Travel vaccinations for Morocco: recommendations, rabies and hygiene

Morocco requires no vaccinations if you arrive directly from Germany. The German Federal Foreign Office (Auswärtiges Amt) recommends hepatitis A for all travellers and up-to-date routine vaccinations, especially against measles. Hepatitis B, rabies and typhoid may be added after an individual assessment. Yellow fever and malaria are not an issue in Morocco; food hygiene and keeping your distance from dogs matter more.

Entry rules: no mandatory vaccinations

According to the Foreign Office, no vaccinations are required for direct arrival from Germany. The WHO states that Morocco does not require proof of yellow fever vaccination and that there is no risk of transmission in the country. Polio is the one exception: travellers arriving from a country with local polio transmission may be asked for proof of polio vaccination. This does not affect holidaymakers coming directly from Germany, but mention it during your consultation if you are travelling through several countries.

Recommended vaccinations according to the Foreign Office

The table at the top of this page summarises the classification. In context:

• All travellers: hepatitis A. It is transmitted through contaminated water and food and, according to the Foreign Office, also affects travellers.
• Based on individual risk: hepatitis B, rabies and typhoid. Whether they make sense for you depends on the length of your stay, your accommodation and your activities.
• Routine vaccinations: check that you are up to date with the STIKO schedule, the official German vaccination calendar. The Foreign Office specifically highlights protection against measles. Our guide to routine vaccinations for adults explains what is included.

For a general overview of which travel vaccination protects against what, see our travel vaccines overview.

Rabies: the main animal-related issue

According to the Foreign Office, rabies in Morocco is mainly transmitted by dogs. Because dogs often live close to people, this is particularly relevant in rural areas, on hikes, cycling trips or in villages. Rabies vaccines and immunoglobulins may only be available to a limited extent in the country. Even if you were vaccinated before your trip, you still need medical treatment after a bite.

What to do:

• Do not stroke or feed dogs, cats or other animals.
• Wash any bite or scratch immediately and thoroughly with soap and water.
• Then seek medical help straight away, even if you are vaccinated.

Our guide to rabies when travelling covers this in detail. The Foreign Office also notes that venomous snakes occur in rural regions.

Insects: leishmaniasis rather than malaria

Neither the Foreign Office nor the WHO country list mentions a malaria risk for Morocco, so preventive medication is not an issue. Insect protection still makes sense: sandflies can transmit leishmaniasis at dusk and at night, and the Foreign Office reports a few cases of West Nile fever. Use repellent, wear long clothing in the evening and sleep under a bed net at night.

Hygiene: water, food and the sea

Travellers’ diarrhoea is the most common health problem. According to the Foreign Office, hepatitis A and E, shigellosis and typhoid also affect visitors. Pay attention to drinking water, food and hand hygiene: water from safe sources, thoroughly cooked food and peeled fruit.

The Foreign Office says most Moroccan beaches have good water quality, but illegal discharge of sewage can create a local infection risk when swimming in the sea. Follow warning signs and avoid beaches also used by animals. Before a diving holiday, the Foreign Office recommends a diving medical examination.

According to the Foreign Office, HIV and certain forms of viral hepatitis, including hepatitis B, can be transmitted through sexual contact, unclean needles, tattoos and blood transfusions. Condoms protect during casual encounters, and your doctor can advise you on hepatitis B vaccination.

What depends on your type of trip

Medical care in Morocco

According to the Foreign Office, Rabat, Casablanca, Tangier and Fès have good private clinics of a high standard. In rural areas care is limited, for example in terms of access, qualified staff and equipment. Pack a travel health kit and your regular medication, and if necessary ask your doctor for a certificate in English confirming that you need it. The Foreign Office recommends travel health insurance and medical evacuation insurance. Strong sunshine can damage skin and eyes, so remember sun protection.

Timing: when to see a travel health specialist

Even for a comparatively low-risk destination, it is worth checking your vaccination record. STIKO and DTG recommend completing travel vaccinations at least two weeks before departure. The travel vaccine check narrows down your personal needs, and our directory of travel clinics helps you find a practice in Germany. If you are combining Morocco with another trip to North Africa, the advice for Egypt is on a separate page.