United States entry requirements for Morocco passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 28, 2026·View sources
Visa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Moroccan passport holders need a visa to enter the United States. As of 2026, you must apply for a B-1/B-2 visitor visa at the U.S. embassy in Rabat or Casablanca before you travel. Plan ahead — visa processing can take several weeks.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| US visa application Visa required — apply at US embassy or consulate | Moroccan passport holders need a visa before traveling to the United States. Start your application at the US Department of State visa portal. Schedule an interview at the US embassy in Rabat or Casablanca — wait times vary by season.Apply for US visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in the US. No minimum validity beyond departure is required by US law, but airlines check it before boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | US immigration officers routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return or onward ticket ready. Airlines also check this before issuing a boarding pass. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended | Carry a hotel booking confirmation or an invitation letter from your US host. Officers may ask where you are staying during your visit. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended | Have bank statements or a credit card showing you can cover your stay. US immigration rarely asks for this, but it helps if questioned about your ability to support yourself. | Recommended |
Visa required — no exceptions
Moroccan passport holders cannot enter the US visa-free under the Visa Waiver Program. You must obtain a B-1/B-2 visa before traveling. Plan for 4–8 weeks total processing time.
Passport validity is critical
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your planned entry date into the US. If it expires sooner, renew it before applying for the visa — otherwise your application will be rejected.
Get travel insurance
US healthcare is expensive — a simple emergency room visit can cost thousands of dollars. Travel medical insurance is not mandatory for entry but is strongly recommended. Policies like SafetyWing start at around $45/month.
What happens at the border
1
Complete the DS-160 form online
Go to the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) website, fill out the DS-160 form, upload a passport-style photo, and submit. Print the confirmation page with the barcode — you'll need it for the interview.
2
Pay the visa fee
Pay the $185 MRV fee at a Banque Populaire branch or online via the payment portal. Keep the receipt — it's required to schedule your interview.
3
Schedule your interview
Use the appointment system on the U.S. embassy website to pick a date at the Rabat embassy or Casablanca consulate. Wait times vary — check current availability before booking flights.
4
Attend the interview
Arrive at the embassy or consulate with your passport, DS-160 confirmation, fee receipt, and any supporting documents (employment letter, bank statements, travel itinerary). The officer will ask about your trip purpose and ties to Morocco.
5
Wait for visa processing
If approved, your passport will be held for visa printing. Processing typically takes 3–5 business days, but can be longer. You'll receive instructions to collect your passport or have it couriered.
6
Enter the US
At the US port of entry (airport or land border), present your passport with visa to the CBP officer. They may ask about your stay and check your return ticket. Keep your accommodation and insurance info handy.
Download United States Entry Checklist
PDF · Morocco Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 28, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
B1/B2 Tourist Visa (single entry)
Max stayUp to 6 months per entry
ValidityTypically 10 years from issue date
Cost$185 USD (~1,850 MAD)
Standard visa for tourism or business visits; must apply at US embassy in Morocco.
B1/B2 Tourist Visa (multiple entry)
Max stayUp to 6 months per entry
ValidityTypically 10 years from issue date
Cost$185 USD (~1,850 MAD)
Same fee as single entry; allows multiple visits within validity.
Student Visa (F-1)
Max stayDuration of study + 60 days grace
ValidityDuration of academic program
Cost$350 USD (~3,500 MAD) SEVIS fee + $185 visa fee
Requires acceptance at a US educational institution.
Work Visa (H-1B, L-1, etc.)
Max stayUp to 3 years, extendable
ValidityVaries by petition
CostVaries; employer typically pays fees
Requires US employer sponsorship and approved petition.
student visa
F-1 Student Visa
Duration of study + 60 days grace
$350 USD SEVIS fee + $185 visa fee
For full-time students enrolled in accredited US institutions. Allows part-time on-campus work and optional practical training after graduation.
Apply work visa
H-1B Specialty Occupation Visa
Up to 3 years, extendable to 6 years
Varies; employer typically pays filing fees (~$1,500–$4,000 USD)
For professionals in specialty occupations requiring a bachelor's degree or higher. Requires employer sponsorship and annual lottery cap.
Apply investor visa
EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa
Permanent residency (Green Card)
Minimum investment $1,050,000 USD (or $800,000 in targeted areas) + legal fees
For individuals investing in a new commercial enterprise that creates at least 10 full-time jobs for US workers. Leads to permanent residency.
Apply exchange visitor
J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa
Duration of program (typically 1–2 years)
$220 USD SEVIS fee + $185 visa fee
For participants in approved exchange programs including work-and-travel, internships, research, and teaching. Requires program sponsor.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| B1/B2 Tourist Visa (single entry)Non-refundable application fee for most visa categories. | $185 USD (equivalent to ~1,850 MAD) |
| B1/B2 Tourist Visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry; validity up to 10 years typically. | $185 USD (equivalent to ~1,850 MAD) |
| Visa extension (Form I-539)Filing fee for extending B1/B2 stay; processing takes months. | $370 USD (equivalent to ~3,700 MAD) |
| Overstay fineOverstay can result in visa cancellation and future inadmissibility. | Varies; typically no fixed daily fine but may lead to bans |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Weak home ties20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through United States
Transit visa required
Morocco passport holders generally need a C-1 transit visa to change flights in the US, even if staying airside. Exceptions apply for holders of valid US visas or ESTA-eligible nationals (Morocco is not ESTA-eligible).
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US visa may transit without a separate transit visa.
- Holders of a valid Canadian visa may transit under certain conditions (check with airline).
Transit hubsJohn F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) · Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) · Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
Health & vaccines for United States
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, varicella, flu)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedTyphoidConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
Mosquito-borne diseases (West Nile virus, dengue)Low risk
Rare but present in some regions; use insect repellent in rural areas.
Food and water safetyLow risk
Generally safe; risk of traveler's diarrhea is low but possible.
Altitude sicknessLow risk
Only relevant for high-altitude destinations like Denver or Rocky Mountains.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Washington, D.C.
USCIS Washington Field Office
2675 Prosperity Ave, Fairfax, VA 22031
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles extensions via mail; no walk-in services for extensions.
New York
USCIS New York Field Office
26 Federal Plaza, New York, NY 10278
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Appointments required for in-person queries; extensions filed by mail.
Practical information for MA travellers
Country basics
CapitalWashington D.C.
LanguageEnglish
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceForeign visitors may drive with a valid home-country licence for the duration of their stay. An International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyUS Dollar (USD)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 1 USD
Time zone
Local timeAmerica/New_York
vs New York+0:00 (same timezone)
vs Los Angeles-3h from NY
Electricity
Voltage120V / 60Hz
Plug types
A,BType A (two flat parallel pins) and Type B (two flat parallel pins + grounding pin)
✓ No adapter needed for US plugs
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Tap water is safe to drink throughout the country.
Emergency numbers
Getting to United States
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to United States — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
Processing time varies. After the interview, it usually takes 3–5 business days for the visa to be printed and your passport returned. But appointment wait times can be weeks or months — check the U.S. embassy website for current availability.
No. All Moroccan passport holders aged 14–79 must attend an in-person interview at the U.S. Embassy in Rabat or the Consulate General in Casablanca. The only exception is for renewals of certain visa types under the Interview Waiver program.
Bring your passport (valid 6+ months beyond entry), DS-160 confirmation page, visa fee receipt, a recent passport photo, and supporting documents like an employment letter, bank statements (last 3–6 months), travel itinerary, and proof of ties to Morocco (property, family, etc.).
The non-refundable application fee is $185 (approximately 1,800 MAD as of 2026). This covers the MRV fee. There are no additional charges for the visa itself if approved.
No. The B-1/B-2 visa is not extendable. You must leave the US before your authorized stay expires (usually up to 6 months per entry, as determined by the CBP officer at the border). Overstaying can result in bans.
Yes. Even if you're just changing planes in the US, you need a C-1 transit visa or a B-1/B-2 visitor visa. There is no visa-free transit for Moroccan passport holders.
You'll receive a reason (usually under Section 214(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act — insufficient ties to Morocco). You can reapply at any time, but you must address the reason for refusal. There's no appeal process.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.