Morocco customs rules & duty-free allowances

Last reviewed July 2, 2026·Official source

Morocco's biggest customs risk is the mandatory currency declaration: any amount over 100,000 MAD (≈$10,000) in foreign cash must be declared on arrival, and exporting more than 1,000 MAD in local currency is prohibited. Non-residents get a 2,000 MAD (≈$200) duty-free goods allowance, while residents get 10,000 MAD (≈$1,000). All arrivals receive a paper customs declaration card.

Duty-free allowances

Alcohol
1.0 L
1 liter of spirits (over 22% ABV) OR 2 liters of wine or beer. Must be 18+. No duty-free allowance for alcohol if under 18.
Tobacco
200 cigarettes
or 50 cigars / 250 g
Cash to declare
$10,000
Declare any amount over 100,000 MAD (≈$10,000) or equivalent in foreign currency. Use the customs declaration form (Déclaration en Douane) at the red channel. Failure to declare risks seizure and fines of up to 25% of the amount.
Goods duty-free
$200
Duty-free allowance for personal goods and gifts is 2,000 MAD (≈$200) for non-residents. Above that, duty is 17.5% to 50% depending on item. Residents get 10,000 MAD (≈$1,000).

Prohibited — banned from import

  • Narcotics and psychotropic substances (including cannabis, even for medical use)
  • Firearms, ammunition, and explosives (except with special permit)
  • Counterfeit goods and pirated items
  • Obscene or immoral materials (including pornography)
  • Live animals without proper import permits (pets require rabies vaccination and microchip)
  • Radioactive materials and hazardous waste

Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration

  • Medications containing narcotics or psychotropics (require prior authorization from Ministry of Health)
  • Drones and radio equipment (require approval from ANRT, the telecom regulator)
  • Satellite phones (banned unless you have a special license from ANRT)
  • Cultural artifacts and antiques (require export permit from the Ministry of Culture)
  • Plants, seeds, and live animals (require phytosanitary or veterinary certificates)

Arriving: red vs green channel

All arriving passengers receive a customs declaration card (Déclaration de Douane) on the plane or at passport control. Fill it out and keep it with your passport. Use the green channel if you have nothing to declare and are within duty-free limits; use the red channel if you have goods to declare, cash over 100,000 MAD, or restricted items. Customs officers may randomly check bags.

Tax-free shopping & VAT refunds

Tourists can claim VAT refund (TVA, 20%) on purchases over 2,000 MAD (≈$200) per invoice from participating stores. Ask for a 'Bordereau de Détaxe' at the shop. At the airport, present the goods, receipt, and bordereau at the customs desk before check-in. Refund is paid in cash or to card.

Bringing medication

Personal medications for up to 3 months are allowed with a prescription or doctor's note in French or Arabic. Narcotics, psychotropics, and any medication containing codeine, morphine, or amphetamines are strictly prohibited without prior authorization from the Moroccan Ministry of Health. Some common Western drugs (e.g., Adderall, Xanax) are illegal in Morocco.

Food, plants & animal products

Meat, dairy, and animal products from countries with foot-and-mouth disease or avian flu are banned. Fresh fruits, vegetables, seeds, and plants require a phytosanitary certificate. Declare all food items at the red channel.

Rules worth knowing

Local currency export limit

You cannot export more than 1,000 MAD in Moroccan dirhams. Any excess will be confiscated. Exchange leftover dirhams at the airport bank before departure.

Currency declaration is mandatory

All cash (MAD or foreign) over 100,000 MAD (≈$10,000) must be declared on arrival. Failure to declare can result in seizure and a fine of up to 25% of the amount.

No duty-free for alcohol if under 18

The alcohol allowance is only for passengers aged 18 and over. Minors cannot bring any alcohol duty-free.

Ramadan restrictions

During Ramadan, eating, drinking, or smoking in public during daylight hours is illegal. Customs may also be stricter on food imports.

Frequently asked questions

Personal electronics like laptops and cameras for your own use are generally not counted in the 2,000 MAD duty-free allowance. However, if you bring multiple high-value items (e.g., two laptops), customs may consider them commercial and charge duty.
Yes, you can bring any amount of foreign currency, but you can only bring up to 1,000 MAD in local currency. Any amount over that must be declared and may be confiscated.
You can get a replacement at the customs office in the arrival hall. Keep it with your passport until you leave the airport, as you may need it to prove you declared cash or goods.
Spices for personal use are fine. Argan oil is allowed, but if you're bringing large quantities (over 1 liter), customs may ask for proof it's for personal use. Commercial quantities require a certificate of origin.
Ritalin (methylphenidate) is a controlled substance in Morocco. You must obtain prior authorization from the Ministry of Health. Without it, the medication will be confiscated and you could face legal issues. Carry a doctor's note and a prescription in French or Arabic.
Yes, there are duty-free shops in the arrivals area at major airports like Casablanca (CMN) and Marrakech (RAK). You can buy alcohol, tobacco, and perfumes there, but the allowances still apply (1L spirits, 200 cigarettes).
If you stay airside and do not clear customs, you don't need to declare anything. If you leave the transit area, you must go through customs and follow the same rules as arriving passengers.

Official source

Moroccan Customs and Indirect Tax Authority (Administration des Douanes et Impôts Indirects)

For guidance only. Customs allowances and prohibited-item lists change without notice — always confirm with Moroccan Customs and Indirect Tax Authority (Administration des Douanes et Impôts Indirects) before travelling.