Morocco Considers Visa Requirement for EU Citizens
Morocco is contemplating a significant shift in its visa policy for European nationals. Presently, EU citizens can enter visa-free for brief stays. Nevertheless, a parliamentary proposal is proposing the introduction of a visa requirement, echoing Namibia's policy.
The proposal's objective is to apply reciprocity, given that Moroccans already require a Schengen visa to travel to Europe. In 2023 alone, over 136,000 Moroccan visa applications were denied, resulting in around 11 million euros. Morocco has been exploring methods to simplify its visa procedures with an e-Visa system to stimulate tourism, which significantly contributes to its economy with 8.8 million foreign visitors in 2024. However, the potential impact on European tourism remains to be seen.
As of late 2025, German citizens, for example, still do not need a visa for tourism or business stays up to 90 days. There's no public indication of an ongoing debate within the Moroccan government about this change.
The Moroccan government is yet to convert the parliamentary proposal into an official decision. If implemented, it could influence European tourism, a key driver of Morocco's economy. However, it's also a response to the visa restrictions faced by Moroccans traveling to Europe.
