A stunning country located just three hours from the UK seems to have finally been cast into the tourist spotlight – but now the FCDO is warning Brits about ‘ongoing hostilities’
An ‘underrated’ country just three hours from the UK has welcomed a huge tourist influx – but has now been stung with a stark travel warning.
Boasting unspoilt golden sandy beaches, a rich history and some of the best markets in the world, Morocco has long been cast out of the tourist spotlight. For years, the country, located in North Africa, has grappled with its reputation – struggling to prove to Brits that it’s ‘safe’ to visit.
Harrowing events such as the 2011 bombing in Marrakesh, which killed 10 foreigners, have deterred huge numbers of UK holidaymakers from exploring the country’s vast offerings. However, as anti-tourist sentiment sweeps across hotspots like Greece and Spain, it seems Morocco is finally getting the attention it deserves.
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As previously reported, The Moroccan Ministry of Tourism recently revealed the country had welcomed a whopping 5.7 million international visitors in the first four months of 2025. This marks a 23 per cent increase compared to the same period in 2024, and sets Morocco up for potentially breaking its tourist record this year.
Tourism Minister Fatim-Zahra Ammor hailed the news, arguing that January-April is ‘traditionally considered slow’ when it comes to tourist footfall. The politician attributed the momentum as a ‘direct result’ of pushing Morocco as a tourist destination while ‘anchoring the sector’s development in a sustainable and resilient manner’.
Many tourists opt to stay in Marrakesh, the country’s fourth-largest city famed for its bustling market vendors, breathtaking architecture, and unique attractions such as Jardin Majorelle, which was previously owned by fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent. In recent years, Agadir has set itself up as the perfect ‘fly and flop’ destination – with a slew of all-inclusive resorts now operating on the country’s stunning coastline.
However, just as tourism is starting to soar – Morocco has been stung with a travel warning from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). While the body does not advise Brits against travelling to the country, it updated its advice on June 13 following the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran.
Under its ‘Safety and Security’ page, the FCDO warns: “Ongoing hostilities in the region and between Israel and Iran could escalate quickly and pose security risks for the wider region. You should monitor local and international media for the latest information, be vigilant, and follow the instructions of local authorities.”
Other warnings include violent crimes against tourists, credit card scams, bogus tourist guides, and marriage fraud. “Protests and demonstrations could occur across the country, particularly in large cities, often without warning,” the FCDO adds.
“These events are typically monitored closely by law enforcement. While authorised protests are generally peaceful, unauthorised ones have sometimes led to clashes between protesters and police. Such gatherings can cause travel disruption in the affected areas. Avoid political gatherings and demonstrations and follow local news and directions from security officials.”
You can read the FCDO’s full travel advice for Morocco here.
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