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Morocco Visa for South African Passport Holders

Tourist Visa
⚠ Visa Required — You must apply before travel
n/a Rejection Rate Not Published
3/5 Difficulty
18–30d Processing
ZAR 375 Total (~$23)

Quick Facts

Requirement Visa Required
Visa Fee ZAR 375 (~$23)
Processing Time 18–30 working days
Appointment Wait ~0 weeks
Stay Duration Up to 90 days
E-Visa Available online

Morocco is often assumed visa-free for South Africans — it is not. A visa is required, with no option for visa on arrival. If you hold a valid Schengen or US/UK visa, the fast online e-visa at acces-maroc.ma is the easiest route. Otherwise, apply at the Moroccan Embassy in Pretoria with 2 weeks' lead time.

Key Warnings

  • Morocco is NOT visa-free for South Africans — this is a common misconception. There is no visa on arrival. You must have your visa before boarding your flight.
  • The Morocco e-visa (acces-maroc.ma) is only available to South Africans who also hold a valid visa from: Schengen, USA, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, Cyprus, Japan, or UAE. Without one of these, you must apply at the embassy in Pretoria.
  • Allow at least 2 weeks for the embassy visa application. Apply earlier during peak periods (summer, Ramadan).

Insider Tips

  • If you have a valid Schengen visa from a recent European trip, Morocco makes a brilliant add-on — Marrakech is just 3 hours from Madrid or 2 hours from Paris.
  • Marrakech (RAK), Casablanca (CMN), and Agadir (AGA) are the main entry airports. Direct flights from Johannesburg to Casablanca with Royal Air Maroc, or connect via European hubs.
  • The Moroccan Dirham (MAD) is the local currency — budget in MAD. Cash is king in the medinas (old cities) and souks. Credit cards accepted in riads and restaurants.

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Check if you qualify for the e-visa

    If you hold a valid Schengen, US, UK, Canadian, Australian, New Zealand, or UAE visa or residence permit, you can use the e-visa at acces-maroc.ma. If not, proceed to the embassy application.

  2. Option A: Apply via acces-maroc.ma (e-visa)

    Visit acces-maroc.ma, create an account, and apply for a single-entry tourist visa. Upload your SA passport, qualifying visa (Schengen/US/UK etc.), photo, and travel itinerary. Pay the fee online. Approval typically within 24–72 hours.

  3. Option B: Apply at Moroccan Embassy, Pretoria

    Visit 799 Francis Baard Street, Arcadia, Pretoria on Monday–Thursday, 09:00–11:00. Submit your completed application form, 2 photos, bank statements, flight itinerary, hotel booking, and travel insurance. Pay DH 220 (~ZAR 375) in cash.

  4. Wait for approval (3–7 days)

    Embassy applications take 3–7 business days. E-visa approvals arrive in 24–72 hours. Apply at least 2 weeks before travel.

  5. Collect your visa

    Embassy applicants collect from the Moroccan Embassy (Mon–Thu, 13:30–15:30). E-visa is delivered by email — print it or save to phone.

Required Documents

  • Valid South African passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended return date.
  • Two recent passport photos 35 × 45mm, white or light-blue background, recent (within 6 months).
  • Completed visa application form Obtain from the Moroccan Embassy or download from their website.
  • Return or onward flight booking Confirmed itinerary showing entry and exit from Morocco.
  • Hotel or accommodation confirmation Full accommodation details for your Morocco stay.
  • Bank statements Proof of sufficient funds to cover your trip costs.
  • Travel insurance Required for the Morocco visa application.

Recommended (Optional)

  • Copy of valid Schengen/US/UK visa If applying via the e-visa pathway, your qualifying visa is required.

Why Applications Get Rejected

  • Document set incomplete

    Morocco's list is specific — photographs at 3.5×4.5 cm on a white or light blue background, three months of bank statements, travel insurance, a flight reservation rather than a ticket, and a hotel voucher. Missing one item stops the file.

    Fix: Work through the list literally, including the photograph dimensions, which are a common reason for a wasted trip to Pretoria.

  • Employment or study status not evidenced

    An employer's signed letter, or a school letter for students, is required rather than optional.

    Fix: Get the letter signed and on letterhead before travelling to the embassy — the submission window is only 09:00–11:00, Monday to Thursday.

  • Additional documents or an interview requested

    The embassy reserves the right to ask for more, which extends a process already quoted at a minimum of 10 working days.

    Fix: Apply well ahead of travel and keep the file's supporting evidence accessible in case more is asked for.

No published rejection rate. Morocco publishes no visa refusal statistics by applicant nationality. Checked August 2026.

Latest Updates

2026-08

Morocco's e-visa is open to South Africans only with a Western residence permit

Morocco's electronic visa can be used by South African passport holders who also hold a residence permit from a Schengen state, Ireland, the United States, Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, Japan or New Zealand. South Africans without one must apply in person at the Embassy in Pretoria, which takes submissions over a walk-in window Monday to Thursday, 09:00–11:00, and quotes a minimum of 10 working days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do South Africans need a visa for Morocco?
Yes — Morocco requires a visa for South African passport holders. There is no visa on arrival. Two options: (1) online e-visa at acces-maroc.ma if you hold a valid Schengen, US, or UK visa; (2) embassy application at the Moroccan Embassy in Pretoria. Allow at least 2 weeks for processing.
Can South Africans use the Morocco e-visa?
Only if you also hold a valid visa or residence permit from Schengen, USA, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, Cyprus, Japan, or UAE. If you have one of these, apply at acces-maroc.ma — quick and convenient. Without a qualifying visa, you must apply in person at the Moroccan Embassy, 799 Francis Baard Street, Pretoria.
Where do South Africans apply for a Morocco visa?
The Moroccan Embassy in Pretoria: 799 Francis Baard Street, Arcadia, Pretoria. Application hours: Monday–Thursday, 09:00–11:00. Collection: Monday–Thursday, 13:30–15:30. Processing takes 3–7 business days. Bring your completed form, 2 photos, bank statements, return ticket, hotel booking, and travel insurance. Fee: approximately ZAR 375 (DH 220).
I thought Morocco was visa-free for South Africans?
This is a common misconception. Morocco is NOT visa-free for South African passport holders. A visa must be obtained before travel — there is no visa on arrival. Double-check your specific passport nationality before booking. Don't confuse Morocco with visa-free destinations like Mauritius, Namibia, or Zimbabwe.

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Where to Apply

Embassy of Morocco — Consular Section

Pretoria

Embassy of the Kingdom of Morocco, 799 Francis Baard Street, Arcadia, Pretoria 0083

Submissions Mon–Thu 09:00–11:00; collections 13:30–15:30

Walk-in submissions, no appointment booking. Out-of-province applicants can courier.

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