Morocco Pre-Departure Guide
Your complete checklist and guide for all essential preparations before traveling to Morocco for your studies.
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An example pre-departure plan
Getting ready to study in Morocco
Three things matter most: the right visa, the papers for your residence card, and a place to live.
What to prepare
- Student visa: India: through an approved visa centre. Pakistan: through the Embassy of Morocco in Islamabad.
- Your place: Public university: an AMCI letter. A university you apply to directly: a letter that says you are enrolled.
Before you leave
First
AMCI for public universities, or straight from the university you apply to directly.
Before you travel
India: about 5 working days after the Embassy of Morocco receives your papers. Pakistan: hand in your papers at least 3 weeks before you travel.
Before your first 90 days in Morocco end
Go to the police foreigners' office in your city to get your residence card (the card that lets you stay more than 90 days).
Ask your university
Each university gives its own letters for the visa and the residence card.
Ask its international office which papers you need.
Pre-departure checklist
Check these before you fly.
Papers
Passport
Your passport must be valid for longer than your stay. For Pakistan, it must also be valid for at least 6 months.
Student visa
From your home country, before you travel.
Police certificate (no criminal record)
From your home country, for the residence card.
Money and insurance
Proof of money
Show papers (for example a bank statement) that prove you have enough money for your whole course.
Pakistan: travel insurance
Pakistan: you also need travel insurance, because the visa office asks for it.
Pakistan
Phone and internet
Get a Moroccan SIM card when you arrive. Bring your passport.
Mobile Phones & Internet
Mobile Phone Options
Bring your ID
Phone companies must take your name, address and a copy of your ID before the SIM works.
Buy a pay-first SIM card or eSIM
Orange Morocco sells a pay-first SIM card, or an eSIM (a phone line with no card), with MAD 20 (Moroccan dirhams) of call credit.
Important Contacts & Resources
Emergency Contacts in Morocco
19 is the police number in Morocco.
Save These Contacts Before Departure
University international office
Knows which papers you need for the residence card and the bank.
Tips before you leave
Apply for a student visa. Do not travel on an e-visa or tourist visa: you cannot change your visa type inside Morocco.
Get your police certificate (no criminal record) at home. The police ask for it with your first residence card.
If you rent from a landlord instead of a university residence, you need a written rental contract to get the residence card.
If you will study in French, check your French level before you go.
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