Travel to Morocco From the USA: Flights, Visa, Money and How to Reach the Sahara
Morocco is closer than many Americans think. With nonstop flights from four US cities, no visa needed for short stays and a whole world of medinas, mountains and golden dunes waiting on the other side, travelling to Morocco from the USA has never been easier.
We are a local Berber family from Merzouga, at the edge of the Sahara, and we welcome many American travellers every year. This guide covers everything you need to plan your trip: flights, entry rules, money, what to pack, how long to stay and how to get all the way to the desert.
Quick Facts for American Travelers
| Topic | What you need to know |
|---|---|
| Visa | US citizens can usually visit for up to 90 days without a visa |
| Passport | Must be valid for your whole stay; 6 months’ validity is recommended |
| Nonstop flights | Royal Air Maroc from New York, Washington, Miami and Los Angeles to Casablanca |
| Flight time | Roughly 7 to 8 hours from the East Coast, about 12 hours from Los Angeles |
| Time difference | Morocco is usually 5 to 6 hours ahead of New York |
| Currency | Moroccan dirham (MAD) |
| Electricity | 220V, European two-pin plugs (types C and E) |
| Languages | Arabic and Amazigh (Berber); French widely spoken; English common in tourist areas |
Entry rules can change. Always check the latest information from the US State Department and official Moroccan sources before you travel.
Flights From the USA to Morocco
Nonstop Flights
Royal Air Maroc, Morocco’s national airline, flies nonstop to Casablanca from:
- New York
- Washington, D.C.
- Miami
- Los Angeles: launched in June 2026, three times a week. It is the first nonstop link between Africa and the US West Coast, with a flight time of around 12 hours.
From Casablanca you can connect to Marrakech, Fes, Ouarzazate, Errachidia and other Moroccan cities.
Connecting Through Europe or the Middle East
Many travellers fly via a European hub such as Madrid, Lisbon, Paris, London or Amsterdam, or via Istanbul, and then take a short flight to Marrakech, Fes or Casablanca. This can be cheaper, and it lets you fly straight into Marrakech or Fes, the two best starting points for a desert trip.
Tip from locals: consider an “open-jaw” ticket, flying into Marrakech and out of Fes (or the other way round). You can then cross the Sahara between the two without driving the same road twice.
Do Americans Need a Visa for Morocco?
For tourism, US citizens can generally enter Morocco without a visa and stay up to 90 days. You will need:
- A valid US passport (we recommend at least 6 months of validity and a blank page).
- The address of your first accommodation, for the arrival form.
- Your return or onward ticket, which you may be asked to show.
If you hold another nationality or plan a longer stay, check the requirements with the Moroccan embassy.
Money: Dollars, Dirhams and Cards
US dollars are rarely accepted for everyday payments. The best option is to withdraw Moroccan dirhams from an ATM when you arrive, or exchange dollars at an official exchange office. Cards work in hotels and larger shops in cities, but in the desert you will need cash. Read our full guide: What Is the Best Currency to Use in Morocco?
How to Get From Casablanca to the Sahara
| Route | How | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Casablanca → Errachidia → Merzouga | Domestic flight to Errachidia, then about 2 hours by road | Getting to the dunes fast |
| Casablanca → Marrakech → Merzouga | Train or flight to Marrakech, then a 2 to 3 day road trip over the Atlas | The classic scenic route |
| Casablanca → Fes → Merzouga | Train to Fes, then about a day’s drive through the Middle Atlas | Combining Fes and the desert |
Once you arrive in Merzouga, we take care of the rest: a sunset camel ride, a night in a desert camp, a quad or buggy adventure, or a 4×4 jeep tour through the dunes and oases.
How Long Should Americans Stay in Morocco?
After a long transatlantic flight, give yourself enough time to enjoy the country. Here are three popular itineraries:
| Trip length | Suggested route |
|---|---|
| 7 days | Marrakech (2 nights) → Atlas and Dades Valley → Merzouga (1 or 2 nights) → Fes |
| 10 days | Casablanca → Marrakech → Ait Benhaddou → Dades → Merzouga (2 nights) → Fes → Chefchaouen |
| 14 days | Add Essaouira on the coast, more time in the desert and the imperial cities |
Our recommendation: spend at least two nights in Merzouga. It gives you time to recover from the drive, see sunset and sunrise, and enjoy the dunes without rushing. See our 2 nights in Merzouga desert experience.
Best Time to Travel From the USA
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are ideal, with warm days and comfortable nights in the desert. US holiday periods like Thanksgiving, Christmas and spring break are popular, so book flights and tours early. Summer is very hot inland; winter days are sunny but desert nights are cold.
Packing List for Americans
- Plug adapter for European two-pin sockets, and check that your devices accept 220V.
- Light, modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees for towns and villages.
- A warm layer for desert nights.
- Sunglasses, sunscreen and a scarf for sun and sand.
- Comfortable walking shoes.
- A power bank for the desert camp.
- Travel insurance that covers medical care and adventure activities.
Is Morocco Safe for Americans?
Morocco welcomes millions of visitors every year, including many Americans, and the main tourist areas are well organised. Use normal precautions, follow local advice and check the US State Department’s current travel advisory for Morocco before you go. For the desert specifically, read our local guide Is It Safe to Go to Merzouga?
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the flight from the USA to Morocco?
Nonstop flights from the East Coast to Casablanca take roughly 7 to 8 hours. The nonstop flight from Los Angeles takes around 12 hours.
Which airport should I fly into for the Sahara?
Errachidia is the closest airport to Merzouga, about 2 hours away by road, usually reached via Casablanca. Marrakech and Fes are the most popular starting points for a scenic road trip to the desert.
Can I use my US phone in Morocco?
Check your carrier’s international plan, or buy a local SIM or eSIM on arrival for affordable data.
Is the long trip worth it just for the desert?
For most of our American guests, the Sahara is the highlight of the whole trip. Read our honest guide Is Merzouga Desert Worth It?
Welcome to the Sahara
From New York, Washington, Miami or Los Angeles, the Sahara is just one flight and a beautiful road trip away. When you are ready to plan the desert part of your trip, contact us or send us a message on WhatsApp. As a local family company, we will help you choose the right experience, from a single night in the dunes to a full camel trek.