Morocco Guide for Israelis 2026 — Marrakech, Fez, Desert & Sea

1Why Morocco

Despite the logistical complexity, Morocco offers an experience that is hard to find anywhere else:

• UNESCO medinas — Marrakech and Fez are World Heritage sites.
• The Sahara desert — the dunes of Erg Chebbi, desert overnight stays and camel riding.
• The Atlas Mountains — hikes, Berber villages and impressive scenery.
• Jewish heritage — mellahs, synagogues, cemeteries and a Jewish museum in Casablanca.
• Kosher — a Chabad house in Marrakech, kosher restaurants.

2Flights from Israel

There are no direct flights from Tel Aviv to Morocco (as of 31.5.2026). All flights involve at least one stopover.

Destination airports:

• Marrakech (RAK) — connecting, net flight time from 6:45 hours.
• Casablanca (CMN) — connecting, from 6:25 hours.
• Agadir (AGA) — connecting, from 6:30 hours.

Example price found (31.5.2026): Agadir from $149 one-way, ~$377 round-trip. Prices change — check in real time.

3Visa & entry for Israelis

Arkia states that Israeli travellers are required to obtain an advance entry approval up to a week before the flight.

Before booking: check with Morocco's official visa portal (acces-maroc.ma), the airline, and Morocco's diplomatic mission.

ETIAS does not apply to Morocco — Morocco is not in the European Union and not in Schengen.

4When to fly

• Spring (March–May) — suitable for most cities, the Atlas and nature routes. Recommended.
• Summer (June–August) — Marrakech and the interior are very hot. Agadir and the Atlantic coast — relatively comfortable.
• Autumn (September–November) — suitable for cities, the desert and the mountains. Relatively low crowds.
• Winter (December–February) — suitable for cities and the desert. The High Atlas may have snow.

5How many days & a recommended itinerary

• 3–4 days — Marrakech: the medina, Jemaa el-Fnaa, gardens, souks.
• 5–7 days — Marrakech + the Atlas Mountains / Ourika Valley.
• 7–9 days — Marrakech + Fez + Casablanca.
• 8–10 days — Marrakech + the Merzouga desert (Erg Chebbi) + the Atlas.
• 5–7 days coast — Agadir and the Atlantic coast.

6Attractions & things to do

• The medina of Marrakech — a UNESCO World Heritage site dating from the 11th century. Souks, traditional crafts and unique architecture.
• Jemaa el-Fnaa square — an intangible cultural space according to UNESCO. The hub of life in Marrakech.
• Jardin Majorelle — the historic garden of Jacques Majorelle, acquired by Yves Saint Laurent.
• The medina of Fez — a UNESCO World Heritage site dating from the 9th century. One of the oldest cities in the world.
• The Chouara Tannery — Fez — the traditional tanneries, one of Morocco's best-known symbols.
• The Merzouga desert / Erg Chebbi — a sea of sand dunes, desert overnight stays and camel riding.
• The Atlas Mountains — hikes, Berber villages and peaks.
• Agadir — an Atlantic coastal city with a promenade and beaches.
• Hassan II Mosque — Casablanca — one of the largest mosques in the world, open for guided tours. Foreign adult ticket: 140 MAD.
• The Jewish Museum — Casablanca — a unique museum of Moroccan Jewish heritage.

7Where to stay — areas

• Marrakech — the medina / riads — close to the souks, Jemaa el-Fnaa and the old-city sites.
• Marrakech — Gueliz / the new city — more modern, restaurants and cafés.
• Casablanca — suitable for landing/departure, visiting the mosque and the Jewish museum.
• Fez — around the medina — a deep experience in the old city.
• Agadir — an Atlantic beach holiday.

8Transport

• Airports: Marrakech RAK, Casablanca CMN, Agadir AGA.
• Casablanca airport CMN is connected by the ONCF train to the city and to the national rail network.
• Casablanca–Marrakech train: about 130–150 MAD second class, ~190–240 MAD first class (as of 2026).
• Trips to the desert and the Atlas — usually by private car, a local driver or an organised tour.

9Internet & eSIM

• Local operators: Maroc Telecom, Orange Morocco, Inwi.
• Orange Travel eSIM — 5GB for 30 days: ~€15; 20GB: ~€40.
• Nomad eSIM — 3GB for 30 days: $21; 10GB: $45.
• Local SIM — ~30–50 MAD for a few GB (requires local registration).
• Note: coverage in desert areas and the mountains may be limited — check before purchasing.

10Money, costs & tips

• Currency: Moroccan dirham (MAD). The rate fluctuates — check on Wise before your trip.
• Price examples: Hassan II Mosque 140 MAD; Casablanca–Marrakech train 130–150 MAD; eSIM from $8.
• The traditional market — prices are negotiable, haggling is customary.
• Credit cards are accepted in the big cities. Keep cash in MAD for the souks and transport.

11Frequently asked questions