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Tourism: Morocco to Issue E-Visas for 49 Countries on July 10

June 24, 2022

By Oumaima Latrech

Morocco has introduced a series of strategic measures to help its tourism sector return to pre-pandemic numbers.

Rabat - Morocco will launch e-visas on July 10 for foreigners coming from 49 countries in an effort to boost its tourism sector, the spokesperson of the Moroccan government Mustapha Baitas said on Thursday.

During a press briefing, Baitas stressed that, "Foreigners who want to visit Morocco are no longer obliged to go to consulates to collect a paper visa.”

The e-visa has a duration of 30 days and can be extended up to six months with multiple-entry in Morocco.

Foreigners from 49 countries will be able to apply for electronic visas through an online platform managed by the Moroccan Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Those approved can expect to receive their e-visas after 24 or 72 hours.

The new electronic visa system features three main categories. The first concerns foreigners who have resided in the European Union, the USA, Canada, the UK, Japan, Switzerland, New Zealand, and Australia for a minimum of 180 days.

The second category addresses foreigners from the USA, Australia, Canada, the UK, Ireland, and New Zealand with a Schengen visa valid for a minimum period of 90 days.

Other countries such as Thailand and Israel will also be able to benefit from the e-visas within the third category.

The taxes duties of the e-visa have yet to be revealed.

The new measure is part of Morocco’s efforts to revive the tourism industry and promote the country as a prime travel destination.

Tourism is a key sector in the Moroccan economy and was severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

It was estimated to have made an economic contribution of around $8 billion in 2021, according to data from Statistica

Tourist arrivals also saw an unprecedented drop of 71% in 2021 compared to the pre-pandemic period.

Tourism’s share in the country’s GDP stood at 7% last year, as the sector continued to experience heavy impacts due to COVID-19 and the travel ban imposed by the Moroccan government.

After years of constant closure of borders, Morocco lifted the travel ban on February 7. The government has further eased travel restrictions through Operation Marhaba 2022 in May, an initiative facilitating the return of the Moroccan diaspora for the summer holidays.

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