As most of you know my hubby and I will be flying to Morocco in a few weeks. I have a few last min questions for those who have been to Morocco. Thanks!

1. Did you have to get any vaccinations before your trip?

2. What exactly is the weather like this time of year?

3. How long should we give ourselves before our flight to go through security and check-in?

4. Where exactly can I find the new airport security laws?

5. What can I expect when I get to the airport in Casablanca?

6. Do we have to pay any tariffs for any of our items we take to or from Morocco?

7. Am I allowed to bring my videocamera on the plane or do I have to check it? (really don't want to)

8. If I happen to get sick or injured while in Morocco, is there such a thing as travelers insurance? If so, where can I find it and who is the best provider?


Ok that's all I can think of for now. Thank you very much for reading this and hopefully replying.

Janine

No vacinations for me, Ahmed says warmer in day but comes on the cam wearing his jacket so im thinking what we would consider cool. My flights were totally screwed so missed my connections, maybe someone can help there.

I think just Homeland Security Sites can advise travel rules and will prob cover the camera

I had no problems at casa airport, stood in line and was waved thru no checking of the suitcases or anything

Check with your personal insurance carrier now to see options as to how they would cover over there

Someone at my job is going to Ghana for a wedding. She had to apply for a visa to be allowed in the country. She told me that the law is in effect this year. Does that apply for Maroc???? Check it out.

I was in Ghana in 2004 and needed a visa to enter the coutnry on a US passport then. Not sure what new law is in effect.

1. Did you have to get any vaccinations before your trip?
To NA in general vaccinations are not needed if you have already gotten the usual.

2. What exactly is the weather like this time of year?
It is about 55degrees in Casa right now. But you could keep checking WeatherUnground for further info.

3. How long should we give ourselves before our flight to go through security and check-in?
Coming from the US I would say least 1,5 hours with all the security checks and since you are coming from Philly the airport probably crowed.
Coming back I would say 30min is enough ... but have your dH ask around... I know in Algerie when I came back I waited for 2 hours in lines for check-in and it only should have taken about 10min... the officers seemed to like to "play around"

4. Where exactly can I find the new airport security laws?
www. travel.state.gov www.mytravelrights.com www www.tsa.gov

5. What can I expect when I get to the airport in Casablanca?
I donnow I have never been to Casa, only Rabat.

6. Do we have to pay any tariffs for any of our items we take to or from Morocco?
Export Country Tariff I think most times items bought like soveniours are not taxed.

7. Am I allowed to bring my videocamera on the plane or do I have to check it? (really don't want to)
Yes, but I would keep it close at hand. People steal.

8. If I happen to get sick or injured while in Morocco, is there such a thing as travelers insurance? If so, where can I find it and who is the best provider?
Squaremouth InsuremyTrip Personally, I donnot think you need it. If you get sick, your husband can take you to a local private doc... but might need it if you get seriously ill or injured but low chance of that. Also some credit banks offer free or low cost travel insurance.

Have fun Janine !!! Bring us back some pics and stories!!!

In Morrocco if you stay less then 90 days a visa is not required. Morrocco Consulate NY and their visa info Morrocco Visa info

I always get trip insurance from insuremytrip.com but then I have health issues. For my trip to Egypt it was only a little bit over $100 and it covered lost luggage, trip cancellation and I think up to $500k of medical bills. Not too shabby for nice peace of mind.

Yes that is a good price

have funnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn i wish i could hide in your luggage (and still keep my job)

1. Did you have to get any vaccinations before your trip? none are needed

2. What exactly is the weather like this time of year? Rida says it had ben nice and warm, but seems to always have a jacket on at night.

3. How long should we give ourselves before our flight to go through security and check-in? airlines suggest taht u arrive 2 hours before ur plane departs

4. Where exactly can I find the new airport security laws? most airline web sites have the links. make sure ur liquids are no more than 3 ounces and are all in a sandwhich plastic bag.

5. What can I expect when I get to the airport in Casablanca? i had no problems at casa. stood in line, checked my passport and i was done. no screening really. some were randomly picked and their luggage was searched.

6. Do we have to pay any tariffs for any of our items we take to or from Morocco? depends on what u have to declare.

7. Am I allowed to bring my videocamera on the plane or do I have to check it? (really don't want to) u r allowed. u may have to turn it on and off for them to show them that it is ligit. same with laptops.

8. If I happen to get sick or injured while in Morocco, is there such a thing as travelers insurance? If so, where can I find it and who is the best provider? see what ur current insurance provider may or may not cover. they would be able to refer you to a company if needed.


Hope this helps u some. Enjoy your trip.

Janine, where are you going in Morocco and how are you getting there? Based on that you'd be able to find out the temperature and other stuff, because it varies in different parts of Morocco.

It's been a pretty long time since I've been there. How are you going there? JFK or PHL? I didn't drive to any of them, took Dave's limo. Sometimes it's OK, sometimes they take too long. PM me if you want the phone number and it's cheaper if you're using them for round-trip.

I'd love to go with you in your laggage too or for you to bring my hubby with you.

Enjoy your trip.
Tanya

BEWARE of FRANCE!!!! I had a very bad experience everytime, I will just say I travel without the scraf while going though the security lines and I put it back on after I have gone through. If you want to know more PM me.

I would definitely get traveler's insurance; so worth the money for the peace of mind! I would also recommend you get the hepatitis A vaccination, it's a series of two, but even getting one before your trip confers some immunity. Not required, but it can't hurt.

Have FUN!!!!


Sharon

My answers below...hopefully they help.

1. Did you have to get any vaccinations before your trip?

No vaccinations are required for travel to Morocco.

2. What exactly is the weather like this time of year?

It is winter, and depending on exactly where you will be staying it won't be bad.

3. How long should we give ourselves before our flight to go through security and check-in?

These days, give yourself 3 full hours for international travel...seriously

4. Where exactly can I find the new airport security laws?

Go to the web site for the airport your are flying out of and the airline web site you are using, they'll have all that info posted.

5. What can I expect when I get to the airport in Casablanca?

Flying in is just fine, you'll go through immigration and they'll stamp your passport. Then you get your luggage out of the baggage area. When you go through the door to enter the aiport area, you might need to open your bags...however, when you show them your US passport, they'll probably just let you through without looking in your bags...I have never had a problem. Don't use the currency exchange at the airport...highway robbery!

On the way back in the airport when you go to leave, make sure your husband is with you...I had one incident where they asked me to open my bags and then wanted to take my video camera...they asked for my husband to pay for their breakfast instead...Morocco is notorious for asking for and taking bribes. Also, RAM has taken my camera batteries before boarding every time...I hate them for that! I avoid them for this reason among other reasons.

6. Do we have to pay any tariffs for any of our items we take to or from Morocco?

You should have to pay nothing...however, don't carry a lot of the same item, or they will think you are going to sell it and may take it from you. Coming home, you are allowed a value of up to 1,000 in gifts, etc. Anything over that you have to pay taxes on in the US.

7. Am I allowed to bring my videocamera on the plane or do I have to check it? (really don't want to)

I always take my video camera, and it is ALWAYS in my carry on bag...never check it in, people will steal it.

8. If I happen to get sick or injured while in Morocco, is there such a thing as travelers insurance? If so, where can I find it and who is the best provider?

You can get travelers insurance through the agent you used to purchase your tickets, but do check your credit cards to see if they offer it as well.

~Kiyah~

1.) No. Nothing is required or needed.

2.) I would have to ask - where are you going in the country? In January and February it is biting ###-numbing cold to the point of wanting-to-die cold. I mean it. If you are going to the south, desert or mountain areas be prepared for extreme cold. If you are going to the coast, well then lucky you! It won't be as bad. I am sure your husband has told you how cold the inside of concrete homes get. There will always be the sun to thaw you out during the day.

3.) 2-3 hours

4.) Not sure about that one, but don't sweat it. Just don't bring any liquids in your carry-on.

5.) Pretty straight-forward. Someone might try to bribe your husband (Moroccan in America = rich person in their eyes) though.

6.) Nope. Just don't take out any dirhams.

7.) You can bring it.

8.) Depending where you are, you can get good, affordable health care in Morococ. Please, whatever you do, do not go to a public clinic (sbitar, dispensaire or centre de sante - I have worked at these places and they are subpar by Western standards). Look on the consular website for a listing of English-speaking doctors. Bring a first aid kit, but know that Moroccan pharmacies will have everything you need.

Good luck!

Amanda

Edited after reading other replies -- IT IS COLD IN MOROCCO. Even if there is an amazing Saharan sun beating down on you during the day, nights will be cold unless you are on the coast. Bring more than a jacekt -- bring a coat and long underwear (omy favorite -- silk long underwear from L.L. Bean).

Those of you saying Morocco is warm this time of year are NUTS.

When is your trip Janine?

Jackie

Okay, we are leaving Feb 16th and returning March 11th. We are going to Tanger, the very tip of Morocco. We are flying out of JFK (NY) and lukily we have a straight flight.

My doctor gave me the Hep A vac. and my tetanus, she also gave me pills for typhoid(just in case). My friend had her typhoid shot before she went her first time too.



They might steal my cam battery?! That things expensive! Aye Aye Aye! He better be standing right with me. Expecially since he just bought it for me 3 days ago!

I was wondering if they could possibly make me pay tariffs on my iPod, video cam, digital cam, or dvd player? I heard one time something about that and that you have to have proof that you purchased it in the US or something like that.

Thanks for all the info!

Ja nine

didn't know if anyone saw my last question....

I read something like that to but dont know when or where like if you go with say a laptop and dont come back with it guess they feel you profited in someway and would have to pay, maybe best to have some receipts handy coming and going

Oh yes...the cam battery went into the checked baggage on the way out just in case, I can't afford to buy another one. So did the rechargable camera batteries. They actually wanted to take my video camera itself, so maybe it was related to tarif, etc...they opted for my husband to buy them breakfast instead.

I would take receipts if possible for the video camera. the last time I went in november I had no problems with them wanting to take my video camera...it was the time before that in March that I had that problem. It's kind of touch and go whether you weill have issues like this or not, but it is better to be prepared.

~Kiyah~

You think it's safe to put the battery in the checked bag? I dunno... If they ask to turn it on and I don't have the battery that would look mor suspicious than anything. I think we'll have to take our chances.

i would bring the battery with you in case they want you to turn it on.
as far as the whole proof of purchase thing.....i've never ever experienced that in over 30+ flights i've had in the past few years.

it sounds like you are definitely prepared! make sure to note that in your carry on luggage all liquids and gels must be placed in a quart sized ziplock bag. and they must be under 3 ounces each. all others must be checked. be careful or else they will throw it away! have fun!!!

and yes, i agree with the poster above (and i said it in my original post) it is cold there! check weather.com for the temperature of when you will be there but also take into account if they have heating in the place you still stay or not. my fiance's apartment didn't and i was freeeeeeeeeezing!

As far as I know they have heat in his house. Whenever I have see his sisters or mother they have been sitting at the computer in tank tops. So either they have the heat really high, or they are crazy and freezing there butts off. Oh well, either way, I will be prepared and will have all of my hooded sweatshirts packed.

Thanks for all the advice everyone!

I'm still fresh from my trip to Morocco so I might say more than you need to read, but here goes....

When I was at the Casa airport, I had to fill out a small form, they were located on the right side of the room as I walked in through the sliding doors. I wasn't sure what was expected of me and I didn't speak french or arabic. One guard spoke a little and tried to help, but I think he was getting frustrated. It wasn't hard to get past immigration if you knew to fill out the form.

I hope you have been warned to drink bottled water not tap (except where it has been boiled, as for tea) and avoid milk products. Freshest ingredients are safer, check that all meat is thoroughly cooked. However careful you are, there are high chances you will have some digestive upset while you are there. Bring something for that like Imodium.

Squat toilets are more common than sit downs, and aren't that hard to get used to. Carry a small packet of kleenex - even if you clean up in the traditional way (left hand and bucket of water), you may prefer to dry off with something. TP is not always available.

Definitely cold weather. Rachid lives near Rabat and the day I returned to the US, he said I missed the cold weather (I left from Casa 1/24).

I don't know what you know about JFK. It is a huge airport, look for a map telling which terminal each airline is located. Use Skytrain to get to other terminals. If for some reason you have to spend the night there, I can tell you from experience that terminal 4 is open all night and the 1st floor is a decent place to park yourself. Terminal 4 also has the largest selection of stores and places to eat.

Going thru security: have quart sized bag with 3oz liquids out, remove shoes and coat when a bin is offered, do not wear a belt with metal buckle unless you don't mind taking it off. Put those and any loose items into the bin so they don't get lost. All carryon bags, purses, passport holders, or whatever also go through the metal detector. The fewer things you have to remove and put back on, the smoother the line goes for everyone. They really won't let you bring even a bottle of water. Although when I left the airport at Casa on my return trip, I brought a bottle of water onto the plane, and no one said anything until I tried to board from Amsterdam to JFK.

Have a great time! I weigh too much to fit in one of your bags, you'd have to cut me into 3 peices. Know the maximum dimensions and weight allowed for your luggage. I noticed several people had trouble getting their bags checked in because they were too heavy.

BT