# Moroccan customs: dirhams, foreign currency and drones

Visitors may bring up to 2,000 dirhams into Morocco and take up to 2,000 out; foreign currency enters without limit, with a declaration from 100,000 dirhams if you want to take some back out. A drone needs an import licence: without it, it is held at customs and then treated as abandoned.

Source : https://sabaro-travel.com/en/guides/moroccan-customs-dirhams-currency-drones/

## Who this applies to

For ADII (Administration des douanes et impôts indirects, Morocco's customs authority), a "foreigner visiting Morocco" is a foreign national who normally lives abroad and stays in Morocco no more than six months in any twelve-month period. The rules below, published by ADII, apply to this status.

## Dirhams and foreign currency

The Moroccan dirham (MAD) is a non-convertible currency, hard to exchange outside Morocco.

| | Rule |
|---|---|
| Dirhams on entry | Tolerated up to 2,000 MAD |
| Dirhams on exit | Tolerated up to 2,000 MAD |
| Above that | Exchange offence, liable to penalties |
| Foreign currency on entry | Free and unlimited (banknotes, cheques, cards, any means of payment) |
| Currency declaration | Required on entry from 100,000 MAD equivalent in banknotes and bearer instruments, if you intend to take all or part back out; valid for a single stay of up to six months |

**Changing money.** Change foreign currency at banks or authorised exchange outlets (hotels, approved bazaars). Cash machines accept Visa and Mastercard, with a limit of 2,000 MAD per withdrawal.

**Changing dirhams back when you leave.** Keep every exchange receipt. According to the Office des changes, Morocco's foreign exchange control authority:

- with a currency import declaration, you can change back leftover dirhams up to the amount shown on the declaration;
- without a declaration, banks and exchange offices change back up to 20,000 MAD against the exchange receipt;
- at ports and airports, exchange offices change back up to 2,000 MAD per passport, on showing your boarding pass or ticket.

The simplest approach is to change only what you will spend, with a little margin for the last day.

## Drones

- Importing drones (unmanned, motorised, remote-controlled flying objects, including model aircraft) is prohibited without a licence from the department in charge of foreign trade. Without a licence, the drone is held for up to 45 days pending regularisation, then treated as abandoned at customs.
- Flying requires authorisation from the DGAC (Morocco's Directorate General of Civil Aviation).
- A drone found in luggage can lead to a fine and confiscation; unauthorised use, to prosecution.

## Allowances and personal items

Duty-free allowances on entry, per adult:

- 200 g of manufactured tobacco;
- 1 litre of wine and 1 litre of spirits;
- 150 ml of perfume and 250 ml of eau de toilette;
- non-commercial gifts up to 2,000 MAD in total.

Anything over the allowance can be left in free storage at the customs office of entry for up to 60 days.

Personal items admitted without formalities, to be taken back out at the end of the stay: jewellery, a camera, a video camera, a pair of binoculars, a portable musical instrument, a mobile phone, a computer, sports equipment, among others.

## VAT refund

Non-residents can claim back VAT (value added tax) on these conditions:

- non-commercial purchases of at least 2,000 MAD including VAT, on the same day, from the same seller;
- goods exported before the end of the third month after purchase;
- refund form stamped by customs on departure;
- refund by Global Blue Maroc or Morocco Tourist Refund, in cash below 5,000 MAD.

Excluded items include food, tobacco, medicines, unmounted precious stones and cultural goods.

## Frequently asked questions

### How many dirhams can I bring in or take out?

Up to 2,000 MAD, in or out. Foreign currency, including euros, enters without limit; declare it from 100,000 MAD equivalent in banknotes if you want to take some back out.

### Can I take a drone to Morocco?

Only with an import licence from the foreign trade department. Without it, the drone is held at customs for up to 45 days, then treated as abandoned.

### Can I get a VAT refund on purchases in Morocco?

Yes, as a non-resident, from 2,000 MAD including VAT with the same seller on the same day. Have the form stamped by customs when you leave, then claim the refund from Global Blue Maroc or Morocco Tourist Refund.

### How do I change leftover dirhams back?

At a bank or exchange office, by showing the exchange receipts you received when buying the dirhams, up to 20,000 MAD without an import declaration. At the airport, the limit is 2,000 MAD per passport.