Safety in Tangier

Travel advice for British travellers

If you travel on a British passport, the UK government's travel advice for Morocco is on gov.uk in three parts: safety and security, entry requirements and regional risks. There is no specific regional advice for Tangier: the regional section covers only Western Sahara, a disputed territory, and the border with Algeria, which is closed on land and at sea and must not be crossed without authorisation.

Terrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks in Morocco, and attacks could be indiscriminate, including at transport hubs, in places popular with tourists and in crowded places. Hotels and tourist sites may have protective security measures such as security guards. Stay aware of your surroundings and follow the instructions of the local authorities. Protests can take place across the country, particularly in large cities and often without warning, so avoid political gatherings and demonstrations.

In the medina and on the beaches

Petty crime is common in tourist areas, especially in medina quarters and on beaches. It includes pickpocketing, bag-snatching and thefts of visible jewellery and handbags from passing motorcycles. Violent crime is occasional, but criminals have used knives against tourists in street attacks in major cities and along beaches.

• After dark: avoid quiet areas, particularly at night
• Money: do not carry large amounts of money or valuables
• Cash machines: take care when using ATMs and when asking for directions, as aggressive begging is common
• Bags: do not accept items from strangers and do not leave your bags unattended

More on the old town on the medina page.

Guides and scams

People posing as tourist guides often harass visitors. If you use a guide in the medina, make sure they have an official badge and permission from the local authority.

Credit card fraud and scams are common. Some scammers swap the goods you bought for inferior ones, so stay alert to confidence tricks.

Local laws and customs

Morocco is an Islamic country, and its laws and customs reflect that. Respect local traditions, especially during the holy month of Ramadan and when you visit religious places. During Ramadan, eating, drinking, smoking or chewing gum in public in the daytime may cause offence.

• Alcohol: available in licensed venues; drinking in the street or anywhere other than a licensed restaurant or bar is illegal and can lead to arrest. Alcoholic drinks containing methanol have caused deaths and serious illness in Morocco
• Drugs: Morocco has a zero-tolerance approach; possessing, using or trafficking illegal drugs, cannabis included, carries severe penalties, also when you are only in transit
• Photography: it is illegal to take photographs near sensitive political or military sites, and you should always ask before photographing people, especially children
• Drones: you need permission from the Directorate General for Civil Aviation to fly one, or you risk fines and confiscation
• Relationships: same-sex sexual relations are illegal, and showing affection in public can lead to prosecution, so avoid it, particularly near religious sites and in tourist areas. Sexual relations outside marriage are illegal for Moroccan nationals; the rule on unmarried couples sharing a hotel room does not generally apply to visiting foreign nationals, particularly in popular tourist areas

Women travellers

Women may receive unwanted attention in Morocco, especially when travelling alone. Consider loose-fitting clothing that covers the arms, legs and chest.

Taxis and driving

Many taxis booked through ride-sharing apps may be unregulated and unlicensed: the drivers may not be registered with the authorities, the cars may not be insured to carry passengers, and the police may tell you to get out if they stop one. With any taxi, agree the fare in advance or make sure the meter is running. Petit taxi drivers often pick up other passengers during the journey, so take care on petit taxi rides late at night. Drivers of petits and grands taxis sometimes speed and ignore other driving rules.

If you drive, you need the 1968 international driving permit together with your UK driving licence, and a green card from your insurer if you bring your own car. Any alcohol in your system when driving can lead to a fine and possible imprisonment. Poor lighting makes driving at night dangerous, and secondary routes and mountain roads can be especially hazardous in bad weather. After an accident, both parties fill in and sign a 'constat amiable' form, available from insurance booths at Tangier port and from tobacconists.