Morocco is very close to Europe, but also easy to reach from North America. Many visitors come from the United States and the United Kingdom to explore Marrakech, Fes, Chefchaouen, the Sahara Desert, and the Atlantic coast.
This guide explains how to travel from the USA and UK to Morocco, the main airports, visa rules for tourists, and how many days you should plan for your trip.
Quick list: Morocco travel from USA and UK
- Main Moroccan airports: Casablanca (CMN), Marrakech (RAK), Tangier (TNG), Fes (FEZ), Agadir (AGA)
- Direct flights from USA: New York to Casablanca, seasonal options from other cities
- Direct flights from UK: London to Marrakech, Agadir, Casablanca, Rabat, Tangier and Fes
- Visa: most US and UK tourists can stay up to 90 days without a visa
- Best time to visit: March to May and September to November
- Popular routes: Casablanca to Marrakech and the desert, Tangier to Chefchaouen and Fes, Marrakech and Agadir for the Atlantic coast
Why Morocco is a great destination from USA and UK
For travelers from the USA and UK, Morocco feels both close and very different. You can fly in just a few hours from London, or overnight from New York, and wake up in a country with medinas, souks, mountains, desert dunes, and Atlantic beaches.
Morocco also works very well for first-time visitors to North Africa. It has good tourism infrastructure, many English-speaking guides, and different levels of accommodation, from simple riads to luxury hotels and desert camps.
Main airports for US and UK travelers
Casablanca Mohammed V Airport (CMN)
Casablanca is the main international gateway. Direct flights from New York usually land here, and many European flights connect through Casablanca to other Moroccan cities.
From Casablanca, you can connect to Marrakech, Fes, Agadir, Ouarzazate, Dakhla, and many regional airports. The fast train line also links Casablanca to Rabat and Tangier.
Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK)
Marrakech is the most popular city for short breaks from the UK. Many low-cost and regular airlines fly directly from London and other British cities to Marrakech.
From here, you can start desert tours to Merzouga or Zagora, day trips to Ouzoud waterfalls and Ourika Valley, or combine Marrakech with Essaouira and Agadir on the Atlantic coast.
Tangier Ibn Battuta Airport (TNG)
Tangier is ideal for people coming from the UK who want to explore the north of Morocco. From here, you can travel to Tetouan, Chefchaouen, Asilah, and then continue south to Rabat and Casablanca.
Fes Saïss Airport (FEZ)
Fes is another important entry point, especially for UK low-cost flights. It is perfect if you want to visit the old medina, then continue to Meknes, Volubilis, and the Sahara desert near Merzouga.
Agadir Al Massira Airport (AGA)
Agadir is popular for beach holidays and winter sun from the UK. Many flights from London and other European cities land here, and you can combine Agadir with Taghazout, Essaouira, and Marrakech.
Visa and entry rules for USA and UK tourists
Citizens of the USA and the UK can visit Morocco without a visa for up to 90 days, as long as they come as tourists. You need:
- A passport valid for at least six months from the date you enter Morocco
- A return ticket or proof of onward travel
- The address of your first hotel or riad for the arrival form
You receive an entry stamp on arrival. If you plan to stay longer than 90 days, you need to check the residence rules with the Moroccan authorities before your trip.
Always check the latest official information before traveling, as rules can change.
How long should you stay in Morocco?
Travel time is different for visitors from the USA and the UK. From London, you can fly for about 3 to 4 hours; from New York, it is usually around 6 to 7 hours to Casablanca.
The more time you have, the easier it is to see both cities and the Sahara Desert without rushing.
Read more about How Many Days Do You Need to See Morocco
Suggested trip length by country
Here is a simple overview that you can adjust to your own plan.
| Departure country | Minimum stay that makes sense | Comfortable stay | What you can see |
|---|---|---|---|
| UK (London and other cities) | 4–5 days | 7–10 days | Marrakech, day trip or overnight desert, or north itinerary with Tangier and Chefchaouen |
| USA East Coast | 7 days | 10–14 days | Casablanca, Rabat, Fes, Sahara desert, Marrakech |
| USA West Coast | 10 days | 12–15 days | Same as above, but with time to rest after long flights |
If you only have a long weekend from the UK, it is better to stay in one city like Marrakech or Tangier. From the USA, most travelers try to stay at least one week to balance the flight time.
Sample itineraries from USA and UK
One week in Morocco from the UK
A typical one-week itinerary from London could look like this:
- Day 1–3: Marrakech city stay and guided tour
- Day 4–5: Atlas Mountains, Ait Benhaddou, Ouarzazate, and Dades
- Day 6–7: Merzouga desert, camel ride, camping, Sandboarding
Ten to twelve days from the USA
For travelers coming from New York or another US city, ten to twelve days works very well:
- Casablanca and Hassan II Mosque
- Rabat and Chefchaouen in the north
- Fes and the old medina
- Sahara desert near Merzouga with camel ride and night in a desert camp
- Dades Valley or Ouarzazate
- Marrakech for the last nights before flying home
Private Morocco tours can be adapted to fit the number of days you have and the airport where you land.
When is the best time to visit Morocco?
Spring and autumn are usually the most comfortable seasons, especially if you plan to visit both cities and the desert.
- March to May: mild weather, green countryside, good for walking and sightseeing
- September to November: warm days, cooler nights, clear skies in the desert
- Summer: very hot in Marrakech, Fes and the Sahara; cooler on the Atlantic coast near Tangier, Rabat, Casablanca and Agadir
- Winter: cooler in the north and in the mountains; desert nights are cold, but days can be sunny and pleasant
If you are coming from the UK for winter sun, cities like Marrakech and Agadir are popular from December to February. From the USA, many people choose March, April, October, and November to avoid the high heat.
Check out our article about the best time to visit Morocco.
Practical tips for US and UK travelers
Currency and payments
The local currency is the Moroccan dirham (MAD). You can withdraw money from ATMs in airports and city centers. Cards are accepted in many hotels and restaurants, but small cash is useful in souks, taxis, and small shops.
Language
Arabic and Amazigh are the main languages. French is common in bigger cities. English is widely spoken in tourist areas, especially in Marrakech, Fes, Casablanca, Tangier, and Agadir.
Read more about Morocco Language: Arabic, Berber, French, Spanish & English
Getting around Morocco
For longer distances, you can use domestic flights, trains, or private drivers. The train network connects Casablanca, Rabat, Tangier, Fes, and Meknes. Buses and shared taxis link smaller towns and mountain areas.
Many visitors prefer a private tour with driver to save time between cities and reach places like the Sahara desert in comfort.
Safety and health
Morocco is generally safe for tourists. Take normal precautions with money and documents, use official taxis or pre-arranged transfers, and drink bottled water if your stomach is sensitive.
Travel insurance is a good idea, especially for visitors flying long distances from the USA or UK.
Including Morocco in a wider trip
Some travelers from the UK combine Morocco with Spain or Portugal, crossing by ferry between Tarifa or Algeciras and Tangier. From the USA, it is common to fly into a European city first, spend a few days there, and then continue by short flight to Morocco.
If you plan a multi-country trip, check that your flights and ferry connections match your Morocco itinerary and entry rules for each country.
FAQ about travel to Morocco from USA and UK
Tourists with US or UK passports can usually stay in Morocco for up to 90 days without a visa. You receive an entry stamp on arrival, as long as your passport is valid for at least six months.
If you want to see several cities and the desert, Casablanca is a good starting point. For a shorter holiday focused on one place, Marrakech, Tangier, Fes or Agadir are easier.
From the UK, five to seven days is fine for one or two cities and a day trip or short desert experience. From the USA, it is better to plan at least seven to ten days so you do not feel rushed.
Yes, Morocco is generally safe for solo travelers. Choose central riads or hotels, avoid walking alone in very quiet areas late at night, and use trusted guides and drivers.
Yes, many visitors from the USA and UK choose private or small-group tours. A tour can include airport transfers, local guides, desert camps, and city stays, so you enjoy Morocco without worrying about transport or language.
