The easy answer is no; you do not need to cover your hair. That being said, there are some religious sites that may ask you to do so. Often, they will have scarves for you to borrow, but I suggest bringing your own and carrying it in your purse or backpack just in case.
Covering your head isn't necessary as many women don't, but you can if you want to. If you dress to blend in, you will not be a target for the beggers and con-artists. Please note that Moroccans in Marrakech, Fez and small villages are more traditional then Moroccans in Rabat, Casablanca and Tangier..etc..
While female travellers aren't expected to dress as conservatively as local women, it's still a good idea to pack clothing options that will allow you to cover up. 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.
In Morocco, the headscarf is neither enforced by law nor forbidden by law, and women are free to choose if they wish to wear one. The headscarf is more frequent in the northern regions, small to medium cities and rural regions. As it is not totally widespread, wearing a hijab is considered rather a religious decision.
The basic “rules” are to cover your shoulders, knees, and chest. Most days I had my elbows covered, too, and made sure that my tops were long enough to cover my bum. Showing elbows is fine! Mostly Amazigh (Berber) men wear these head wraps in the desert, but tourist women sometimes opt to for fun, as well.
Cultural Guidelines: To feel the most comfortable, you will want tops with at least some sleeves. Moroccan women will usually have their sleeves cover their elbows, but as a tourist, that is not necessary. Stay away from strappy tank tops. If you are wearing pants, you will want a longer shirt.
You may see local girls and women dressed in shorts and tank tops, but it is best to avoid wearing revealing clothing in public places. For women, it is recommended to keep the chest and stomach area covered, as this is seen as more respectful.
Both men and women should cover their shoulders and avoid wearing revealing clothing. For women, it's recommended to wear loose-fitting clothing that covers the arms and legs, and consider bringing a scarf or shawl to cover the head. Men should also avoid wearing shorts and opt for long pants.
Anything super tight that shows off your figure – think short cycling shorts, hot pants, gym wear, clingy material. Anything revealing – low cut tops or dresses that expose cleavage, thigh high splits in skirts, backless clothing, or short dresses or shorts.
While female travellers aren't expected to dress as conservatively as local women, it's still a good idea to pack clothing options that will allow you to cover up. 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.
Morocco dress code is not strict, but the country is a conservative nation with 99% of its population identifying as Muslims. Therefore, the first rule to dressing in Morocco is to respect Islam's emphasis on modesty. Clothes and accessories are not meant to attract attention or excessively reveal the body.
Can unmarried couples stay in same room in Morocco?
While it is not permitted for an unmarried Moroccan couple to share a room, as non-Moroccans you won't encounter any problems (unless the establishment itself chooses not to allow it). However, public shows of affection should be kept to a minimum.
Morocco Travel Questions › Category: Morocco › Can you hold hands in Morocco? Yes, it's okay to hold your boyfriend or girlfriend's hand in Morocco. It is very common to see the elderly and the younger generation doing the same in public places.
Women in particular are advised to dress modestly, covering shoulders and legs, particularly above the knee. Men can get away with dressing in shorts and a t-shirt, but women are advised to cover up a bit more. Here are a few recommendations on what to pack for your holiday in Marrakech.
Absolutely! Morocco is a safe country for women. Even women who choose to travel alone. However, there are things (that are outlined in this post) that you should look out for and do in order to avoid any potentially uncomfortable situations.
Silk-made scarves are great as they protect your body from heat. You can also wear them around your shoulders to avoid sunburns or to cover your skin when navigating conservative areas.
All greetings, dining manners and other gestures should be done with your right hand. It is also impolite in Morocco to point at someone with your index finger to motion them towards you. You should instead beckon someone by placing your palm downward and sweeping your hand towards yourself.
As a conservative and Muslim people, Moroccans generally frown upon revealing outfits. This does not just apply to women, but also to men. Cover at least your shoulders and don't wear shorts. Beach outfits are inappropriate anywhere but at the beach.
Furthermore, don't forget to bring toilet paper with you when you are outside the hotel as most public toilets don't have toilet paper in them. So, it's better to be prepared rather not.
You can wear dresses and skirts, however, the minimal length would be just above the knee and loose. Depending on the top of the dress, if it shows too much cleavage, you can cover your shoulders with a card to look more decent.
Shorts are good to go as long as they are not too short. Opt for city shorts, capri pants, or long loose trousers especially if you go to untouristic areas like distant Moroccan villages. Sleeveless shirts are accepted but keep in mind again that tank tops will attract unwanted attention.
Foreign couples can freely kiss in public and everyone will ignore them without saying anything. It is common for unmarried Moroccan couples not to kiss in public. A kiss on the lips or cheek is never been a problem.
When visiting mosques, female travelers should wear clothing that covers from ankle to elbow, as well as covering decolletage. It's also important to cover your hair with a scarf. Don't worry if it's not expertly wrapped – a few stray strands hanging out from beneath the scarf won't bother anyone.
There is no requirement for women tourists to cover their hair in public places. However, it is advisable to bring a scarf or two along. Early mornings and evenings can be quite chilly, no matter what time of year you are visiting.
While it's largely safe, precautionary mesaures should be taken when traveling after dark. It's always safer to travel in groups or stay in crowded areas. Petty crime can occur, but violent crime is quite rare. It's recommended to use common sense and follow local guidance to stay safe.
