Rabat – COVID entry requirements to Morocco could soon be eased, according to a new temporary travel protocol.
An internal memo from the Ministry of Health and Social Protection – from April 8 – details a temporary protocol that would ask travelers coming to Morocco on ship to provide either a negative PCR test, or a vaccination pass.
After Morocco re-opened its maritime borders on April 8 travelers were expected to present both proof of vaccination and a negative PCR test. But this could change if ministry plans come into force.
The change would only be temporary but observers seem to agree that this signals a permanent ease of Morocco’s entry requirements in the long-run.
“As part of the imminent reopening of the maritime borders, and while we await the adoption of a homogenous permanent guideline for entering the country, I present temporary measures for maritime travel,” the internal memo reads.
The memo, coupled with the improving epidemiological situation in Morocco,suggests that new rules will be put in place in time. The rules could be more lenient, in an effort to encourage tourism and open up the country again.
Moroccans living abroad and tourists have faced several obstacles over the past two years when trying to visit the country.
These obstacles include complete lockdowns of air and sea travel and strict entry requirements, which made many choose to await more lenient measures before traveling to Morocco.
Presenting both vaccination certificates and PCR tests also mean additional costs for vaccinated travelers, who have to pay for tests themselves or their families, in addition to tickets and other travel fees.
Experts have called for an easing of the entry requirements for a while now, arguing that the harm done by reduced tourism harms the country more than it protects it.
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