While there is no legal dress code, it is strongly recommended that tourists in Marrakech dress modestly to respect local, conservative customs and avoid unwanted attention. Aim to cover shoulders and knees, especially in public areas like the Medina and Souks. Light-weight, loose-fitting clothing is recommended for comfort and cultural appropriateness.
There isn't an enforced official dress code for tourists, however, a general rule for both men and women is to respect the culture and leave short, revealing clothes at home. It's best to dress modestly in Marrakech, even though you will see some tourists dressed in more revealing clothing.
Rule of thumb: keep shoulders and knees covered away from hotels and beaches, choose lightweight fabrics that breathe, and carry a scarf or light layer for cool evenings, sun and dust. Non-Muslim visitors do not need to cover their hair as standard, but modest dress is expected in religious spaces.
Do tourists have to dress a certain way in Morocco?
While Morocco doesn't have a dress code as such, it is a religious and conservative country so it's important to respect this when it comes to what to wear as a tourist.
Yes, women can wear shorts in Marrakech, especially in tourist areas, resorts, or coastal towns, but it's generally advised to opt for longer, looser styles ( knee-length or longer) and pair them with modest tops (covering shoulders) to show respect for local culture and avoid unwanted attention, with shorter shorts better suited for private hotel/pool areas. Modesty, covering arms and knees, is key for feeling comfortable and respected, particularly in traditional areas like the souks or religious sites, where loose trousers, maxi skirts, and scarfs are better choices.
WHAT TO WEAR IN MARRAKECH: FULL PACKING GUIDE FOR YOUR MOROCCO TRIP 2026 🧳👗
What is the rule 490 in Morocco?
Article 490: Every sexual relation between a man and a woman not bound by wedlock is a crime of corruption punished by imprisonment from a month up to a year.
You can also wear sleeveless tops, round or v-necks won't matter as long as they're not too plunging or revealing. If possible, avoid spaghetti straps (unless you're going out in the evening) even if most people won't mind it. Sleeveless can be fine if you keep a scarf around (see my note on scarves below).
Pay extra attention to your personal hygiene! Do not swim and surf on the beach right in front of Taghazout, but rather swerve a few hundred meters. Keep your distance from others if someone else has the stomach flu. Avoid eating meat (chicken!) and drinking tap water where possible.
The importation of the following goods is prohibited : - arms and ammunition, - narcotic drugs, - writings, printed documents, recorded cassettes and video-cassettes and all items contrary to morality and public order. E. Exchange controls : 1) Moroccan currency may be imported in amounts not exceeding 1,000 dirhams.
In the main cities, you can get away with wearing pants or a skirt that reaches below the knee and a short-sleeved t-shirt. The looser these are, the better, as they will serve you best in the heat of Morocco – plus, form-fitting clothing can be just as poorly received as exposed skin in certain areas.
This is entirely your choice. Malaria is not normally present in Morocco, however you should ensure good bite avoidance by covering up with clothing such as long sleeves and long trousers especially after sunset and using insect repellents on exposed skin.
The answer is whatever you want, as long as you are still respecting the local culture. That generally means wearing something that covers your knees, chest and shoulders. Think t-shirts, not spaghetti strap tank tops and pants, not short shorts. This goes for both men and women.
In terms of covering up, it is not required, but it is considered more respectful to dress modestly. Women should avoid wearing revealing clothing and keep their chest and stomach area covered. It's important to note that the less clothing you wear, the more attention you may attract, especially as a woman.
“Traveler's diarrhea” is the most common form of diarrhea in Morocco. This is a self-limited diarrhea lasting from a few to several days, characterized by watery, non-bloody bowel movements.
Can I take Imodium to prevent traveler's diarrhea?
Antimotility medications such as loperamide (Imodium) may help to decrease the frequency of bowel movements, but they cannot prevent diarrhea and they do not get rid of the infection. They are useful for long bus or car trips or other situations where access to a bathroom is unavailable or inconvenient.
Behaviors frowned upon in Morocco include public drunkenness, disrespecting prayer times, refusing hospitality, taking photos of people without permission, and ignoring local dress norms especially in smaller towns and religious areas.
No, tourists do not need to cover their hair in Marrakech. Unlike some Muslim-majority countries, there is no requirement for women to wear a headscarf. However, carrying a scarf is practical, as it can be used to cover your head when visiting religious sites or during particularly hot, sunny days.
You can take up to 2,000 Moroccan dirham into or out of Morocco. The dirham is 'non-convertible' – it cannot be easily exchanged for other currencies . You must declare foreign currency worth 100,000 Moroccan dirham or more (about 10,000 US dollars) when you enter or leave the country.
Unspoken rules in Morocco emphasize modesty, respect, and hospitality, requiring you to dress conservatively (shoulders/knees covered), use your right hand for eating/giving, ask before taking photos, show affection discreetly, always accept mint tea, and treat bread with reverence, never wasting it. Showing patience, avoiding public displays of affection (kissing), removing shoes indoors, and being mindful during Ramadan are also key cultural expectations.
Can unmarried couples stay in a hotel together in Morocco?
Yes, foreign unmarried couples can generally share the same hotel room in Morocco. It's a popular tourist destination, and the hospitality industry knows the ways of the world.
