Morocco 2008 Crime & Safety Report

Crime & Safety

Middle East / N. Africa - Morocco
4 Mar 2008

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Overall Crime and Safety 

Though crime has generally not posed a significant risk to visitors in terms of personal safety, it is necessary to take prudent security precautions appropriate for any major American city. The U.S. Embassy has noted an increase in crime throughout Morocco. While most criminal incidents perpetrated against visitors are non-confrontational, violent crimes do occur. Pick-pocketing and purse/valuables snatching remain the most frequently reported type of incident, generally occurring in crowded city centers, medinas, or high volume pedestrian streets. Theft of items from occupied vehicles occurring at traffic lights or while stopped in heavy traffic appears to be on the rise. However, there are indications, particularly in larger cities, that criminals are becoming more brazen and willing to confront victims or use weapons. Some of these incidents have occurred in broad daylight in the nicer neighborhoods of Casablanca and Rabat. Though the use of firearms is rare, street robberies, which are generally carried out at night, are being reported more frequently. In some cases, the perpetrator has brandished a knife or bladed instrument to ensure quick compliance.  While some of these acts are random, police have arrested organized criminal groups carrying out more sophisticated targeted attacks of individuals, homes, or businesses. 

Morocco experiences a high number of traffic accidents and fatalities every year due to both road conditions and driving habits. Though there is a major effort underway to enforce speed limits and other road regulations, visitors should exercise caution when driving. Moroccan police have established a number of checkpoints in an effort to validate driving permits and vehicle safety condition. If pulled over for a traffic violation, the driver must be able to provide a passport and/or international driver’s license. Confiscation of the driver’s license is possible if the violator is unable or unwilling to settle the fine at the time of the traffic stop.

Taxis and buses, particularly those traveling between cities, are usually poorly maintained. Taxi and bus drivers will operate overcrowded vehicles, sometimes in a reckless manner.

Terrorism/Political Violence

In March and April 2007, there were a series of terrorist bombings in Casablanca. In August 2007, a suicide bomber unsuccessfully targeted a tourist bus in Meknes. The potential for terrorist violence against American interests and citizens remains high in Morocco. Draft government legislation has earmarked 30 percent of Morocco’s 2008 budget for security purposes.

Moroccan security services continue to disrupt terrorist cells throughout Morocco. Terrorist groups arrested over the past several years were generally associated with radical Islamic extremism, and were occasionally associated with regional and international terrorist groups. Moroccan nationals have been implicated in international terrorist attacks, including the 2004 Madrid train bombings.

Political issues such as U.S. Middle East policy and the war in Iraq have occasionally generated large public protests. Politically inspired protests are more likely to occur in the city center or near Moroccan government or international buildings. These gatherings have largely remained peaceful and well-controlled. Protest groups are not normally allowed to congregate in the vicinity of diplomatic facilities. Groups are required to obtain government approval prior to holding any public rally, march, or protest. A spontaneous or non-approved demonstration may pose greater potential for political violence than those that are approved beforehand. Pre-approved political gatherings allow police to set parameters and maintain control. Clashes have occurred at Moroccan universities over the status of the Western Sahara which remains a politically charged regional issue.

Post-Specific Concerns

Visitors traveling to Morocco on business should be aware that English is not widely spoken and that most business transactions are conducted in French, although Arabic is the predominately spoken language in Morocco. Morocco is an Islamic country and visitors are recommended to be aware of cultural sensitivities associated with Islam.

During the rainy season, from November to March, flash flooding can impact Morocco’s many rural mountainous roads and pose a threat to travelers as flooding can quickly wash away a road.

Police Response

The Moroccan police force is patterned on the French system, with the Surete National enforcing law in the urban areas, and the Gendarmerie in the rural areas. Moroccan law enforcement officers are relatively well trained, and law enforcement officials have pursued additional training and expertise through international exchanges and training assistance programs. The Moroccan police generally respond to crimes committed against foreigners and often times the launching of a quick investigation by the Moroccan police has resulted in an immediate arrest. It is important therefore to report any incident quickly to the police. Moroccan police normally conduct business in either French or Arabic. English translation may not be immediately available. Should an American visitor require additional assistance, they should contact American Citizens Services at the U.S. Consulate in Casablanca.

Medical Emergencies

Adequate medical care is available in Morocco’s largest cities, particularly in Rabat and Casablanca, although not all facilities are of the highest quality. Specialized care or treatment may not be available. Medical facilities are adequate for non-emergency matters, particularly in the urban areas, but most medical staff will have limited or no English skills.

Most ordinary prescription and over-the-counter medicines are widely available. However, specialized prescriptions may be difficult to fill and availability of medicines in rural areas is unreliable.

Emergency and specialized care outside the major cities is far below U.S. standards, and in many instances may not be available at all. In the event of car accidents involving injuries, immediate ambulance service usually is not available. The numbers below represent a sample of medical services available and should not be interpreted as necessarily recommended by the U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

The nationwide emergency phone number for police services is 190. For fire and health emergencies the nationwide emergency phone number is 150.

Private ambulance services can be requested by calling 0034-56-82-3555. Rabat and Casablanca have several private clinics: Agdal Clinic (Rabat) 037-77-77-77; Nations Unies Clinic (Rabat) 037-67-05-05; Dar Assalam Clinic (Casablanca) 022-85-14-14; Zerktouni Clinic (Casablanca) 022-25-33-00; Polyclinic du Sud (Marrakech) 024-44-79-99 or 061-24-06-78; Assalam Clinic (Tangier) 039-32-25-58.

Tips on How to Avoid Becoming a Victim

Being well informed, understanding the culture, applying good common sense and practicing sound personal security measures can go a long way in ensuring an incident-free visit to Morocco. Thieves generally scan for easy targets of opportunity; therefore, visitors should not draw undue attention and avoid wearing expensive jewelry, outlandish or descriptive clothing items, or generally appearing unfamiliar with the environment.

When unfamiliar with an area (particularly at night), visitors are advised to utilize the petit taxi service available in all large cities. When driving, windows should be rolled up with doors locked, and it is against the law to drive while talking on a cell phone.

Train travel in Morocco is considered safe and reliable. Establishments that could be perceived as catering to U.S or western interests, such as hotels, clubs, restaurants and movie theaters, could be potential targets for terrorism. Travelers should remain particularly alert and informed during periods of heightened tension in the country or region.

The Regional Security Office in Rabat or Casablanca remains the best source of information for the latest on the security situation.

For Further Information

Utilize the Consular Information Sheet at http://www.Travel.State.Gov for additional travel information as well as the latest travel warnings and public announcements regarding the security/safety situation in the country or region.

Travelers can also hear recorded information by calling the Department of State in Washington, D.C. at 202 647-5225 from their telephone.

The U.S. Embassy Rabat phone number is +212 3 776-2265. U.S citizens and organizations in need of assistance after-hours and on weekends should call +212 3 776-9639.

The U.S. Consulate Casablanca phone number is +212 2 226-4550. U.S citizens and organizations in need of assistance after-hours and on weekends should call +212 3 776-9639.

U.S. Consulate General American Citizen Services +212 2 243-0578.