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Climate
& when to go
Travel to Morocco is at its best in spring (mid-March to May),
when the country is lush and green, followed by autumn (September to
November), when the heat of summer has eased. At other times, don?t
underestimate the extremes of summer heat and winter, particularly in
the High Atlas, where snowcapped peaks persist from November to July.
If you are traveling in winter, head for the south, although be
prepared for bitterly cold nights. The north coast and the Rif
Mountains are frequently wet and cloudy in winter and early spring.. 
Guichets automatiques (ATMs)
are now a common sight across Morocco and many accept Visa, MasterCard,
Electron, Cirrus, Maestro and InterBank systems. Major credit cards are
widely accepted in the main tourist centres, although their use often
attracts a surcharge of around 5% from Moroccan businesses.
American Express, Visa and
Thomas Cook travellers cheques are widely accepted for exchange by
banks. Australian, Canadian and New Zealand dollars are not quoted in
banks and are not usually accepted.
Tipping and bargaining are
integral parts of Moroccan life. Practically any service can warrant a
tip, and a few dirham for a service willingly rendered can make life a
lot easier. Tipping between 5% and 10% of a restaurant bill is
appropriate. A supply of small coins is vital for the payment of taxis,
tips and guides. It is a good idea to load up at a bank when you arrive
so you are well prepared.
Visas
Most visitors
travel in Morocco do not require visas and are allowed to
remain in the country for 90 days on entry. Exceptions to this include
nationals of Israel, South Africa and Zimbabwe ; these people can apply
for a three-month, single-entry visa (about US$30). In all cases, your
passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your date of
entry.
As visa requirements
change, it?s a good idea to check with the Moroccan embassy in your
country or a reputable travel agency before travelling.
The Spanish enclaves of
Ceuta and Melilia have the same visa requirements as mainland Spain
Visa extensions
If 90 days is insufficient,
the simplest thing to do is to leave (eg travel to the Spanish
enclaves) and come back a few days later. Your chances improve if you
re-enter by a different route.
Visas for onward
travel
Algeria Although
Algeria has now emerged from over a decade of civil war, the border
with Morocco remains closed and visas are not being issued.
Mali Visas
are required for everyone except French nationals and are valid for one
month (US$27), but are renewable inside Mali. Two photographs and a
yellow-fever vaccination certificate are required and the visa is
usually issued on the spot. Malian visas are available at Malian border
posts, but by no means count on that if you?re crossing at a remote
desert crossing.
Mauritania Everyone,
except nationals of Arab League countries and some African countries,
needs a visa, which is valid for a one-month stay. These can be issued
the same day at the Mauritanian Embassy in Casablanca if you apply
between 9am and 10am (get there by 8.30am). Visas cost US$23 and you
need two photos and an onward air ticket. They can also be obtained at
the border for US$25.
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year
please visit www.Kasbah-Omar.com
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GONDA2000