Planning a trip to Morocco from the Philippines? Get ready for something completely new: Sahara dunes, old medinas, blue mountain towns and the Atlas Mountains. This guide covers what Filipino travelers need to know: entry rules, flights, the best season, money, culture and the best route. Our family team is from Merzouga and based in Marrakech. We wrote this to help you plan a trip to Morocco from the Philippines with confidence.
Do Filipinos need a visa for Morocco?
No, for a normal holiday. According to Wikipedia, Philippine passport holders can visit Morocco without a visa for up to 90 days. The Wise list of visa free countries for Filipinos also includes Morocco. Entry rules can change, so check with the Department of Foreign Affairs or the Moroccan embassy before you book.
Flights to Morocco from the Philippines
There are no nonstop flights between Manila and Casablanca. Every trip to Morocco from the Philippines connects through at least one hub. The fastest routes go through Abu Dhabi, Paris, Dubai, Jeddah, Kuwait or Doha, and take around 19 to 21 hours in total. Plan a rest day when you land.
Casablanca is the main international airport, and Marrakech also receives many flights from Europe. Read our guide to airport transfers in Morocco to see how each arrival works.
Best time to visit Morocco from the Philippines
Unlike the Philippines, Morocco has four real seasons. Spring, from March to May, and autumn, from September to November, are the most comfortable. Holy Week usually falls in Moroccan spring, a lovely time for the Sahara. Summer is very hot in Marrakech and the desert. Around Christmas, days are often sunny, but desert nights are cold and snow can fall on the High Atlas.
See our guide to the best time to visit Morocco and what to expect in Morocco in winter.
Culture and religion: Morocco for Filipino travelers
Morocco is a Muslim country, and you will hear the call to prayer five times a day. Most mosques are open only to Muslims, but the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca welcomes visitors on guided tours. Read our Hassan II Mosque guide. Dress modestly, especially in villages, and read our guide to Moroccan etiquette.
Christian travelers will also find churches in the big cities. In Tangier, St Andrew’s Church was built on land given to the British community by Sultan Hassan I. See our guide to things to do in Tangier.
Money, time, plugs and driving
A few practical points will make your trip to Morocco from the Philippines easier:
- Money: The currency is the Moroccan dirham. Euros and US dollars are the easiest to exchange, and ATMs are common in the cities. Keep cash for the souks and small villages. Read our guide to tipping in Morocco.
- Time: Morocco is usually 7 hours behind the Philippines. During Ramadan, Morocco moves its clocks back one hour, so the difference becomes 8 hours.
- Plugs: Morocco uses European two pin sockets, types C and E. Bring an adapter for flat pin plugs.
- Driving: Good news: Morocco drives on the right, like the Philippines. Read how to rent a 4×4 in Morocco if you plan to drive.
- Water: Most travelers drink bottled water. See is tap water safe in Morocco.
Language in Morocco
Moroccans speak Darija and Amazigh at home, and French is common in the cities. English is spoken in hotels and by people working in tourism, but less in small villages, so a few words of Darija help. Read what language is spoken in Morocco.
Where to go on a trip to Morocco from the Philippines
A classic first trip combines cities, mountains and the desert. Many guests start in Marrakech, cross the High Atlas, visit Ait Ben Haddou, spend a night in the Sahara at Merzouga and finish in Fes. With more time, add the blue town of Chefchaouen, the coast at Essaouira or the imperial cities of Morocco.
Not sure how long to stay? Read how many days you need in Morocco.
The Sahara: the highlight of Morocco from the Philippines
The Erg Chebbi dunes near Merzouga are a world away from the islands. Ride a camel at sunset, try sandboarding, share dinner at camp and watch a sky full of stars. Read about a night in a Sahara desert camp and what to pack for the Sahara.
Our 4 day Marrakech Sahara desert tour is a good start, and our guide to choosing a 3 or 4 day desert tour explains the difference.
Why book a private tour of Morocco from the Philippines?
After a long journey, it helps to have everything arranged. On a private tour, your driver meets you at the airport, handles the roads and helps you with language and directions. We are a family team from Merzouga, so the desert part of your trip is run by our own people. Read how booking works or see our 7 day imperial cities and Sahara tour.
FAQ: Morocco from the Philippines
Do Filipinos need a visa for Morocco?
No, according to Wikipedia, Philippine passport holders can stay up to 90 days without a visa. Check the latest rules before you travel.
Is there a direct flight to Morocco from the Philippines?
No. Flights from Manila connect through a hub such as Abu Dhabi, Paris, Dubai, Jeddah, Kuwait or Doha.
What is the time difference between Morocco and the Philippines?
Morocco is usually 7 hours behind the Philippines, and 8 hours behind during Ramadan.
Does Morocco drive on the same side as the Philippines?
Yes. Both countries drive on the right.
When is the best time to visit Morocco from the Philippines?
Spring and autumn are the most comfortable. Holy Week usually falls in spring, a good time for the Sahara.
Planning a trip to Morocco from the Philippines? Tell us your dates and we will plan your route.
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