Morocco Health Guide - Vaccinations, Medical Care & Staying Healthy

Staying healthy while traveling in Morocco requires some preparation. This comprehensive guide covers everything from vaccinations to dealing with common traveler ailments.

Required vs. Recommended Vaccinations

Required Vaccinations

Good News: Morocco does NOT require any vaccinations for entry from most countries.

Exception: Yellow Fever

• Required ONLY if arriving from yellow fever endemic countries
• Endemic areas include parts of Africa and South America
• Certificate must be presented at entry
• If you're coming from Europe, North America, Asia, or Oceania: NOT required

COVID-19:

• Requirements change frequently
• Check current regulations before travel
• May require vaccination proof or negative test
• Visit Morocco Ministry of Health website for updates

Recommended Vaccinations

While not required, these vaccinations are recommended by CDC, WHO, and travel medicine specialists:

Routine Vaccinations (Ensure Up-to-Date)

1. MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)

• Why: Measles outbreaks occur globally
• Schedule: 2 doses if never vaccinated
• Timing: Complete at least 2 weeks before travel

2. Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis (Tdap/Td)

• Why: Tetanus from cuts/wounds common
• Schedule: Booster every 10 years
• Timing: Anytime before travel

3. Polio

• Why: Ensure protection complete
• Schedule: Booster if last dose was 10+ years ago
• Timing: At least 4 weeks before travel

4. Varicella (Chickenpox)

• Why: If you've never had chickenpox
• Schedule: 2 doses, 4 weeks apart
• Timing: Complete before travel

Recommended for Morocco

5. Hepatitis A

• Why: Transmitted through contaminated food/water
• Risk: Moderate risk in Morocco
• Schedule: 2 doses, 6-12 months apart
• Protection: First dose protects, second gives long-term immunity
• Timing: First dose at least 2 weeks before travel
• Cost: $60-100 per dose

6. Typhoid

• Why: From contaminated food/water
• Risk: Higher risk if eating street food or rural areas
• Types:
  • Injectable: 1 dose, lasts 2 years
  • Oral: 4 pills, lasts 5 years
• Timing: 2 weeks before travel
• Cost: $80-120

7. Hepatitis B

• Why: If potential for sexual contact, medical treatment, or tattoos/piercings
• Schedule: 3 doses over 6 months (accelerated schedule available)
• Who: Long-term travelers, healthcare workers
• Timing: Start series before travel

8. Rabies (Pre-Exposure)

• Why: Dogs and cats may carry rabies
• Who Needs:
  • Long-term travelers (>1 month)
  • Those doing animal work
  • Adventure travelers in rural areas
  • Cyclists and runners
• Schedule: 3 doses over 3-4 weeks
• Note: Still need post-exposure treatment if bitten, but fewer shots needed
• Cost: $200-300 per dose (expensive!)
• Timing: Complete series before travel

Generally NOT Needed

Japanese Encephalitis: Not present in Morocco Meningococcal: Not routinely recommended Cholera: Very low risk in Morocco

Malaria

Good News: Morocco is malaria-FREE.

• No malaria prevention medication needed
• No mosquito-borne malaria risk
• Still use mosquito repellent for comfort

Pre-Travel Health Checklist

6-8 Weeks Before Travel

• [ ] Visit travel medicine clinic or doctor
• [ ] Update routine vaccinations
• [ ] Get Hepatitis A (1st dose)
• [ ] Get Typhoid vaccine
• [ ] Start Rabies series if needed
• [ ] Start Hepatitis B series if needed
• [ ] Get travel insurance with medical coverage

2-4 Weeks Before Travel

• [ ] Fill prescriptions (90-day supply)
• [ ] Get doctor's letters for medications
• [ ] Prepare travel health kit
• [ ] Download offline medical translation app
• [ ] Save emergency contacts

1 Week Before Travel

• [ ] Check COVID-19 requirements
• [ ] Copy prescriptions and medical documents
• [ ] Verify travel insurance coverage
• [ ] Pack all medications in carry-on

Medical Facilities in Morocco

Quality Tier System

Tier 1: Major Cities - Good Private Hospitals

Casablanca:

• Clinique du Parc
• Clinique Averroès
• Clinique Anfa

Marrakech:

• Polyclinique du Sud
• Clinique de l'Hivernage
• International Medical Center

Rabat:

• Clinique Agdal
• Clinique Badr

Standard: European-level care, English-speaking doctors, modern equipment

Cost: $100-300 for consultation, higher for procedures

Tier 2: Tourist Areas - Adequate Private Clinics

Cities like Fes, Tangier, Agadir, Essaouira have private clinics with:

• Competent doctors (often French-trained)
• Basic to good facilities
• Some English spoken
• Reasonable prices

Tier 3: Rural Areas - Basic Care

• Public hospitals (overcrowded, basic)
• Small clinics
• Limited English
• For serious issues, travel to major city

Public vs. Private Healthcare

Public Hospitals:

• Very cheap or free
• Often overcrowded
• Long waits
• Language barriers
• Basic facilities
• Emergency care available

Private Clinics/Hospitals:

• Modern facilities
• English-speaking staff
• Quick service
• Western standards
• More expensive (but cheap by US standards)
• Recommended for tourists

Pharmacies

Availability:

• Everywhere in cities
• Recognizable by green cross
• Well-stocked
• Many medications available over-counter (that require prescription at home)

Pharmacists:

• Well-trained
• Often speak French and English
• Can recommend treatments
• Useful for minor ailments

After-Hours:

• Pharmacie de garde (duty pharmacy) rotates
• Posted on pharmacy doors
• Available 24/7 in cities

Tip: Bring prescription or packaging if you need refill.

Common Health Issues

1. Traveler's Diarrhea (TD)

Most common travel illness - affects 30-50% of travelers

Causes:

• Contaminated food or water
• New bacteria your gut isn't used to
• Street food (if not properly cooked)
• Raw vegetables washed in tap water
• Ice made from tap water

Symptoms:

• Loose stools (3+ per day)
• Stomach cramps
• Nausea
• Urgency
• Sometimes fever

Prevention:

• Drink only bottled water (check seal)
• Avoid tap water (including for brushing teeth)
• Avoid ice (unless at upscale hotels)
• Peel fruits yourself
• Avoid raw vegetables initially
• Eat at busy, reputable places
• Hot, freshly cooked food safest
• Wash hands frequently

Treatment:

• Stay hydrated (ORS - oral rehydration solution)
• Loperamide (Imodium) for symptom relief
• Bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol)
• Antibiotics (Azithromycin or Ciprofloxacin) if severe
• Rest

See Doctor If:

• High fever (>102°F/39°C)
• Blood in stool
• Severe dehydration
• Lasts more than 3-5 days
• Severe abdominal pain

2. Dehydration (Especially in Desert/Summer)

Risk Factors:

• Hot, dry climate
• Diarrhea
• Not drinking enough water
• Alcohol consumption

Prevention:

• Drink 3-4 liters water daily
• More in desert or summer
• Before you feel thirsty
• Limit alcohol (dehydrating)
• Oral rehydration salts if sweating heavily

Signs:

• Dark urine
• Dizziness
• Dry mouth
• Headache
• Fatigue

Treatment:

• Drink water with electrolytes
• ORS packets
• Rest in shade
• Seek medical care if severe

3. Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke

Risk: Summer months, desert areas, Sahara trips

Heat Exhaustion:

• Heavy sweating
• Weakness
• Nausea
• Headache
• Dizziness

Treatment:

• Move to shade/cool area
• Drink water
• Cool down with wet cloths
• Rest

Heat Stroke (EMERGENCY):

• High temperature (>104°F/40°C)
• Hot, dry skin
• Confusion
• Rapid pulse
• Unconsciousness

Treatment:

• Call ambulance
• Cool person immediately
• Ice packs to neck, armpits, groin
• Don't give water if unconscious

Prevention:

• Avoid midday sun (11am-3pm)
• Wear hat and light, loose clothing
• Use sunscreen
• Drink constantly
• Take breaks in shade

4. Respiratory Infections

Common due to:

• Dry climate
• Dust
• Air conditioning
• Crowded medinas

Prevention:

• Stay hydrated
• Rest adequately
• Wash hands
• Avoid touching face

Treatment:

• Rest
• Fluids
• Pharmacist can recommend decongestants
• Antibiotics if bacterial (see doctor)

5. Food Poisoning

Different from TD - usually more severe, quicker onset

Symptoms:

• Violent vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Stomach cramps
• Fever
• Chills

Treatment:

• Hydration crucial
• Anti-nausea medication
• See doctor if severe
• Usually resolves in 24-48 hours

6. Sunburn

High Risk:

• Strong North African sun
• Desert trips
• Coastal areas
• High altitude (Atlas Mountains)

Prevention:

• SPF 50+ sunscreen
• Reapply every 2 hours
• Wear hat and sunglasses
• Cover up with clothing
• Seek shade during peak sun

Treatment:

• Aloe vera gel
• Cool compresses
• Hydrate
• Pain relievers for discomfort
• See doctor if blistering/severe

7. Altitude Sickness

Risk: Atlas Mountains, Toubkal trekking

Symptoms:

• Headache
• Nausea
• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Shortness of breath

Prevention:

• Ascend gradually
• Stay hydrated
• Avoid alcohol
• Acclimatize properly

Treatment:

• Descend if symptoms worsen
• Rest
• Hydrate
• Acetazolamide (Diamox) for prevention

8. Insect Bites

No malaria, but mosquitoes are annoying

Prevention:

• DEET repellent (30-50%)
• Long sleeves/pants at dawn/dusk
• Sleep under net if needed
• Picaridin or IR3535 alternatives

Treatment:

• Anti-itch cream
• Antihistamines
• Don't scratch (infection risk)

9. Animal Bites (Rabies Risk)

Risk:

• Stray dogs and cats
• Rural areas
• Monkeys (Azrou cedar forest)

If Bitten:

1. Wash immediately with soap and water (15 minutes)
2. Seek medical care IMMEDIATELY (even if vaccinated)
3. Get post-exposure rabies shots (series of 4-5)
4. Report animal if possible

Rabies is 100% fatal if untreated but 100% preventable with timely vaccination

10. Motion Sickness

Risk: Winding mountain roads, Atlas crossings

Prevention:

• Sit in front seat
• Look at horizon
• Ginger tablets
• Dramamine or similar

Travel Medical Kit

Essential Items

Medications:

• Imodium (loperamide) - diarrhea
• Oral rehydration salts (ORS)
• Antihistamines (allergic reactions, insect bites)
• Pain relievers (acetaminophen, ibuprofen)
• Antibiotic ointment
• Antacids (stomach upset)
• Motion sickness pills
• Your prescription medications (90-day supply)
• Azithromycin or Ciprofloxacin (traveler's diarrhea - prescription)

First Aid:

• Adhesive bandages (various sizes)
• Gauze and tape
• Antiseptic wipes
• Tweezers (splinters, ticks)
• Thermometer
• Scissors
• Elastic bandage

Other:

• Sunscreen (SPF 50+)
• Lip balm with SPF
• Insect repellent (DEET 30-50%)
• Hand sanitizer
• Wet wipes
• Water purification tablets (backup)

Prescription Medications

Bring:

• 90-day supply (in case of delays)
• Original containers with labels
• Doctor's letter/prescription copy
• Generic names (brand names differ globally)

Tips:

• Pack in carry-on (checked bags get lost)
• Split between bags if traveling with partner
• Bring more than you think you'll need

Food and Water Safety

Water

Safe:

• Bottled water (check seal intact)
• Boiled water
• Water from sealed containers

Unsafe:

• Tap water
• Fountain water
• Ice (unless from bottled water)
• Water from unknown sources

Brushing Teeth: Use bottled water or keep mouth closed in shower

Food

Safe:

• Hot, freshly cooked food
• Fruits you peel yourself
• Bread (always freshly baked)
• Packaged snacks
• Food from busy restaurants (high turnover)

Risky:

• Raw vegetables (washed in tap water)
• Salads (initially)
• Unpasteurized dairy
• Raw/undercooked meat
• Food sitting out
• Buffets (food may sit long)

Street Food:

• Can be safe if:
  • Cooked fresh in front of you
  • Very hot
  • Busy vendor (high turnover)
• Start cautiously
• Let stomach adjust first few days

Travel Insurance

Why It's Essential

Moroccan Healthcare:

• Good quality available
• BUT can be expensive for foreigners
• Serious issues may require evacuation
• Hospitals may demand upfront payment

Costs Without Insurance:

• Hospital stay: $200-500/day
• Doctor consultation: $50-150
• Emergency surgery: $5,000-20,000
• Medical evacuation: $50,000-100,000+

What to Look For

Medical Coverage:

• Emergency medical: $100,000+ minimum
• Emergency evacuation: $250,000+
• Repatriation of remains
• 24/7 assistance hotline

Additional:

• Trip cancellation
• Lost luggage
• Flight delays
• Adventure activities (if trekking, desert trips)

Recommended Providers:

• World Nomads (includes adventure sports)
• SafetyWing (good for long-term travelers)
• Allianz
• IMG Global
• AXA

Cost: $40-100 for 2-week trip (varies by age, coverage, destination)

Special Considerations

Pre-Existing Conditions

Bring:

• Extra medication
• Doctor's letter explaining condition and medications
• Emergency contacts
• Medical bracelet if serious condition

Check:

• Insurance covers pre-existing conditions
• Know how to access care for your condition

Women's Health

Menstruation:

• Bring sufficient supplies (available in cities but limited brands)
• Disposal can be tricky (limited trash bins in public bathrooms)

Contraception:

• Bring your own supply
• Not readily available
• Moroccan attitudes conservative

Pregnancy:

• Check with doctor before travel
• Avoid after 32 weeks
• Know where medical facilities are
• Bring prenatal records

UTIs:

• Common in travelers
• Stay hydrated
• Pharmacies have treatment
• See doctor if severe

Children

Extra Precautions:

• More susceptible to dehydration
• Ensure vaccinations current
• Bring children's pain reliever/fever reducer
• Extra care with food and water
• Sun protection critical
• Frequent hand washing

Useful:

• Rehydration solutions (pediatric formula)
• Probiotics
• Thermometer
• Pediatric dosing guide

Elderly Travelers

Consider:

• Pre-existing conditions management
• Medication supply
• Travel insurance with higher medical limits
• Locations of hospitals
• Pace yourself (heat, exertion)
• Accessibility of destinations

Chronic Conditions

Diabetes:

• Extra supplies
• Insulin storage (heat concern)
• Snacks for low blood sugar
• Medical ID bracelet

Asthma:

• Inhalers + extras
• Nebulizer if needed
• Dust can trigger (bring mask)

Heart Conditions:

• Medication supply
• Know hospital locations
• Pace yourself
• Avoid extreme heat

Staying Safe

General Health Safety

• Wash hands frequently (before eating, after bathroom)
• Use hand sanitizer when no water
• Don't touch face
• Avoid sick people
• Get adequate sleep
• Manage stress
• Eat nutritious meals
• Exercise moderation with alcohol
• Stay hydrated

Sexual Health

STIs:

• Exist in Morocco like everywhere
• Use protection
• Consider pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV if high risk

Contraception:

• Bring your own
• Condoms available at pharmacies

Medical Phrases

Arabic

• I need a doctor: Ana mreed, bghit tbib
• Where is the hospital?: Fayn al-mustashfa?
• I have pain here: Andi alam hna
• Pharmacy: Saydalia
• Help: Afak
• I'm allergic to: Andi hasasiya li

French

• I need a doctor: J'ai besoin d'un médecin
• Where is the hospital?: Où est l'hôpital?
• I have pain here: J'ai mal ici
• Pharmacy: Pharmacie
• Help: Aidez-moi
• I'm allergic to: Je suis allergique à

Emergency Contacts

Emergency Numbers in Morocco:

• Police: 19
• Ambulance: 15 (SAMU)
• Fire: 15
• Tourist Police: 5330

Your Resources:

• Travel insurance 24/7 hotline
• Your embassy (save number)
• Hotel/riad staff (they can help navigate system)

Final Health Tips

1. Prevention is key - Vaccinations, food safety, hydration
2. Bring medications - Don't rely on finding things there
3. Get travel insurance - Non-negotiable
4. Know where medical facilities are - Before you need them
5. Doctor's letters - For all medications
6. Start slow with food - Let your stomach adjust
7. Stay hydrated - Cannot stress this enough
8. Rest - Don't push yourself when sick
9. When in doubt, see a doctor - Better safe than sorry
10. Enjoy - Don't let health anxiety ruin your trip

Morocco is generally a healthy destination with good medical care available in cities. With proper preparation and precautions, health issues should be minor and manageable. Most travelers have wonderful trips with zero health problems!