Morocco reopens to British tourists in boost to holidays before February half-term

Morocco’s tourism chief said they are ‘very excited to welcome back people from around the world, especially the UK’
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Passengers arrive at the Mohammed V airport in the western Moroccan city of Casablanca on Monday
AFP via Getty Images
Josh Salisbury7 February 2022

Morocco opened its borders to British holidaymakers on Monday after a sixteen-week flight ban to the popular tourist destination.

But on Monday, the head of the Moroccan National Tourist Office (MNTO), Adel El Fakir, said the country was welcoming UK travellers back.

“All the decisions that have been taken, be it by Morocco or any country during this pandemic, has depended on the health situation – nothing else,” he told the Independent.

“The whole sector today is very excited to welcome back people from around the world, especially the UK,” he said. “Welcome is in our DNA.”

Tourists are required to show proof of full vaccination, which authorities say must be two jabs with the second jab more than two weeks ago, as well as a negative PCR test less than 48 hours before the flight.

In a welcome move for families, there are no entry requirements for children under sixyears of age.

For children between six and 18 years old, the only requirement is a negative PCR test less than 48 hours old, in addition to a rapid antigen test on arrival.

In an update, the MNTO website said: “Upon arrival at airports, [visitors] will be screened by rapid tests.

“Random PCR tests will also be conducted for several groups of travellers and results will be communicated at a later date.

“Within 48 hours of entering the country, some travellers will be required to take an additional test at the hotel or residence centre.”

Wearing face masks in public spaces in Morocco is still mandatory, according to the Foreign Office.

Additionally, there are still strict rules on opening times and capacity limits in public and private venues, such as restaurants and coffee shops.

The popular holiday destination has become the latest to ease its rules ahead of February half-term.

Greece announced last week that Brits will be able to enter the country without needing a negative Covid test if they are fully vaccinated.

Meanwhile Spain will drop its outdoor face mask rule from February 9.

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