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Do You Need Any Vaccinations For Morocco? Our Morocco Travel Guide
- Harshika Sutheswaran
- 23 hours ago
- 7 min read
Updated: 8 hours ago
Morocco is a beautiful country with so much to offer - whether you are exploring the medinas of Marrakech, riding camels in the Sahara Desert, or trekking through the Atlas Mountains, there is truly something for everyone.
Before you travel, as a nurse, I want to make sure you’re properly prepared. This guide covers the same advice I would give my own family before a trip to Morocco - from the vaccinations I recommend to the health precautions worth knowing about before you fly.
In this post we explore:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Morocco
There aren’t any vaccinations that are legally required for entry into Morocco for UK travellers. However, several vaccines are strongly recommended to protect against preventable illnesses that are present in the country. Below are the vaccinations we recommend you consider before travelling to Morocco.
Hepatitis A
If you’re visiting Morocco, you’re almost certainly going to be eating out. But the souks, the food stalls, and the local markets do come with a risk of Hepatitis A, a liver infection that spreads through food and water that has not been handled safely. The vaccine is effective, well tolerated, and is one we recommend to all travellers heading to Morocco.
Typhoid
Typhoid is another infection spread through contaminated food and water. If you’re planning to eat out regularly, explore local markets, visit rural areas, or stay with friends and relatives where sanitation standards may vary, it’s a vaccine worth having regardless of where you’re staying. The typhoid vaccine is available as an injection or oral capsules - speak to our travel health team about which option is right for you.
Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Polio
Make sure your routine boosters are up to date before you travel. The combined vaccine is available free on the NHS, and we can also provide it at Health Klinix if you would prefer to get everything done in one appointment.
MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella)
MMR protects against three highly contagious viral infections — measles, mumps, and rubella. If you’ve not had two doses, we’d strongly recommend it before travelling. This is particularly important for Morocco right now. Since late 2023, Morocco has been experiencing a significant measles outbreak that has spread across all 12 regions of the country, with over 25,000 suspected cases and 184 deaths reported as of April 2025.
The WHO has specifically advised anyone travelling to Morocco to make sure their measles vaccination is up to date before they go. If you are unsure of your vaccination history, our travel health team can check and advise you at your consultation.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is spread through infected blood and bodily fluids. It’s worth considering if you may need medical treatment abroad, are spending an extended period in Morocco, or are taking part in any activities that carry an exposure risk.
Morocco has made significant progress in reducing Hepatitis B through its national vaccination programme - prevalence has dropped from around 10% to just 1.33% since vaccinating newborns was introduced in 1999. Whilst this is a positive step, the risk has not been eliminated entirely, and vaccination remains the best protection. The single or combined Hepatitis A and B vaccine is available at Health Klinix.
Rabies
Rabies is present in Morocco and is carried primarily by stray dogs and cats, which are very common in the medinas and rural areas. Unfortunately, a UK traveller died from rabies contracted from a stray dog in Morocco in June 2025. This case highlights how important it is to take this risk seriously.
Pre-exposure vaccination is recommended for those trekking, travelling with children, visiting rural or remote areas, or spending extended time in the country. If you’re bitten or scratched by any animal in Morocco, seek medical attention immediately. Read our full guide on what to do after a dog bite and the rabies vaccine.
Other Health Considerations When Visiting Morocco
Food and Water Safety
Food and water hygiene is one of the most important things to be aware of when travelling to Morocco. Tap water is not considered safe to drink in Morocco, therefore, stick to bottled water throughout your trip. Be cautious with ice in drinks, raw salads, and unpeeled fruit. Street food and local markets, while a wonderful part of the Moroccan experience, do carry a risk of Hepatitis A and Typhoid if food has not been handled or stored properly.
The Djemaa el-Fna square in Marrakech is famous for its food stalls, ensure you choose stalls where food is freshly cooked and served hot. Carry hand sanitiser at all times and wash your hands before eating. For further tips on what to pack for your trip, read our guide on what to include in your travel health kit.
Tuberculosis (TB)
TB is present in Morocco and is a bacterial infection spread through the air by coughing and sneezing. For most short-stay tourists, the risk is low. However, your risk increases if:
you’re visiting friends and relatives
are a long-stay traveller
a healthcare worker
you spend time in more crowded or rural settings.
So, we may recommend the BCG vaccine in some cases. To find out whether this applies to you, book a travel health consultation with us before you travel.
Sun, Heat and Altitude
Morocco's climate varies significantly by region. In the summer months, temperatures in cities like Marrakech and the Sahara can be extreme. Stay hydrated, wear SPF 30+ sunscreen, and wear lightweight, loose clothing.
If you’re trekking in the High Atlas Mountains - particularly towards Jebel Toubkal, which stands at 4,167 metres - altitude sickness is a risk for those who ascend too quickly. Allow time to acclimatise. If you experience symptoms such as headache, nausea, or dizziness, take them seriously and descend if your condition worsens.
When to Get Vaccinated Before Travelling to Morocco
We recommend booking your travel health appointment at least 4 to 6 weeks before departure. This allows enough time for vaccines to take full effect and for any multi-dose courses to be completed. Some vaccines, such as Hepatitis B, require a course of three doses over several months, so booking early gives you the most options.
If your trip is sooner than four weeks away, do not be put off from coming in. Accelerated courses are available for some vaccines, which means it is still possible to complete a course in a shorter timeframe before you travel. Some protection is always better than none, and our travel health nurses can advise on the best schedule for your remaining time. For more information on how long travel vaccinations take to work, read our guide on travel vaccination timings.
Where to Get Your Vaccinations
At Health Klinix, our specialist travel health nurses provide personalised, expert vaccination advice based on your itinerary, health history, and individual risk factors. We offer all the key travel vaccines for Morocco, including Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Hepatitis B, Rabies, and MMR.
Find out more about our Morocco travel vaccinations and book your appointment online today.
Travel Health Tips for Morocco
Drink bottled water only: Tap water is not safe in Morocco. Use bottled water for drinking, and when brushing your teeth.
Hand hygiene: Wash your hands regularly and carry hand sanitiser, particularly before eating and after using public facilities.
Avoid contact with stray animals: Morocco has a large stray dog and cat population. Do not approach or pet them, and make sure children are aware. If bitten or scratched, seek medical attention immediately.
Sun and heat protection: Wear sunscreen, cover up during the hottest part of the day, and stay hydrated. If you’re trekking in the Atlas Mountains, take altitude sickness seriously and acclimatise gradually. For personalised advice on altitude, book a travel health consultation with us before you go..
Pack a medical kit: Include paracetamol, antihistamines, antiseptic wipes, and any regular prescription medication.
Ready to Book Your Morocco Travel Vaccinations?
Getting the right vaccinations before you go is one of the simplest things you can do to protect your health abroad. Book your travel health consultation at Health Klinix and we will take care of the rest.
Frequently Asked Morocco Travel Vaccination Questions
Do I Need Vaccinations to Go to Morocco?
There aren’t any vaccinations that are legally required for entry into Morocco for UK travellers. However, it’s likely that we’ll recommend Hepatitis A and typhoid as well as ensuring your routine childhood vaccinations are up to date. A travel health consultation will help identify exactly what you need based on your itinerary and health history.
Is Malaria a Risk for Tourists in Morocco?
No. Morocco was officially certified malaria-free by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2010 and malaria tablets are not required for travel to Morocco.
Mosquitoes are still present in some regions, so insect bite prevention is still worth considering, particularly in rural or coastal areas during warmer months.
What Is the Average Cost of Travel Vaccinations for Morocco Without Insurance?
The cost of travel vaccinations varies depending on which vaccines you require. Some, such as Diphtheria, Polio and Tetanus, typhoid and Hepatitis A may be available free on the NHS. Vaccines such as Hepatitis B and Rabies are provided privately. Take a look at our up-to-date pricing at Health Klinix.
Is the Rabies Vaccine Necessary for Trekking in the Atlas Mountains?
This would depend on a careful risk assessment. The Atlas Mountains region involves outdoor activities, contact with rural communities, and exposure to animals. Access to prompt post-exposure treatment in remote areas can be limited, making pre-exposure vaccination particularly important. Do forget, there are rabid animals on the streets of Marrakesh too.
What Are the Mandatory Versus Recommended Vaccinations for a Trip to Morocco?
There are no mandatory vaccinations for UK travellers entering Morocco.
Recommended vaccinations may include Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Tetanus/Diphtheria/Polio, MMR, Hepatitis B, and Rabies depending on your individual itinerary and risk factors.
Is a Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate Required for Entry Into Morocco From the UK?
No. Travellers arriving from the UK do not require a yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter Morocco, as the UK is not a yellow fever endemic country. Always check the latest entry requirements with the FCDO before you travel.
Sources and References:
Written by:
Harshika Sutheswaran, Specialist Travel Health Nurse, Registered Nurse, BSc
Approved by:
Consultant Physician in General Internal Medicine
MBBS, MRCP(UK), DTM&H, MRCGP, DCH, DRCOG, DFFP
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