Owais Crawford
Morocco has had a turbulent few years, with the country's airports opening and closing several times since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. The country closed its borders in March 2020, reopening them in July of that year, before closing them again in November 2021 and reopening in February 2022. Most recently, Morocco's airports and tourist sites were impacted by a devastating earthquake in September 2023, which took the lives of nearly 3,000 people.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date of reopening | July 10, 2020; February 7, 2022 |
| Conditions for entry | PCR test; vaccination pass; antibody test |
| Flights | Royal Air Maroc; Air France; Binter; EasyJet; Transavia; Air Arabia Maroc |
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What You'll Learn
- Morocco's airports reopened to international flights on February 7, 2022
- Moroccan authorities closed the airports in March 2020 to curb the spread of COVID-19
- The Moroccan government announced the requirements to enter the country on February 1, 2022
- Morocco's maritime borders remain closed until further notice
- The country's land borders were reopened on July 15, 2020
Morocco's airports reopened to international flights on February 7, 2022
Before the reopening, Morocco's Ministry of Health set up a vaccination centre at the airport, allowing travellers to complete their vaccination programme by receiving the third dose at the centre. Additionally, the National Tourism Office (ONMT) organised meetings with multiple airlines to facilitate the resumption of international flights to and from Morocco and boost the tourism sector.
On February 1, 2022, the Moroccan government announced the requirements for entering the country, which included presenting a vaccination pass and a negative PCR test taken within 48 hours before boarding. Passengers were also required to take rapid tests upon arrival and, in some cases, PCR tests. Positive cases were to be confined at their place of residence.
The Marrakech-Menara and Mohammed V International airports were among the first to receive international travellers after the reopening. Marrakech-Menara, for instance, welcomed 234 travellers, including 115 from Geneva and 119 from Nantes. Zakaria Harti, the Chief of Operations Division at the Marrakech-Menara Airport, expressed gratitude to the Moroccan authorities for their mobilisation and efforts to manage the pandemic crisis effectively.
The reopening of Morocco's airports to international flights in February 2022 was a significant step towards resuming normal travel and tourism activities in the country. It is worth noting that Morocco has been recognised for its proactive and effective measures to curb the spread of COVID-19, with relatively low confirmed cases and one of the lowest fatality rates globally.
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Moroccan authorities closed the airports in March 2020 to curb the spread of COVID-19
In March 2020, Moroccan authorities closed the airports to curb the spread of COVID-19. The country had confirmed 28 COVID-19 cases and was taking proactive and effective measures to prevent the virus from spreading. A strict lockdown was ordered for all residents, and the usually bustling Menara airport in Marrakesh was deserted as a result.
On July 10, 2020, Morocco reopened its airports to international commercial traffic. The resumption of socio-economic activities and domestic and international travel was a strategic move by the Moroccan government. However, Spain, which is included in the 14 countries that met the EU's epidemiological criteria, stated that it would only open its borders with Morocco if there was a reciprocal agreement in place. This meant that Spain would only welcome travellers from Morocco if Moroccan borders were also open to travellers from Spain.
Morocco's gradual reopening of borders started on July 14, 2020, with only Moroccan citizens and expatriates living in Morocco permitted to enter the country. Passengers were required to present a negative PCR test taken within 48 hours of their flight and an antibody test before boarding. The government also started the repatriation process for citizens stranded abroad due to the lockdown.
In February 2022, Morocco reopened its airspace to international flights once again. Moroccan airports welcomed passengers from France and Switzerland, with Marrakech-Menara airport receiving 234 travellers, including 115 from Geneva and 119 from Nantes. The Chief of Operations Division at the Marrakech-Menara Airport expected air traffic to intensify in the coming weeks.
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The Moroccan government announced the requirements to enter the country on February 1, 2022
On February 1, 2022, the Moroccan government announced the requirements to enter the country. This announcement came after the country had closed its borders on November 29, 2021, as a measure to prevent the spread of the Omicron variant of COVID-19. The government's decision to reopen borders was based on recommendations from the country's scientific and technical committee, which assessed the state of the COVID-19 situation in Morocco.
The requirements to enter Morocco, effective from February 7, 2022, included the following: individuals had to present a valid vaccination pass and a negative PCR test taken within 48 hours before boarding the plane. Additionally, passengers were required to take rapid tests upon arrival and, in some cases, PCR tests as well. Those who tested positive were mandated to self-isolate at their place of residence.
Morocco's Ministry of Health established a vaccination centre at the airport, offering travellers the opportunity to receive their third dose if needed. The country's National Tourism Office (ONMT) actively coordinated with multiple airlines to resume international flights to and from Morocco, aiming to revitalise the tourism sector.
On February 7, 2022, the day the new requirements came into effect, Moroccan airports welcomed international flights for the first time since the closure. Marrakech-Menara and Mohammed V International airports received passengers from France and Switzerland. Zakaria Harti, Chief of Operations Division at the Marrakech-Menara Airport, anticipated an increase in air traffic in the coming weeks. He expressed gratitude to the Moroccan authorities for their management of the pandemic crisis and efforts to reopen the country's borders.
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Morocco's maritime borders remain closed until further notice
Morocco suspended all international air travel and sea routes in November 2021 due to the emergence of the Omicron variant of COVID-19. The country's airports and maritime borders were expected to reopen on July 10, 2020, following a nationwide state of emergency and lockdown that had been in place since March. However, it is unclear if the maritime borders did reopen as planned, as there are reports from February 2022 that mention Morocco's borders remaining closed indefinitely. These reports state that the Moroccan government has denied claims by news outlets that the country's air and sea borders would reopen on December 13, 2021.
The Moroccan government has been proactive in its efforts to curb the spread of COVID-19, and the country has been recognised internationally for its effective measures. The Scientific and Technical Committee, tasked with managing the coronavirus situation, has been assessing the pandemic within Morocco and globally. Their evaluation led to the suspension of flights and sea routes to protect Moroccan citizens and prevent the spread of new COVID-19 variants.
The closure of Morocco's maritime borders has had economic repercussions, particularly in the tourism sector. Despite the challenges, the country has prioritised the health and safety of its citizens. The government has emphasised the importance of vaccination and encouraged adherence to protective measures, such as wearing masks in public.
While Morocco initially aimed to reopen its airports and maritime borders, the emergence of the Omicron variant and the evolving pandemic situation may have led to a change in plans. The government's decision to keep the maritime borders closed until further notice highlights their cautious approach to managing the pandemic and safeguarding the well-being of their citizens.
It is important to note that the information regarding the closure of Morocco's maritime borders may not be up-to-date, as some sources mention the reopening of borders in July 2020 and the denial of border reopening in December 2021, without providing recent updates. Therefore, it is advisable to refer to official government sources or websites for the most current information regarding Morocco's maritime border status.
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The country's land borders were reopened on July 15, 2020
Morocco's land borders were reopened on July 15, 2020, after being closed for several months due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The country had imposed a nationwide state of emergency in March 2020, suspending all international flights and shutting down its land and sea borders after confirming 28 COVID-19 cases.
The decision to reopen its borders was part of Morocco's strategic efforts to resume socio-economic activities and domestic and international travel. The country was recognised for its proactive and effective measures to curb the spread of the coronavirus, with relatively low numbers of confirmed cases and one of the lowest fatality rates globally.
On July 14, 2020, Morocco began the gradual reopening of its air and maritime borders, initially only allowing Moroccan citizens and expatriates living in Morocco to enter the country. Passengers were required to present a negative PCR test taken within 48 hours of their flight and undergo antibody testing before boarding.
The Moroccan government continued to repatriate citizens stranded abroad due to the lockdown, providing free temporary accommodation for quarantine. Morocco's proactive response to the pandemic and its gradual reopening of borders demonstrate its commitment to balancing public health and the resumption of socio-economic activities.
On February 7, 2022, Morocco reopened its maritime borders and resumed international commercial flights. The country's Ministry of Health set up a vaccination centre at the airport, offering travellers the opportunity to complete their vaccination program by receiving the third dose.
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Frequently asked questions
Morocco reopened its airports on February 7, 2022, after closing them to curb the spread of the Omicron variant of COVID-19.
To enter Morocco, passengers needed to present a vaccination pass and a negative PCR test taken within 48 hours of boarding. They also had to take rapid tests upon arrival and potentially PCR tests.
No, Morocco's maritime borders remained closed until further notice.
Morocco initially reopened its airports on July 10, 2020, after closing them in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
