One of the new, but already quite popular tourist destinations for relaxation and visiting is a country like Morocco. Do Russians need a visa (2017), in what cases, what kind of documents will have to be issued to enter the country as travelers, to visit loved ones and relatives, on business, to study and work, to leave for permanent residence - all these nuances we Let's look at it below. This kingdom is located on the territory of the African continent, in its northern part. It is not a year-round holiday destination, although you can come here at any time for sightseeing. The high season here lasts from early spring to late autumn.

When you don't need a visa

Let's start with some nice information. Visas to Morocco for Russians who plan to come here for tourism purposes have not been required since 2005. Therefore, visiting this country was not difficult; there was no need to deal with various bureaucratic obstacles. But even now this kingdom is on the list of visa-free countries for Russia. In order to relax here, you just need to have a passport to travel abroad. In addition, on the plane or at the airport you will have to fill out a migration card, where you indicate the information required by customs and border guards. However, this rule applies subject to certain conditions:

What is needed to obtain an entry permit?

Although visas to Morocco are not required for Russians arriving in the country as tourists, some documents are still required to be brought with them. First of all, this is your passport, which must be valid - that is, at least six months must remain until its expiration date from the moment you left your homeland. True, such a requirement is not something out of the ordinary; it is presented in almost any country. Moreover, your children should also have foreign passports. Please note that children must also enter Morocco using a separate document. It may take three to four months to produce such passports in Russia, so it is better to take care of this in advance. Filling out the migration card is quite simple. An example of how to do this can be downloaded on the Internet, but at the airport, examples of the correct execution of such forms hang on the walls or lie on tables. The card must be filled out in Latin block letters, legibly.

Additional documents

Of course, if only the father or mother travels with the children, then you need to have a notarized permission to take your child out of Russia. In addition, experienced tourists advise taking with them some additional documents that were required when visas to Morocco were issued for Russians. These are, for example, return tickets, invitations from friends or relatives, hotel reservations or travel vouchers, bank statements, medical insurance. Most travelers at the border are not usually asked for any of this, but the country's legislation gives customs officers the right to demand these documents. And if such a case comes, it is better that you have them. Three months is usually enough to get acquainted with all the sights of the country or to stay. But if you suddenly need a longer period of stay, this can be arranged. But this must be done in advance. This is at least fifteen days before the expiration of your visa-free stay in the country. Otherwise you may get into trouble.

What is required when visiting the country for other purposes?

Do Russians who want to find a job, do business or study in this country need visas to Morocco? Yes of course. Russians will also need a long-term visa to participate in various conferences, colloquiums or meetings. Each type of travel in these cases requires different documents. All of them must be prepared in Arabic or French (otherwise you must provide a notarized translation). To apply for any full visa, you will need the following documents:

  • an application form for a specific type of entry permit, completed in accordance with the rules;
  • a valid foreign passport and its copy;
  • Russian passport with the address of your place of residence;
  • four recent standard photographs measuring 3 by 4 centimeters;
  • medical insurance;
  • a document confirming the fact of payment of the visa fee.

Workers, entrepreneurs and students: what is needed?

If you are applying for a student visa, you will need an invitation from the institution where you are going to study. When opening an entry permit for work, the embassy will require a certificate from your previous place of employment. In addition, you will need to present an invitation from a Moroccan employer. If you are going to do business, then you will need letters and confirmations from foreign partners. Invitations are also needed from scientific communities or civil organizations whose conferences or seminars you are attending.

Residence permit and departure for permanent residence

Keep in mind that any visa - student, work or business - is also valid for no more than ninety days. Therefore, in order to stay in Morocco for more than three months, you must register with the internal affairs authorities and apply for a residence permit. It is issued for a period of one year, then extended for five and then ten years. To apply for it, you will need to present six photos, photocopies of your international passport, a copy of birth and marriage certificates, a certificate of residence, from a Moroccan bank and a document on income. The residence permit is confirmed by the so-called national card, which allows you to live in the country on almost equal rights with its citizens. The cost of a visa to Morocco for Russians starts from one and a half to two thousand rubles. But each type of entry permit has its own price, which should be clarified with the embassy. Payment is made in rubles, but at the exchange rate. To obtain permanent residence in Morocco, you must apply for citizenship of this country. This requires holding a national card for at least five years. Citizenship is also issued after two years of legal marriage with a resident of Morocco.

How to get there

If you want to get to this country, it is preferable to do it by air. Moscow-Morocco flights arrive in Casablanca - one of the largest and most fashionable airports in the country. The flight costs approximately $270 one way. They reach Casablanca in six hours. There are also planes landing in Rabat. Direct Moscow-Morocco flights depart from Sheremetyevo. They fly to both Rabat and Casablanca. They are mainly carried out by the Royal Air Marquee carrier. Scandinavian Airlines has the most convenient connecting flights. And the cheapest flights are with Portugal. They fly to Marrakech from Moscow for $145 (one way).

Morocco: tours for 2017

This country is a combination of African and Arabian exoticism and European class service. Therefore, many companies offer extensive travel programs for it. Such trips, as tourists themselves admit, destroy their stereotypes about Arab countries. After all, Morocco is not only about beach resorts. These are impressive cities with a rich history and amazing sights. By agreeing to a tour package, you will see the real Morocco. Tours for 2017 are not too expensive - $500-700 for a week or ten days. You will be invited to visit the snow-white beaches of Agadir, museums of ancient civilizations of Rabat, see the unique Spanish flavor of Essaouira, the luxury of Casablanca, and the authenticity of Marrakesh. An independent tourist trip to Morocco is also quite possible. This country is politically stable, safe, sellers and traders are unobtrusive. You can move around different regions using public transport, which is well developed here. These are air-conditioned buses and minibuses. But know that if you are invited to visit or to a cafe, it is better not to refuse, otherwise the locals will be offended. Under no circumstances should you touch food with your left hand, only with your right.