Morocco
MoroccoWhat this score means
- Extreme75 to 100
- Severe and systematic. Device search, interception and detention over online activity are documented rather than theoretical. Reconsider what you carry and what you say.
- High50 to 74
- Substantial and consistently evidenced measures. Device inspection, monitored networks or restricted services should be expected rather than treated as unlikely.
- Caution25 to 49
- Some risk, and manageable with precautions. Measures are evidenced but are narrow, inconsistently applied, or the picture is mixed.
- Low0 to 24
- Ordinary precautions. No systematic device search, network restriction or prosecution of visitors for online speech is evidenced.
Government travel advice is written for one citizenry, so the same country carries a different assessment depending on your passport. Change it in the header.
Showing the baseline, which weights every issuer equally. No government in our corpus publishes travel advice written for you, so this is not addressed to you specifically.
For United Kingdom nationals: 43 (caution). This leans on advice written for British nationals, and weights other issuers lower.
For Europe nationals: 43 (caution). This leans on advice written for German nationals, and weights other issuers lower.
For United States nationals: 43 (caution). This leans on advice written for US nationals, and weights other issuers lower.
For Canada nationals: 43 (caution). This leans on advice written for Canadian nationals, and weights other issuers lower.
For Latin America and the Caribbean nationals: 44 (caution). No government in our corpus writes travel advice for Latin America and the Caribbean, so this starts from the neutral baseline and is then adjusted for the relationship below.Adjusted by 4 percent for the relationship between Latin America and the Caribbean and this destination.For most passports in this region, Morocco requires a visa in advance, applied for and vetted before travel. Summarised across 33 passports, which do not all face the same rule. Source.A sanctions regime is not a measure of cyber risk. It is used as a bounded proxy for the closer attention nationals of a sanctioning state are reported to receive on entry, and it can move a score by a limited amount in either direction, never replace it.
For Africa nationals: 44 (caution). No government in our corpus writes travel advice for Africa, so this starts from the neutral baseline and is then adjusted for the relationship below.Adjusted by 4 percent for the relationship between Africa and this destination.For most passports in this region, Morocco requires a visa in advance, applied for and vetted before travel. Summarised across 53 passports, which do not all face the same rule. Source.A sanctions regime is not a measure of cyber risk. It is used as a bounded proxy for the closer attention nationals of a sanctioning state are reported to receive on entry, and it can move a score by a limited amount in either direction, never replace it.
For Middle East nationals: 43 (caution). No government in our corpus writes travel advice for Middle East, so this starts from the neutral baseline and is then adjusted for the relationship below.
For South Asia nationals: 44 (caution). No government in our corpus writes travel advice for South Asia, so this starts from the neutral baseline and is then adjusted for the relationship below.Adjusted by 4 percent for the relationship between South Asia and this destination.For most passports in this region, Morocco requires a visa in advance, applied for and vetted before travel. Summarised across 14 passports, which do not all face the same rule. Source.A sanctions regime is not a measure of cyber risk. It is used as a bounded proxy for the closer attention nationals of a sanctioning state are reported to receive on entry, and it can move a score by a limited amount in either direction, never replace it.
For East and South East Asia nationals: 44 (caution). No government in our corpus writes travel advice for East and South East Asia, so this starts from the neutral baseline and is then adjusted for the relationship below.Adjusted by 4 percent for the relationship between East and South East Asia and this destination.For most passports in this region, Morocco requires a visa in advance, applied for and vetted before travel. Summarised across 19 passports, which do not all face the same rule. Source.A sanctions regime is not a measure of cyber risk. It is used as a bounded proxy for the closer attention nationals of a sanctioning state are reported to receive on entry, and it can move a score by a limited amount in either direction, never replace it.
For Oceania nationals: 44 (caution). No government in our corpus writes travel advice for Oceania, so this starts from the neutral baseline and is then adjusted for the relationship below.Adjusted by 4 percent for the relationship between Oceania and this destination.For most passports in this region, Morocco requires a visa in advance, applied for and vetted before travel. Summarised across 14 passports, which do not all face the same rule. Source.A sanctions regime is not a measure of cyber risk. It is used as a bounded proxy for the closer attention nationals of a sanctioning state are reported to receive on entry, and it can move a score by a limited amount in either direction, never replace it.
Dimensions
Each dimension is scored independently, because the traveller who cares about legal exposure for what they have posted is often not the one carrying client data. Higher means more risk.
Speech and legal exposure
What legal risk attaches to what I have said online, or say while I am there?
good confidence8 independent sources
Why this score (15 sources)
Freedom House 2026 scored MAR 2 of 4 on freedom to express personal views on sensitive topics without fear of surveillance or retribution.
Freedom House, Freedom in the World · observed 2026-01-01
Freedom House 2026 scored MAR 1 of 4 on free and independent media.
Freedom House, Freedom in the World · observed 2026-01-01
V-Dem Digital Society Project 2025 scored MAR 2.70 of 4 on how routinely the government censors political content on social media, where higher is freer.
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg, Digital Society Project · observed 2025-12-31
V-Dem Digital Society Project 2025 scored MAR 0.86 of 4 on how often people are arrested for political content they posted online, where higher is freer.
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg, Digital Society Project · observed 2025-12-31
Morocco - Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution
US Department of State, Travel Advisories · observed 2026-09-04 · written for USA nationals
FCDO advice for Morocco: no advisory against travel in force.
UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Foreign travel advice · observed 2026-08-19 · written for GBR nationals
Morocco: Exercise a high degree of caution
Global Affairs Canada, Travel advice and advisories · observed 2026-10-09 · written for CAN nationals
Morocco (Marokko): No travel warning in force
Auswärtiges Amt, Reise- und Sicherheitshinweise · observed 2026-10-08 · written for DEU nationals
Criticism of Islam on public platforms, in print or online media, or in public speeches is punishable by heavy fines and up 2 years' imprisonment.
UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Foreign travel advice · observed 2026-02-17
Ouahbi is currently pursuing legal action against several journalists and bloggers for defamation and slander, most notably Hamid El Mahdaoui, editor of Badil Info , who was sentenced to 18 months in prison and a heavy fine in one of five lawsuits filed by the minister.
Global Voices (Advox), via a site scoped search · observed 2025-07-25 · extracted by language model
Public criticism of Islam, including in speeches, print or online media, can result in heavy fines and up 2 years’ imprisonment.
UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Foreign travel advice · observed 2026-08-19 · written for GBR nationals · extracted by language model
The arrest was reportedly linked to her online posts and political commentary during the GenZ 212 protests while in Paris, after a complaint was filed against her by a citizen, alleging ‘defamation and insult’.
CIVICUS Monitor country updates · observed 2026-05-05 · extracted by language model
According to the National Union of Moroccan Journalists, journalists and photographers have faced some obstructions from security forces while documenting events, including attempts to remove cameras and excessive physical force.
CIVICUS Monitor country updates · observed 2025-10-28 · extracted by language model
Morocco considers Western Sahara part of its territory and requires journalists to obtain authorisation to report from the region.
CIVICUS Monitor country updates · observed 2025-10-28 · extracted by language model
On 30th October 2024, Moroccan police arrested prominent human rights and democracy activist Fouad Abdelmoumni due to a Facebook post which criticised Moroccan-French relations.
CIVICUS Monitor country updates · observed 2025-10-28 · extracted by language model
Report an inaccuracy (corrections need a link to the reporting, statute or research that shows it).
Surveillance and interception
How comprehensively are communications intercepted, retained, and monitored, and is commercial spyware in use?
good confidence4 independent sources
Why this score (5 sources)
Freedom House 2026 scored MAR 2 of 4 on freedom to express personal views on sensitive topics without fear of surveillance or retribution.
Freedom House, Freedom in the World · observed 2026-01-01
V-Dem Digital Society Project 2025 scored MAR 1.68 of 4 on how comprehensively the government monitors social media and private online communication, where higher is freer.
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg, Digital Society Project · observed 2025-12-31
V-Dem Digital Society Project 2025 scored MAR 3.53 of 4 on how far privacy protection law shields communications from government access, where higher is freer. This measures what privacy law permits rather than what monitoring is practised, so it is read here as a constraint on interception rather than a measurement of it.
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg, Digital Society Project · observed 2025-12-31
The World Justice Project Rule of Law Index 2025 scored MAR 0.23 of 1 on whether freedom from arbitrary interference with privacy is effectively guaranteed, a measure built from expert assessments of warrantless interception of communications.
World Justice Project, Rule of Law Index, sub-factor 4.6 · observed 2025-01-01
In its report, CODESA noted that the Moroccan occupation police use various tactics to target Sahwari human rights defenders, including surveillance, phone tapping, confiscation and inspection of mobile phones, defamation, and violations of privacy and personal life.
CIVICUS Monitor country updates · observed 2025-10-28 · extracted by language model
Report an inaccuracy (corrections need a link to the reporting, statute or research that shows it).
Border device risk
How likely is my device to be searched, imaged, or seized at the border, and can I be compelled to unlock it?
good confidence6 independent sources
Why this score (7 sources)
Freedom House 2026 scored MAR 1 of 4 on due process in civil and criminal matters.
Freedom House, Freedom in the World · observed 2026-01-01
Morocco - Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution
US Department of State, Travel Advisories · observed 2026-09-04 · written for USA nationals
FCDO advice for Morocco: no advisory against travel in force.
UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Foreign travel advice · observed 2026-08-19 · written for GBR nationals
Morocco: Exercise a high degree of caution
Global Affairs Canada, Travel advice and advisories · observed 2026-10-09 · written for CAN nationals
Morocco (Marokko): No travel warning in force
Auswärtiges Amt, Reise- und Sicherheitshinweise · observed 2026-10-08 · written for DEU nationals
In its report, CODESA noted that the Moroccan occupation police use various tactics to target Sahwari human rights defenders, including surveillance, phone tapping, confiscation and inspection of mobile phones, defamation, and violations of privacy and personal life.
CIVICUS Monitor country updates · observed 2025-10-28 · extracted by language model
Zuwiderhandlungen werden strafrechtlich verfolgt; das Gerät wird vom Zoll beschlagnahmt.
Our translation: Violations are subject to criminal prosecution; the device is confiscated by customs.
Auswärtiges Amt, Reise- und Sicherheitshinweise · observed 2026-10-16 · written for DEU nationals · extracted by language model
Report an inaccuracy (corrections need a link to the reporting, statute or research that shows it).
Encryption and VPN legality
Are VPNs and strong encryption lawful, and can I be required to install an application or hand over keys?
moderate confidence3 independent sources
Why this score (3 sources)
Widespread restrictions. There is a higher penalty for crimes committed using encryption in Morocco and the law also provides that where there is a breach of the integrity, confidentiality or availability of data, those responsible for providing those services are liable for any injury caused. Further, the import, export, supply or use of cryptography means or services are subject either prior declaration or authorisation by the government.
Global Partners Digital, World Map of Encryption Laws and Policies · observed 2019-06-01
V-Dem Digital Society Project 2025 scored MAR 2.37 of 4 on whether the government regulates the internet in a way consistent with international human rights standards, where higher is freer. This does not establish whether encryption or VPN use is lawful. It measures internet regulation in general, and is used as indirect evidence because the only survey that reads encryption law directly was published in 2019.
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg, Digital Society Project · observed 2025-12-31
OONI recorded no confirmed blocking across 34,246 measurements of anonymity and censorship circumvention tools in MAR over the 90 days to 2026-10-16, with 955 further results inconclusive.
Open Observatory of Network Interference, OONI measurement data · observed 2026-10-16
Report an inaccuracy (corrections need a link to the reporting, statute or research that shows it).
Network threat
How hostile is the network environment to a foreign visitor, from state actors and criminals alike?
good confidence3 independent sourcesEvidence is ageing: contributing sources are weighted at 66% of full strength.
Why this score (3 sources)
ITU Global Cybersecurity Index 2024, Technical pillar: 18.12 of 20.
International Telecommunication Union, Global Cybersecurity Index · observed 2024-12-31
Freedom House scored Morocco 18 of 25 on obstacles to access in Freedom on the Net, a category covering state control over internet infrastructure and gateways, regulatory and ownership control over service providers, and the independence of the regulator.
Freedom House, Freedom on the Net, obstacles to access · observed 2025-01-01
Morocco has been facing a series of hostile cyberattacks for over three months.
Global Voices (Advox), via a site scoped search · observed 2025-07-25 · extracted by language model
Report an inaccuracy (corrections need a link to the reporting, statute or research that shows it).
Connectivity continuity
How likely am I to lose access to the internet, or to the specific tools I depend on?
good confidence6 independent sources
Why this score (7 sources)
V-Dem Digital Society Project 2025 scored MAR 2.52 of 4 on how often the government shuts down domestic access to the internet, where higher is freer.
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg, Digital Society Project · observed 2025-12-31
V-Dem Digital Society Project 2025 scored MAR 2.12 of 4 on how routinely the government filters internet content in practice, where higher is freer.
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg, Digital Society Project · observed 2025-12-31
OONI recorded 0 confirmed and 3,159 anomalous results across 110,968 web connectivity measurements in MAR over the 30 days to 2026-10-16, a confirmed blocking rate of 0.00 percent.
Open Observatory of Network Interference, OONI measurement data · observed 2026-10-16
Morocco - Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution
US Department of State, Travel Advisories · observed 2026-09-04 · written for USA nationals
FCDO advice for Morocco: no advisory against travel in force.
UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Foreign travel advice · observed 2026-08-19 · written for GBR nationals
Morocco: Exercise a high degree of caution
Global Affairs Canada, Travel advice and advisories · observed 2026-10-09 · written for CAN nationals
Morocco (Marokko): No travel warning in force
Auswärtiges Amt, Reise- und Sicherheitshinweise · observed 2026-10-08 · written for DEU nationals
Report an inaccuracy (corrections need a link to the reporting, statute or research that shows it).
Data jurisdiction
What happens to corporate or client data I carry into the jurisdiction?
moderate confidence1 independent source
Why this score (1 source)
V-Dem Digital Society Project 2025 scored MAR 3.53 of 4 on how far privacy protection law shields communications from government access, where higher is freer.
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg, Digital Society Project · observed 2025-12-31
Report an inaccuracy (corrections need a link to the reporting, statute or research that shows it).
Trend
The overall score is up 2.7 points over 61 days, from 39.9 to 42.6. Most movement is the event overlay decaying rather than anything happening: a news signal loses half its weight every three weeks, so a score drifts back toward its structural baseline on its own. A step that holds is the one worth reading.
Check this yourself
These are not inputs to the score for Morocco. They are where to look if you want to test what is above against something we did not use.
- OONI ExplorerMeasured tests of website and app blocking, updated continuously by volunteers running probes in country. Not used in our scores: its licence forbids commercial use.
- IODA outage recordThe full outage history behind any continuity events shown above, including the measurement methods that detected them.
- FCDO travel adviceThe UK government view, written for UK nationals.
- US State Department travel advisoriesThe US government view, written for US nationals.
Sources
This assessment draws on 13 sources: Auswärtiges Amt, Reise- und Sicherheitshinweise; CIVICUS Monitor country updates; Freedom House, Freedom in the World; Freedom House, Freedom on the Net, obstacles to access; Global Affairs Canada, Travel advice and advisories; Global Partners Digital, World Map of Encryption Laws and Policies; Global Voices (Advox), via a site scoped search; International Telecommunication Union, Global Cybersecurity Index; Open Observatory of Network Interference, OONI measurement data; UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Foreign travel advice; US Department of State, Travel Advisories; V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg, Digital Society Project; World Justice Project, Rule of Law Index, sub-factor 4.6. Every contributing claim is quoted with its origin and date above. Model version 0.12.0, computed 2026-10-16.
If something here is wrong, say so. Corrections are handled in public, and we correct because the evidence is wrong, not because someone objects.