Security in Morocco

An advantage of traveling with a fellowship supported by the State Department is the added layer of information and protection provided by our government. Two weeks ago those of us traveling to Morocco received a 40-minute briefing from a security consultant. He said that Morocco is designated as a medium threat risk and has a robust security system in place with well trained forces throughout the country.

We were given several strategies for how to manage ourselves in order to avoid potentially dangerous situations, all of which involve using common sense. Don't bring out big rolls of cash. Don't go to marketplaces at peak times. Have heightened situational awareness when in airports, among crowds, and at night. One hint that I did not know before: the first time that we leave any hotel room, we should take the emergency exit.

Morocco is way down on the list of dangerous place to visit. Syria is on top.  The consultant said that by far the most dangerous risk is vehicular accidents. Car crashes are the leading cause of death for humanitarian aid workers in Afghanistan and Iraq--not violence and terrorism. He also recommended sunscreen. People are notorious for over-emphasizing certain risks and under-emphasizing others. For me skin cancer is a real concern in the bright Saharan sun of Morocco. Terrorism is much less of a concern. 

I have attached a State Department resource for travelers that lists warnings and alerts--yet again another great service provided by our outstanding State Department. Are there any countries that you would want to visit that presently have security concerns?

Travel Warnings and Alerts