Known for the bright colors of Marrakech and the maze-like medina of Fez, the north African nation of Morocco has long been a popular tourist destination for people from all over the world.
The 17.4 million international visitors who came to the country in 2024 represent a 20% jump from the previous year as the country’s government continues its mission to bring more tourists into the country.
Low-cost airlines have launched routes from cities like London, Brussels, and Madrid, and United Airlines (UAL) recently also started running a new seasonal route between Newark and Marrakech.
In 2024, Morocco also knocked Egypt from its spot at the top as the most-visited country in Africa.
“Demonstrations involving violence have taken place in various locations”: Morocco Embassy
But since the start of October, the Moroccan capital of Casablanca has faced several days of unrest amid widescale demonstrations calling for reform of the country’s health and education agencies.
Clashes with law enforcement caused a number of injuries and three deaths as mobilization organized by youth group “Gen Z 212” spread across Casablanca and multiple other cities as well as turned more violent with some looting and arson.
In response to the rising unrest, the U.S. Embassy in Morocco issued a travel warning about “the potential for dangerous situations” for foreigners who may accidentally find themselves caught up in the protests.
Related: US government warns travelers ‘stopping is not allowed’
“Demonstrations involving reports of violence have taken place in various locations throughout Morocco,” the travel warning issued on Oct. 1 reads. “Such events may have large turnouts and crowds may be unpredictable. Heavy traffic and street closures could result in congestion and delays in the areas of the largest gatherings.”
The advisory goes on to warn that security forces may arrest or try to disperse crowds in increasingly brusque ways. As a result, travelers in Morocco are advised to remain aware of their surroundings and carry documents identifying them as foreign citizens at all times.
Image source: Shutterstock
Have a trip to Morocco planned? Here is what you need to know about the protests
Travelers should avoid large crowds, but if this is not possible, they should keep a low profile and carefully follow the instructions of law enforcement forces and security personnel.
“Be aware of traffic disruptions due to street closures,” the instructions to American citizens in Morocco read further. “Avoid areas of demonstrations [and] monitor local media for updates.”
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Similar advisories were issued due to protests that broke out in Peru and Madagascar at different points over the last month. In the latter African country, the embassy told Americans to “shelter in place” as the measures taken to curb protests over water and electricity shortages in the country turned increasingly violent and led to stronger police action.
This week, Madagascar President Andry Roejelina called the youth-led protests a “coup” amid growing calls for his resignation.
“Security forces have announced a move to a ‘restoration of public order’ phase and will no longer consider looters as protesters but as public enemies and will use weapons against them,” the travel advisory from the U.S. embassy issued at the end of September now states.
