Reviewed by a GPhC-registered Pharmacist at Newdays Pharmacy
Quick Answer: Morocco is a popular destination for UK travellers. No vaccinations are legally required for UK passport holders entering Morocco (unless arriving from a yellow fever zone). Recommended vaccines include Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and up-to-date boosters for Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Polio. Depending on your itinerary, Hepatitis B and Rabies may also be advised. Malaria risk in Morocco is very low, but precautions in some areas are advisable.
Do I Need Any Travel Vaccinations for Entry to Morocco?
UK travellers do not require any compulsory vaccinations for entry to Morocco under normal circumstances. The only exception is if you are arriving from a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission: in this case, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entry.
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Morocco
Hepatitis A – Strongly Recommended
Hepatitis A is present throughout Morocco and is spread through contaminated food and water. It is strongly recommended for all travellers, particularly those eating in smaller restaurants, rural areas, or engaging with local food markets.
Typhoid – Recommended
Typhoid is present in Morocco and is particularly relevant for travellers who are adventurous eaters, visiting rural communities, or planning extended stays. Vaccination is recommended unless you have been vaccinated within the past three years (injectable) or one year (oral).
Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Polio Boosters
Ensure your routine UK vaccinations are up to date. A combined booster (Revaxis) is recommended if you have not had one in the last ten years.
Hepatitis B – Considered for Longer Stays and Certain Travellers
Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for travellers planning extended stays (over four weeks), those who may receive medical treatment, or those with potential occupational or behavioural exposure risk.
Rabies – Considered for Adventure and Rural Travellers
Rabies is present in Morocco. Pre-exposure vaccination is recommended for travellers planning outdoor adventure activities (hiking, cycling), those visiting rural areas away from prompt medical care, and children. Dog bites are the primary source of exposure.
Malaria Risk in Morocco
Malaria risk in Morocco is very low. Localised transmission may occur in some rural areas in the warmer months, primarily in parts of the south. Antimalarial tablets are not routinely recommended for standard tourist itineraries (Marrakech, Fez, Casablanca, coastal resorts), but mosquito bite avoidance measures are still recommended.
If you are planning an extended rural stay in southern Morocco, speak to a travel health pharmacist about whether antimalarial precautions are appropriate for your specific itinerary.
Other Health Precautions for Morocco
- Food and water: Drink bottled water; avoid tap water, ice, and food from questionable sources
- Traveller’s diarrhoea: Common in Morocco; carry oral rehydration salts. Your travel pharmacist can advise on standby antibiotics
- Sun and heat: UV levels are very high; use SPF 50+ sunscreen and stay hydrated
- Travel insurance: Ensure you have comprehensive medical cover including repatriation
- Mosquito bite prevention: Use DEET based repellent in rural and warm areas to reduce risk of Leishmaniasis (transmitted by sandflies) as well as mosquito borne diseases
Visiting Marrakech, Fez, Agadir, or the Atlas Mountains?
Most popular tourist destinations in Morocco, including Marrakech, Fez, Casablanca, Agadir, and the Sahara, carry mainly food and water hygiene risks rather than significant vaccine preventable disease risks. The Atlas Mountains and high altitude trekking present additional considerations such as altitude sickness (acetazolamide prophylaxis). Our travel pharmacists can advise.
Book a Morocco Travel Health Consultation in Berkshire
Newdays Pharmacy offers travel health consultations for Morocco and all other worldwide destinations at our branches in Eton (Windsor) and Twyford. Our pharmacists provide personalised advice based on your specific itinerary, travel dates, and health history.
Book Now: Book Your Morocco Travel Clinic Appointment
Clinical Disclaimer: This article is intended for general information only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any treatment or medication. Information is accurate as of the date of publication and reviewed by a GPhC-registered pharmacist. Newdays Pharmacy is registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC).
Frequently Asked Questions
Morocco has variable food and water safety standards. In tourist hotels and established restaurants, standards are generally good. In local markets, rural areas, and smaller eateries, the risk of traveller’s diarrhoea is higher. Drink bottled water and be cautious with raw foods.
Yes. Even for short trips, Hepatitis A vaccination and up-to-date routine boosters are recommended. Your travel pharmacist will provide personalised advice based on your specific plans.