The news coming from Morocco seems to be giving us a little bit of whiplash.

Earlier this month, the news from several airlines was that flights for business and leisure would be possible from Sept 10 and onwards, but then the Moroccan Government announced that the State of Emergency would be extended until October 10.

If you’re head is spinning, you’re definitely not alone!

So what is actually happening?

It’s taken about a week for our whiplash injuries to settle down, but the latest information we have for our friends and guests is that YES you can book your holiday to Morocco now.

However, there are a few conditions that must be met.

1. Check to make sure you don’t need a visa to enter Morocco. Always check with the Moroccan embassy in your country for the most up to date advice on this. Make sure that you know your airline’s policy for rescheduling flights should you need to delay your flight last minute!

2. You must book with Royal Air Maroc or Air Arabia. Other airlines are being re-added to the list of airlines able to land in Morocco, but currently these 2 are the only ones authorized.

3. You must book with a registered hotel. Confirmation number and all will be supplied once you book a holiday with Local Surf Maroc. But if you’re not staying with us, make sure you’ve got your confirmation number to hand.

4. A COVID-19 PCR and blood test completed less than 48 hours prior to departure. Timing is everything! Make sure you book your tests as per local guidelines within the 48 hour timeframe prior to departure.

5. Facemasks. Like it or lump it, they’re mandatory in public places and inside vehicles in Morocco. Fines can be issues for failing to wear a mask.

6. Self-Isolation when you return home. Check with your government travel advisories to find out if you need to self-isolate for 2 weeks when you get home or not. We understand that this will affect any travel plans you might make.

While we are welcoming the slow opening of Moroccan borders, we can’t stress enough that any travellers check with their own Government’s advice regarding travel. Particularly since information is changing, and the information we have today may not be relevant tomorrow.

While these strict stipulations will make it difficult for many of our friends and guests to stay with us at the moment, we do see it as the beginning of more positive things to come. We look forward to October 10 when the State of Emergency to cope with the Coronavirus will be reviewed by the Moroccan government. We will keep our fingers crossed for more positive news in the meantime!

Inshallah.

Update 20/09/2020: Etihad Airways and Emirates Airline have announced they have also resumed flights to Morocco. This is keeping us cautiously optimistic.

Update 02/10/2020: The Moroccan government announced that a serum antibody test is no longer required. Further the timeframe to complete a PCR test and receive a result has been extended from 48 to 72 hours. More positive news!