Travel & Visa
Marrakech is a short flight from London or Paris, with alternative routes from elsewhere in Europe. There are two direct options if you're coming from the US, as well as connecting flights. Here's some information to help you plan.
Flights
Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK) is the city's main hub, about 15 minutes by taxi from the medina. Many guests will find it easiest to fly directly into RAK; the alternative is Casablanca (CMN), three hours away by train or rental car.
| From the UK | Direct from London (LGW, LHR, STN), Manchester, Edinburgh, Bristol (around 3.5 hrs). |
|---|---|
| From Europe | Direct from Paris, Madrid, Lisbon, Brussels, Amsterdam, Milan, Geneva (2.5–3.5 hrs). |
| From the US | One stop via Madrid, Paris, Lisbon, London, or Casablanca. Royal Air Maroc flies non-stop from JFK to CMN, then onward to RAK. United operates year-round direct flights from Newark to RAK, and Delta offers non-stop flights out of its Atlanta hub. |
| Arrival timing | We suggest arriving by Thursday 26 Nov so you're rested for the welcome lunch on Friday. |
Visas & entry
Most of our guests will not need a visa for short tourist stays (90 days or less). This includes citizens of the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, the EU, Australia, and the UAE, among many others. If you have any doubts, feel free to get in touch with us directly, or email kchiarandonefamily@gmail.com.
- Passport Must be valid for at least six months from your date of arrival, with at least one blank page.
- What to expect on arrival When you reach immigration after the queue, please be prepared to share the name and address of where you plan on staying (hotel, Airbnb, etc.), and the purpose of your visit, which is visiting as a tourist for a wedding. You will then receive an entry stamp in your passport.
- If you do need a visa An eVisa is available for some nationalities. Apply at least 4 weeks before travel.
Money
The Moroccan dirham (MAD) is a closed currency, meaning you can't generally buy it before you arrive. You can withdraw money from an ATM at the airport or in the city, and cards are widely accepted at hotels and most restaurants. The souks and stalls are cash only.
| Rule of thumb | Roughly 10 MAD ≈ 1 USD / 1 GBP. Easy mental maths. |
|---|---|
| Tipping | 10% in restaurants if service isn't included; a few coins for porters and drivers. |
| Cash on hand | Useful for taxis, the souks, and small purchases. Don't bother changing back at the end — exchange rates outside Morocco are poor. |
Weather in late November
Late autumn is one of the loveliest times to be in Marrakech: warm sun in the day, properly cool air after sundown, and almost no rain.
| Daytime | Highs around 21–23 °C / 70–73 °F. |
|---|---|
| Evenings | Lows around 9–11 °C / 48–52 °F. Pack a substantial layer for the desert lunch and the ceremony. |
| Light | Sunset is around 5:30 pm. Golden hour during the ceremony. |
What to pack
- LayersA heavy wrap or shawl for evening; a jacket for the desert lunch.
- Sturdy shoesFor the gravel paths at Beldi and the medina's uneven streets.
- Sun thingsSunglasses, sunscreen, a hat. The November sun in the Agafay Desert is brighter than it feels.
- Plug adapterType C and E sockets, 220 V (the same as continental Europe).
- CashA few hundred dirhams for taxis, hammams, and the souks.
On the ground
| Languages | Arabic and Tamazight (Berber) are official; French is widely spoken; English is fine in touristy spots. |
|---|---|
| Time | Marrakech is on UTC+1 year-round (no daylight saving). |
| Health | No vaccinations are required. Stick to bottled or filtered water for drinking. |
| Talk, Text, Etc. | An eSIM from Maroc Telecom or Orange takes a few minutes to set up at the airport. Plenty of data, very cheap. |
| Getting around | Petits taxis are metered and inexpensive. The Careem and inDrive apps work in the city. Beldi is about 20 minutes from the medina. Transportation for our events will be provided, details will be shared via email closer to the date. |
Travelling with anyone we should know about, or have a question that isn't answered here? Drop us a line via email at kchiarandonefamily@gmail.com.