Unmarried couples, Ramadan fasting, and other customs that actually matter in Morocco

Morocco is a warm, welcoming country, but it's also an Islamic nation where respect for local customs and religious practice matters more than knowing the perfect greeting. Getting the basics right — modest behavior, awareness during Ramadan, and following local laws — will keep your trip smooth and respectful.

What should I know before I go?

Morocco is an Islamic country, so travelers should be mindful that their actions don't offend local traditions, customs, laws, or religious practice — especially around religious sites or during Ramadan. Public displays of affection, particularly in tourist areas and near religious sites, should be avoided. It's also worth knowing that sexual activity between unmarried people, including adultery, is illegal for Moroccan nationals — this extends to sharing a hotel room, particularly with foreign nationals, so be aware this could affect travel plans involving unmarried couples.

How should I behave during Ramadan?

If you're visiting during Ramadan, avoid eating, drinking, smoking, or chewing gum in public during daylight hours — this includes inside your car. Loud music, dancing, and swearing in public should also be avoided. Practical steps help too: check shop and restaurant opening hours in advance, as they often change. Hotels and restaurants that serve food or drink during fasting hours may use screens to separate diners from Islamic guests observing the fast. Dress codes are worth following closely at this time, since non-compliant clothing may cause more offence than usual. Since Ramadan dates shift each year, confirm the exact dates before you travel.

Are there legal or practical rules I need to follow?

A few administrative rules matter for a hassle-free trip. If you're carrying foreign currency worth 100,000 Moroccan dirham or more (roughly 10,000 US dollars), you must declare it when entering or leaving Morocco — there's no cap on how much foreign cash you can bring, just a declaration requirement above that threshold. If you're driving, get a green card from your insurer beforehand and carry it as proof of minimum insurance cover; you'll need to show evidence of motor insurance both entering and exiting the country.

Where can I get more detailed local guidance?

Specifics on greetings, dining manners, and everyday customs vary and are best confirmed once you're there — tour guides, hotel staff, or local business contacts can give you up-to-date, situation-specific advice that reflects the region and season you're visiting.

FAQ

Do I need to dress differently during Ramadan? Yes — follow local dress codes closely during Ramadan, as clothing that doesn't comply may cause more offence than at other times of year.

Can unmarried couples share a hotel room in Morocco? Sexual activity between unmarried people and adultery are illegal for Moroccan nationals, and this includes sharing a hotel room, particularly with foreign nationals, so it's worth understanding this before booking.

Is there a limit on cash I can bring into Morocco? There's no limit on foreign cash, but amounts of 100,000 Moroccan dirham (about 10,000 US dollars) or more must be declared on entry or exit.

Sources

• Safety and security - Morocco travel advice - GOV.UK
• https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/morocco/print