Anyone visiting Morocco should know about the 8 things that are prohibited in the country to avoid any inconvenience or problems.
Many consider Morocco a much more liberal nation when compared with other Muslim majority countries of the world. However, there still are certain things that are unacceptable and prohibited by law.
1. Alcohol
Alcohol consumption is allowed in Morocco but with limitations. It is only available at licensed bars, hotels, tourist areas, and restricted separate sections of the supermarkets. Police hold the right to prosecute anyone who is seen consuming or buying alcohol outside of these allocated places.
Alcohol consumption in public is only allowed to tourists while locals are restricted to drinking inside.
Visitors should refrain from bringing more than one bottle of alcohol with them in their luggage as it can create problems for them.
Drunk driving is strictly prohibited.
2. Drugs
Possession, buying, selling and consumption of all types of illegal drugs is prohibited by Moroccan law. It can lead to prison time as well as big fines.
Police checkpoints and surveillance to curb the growing drug smuggling in the country is quite vigilant and efficient.
Due to the level high production of Cannabis in Northern Morocco, locals might approach you to offer drugs but you should not fall for their trap.
3. Inappropriate Clothing
Like most Muslim countries of the world, this prohibition is more applicable to women than men. Although there is no specified dress code, women visitors should wear clothes that are loose-fitted and cover essential parts of their bodies.
Wearing revealing or inappropriate clothes may land you in trouble due to the unnecessary attention you will be attracting.
4. Religious Preaching
Every citizen has the right to follow and practice the religion of his choice without any restrictions. But acts of preaching religions other than Islam are prohibited. The distribution of bibles and other religious literature to gain popularity or to convert Muslims is a serious illegal offense.
5. Homosexuality
Being a country with Islamic prominence, all acts of homosexuality are considered criminal and punishable by law. So, avoid traveling as same-sex partners.
6. Pre-marital Sexual Activities
All acts of sexual interaction without legal marriage are strictly prohibited in Morocco.
As a local, you cannot rent a hotel room with someone you are not married to. You have to present a marriage certificate to get a room with your spouse.
This law is not enforceable to foreigners visiting Morocco as tourists.
7. Pornography
No individual in Morocco is allowed to possess, sell, buy or share any type of pornographic content online or offline. With effective control measures in place, you are blocked from accessing any pornographic websites while visiting Morocco.
8. Photography and Trespassing of Restricted Areas
Like any other country of the world, infiltration, trespassing, or taking photographs of military or sensitive declared sites is strictly prohibited in Morocco. With clear warning signs, you should avoid any such acts to prevent unnecessary inconvenience.
If you plan to visit Morocco soon, do keep in mind the above-mentioned points to avoid getting into trouble with the law-enforcing agencies of the country.
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