Is Morocco Safe for Solo Female Travellers in 2026? What They Don’t Tell You

As you scroll through social media—whether Instagram, Pinterest, or elsewhere—and those captivating images appear before you: the blue alleyways of Chefchaouen, the lights of Jemaa el-Fnaa square at sunset, a Gnawa music festival in Essaouira… a pivotal question may slip into your mind: Can I experience this on my own? Is Morocco safe for solo female travellers?

Let’s be honest with each other from the start: I won’t paint you a false rosy picture, nor will I frighten you with exaggerated stories. What you’ll read here is the essence of real experiences from travellers who’ve explored every corner of Morocco, from Tangier in the north to the Sahara in the south, along with practical tips that will make your journey both enriching and safe.

Move Beyond Stereotypes and Preconceived Judgments

You’ve probably encountered global rankings that place Morocco in unfavorable positions on women’s travel safety scales. But let me put these numbers in their proper context: many of these indices rely on general criteria related to women’s status in society as a whole, not specifically the experience of female tourists.

When discussing women’s status in Moroccan or Islamic society overall, this is a matter of differing perspectives. The lens through which Western society views women’s rights differs from the lens used in Islamic society. We don’t deny that women’s situation in Morocco isn’t ideal and there’s still much progress to be made before we can call it acceptable. However, in all honesty, it’s significantly better than many countries worldwide, including some European nations.

As for foreign women, the reality confirmed by travellers who’ve visited Morocco repeatedly is that violent crimes against female tourists are extremely rare. They face no discrimination or persecution—rather, they receive good treatment and respect that they sometimes don’t even find in their own countries.

On another note, when discussing safety in Morocco generally, the 2025 Global Peace Index ranks Morocco 85th out of 163 countries in overall security. Travel risk maps classify it in the “medium risk” category—the same category that includes popular tourist destinations across Europe and Latin America.

The bottom line? Yes, a woman can travel alone in Morocco. Success lies in proper preparation, which is exactly what we’ll discuss in the following sections.

Is It OK to Travel to Morocco in 2026? Safety Facts Beyond the Stereotypes

What Challenges Do Women Face When Travelling to Morocco Alone?

Street Harassment

This is the most commonly reported challenge by travellers. You may receive comments about your appearance, invitations to drink tea, or attempts to accompany you while walking around. It’s annoying, but it rarely escalates to a real physical threat.

Unofficial Guides

You’ll find people offering “free help” to navigate the old city, only for the tour to end at shops where they collect commission. The solution is simple: “No thanks, I have a guide”—even if you don’t! We’ve discussed this topic in detail in a previous article you can refer to here: Morocco Guided Tours in 2026: How to Choose a Licensed Guide and Avoid Scams

Scam Attempts

The “free” henna that suddenly becomes paid, or the taxi driver who “forgot” to start the meter. These are situations that can be avoided with simple rules I’ll share with you.

So How Do You Prepare for a Safe Trip?

Let’s be realistic: these challenges may face you everywhere you travel in the world, albeit in different forms, regardless of whether you’re alone or in a group. Even if you’re with friends or family, some foolish guy might pass by and make harassing comments or try to get your phone number. You might also encounter someone trying to scam you even in your own country.

So don’t magnify these challenges. Treat them as part of the reality everyone experiences anywhere in the world, and try to handle them smartly so they don’t ruin your mood. That’s what we’ll learn in the following section.

First: What to Wear in Morocco as a Woman

A frequently asked question: What are the appropriate clothes for women in Morocco?

Good news: there’s no law requiring you to wear specific attire. Headscarves aren’t mandatory for tourists. However, choosing “relatively modest” clothing will make your experience more comfortable and reduce unwanted attention.

In sacred places or local neighborhoods, cover your shoulders and knees. But in tourist areas, you can wear whatever you find suitable for yourself.

You can always carry a light shawl or scarf in your bag. This piece will get you out of most awkward situations—whether to cover your shoulders when entering a conservative place, to protect yourself from the sun, or when the weather turns cold.

Second: Top 10 Tips to Make Your Solo Travel Safe

1. Book Centrally Located Accommodation

Choose riads or hotels with excellent reviews in the heart of the city. This means shorter distances for nighttime travel and closer help if you need it.

2. Don’t Wander the Old City Alone at Night

The mazes of ancient medinas are enchanting by day, but they turn into a confusing labyrinth after sunset. Google Maps will literally fail you here! If you must go out, use ride-hailing apps or ask your hotel to arrange your transportation.

3. Learn to Say “No” Firmly

“Lla, shukran” (No, thank you)—a phrase you’ll use frequently. Say it with a smile but with firmness, then keep walking. Hesitation is interpreted as an invitation to persist.

4. Completely Ignore Comments

Don’t look. Don’t respond. Don’t smile. Keep going as if nothing happened. Any reaction—even negative—encourages more.

5. Memorize These Numbers

• Police: 19
• Royal Gendarmerie: 177
• Ambulance/Emergency: 15

6. Get a Local SIM Card

SIM cards are available everywhere, including airports, at reasonable prices. There are 3 telecom companies you can deal with: Maroc Telecom, Orange, and Inwi.

Don’t buy SIM cards from street vendors despite their lower prices, as they may not work. Purchase them from official agency stores instead—they’re widely available, as mentioned.

7. Always Agree on Prices in Advance

Whether it’s a tour, taxi ride, or goods in the market—the price is set before the service begins, not after.

Grand taxis have fixed prices imposed by authorities, so ask about the fare before boarding. Petit taxis operate with meters, so make sure the driver starts it as soon as you get in. Sometimes petit taxi drivers don’t use meters and instead offer lower prices on the condition they pick up 3 passengers, each paying separately. Although this professional behavior is against the law, it’s practiced in some routes within major cities like Fes. If you encounter this, ask about the fare before boarding—it’s usually around half a dollar or slightly more.

In general, before using any service, ask about the price first. When you want to buy souvenirs, especially in the old city, there’s no harm in negotiating the price. Many merchants offer higher prices compared to the actual prices of products or services.

8. Prefer Safe Transportation

First-class trains are an excellent option for traveling between cities. Within cities, use ride-hailing apps or metered petit taxis.

9. Sit Near Families or Women on Public Transport

Yes, even teenagers and troublemakers can’t behave foolishly in the presence of families. So sitting near families immediately puts you safe from any harassment.

10. Trust Your Instincts

If you feel uncomfortable in any situation, leave immediately. You don’t need to justify yourself to anyone.

Is Morocco Safe for Solo Female Travellers? Real Experiences

I won’t give you theoretical opinions. Here are real testimonials from travellers who shared their experiences in a popular travel group on Facebook:

Isabel Farrelly — A traveler in her seventies: “I’ve gone to Morocco on my own both as a young woman and much later as an older woman. I’ll be going again this October in my late seventies. I always felt and was safe.”

Nancy Hampel — Solo female traveler who spent 5 months in Morocco: “Solo female here. Totally safe. Been here 5 months, totally safe. Safer than most places in the US.”

Ann Ashton — Visited Marrakech solo: “I was solo in Marrakech. I felt safer than I had anywhere in European countries. Never felt intimidated, loved it.”

Grey-haired traveler — Visited Morocco twice solo: “I am also grey-haired and have travelled solo to Morocco twice. I always feel completely safe. Safer than in my own country! The Moroccan people are wonderful. There are people who will try to scam tourists, especially in Marrakech, but a polite ‘La shukran’ works well. Go and enjoy.”

What do we learn from these testimonials?

Notice that travellers compare their experience to Western countries and often find Morocco safer. Age isn’t a barrier—travellers in their seventies return repeatedly. The key everyone agrees on: awareness of your surroundings, firmness in saying “no,” and enjoying the experience.

Before You Pack: Essential Recommendations

Essential Documents and Apps

First and foremost, ensure your passport is valid for at least six months from your entry date into Morocco, and keep electronic copies of all your important documents on your phone or email in case of any emergency. I strongly recommend getting travel insurance that includes medical coverage—it’s a small investment that could save you a lot. As for apps, Maps.me will be your true lifesaver in the mazes of old cities because it works without an internet connection. Don’t forget to download Google Translate with Arabic and French language packs for emergency communication, or use current AI translation tools.

Safety Items I Recommend

Items you’ll thank yourself for: a portable power bank to keep your phone alive all day, and a small lock to secure your bag at the hotel or during transit. Choose a bag that’s carried in front of your body instead of a traditional backpack to avoid any pickpocketing attempts in crowded places. It might seem excessive, but a small whistle in your pocket and a small flashlight can be useful in dark alleyways or unexpected emergency situations.

A Smart Wardrobe for Your Trip

Regarding clothes, I recommend packing two or three pairs of loose, lightweight pants that suit warm weather while respecting local culture, plus three or four tops with sleeves that cover your shoulders. A multipurpose shawl or scarf is a magical piece you won’t regret carrying—you can use it to cover your head when visiting religious places, your shoulders in markets, or even as a light blanket on air-conditioned buses. Don’t forget comfortable shoes suitable for walking on uneven stone surfaces in old cities, and a light jacket for evenings that may be colder than you expect, especially in mountainous areas.

Frequently Asked Questions About Solo Female Travel in Morocco

Conclusion: Is Morocco Safe for Solo Female Travellers?

Short answer: Yes, with proper preparation.

When asking “is Morocco safe for solo female travellers,” the honest answer is that it’s not a challenge-free experience, but it’s worth every moment. You’ll face some annoying situations—that’s reality. But you’ll be rewarded with experiences you won’t find anywhere else: the scent of spices in the souks, the colors of sunset over the Sahara, the warmth of a Moroccan woman’s smile as she invites you for tea, and the authentic taste of tagine in an ancient riad.

Morocco isn’t for everyone. But for women seeking a genuine adventure—one that challenges their comfort zone and returns them with unforgettable stories—Morocco opens its arms.

Pack your bags. Prepare your list of tips. Trust yourself.

Morocco is waiting for you.

Read Also

• Moroccan Riads: Your Complete Guide to an Authentic Stay in Morocco
• Marrakech Souks: Where Getting Lost Is Part of the Adventure
• Your Complete Guide to Visiting Morocco During Ramadan: An Experience Worth Having At Least Once