the same as for another visa. In addition to the standard set, you will need tickets and a visa (if necessary) to the country of destination.
Tourist
A tourist visa document is also not required for citizens of the Russian Federation. The main rule is to carefully follow the conditions of entry and the norms of stay in the territory of foreign citizens.
Student
This type of visa allows you to study at a university in Morocco. To receive, you will need an invitation from a Moroccan educational institution.
working
The working type of visa allows you to conduct legal labor activity in this state. The period of validity of this visa is individual in each case. For its registration, you will need an invitation from an employer from Morocco.
Business
A business visa is similar to a work visa. It allows you to conduct business activities in Morocco.
Long term
This visa is issued for a period of 3 months. As a rule, among the purposes of the visit are business trips, business trips, conferences. To receive, you will need confirmation of the need for a visit from the host.
Resident card
The residence permit is valid for one year, when a foreigner wishes to stay in the country longer, it is allowed to extend the validity. The maximum period of stay in the state is 5 years. Possession of this type of visa practically equates in rights with the citizens of this country.
List of required documents for visa application
The right to apply for a visa, you will first need to pick up a complete package of documents. All papers must be translated into Arabic or French. It is not necessary to translate the passport. The translation must be certified by a notary.
For an adult:
- Photos (4 pcs.).
- Passport (copy).
- Confirmation of payment of the visa fee.
- Booking accommodation in Morocco.
- Medical insurance.
To enter Morocco with children, certain conditions must be met:
This is the main list of rules for entering Morocco, there are no additional requirements from the Moroccan side.
Optional package:
- Issuing a tourist visa will require a reservation from the hotel where the candidate plans to stay during the holiday.
- Those planning to study in the Kingdom will need to present an invitation letter from the university, which will indicate enrollment in the lists for the education of the educational institution.
- Applying for a work visa will require the presentation of an invitation from a potential employer, in addition, a certificate from the previous place of work will be required.
- To obtain a business visa, you must present an invitation from Moroccan partners and a written confirmation from Russia proving the right to represent a Russian organization on your behalf.
- A long-term visa requires round-trip tickets.
Those wishing to apply for a residence permit in Morocco must submit to the Consulate:
- A copy of the international passport (2 pcs.).
- Photos (6 pcs.).
- Marriage certificate (if any).
- Proof of availability of accommodation in Morocco.
- An extract from the bank, which confirms the availability of funds.
- Medical insurance for the entire period of stay in the state.
Document Requirements
As a rule, countries impose many different conditions on photographs on a visa document. The Kingdom, on the contrary, does not set any special requirements for photographs. The size of the photo should be 3 by 4 cm. Only any accessories that do not allow you to identify the citizen in the photo are prohibited.
Finance
When passing through border control in Morocco, employees may inquire about the financial viability of a foreigner. To stay in the Kingdom, you need at least $ 50 per day for an adult and half of this amount for a minor.
You can confirm the availability of these funds with a bank statement, a credit card valid in the Kingdom, in cash or a letter from a sponsor.
Medical insurance
Medical insurance is not included in the list of mandatory documentation, but it is better to issue it. Morocco is a country with a peculiar climate, and medical care here is very expensive.
The procedure for issuing a visa
To go through the procedure for obtaining a visa to the Kingdom of Morocco, you must contact the Moroccan Embassy located in Moscow.
The process itself consists of three stages:
- Obtaining a questionnaire and a set of necessary papers by the applicant.
- Submission of completed documents for a visa.
- The process of returning a passport with a visa stamp in a situation of a positive decision.
Attention! The transfer of documentation for third parties is not permitted. The Embassy requires the personal presence of the candidate requesting the visa. An exception can only be the parents of minor applicants.
Rules for filling out the questionnaire
The questionnaire must be filled out legibly, always in black ink. Registration in English, Arabic or French is allowed.
All information is entered in the same way as a passport:
- P.p. 1-3. It is necessary to indicate personal information: last name, last name before marriage and patronymic. Also, note the gender of the candidate.
- Pp. 4. Write down the date and place of birth here.
- Pp. 5. In this paragraph, indicate the nationality.
- Pp. 6. Marital status (single, married, etc.).
- Pp. 7. In the case where there is a marriage, data on the second half (name and surname) are indicated here.
- Pp. 8. This must include information about children if they are entered in the applicant's passport and are traveling to the Kingdom with the candidate.
- Pp. 9. Here you must specify the details of the passport: the type of document, number and series, date and place of issue, as well as the period of validity.
- Pp. 10. Indicate the address and telephone number of permanent residence.
- Pp. 11. Write down your profession.
- Pp. 12-13. Indicate the place of your work, the address and contacts of the employer.
- Pp. 14. Indicate the location of the Moroccan border control through which you will enter the country.
- Pp. 15. Here it is necessary to note the purpose of the visit to the Kingdom: business, tourist, family or other.
- Pp. 16. This paragraph indicates the Moroccan address of residence.
- Pp. 17. Indicate the date when you leave the country and the period of validity of the visa.
- Pp. 18. Write here that you undertake to leave the country in a timely manner and have no intention of violating the migration rules of the state.
- Next, you should write down the address and date of registration of the questionnaire and sign the form. After entering the necessary information into the form, you will need to paste a photo and hand over the paper to the Embassy staff.
Cost and terms
In addition to the visa-free regime, the Moroccan authorities also canceled the required entry fee for citizens of the Russian Federation. Staying in the country for three months without a business permit is free.
But there is a fee to get a visa.
The tariff for work and business visas will have to be clarified at the time of the visit to the Embassy. All visa documents for Morocco are valid for 3 months. In addition, they are disposable. But at the time of being in the Kingdom, they can be extended.
The period for issuing a visa at the Moroccan Embassy is negotiated at the time of acceptance of the candidate's papers. As a rule, the procedure for making a decision on a request is 1-2 weeks.
If the consular staff has questions, they will invite the candidate for an interview, and this may cause an increase in the period for obtaining documents.
Customs regulations
The rules for obtaining a visa-free regime in Morocco are slightly different from those familiar to citizens of the Russian Federation.
Attention! The rules for transporting currency in Morocco are that it can be imported into the country in unlimited amounts, while it is not allowed to use it within the Kingdom. In the calculations in the country, only local dirhams are used. At the same time, the export of the national currency from the country is not allowed.
It is allowed to import without duties:
- 1 high alcohol bottle.
- 1 bottle of wine.
- 10 packs of cigarettes, 50 cigars or 250 grams of tobacco.
In case of exceeding the norms, it is required to declare.
Prohibited for import:
- Items that are prohibited by Islam.
- Weapon.
- Narcotic substances.
- Petrol.
Photo and video equipment must be packed and declared, if necessary, you will need to present a permit for their import. You can get it at the Embassy of the Russian Federation. Equipment and equipment must be packed and sealed. The import and export of valuable items and objects of art is subject to special permission.
Moroccan customs regulations are strict, and any violation of them should be severely punished.
Refusal of a visa
In case of refusal, he will certainly argue in a written notice. Therefore, the first step is to familiarize yourself with the cause of the failure and understand how easy it is to eliminate. When the period of validity of any documents is in question, the appeal is useless until the papers are reissued.
If the reason is different, then it is allowed to appeal to the Consul of Morocco. In this case, the authorities will be forced to re-examine the documentation package. The candidate may be called for an interview.
If it happens that the decision is still negative, then the challenge will be possible only in court. Then it is recommended to seek the help of a dedicated immigration lawyer.
Among the main reasons for refusal:
- Incorrectly formatted documents.
- Insufficient funds for a visit to the Kingdom.
- Having an outstanding conviction.
- Suspicions of terrorism or extremism.
- Public insult to Islam.
- Violation of Moroccan law during previous visits.
- Providing false documentation.
- How much will the tour cost? The average cost of the cheapest ticket to the Kingdom will be about 300 euros. But you can track all kinds of discounts and monitor Internet resources for even cheaper tickets. Daily rent of housing will be from 25 euros. A bus ride will cost from 4 euros. The rest of the expenses will depend on where to go for entertainment. It is worth noting that for any purchase in Morocco they like to bargain. You should not avoid this, as this is a good opportunity to get a thing for much cheaper.
- Should I give tea? Establishments in Morocco include a tip in the order. But, of course, the staff likes to get some amount on top. Do not give a lot, the following amounts will be enough:
- Maid from AED 2 per week.
- Guards from 1-2 dirhams.
- Guides from 5-10 dirhams.
- Car washers from 2-5 dirhams.
- Is it possible to save money on a hotel and rent a house? What kind of housing to rent, everyone decides on their own. Usually people rent hotels or apartments. As a rule, a day costs from 25 euros. For a long time it is better to rent an apartment. In the south, the cost will be from 150 euros (including electricity and water), in the north of the country, housing costs more than 350 euros.
- How should you behave? In the modern cities of the Kingdom, people are accustomed to short clothes and naked bodies on the beach, as religious families have left the city with the influx of tourists. But in older cities, morality is an important element. If they say hello to you, be sure to say hello back. Be sure to use polite words in your speech. It is better to thank in Arabic or French, as not everyone speaks English.
- What are the main traditions that should not be broken? If you are offered to drink Berber tea, do not refuse. The inhabitants of Morocco are friendly, as a rule, this means that a person wants to communicate. It is better not to openly photograph local residents. It is better not to point the lens at all at women in a veil. You can not enter the mosque, you are only allowed to admire the architectural structure from the outside. It is not recommended to discuss the king, politics and religion, it is haram. Even if the interlocutor has begun to express his own opinion about the situation, it is better to ignore them. It is strictly forbidden to express disrespect for the currency of the state. This can lead to imprisonment for 5 years.
Official representations
Embassy of the Kingdom of Morocco in Russia:
- Moscow: Prechistensky lane, 8 A.
Morocco attracts our compatriots with budget vacations, pleasant climate and unique ethnic atmosphere. In 2005, the Russians received a gift from the Moroccan authorities - the abolition of the visa regime. The situation has not changed for many years.
Now citizens of the Russian Federation can travel to Morocco without a visa, but under what conditions is this possible? Do tourists do without collecting documents and providing guarantees of their return to Russia? Of course no. In this article, you will learn the whole truth about visa-free travel to the kingdom and obtaining a long-term visa on your own.
Legal stay of Russians in Morocco - basic rules
The tourist zone of Morocco makes this country incredibly attractive for Russians. The ease of entry into the country also affects - you don’t even need an online visa. All you need for legal entry is a valid passport and a completed migration card.
It is most convenient to fill out the card on the plane, using the services of stewards. Passport requirements are standard - its "validity" period must expire at least six months after the end of the trip to Morocco. If you are traveling with 14-year-olds, they are also required to have a passport with them.
You don't even need an online visa.
Other paperwork required at customs:
- Migration card(filled in by each member of the family, the core is black or blue, the letters are printed in Latin);
- Notarized permission to export a child from the Russian Federation(if one of the parents travels to Morocco);
- Return flights(a confirmed booking will do);
- Confirmation of financial solvency(Bank statement).
The last document is not always checked, but the Moroccan customs officer has the right to demand it. Prudent tourists also stock up on other useful things - a medical policy, confirmation of a hotel reservation, a tourist voucher. Customs officers are not interested in these papers, but extra guarantees will not hurt.
How to come to Morocco without a visa?
So, you are going to Morocco for tourism purposes. Please note: the stated goal should not “go beyond”.
If you come to lie on the beach, and then suddenly get a job and want a residence permit, there is a risk of being deported.
The visa-free regime provides for a 90-day stay in the country - this is enough for a good rest.
Beach tourists in Morocco have the right to move only within the tourist areas. You will be accompanied by professional guides. If you are traveling on your own, then you can do without a guide, but in some places you will still not be allowed. , we already told in the last article.
