Due to logistical considerations beyond our control, in November, the AfCPA Conference organizing team decided to change the main conference venue from Kigali, Rwanda to Marrakech, Morocco. 

 

 

Moroccan authorities have lifted all restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

Travelers are required to comply with the health requirements of their final destination country. It is the sole responsibility of travelers to inform themselves and comply with the sanitary requirements of the countries of departure and destination.

 

If you travel internationally you should buy appropriate travel insurance before you go, covering you for existing physical or mental health conditions (including those currently under investigation) and any activities you will be doing whilst you are away.

If traveling with prescription medication, check with the Government of Morocco Ministry of Foreign Affairs to ensure the medication is legal in Morocco. Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription.

 

Be up-to-date on all recommended vaccinations .

 

 

 

Moroccans are typically welcoming and friendly people. If you are fortunate to make Moroccan friends or be welcomed into a family, it will make your stay all the more memorable and give you friends for life!

 

Having said this, Moroccan culture can be very different to ‘home’ and a few simple pointers will ensure you make the most of your trip.

 

Morocco is a Muslim country, so it goes without saying that you should be mindful of your public behaviour and the way in which you choose to dress. In cities, you will see Moroccans dressing at all points along a spectrum from conservative Muslim costume to modern western-style clothes.

 

In tourist areas, Western casual wear is tolerated, although it is still best to dress modestly. Both men and women should aim to cover their shoulders and women’s dresses, shorts and skirts should fall at least to the knee. More conservative or less educated Moroccans have limited experience of other countries or dress codes and may make judgements based on your attire. For women in particular, a more modest dress code can help avoid such judgements and unwanted attention.

 

In the more remote or rural areas, you will see everyone is much more covered up and so modest clothing should always be worn, with both men and women covering their shoulders and legs. If entering a religious site, shoes should be removed and women should cover their heads with a scarf.

 

Beachwear is accepted in tourist beach resorts, however you should not change your clothes on the beach. Instead, use a beachside changing cabin.

 

Many Moroccan people smoke and drink alcohol despite the rules of Islam. As a tourist we recommend that you observe the behaviour of those Moroccans whom you are with and smoke/drink alcohol discreetly and in moderation. It’s no bad thing to ask your host or guide for permission or guidance in order to show respect. Never smoke inside a private home unless you are invited to. It is rare to see Moroccan women smoking in the street, and even men tend to smoke indoors, e.g. in cafes.

 

Before taking photos of people, always ask their permission first. Do not be surprised if your request is refused. Women in rural and conservative communities will often not allow you to take their picture and say “pas de photo”. Some may allow you to take a photo and may want to be paid for the privilege.

 

When introductions are made, it is quite customary to ask after your counterpart’s family and health.

 

In traditional families and communities, men and women seldom mix. The most common way to greet a person of the same gender in Morocco is to either offer a light handshake. Moroccans who have a lot of contact with foreigners will often shake the hands of men and women. More religious people will not have any physical contact with those of the opposite sex and men may refuse to shake the hand of a woman. This should not be taken as an insult - it is very common among pious Muslims.

 

Among family and friends of the same sex, Moroccans are very effusive with their greetings and once you are well-acquainted with your Moroccan friends, you will become absorbed into a ritual of simultaneous handshaking kissing of both cheeks (kissing the left cheek first). This should only be done with a person of the same gender. Don’t be surprised if older women another woman several times on one cheek, or even on the forehead - be ready!

 

In public, you should be aware that it is considered good manners for men and women to leave space in between one another. Handholding is only usually seen as a platonic gesture between people of the same sex. Public displays of affection (even between Westerners) are not really acceptable or respectful to local traditions.

 

For a woman to sit alone in a bar or cafe is socially unacceptable, unless it is a frequented by tourists. Women should be very alert to the possibility that they may seen as prostitutes! If female and planning to venture out alone, avoid male-dominated local cafes and bars. it is best to attempt to go out in a group or be accompanied by a man. Women should also be wary of men contravening the advice above and seeking to be ‘over friendly.’