Morocco nears 20 million tourists: a historic boom reshapes Arab travel patterns

Morocco entered 2026 with one of the strongest tourism results in its modern history after welcoming 19.8 million tourists in 2025, up 14% from the previous year, according to figures reported by Reuters from Morocco’s tourism ministry. Tourism revenue reached 124 billion dirhams, about $13.5 billion, in the first 11 months of the year. The sector contributes around 7% of GDP, and Rabat is targeting 26 million visitors by 2030.

This was not a one-year spike. In 2024, Morocco had already reached 17.4 million visitors and 28.7 million overnight stays, helping cement its position as Africa’s most visited destination, according to UN Tourism and official Moroccan figures. The country is also expanding infrastructure ahead of 2030, with plans to raise airport capacity from 38 million to 80 million passengers and broaden rail access to 43 cities, covering 87% of the population by 2040.

For travellers, Morocco’s tourism map remains highly diverse. Marrakech, Fez and Rabat anchor the country’s historic and cultural offer, while Chefchaouen, Tangier and Essaouira appeal to visitors looking for coastal charm and strong visual identity. Merzouga and the southeast offer desert experiences, and Dakhla, Agadir and Taghazout remain key choices for beach travel and water sports. Morocco’s official tourism platform presents these destinations across clear categories including medinas, beaches, desert travel and nature.

For Canadian-based travellers, the practical planning side matters just as much. Morocco’s official tourism guidance says entry requirements depend on nationality and that tourist stays can last up to 90 days, with extensions available through the nearest police station if needed. The official Accès Maroc portal allows users to check eligibility for eVisa or electronic travel authorization and track applications. Its published guidance also says some residents in Canada or holders of valid Canadian visas may qualify for eVisa pathways depending on nationality, residency status, or visa type.

Canada’s official travel advisory for Morocco adds several practical points for travellers: the Moroccan dirham cannot be exchanged outside the country, leftover dirhams can be reconverted at the airport with proof of original exchange, and emergency numbers in Morocco include 190 for police and 150 for medical and fire assistance. Canada also advises travellers to exercise a high degree of caution in Morocco because of the threat of terrorism, with stricter warnings for some border and Western Sahara areas.

Useful official links for travellers to Morocco

Official tourism information and destinations: Morocco’s official tourism portal.
Entry rules and tourist stay conditions: the official “Formalities” page.
Eligibility checks for eVisa or electronic travel authorization: Accès Maroc.
Canadian travel advice, safety, money and emergency help: Government of Canada advisory for Morocco.

Official Moroccan contacts in Canada

Embassy of the Kingdom of Morocco in Ottawa: 38 Range Road, Ottawa; phone: (613) 236-7391 / 7392 / 7913 / 6064; email: [email protected].
Consulate General of Morocco in Montreal: 2192 René-Lévesque Ouest, Montréal; phone: (514) 288-8750; email: [email protected].
Consulate General of Morocco in Toronto: 5001 Yonge Street, Suite 1515, North York; phone: (647) 612-4632; email: [email protected].

Important Canadian contact in Morocco

Embassy of Canada in Rabat: 66 Avenue Mehdi Ben Barka, Rabat-Souissi; phone: 212 (0) 537 54 49 49; email: [email protected].