Do I need an International Driving Permit for Morocco?

It is not a requirement to have an International Driving Permit (IDP) for Morocco. However, it is highly recommended to have one. If you are a foreign visitor who plans to drive in the country in less than three months or less, you need to have one along with your valid home country driving licence.

Moreover, you’ll also need an IDP to rent a motor vehicle from car rental companies in the country.

How do I get an international driver's license in Morocco?

There is no such thing as an International Driver’s License. The document, which is used to translate your valid driver’s license into 12 of the widely used languages worldwide, is called an International Driving Permit (IDP). You can get an IDP through our website by clicking on the “Start My Application” button in the upper right corner of the page.

Next, attach a copy of your valid driver’s license including your passport-sized photo, then your credit card details to pay for your IDP fee.

Our IDP is also recognized in more than 165 countries worldwide like the following:

• Japan
• Argentina
• Australia
• Brazil
• Canada
• Cote D’Ivoire
• Germany
• Ireland
• Italy
• Korea
• Malaysia
• New Zealand
• Peru
• Portugal
• Spain
• Switzerland
• Taiwan
• Trinidad & Tobago
• Turkey
• United Kingdom
• Vietnam, and more.

Can I drive in Morocco with UK licence?

Yes, you can drive in the country with your UK licence, as long as it’s valid and accompanied by an International Driver’s Permit (IDP). Moreover, you will also need an IDP to verify the information in your driver’s license to a car rental to rent a motor vehicle.

Can I drive in the US with a Moroccan license?

Yes, you can drive in the country with your license.

However, knowing your Moroccan license is in another language, you will need an IDP to translate your home country driver’s license to English. Authorities in the United States do not understand Arabic, therefore, having your license translated into English with an IDP is essential.

Morocco is more than just a famous filming location for tourists to see. With a mix of historical monuments and modern infrastructures, Morocco is a charming country where its past co-exists with the present. Whether you’re into heart-thumping adventures or cultural immersion, Morocco is the perfect country destination for you. Immerse yourself in vibrant Moroccan culture and quench your thirst for a picture-perfect landscape.

Marrakesh

Once a trading hub in Morocco, Marrakesh is a vibrant imperial city perfect for restless tourists. Lively souks, charming cafés and restaurants, and various street performers make the city’s streets alive day and night. Red hues spread on buildings and walls of the city, where it got its moniker, the Red City. Moroccan culture flows as you wander in alleys and streets where tradition still prevails.

Like all cities in Morocco, Marrakesh is a city where the past meets the present halfway. Inside the walled Medina, you can check out the ancient palaces and mansions, shop for local products in the souks, or try out the exquisite Moroccan cuisine on food stalls lining the streets. Heading to Ville Nouvelle, you can enjoy a cup of coffee or check out the trendy boutiques. The best time to visit the spot is in the early morning and late afternoon when the magic begins.

Casablanca

Although it’s known as a famous filming location of a Hollywood film, Casablanca offers more than what meets the eye. If you’re fond of mindless wandering in unfamiliar places, Casablanca is the perfect destination to get lost and discover hidden treasures. Get a glimpse of the daily lives of Moroccans while exploring the winding alleys in the city. Instead of colorful and vibrant souks, Casablanca’s medinas are filled with regular businesses.

Here, you can check out the central marketplace where local products are sold. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to eat fresh grilled seafood in the market. You should also check out the majestic Hassan il Mosque, the largest mosque in Morocco, and the Cathedral Sacre Coeur. After an immersive tour of historical sights, head over to Rick’s Cafe, the famous restaurant in a Hollywood movie, to enjoy great food or a cup of coffee.

Dades Valley

Morocco has a lot to offer than just Moroccan architecture and medinas. Nature lovers and adventurous tourists will also enjoy several nature activities like hiking and mountain climbing. Known as the Land of a Thousand Kasbahs, Dades Valley stretches from the High Atlas Mountains to Jbel Sarho, where a starking contrast of rocky mountains and lush trees dominate the valley.

Built to protect the valley, the kasbahs have been restored as a tourist attraction in the valley. Aside from the majestic kasbahs in the valley, tourists also love to hike the nature trails through the Todra Gorge, where the most spectacular views of the cliffs and rock formations are found. If you want a more thrilling adventure, you can try out rock climbing with your friends. The best time to visit the valley is in spring when the trees are in full bloom, and the weather is pleasant.

Rabat

As Morocco’s capital city, Rabat preserves its cultural heritage, where you’ll find several historical attractions in the city. Like most cities in Morocco, Rabat’s medina is not something you should not miss on your trip. The medina is less chaotic and more accessible than other medinas in the country, making it desirable for tourists. The old medina in Rabat is also one of the best places to get Moroccan souvenirs.

Besides souvenir shopping in the medina, you can also drive around and visit historical attractions in the city. With its rich history, it’s not surprising to see several historical buildings throughout the city. Check out the ruins of Chellah, the majestic Hassan Tower and Tomb, Kasbah of the Udayahs, and the Andalusian Gardens. You can visit Rabat all year-round, but August is the best time to visit the city if you want to avoid crowds.

Meknes

Like most cities in Morocco, Meknes is also split into halves where the old district meets the new district halfway. The medina houses the historical attractions and ancient buildings, while the modern district, also called the ville nouvelle, is the home of luxurious cars and large houses. You can dine in fine dining restaurants or enjoy a luxurious staycation in one of the hotels in ville nouvelle.

If you want to add spice to your Meknes trip, visiting the historical sights is the best thing to do in the city. Wander in the medina and enjoy a cup of tea in the teahouses in secret courtyards to add a romantic flair to your wandering. Your Meknes trip won’t be complete without visiting the Roman ruins of Volubilis, just 40 minutes away from Meknes. The best time to go to Meknes is between April and October when the weather is pleasant.

Fez

Founded in the 19th century, Fez is the home of the University of Al-Qarawiyyin, the oldest university in the world, and several historical monuments. The Medina in Fez, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a feast to the eyes where you’ll find monumental buildings and colorful souks lining up the narrow alleys and winding streets. Once the capital city of Morocco, Fez remains the heart of culture and spirituality in the country.

Besides the Medina of Fez, tourists visit the beautiful city to see the awe-inspiring mosques and religious schools called medersas. It’s also highly recommended to visit historical sights, including the Jewish Quarter, Batha Museum, and Jnane Sbil gardens. The best time to visit Fez is in spring and autumn when the weather is warm yet pleasant.

Driving in Morocco lets you explore many exciting places. But, it's crucial to know the Moroccan driving rules. By understanding and following these rules, you can drive safely and avoid problems. Always remember, every country has its own driving rules, and Morocco is no exception. Before you hit the road in Morocco, make sure you're familiar with its driving regulations.

Don’t drink and drive in Morocco

As a leading cause of road accidents, driving under the influence of alcohol is strictly prohibited in Morocco. If you’re caught drunk driving, you can face a hefty fine, get your license suspended, or get imprisoned, depending on the severity of your violation. Drunk driving, especially at night, is hazardous in Morocco, so it’s best to avoid drinking to avoid traffic accidents and charges.

Wear seat belts at all times

Seat belts are mandatory for all occupants of the vehicle in Morocco to prevent injuries during traffic accidents. If passengers are caught without seat belts, the drivers are responsible for the fines. Children must be secured on a child seat or restraint to ensure their safety on the road. You can request a child seat from your car rental supplier, so you don’t have to go through the trouble of finding one yourself.

Driving is on the right side of the road

Moroccans drive on the right side of the road like their European counterparts. If you're from a right-side driving country, navigating the Moroccan roads will be manageable for you. You don’t even have to break a sweat on your first try. If you’re from a left-side driving country, it might take you a few days to get used to driving on the right. Keep trying until you get the hang of it.