Is Casablanca Safe? What Tourists Should Know in 2026

Yes, Casablanca is safe for most tourists, as long as you treat it as what it is: a working port city of several million people, not a resort. Violent crime against visitors is uncommon. The problems you are realistically likely to meet are phone snatching, pickpockets in crowds, a taxi driver who will not switch on the meter, and traffic that does not stop for pedestrians. The travel advisories from the United States, the United Kingdom and Canada all ask for extra care in Morocco as a whole, and none of them tells travellers to avoid Casablanca.

So is Casablanca safe enough for a stopover, a solo trip or a first night in Morocco? For almost everyone, yes. This guide covers what the advisories say in October 2026, which neighbourhoods are fine by day and after dark, how to get from the airport and around the city without being overcharged, the scams that are specific to Casablanca, and advice for women, families and LGBTQ+ travellers.

Is Casablanca safe? The short answer

Question	Short answer
Overall	Safe with normal big-city precautions
Official advisory level	US: Level 2 of 4 (exercise increased caution). Canada: exercise a high degree of caution. Both apply to all of Morocco
Violent crime against tourists	Uncommon
Most likely problem	Phone snatching, pickpockets, taxi overcharging
At night	Fine in Maarif, Gauthier, Anfa and on the Corniche; avoid the old medina and empty downtown side streets
Solo women	Generally safe; expect some unwanted comments
Safest airport transfer	The airport train to Casa Voyageurs, or a pre-booked car
Emergency numbers	Police 19 (190 or 112 from a mobile), ambulance and fire 15 (150 from a mobile), Gendarmerie 177

The main points, in the order they tend to matter:

• Your phone is the main target. Thieves on mopeds grab phones from people standing at the kerb. Step into a doorway or a café to check a map.
• Use red petit taxis with the meter on. If the driver refuses, take the next one.
• Take the train from the airport in the daytime, and a pre-booked car or official taxi late at night.
• Choose where you sleep. Maarif, Gauthier, Anfa and the Corniche are the easy areas, by day and in the evening.
• Leave the old medina before dark. It is fine by day and poorly lit at night.
• Cross roads with care. For most visitors, traffic is a bigger risk than crime.

Photo: badr badine on Unsplash

Is it safe to travel to Casablanca now? What the advisories say

It is safe to travel to Casablanca now by the standards of the main government advisories, which we checked in October 2026. None of them advises against visiting the city.

Country	Advice for Morocco	Main reason given
United States	Level 2: exercise increased caution (issued 4 September 2026)	Terrorism
Canada	Exercise a high degree of caution (updated 26 May 2026)	Terrorism
United Kingdom	Lists terrorism, protests, petty crime and scams as the things to know about	Terrorism, crime

Level 2 is the second-lowest of the four US levels. Much of western Europe, including France, Spain and the UK, has sat at the same level in recent years, so it is a reminder to stay alert, not a warning to stay away.

Casablanca is named in a few places, and they are worth knowing:

• Terrorism. The advisories say attacks are possible anywhere in Morocco and could target transport hubs, tourist sites and crowded places. Casablanca has a history here: suicide bombings in the city in May 2003 killed 33 people. That was more than twenty years ago, and the UK advisory notes that the Moroccan authorities regularly break up cells before they act. In practice this means staying aware in crowds, not changing your plans.
• Demonstrations. Canada's advisory says protests take place from time to time, mostly near government buildings in Rabat, Casablanca and other big cities. They are usually peaceful, but all three governments advise walking away from any political gathering.
• Roads. Canada asks drivers to be extremely careful on the motorway between Rabat and Casablanca because of the volume of traffic.
• Medical care. The same page notes that Casablanca has good private medical facilities, which is one practical advantage of the city.

Advisories change, so check your own government's page in the week before you travel: the US State Department, the UK Foreign Office or Travel Canada.

Is Casablanca safe for tourists? Crime in plain terms

Casablanca is safe for tourists in the sense that matters most: visitors are rarely the victims of violent crime. It is also Morocco's biggest city and its business capital, so it has more ordinary urban crime than Chefchaouen or Essaouira. Travel guides disagree on how to describe that, with some calling the city generally safe and others rating its crime level as moderate. Both are fair. The risk is real but narrow, and it is mostly about what you are holding.

What the UK and Canadian advisories describe across Morocco applies here:

• Phone and bag snatching from motorbikes. This is the crime visitors to Casablanca report most. It happens in daylight, on ordinary streets, to people using a phone near the road.
• Pickpocketing in the old medina, in markets, on crowded trams and around the stations.
• Card fraud and ATM theft. Use machines inside or attached to a bank, in daylight.
• Aggressive begging, particularly near cash machines.

Both advisories also mention occasional robberies with knives in Morocco's big cities and on beaches, and Canada advises handing things over instead of resisting. These are rare for visitors, and they happen where you would expect: quiet streets late at night.

What works:

• Keep your phone in a zipped pocket or bag when you are walking, and hold it on the building side, not the road side.
• Carry a cross-body bag that zips, worn to the front in crowds.
• Leave your passport in the hotel safe and carry a photo of it.
• Take only the cash you need for the day, and leave expensive watches and jewellery at home.

The upside of a business city is that there is far less hassle. Tourism is a small part of Casablanca's economy, so you will meet fewer touts and unofficial guides here than in Marrakech or Fes.

Which areas of Casablanca are safe?

The districts visitors use are safe by day, and most are comfortable in the evening. Casablanca is spread out, so it helps to know the names before you book.

Area	By day	After dark
Maarif	Shopping streets, cafés, easy to walk	Busy and comfortable in the evening
Gauthier, Racine and Palmiers	Upmarket, central, popular with expats	Among the safest parts of the city at night
Anfa	Leafy and residential	Quiet but safe; you will want a taxi
Corniche and Ain Diab	Seafront promenade, beach clubs, Morocco Mall	Busy and patrolled in the evening, especially in summer
Hassan II Mosque and its esplanade	Open, busy with visitors, with tourist police nearby	Fine early in the evening; take a taxi back
City centre (Place Mohammed V, Boulevard Mohammed V)	Art Deco streets, busy and fine	Main streets are fine early on; avoid empty side streets late
Habous (New Medina)	Calm market quarter, described by guides as safe	Little reason to be here late; take a taxi back
Old medina	Fine, with pickpockets in the crowds	Poorly lit; do not wander alone
Around Casa Voyageurs and Casa Port stations	Busy transport hubs; watch your bags	Take a taxi from the door

If you want the least friction, stay in Maarif, Gauthier or Anfa, or on the Corniche if you want the sea. The city centre is convenient for the stations and cheaper, but its side streets empty out at night.

Photo: Nichika Sakurai on Unsplash

The places residents tell visitors to skip are outlying districts with nothing to see: Sidi Moumen, Hay Mohammadi, and the industrial zones around Ain Sebaa. You are unlikely to end up there by accident.

Is it safe to walk around Casablanca at night?

It is safe to walk around Casablanca at night in the right neighbourhoods. Maarif, Gauthier, Anfa, the Corniche and the streets around the big hotels stay active into the evening, with restaurants and cafés open late.

The places to avoid after dark are the ones that empty out:

• The old medina. There is little open and the alleys are badly lit.
• Side streets in the city centre. The main boulevards are fine early in the evening. Late at night, take a taxi instead of cutting through.
• The port edges and industrial areas.
• The beach. Fine for a sunset walk from the promenade, not for a midnight one.

Practical points for the evening:

• Distances are long, so plan to take a taxi back. A night surcharge of about 50% on the meter is normal and legal.
• The UK advisory suggests extra care with late-night petit taxi rides, because some drivers speed. If you are uncomfortable, ask to be let out somewhere busy and well lit.
• Alcohol is served in licensed bars, restaurants and hotels. The UK advisory warns of deaths in Morocco from drinks contaminated with methanol, so buy from licensed venues and shops, and be wary of very cheap spirits.

Getting from Casablanca airport safely

Mohammed V International Airport is about 30 km south-east of the centre, and arriving there is where most first-time visitors feel least sure of themselves. There are three sensible options.

The train. The station is beneath Terminal 1. Trains run to Casa Voyageurs, the main station, in roughly 30 to 45 minutes. Published fares differ by source and class: the airport operator lists 50 MAD in second class and 70 MAD in first, while some guides quote about 43 MAD. Trains run about once an hour from early morning until late evening, so check the timetable on the ONCF site if you land late. It is the calmest way into town in the daytime.

An official taxi. Airport taxis are white grand taxis, and the rank is directly outside arrivals. They do not use a meter for this run. Recent guides put the fare to the centre at about 250 to 300 MAD by day and 300 to 400 MAD at night, for the whole car. Agree the price before you get in, pay in dirhams, and ignore anyone who offers you a ride inside the terminal.

A pre-booked car. If you land after the last train, are travelling with children, or do not want to negotiate after a long flight, a pre-booked airport transfer gives you a fixed price and a driver with a name board.

Getting around safely: taxis, apps, tram and trains

Transport in Casablanca is safe. Most complaints are about price and driving style, not danger.

Photo: Barry Talley on Unsplash

Petit taxis. In Casablanca these are red. They take up to three passengers, run only inside the city and are metered. A ride across the centre usually costs about 15 to 30 MAD on the meter. Drivers may pick up other passengers heading the same way, which is normal. If a driver says the meter is broken, get out and take the next one.

Ride apps. Several apps work in Casablanca, including inDrive, Careem, Yango and Heetch, and Uber returned in late 2025. Many visitors like them for the fixed price and the tracked route. You should know that Morocco still has no clear law covering them. The UK advisory warns that app cars may be unlicensed or uninsured and that the police can ask you to get out, and there have been confrontations between taxi drivers and app drivers. If you use one, ask your hotel which app is working well at the moment.

The tram. Casablanca has four tram lines (T1 to T4) and two busway lines, running from about 05:30 to 22:30. It is modern, cheap at roughly 8 MAD a ticket, and safe. The only issue is pickpocketing when the carriages are packed at rush hour, so keep your bag in front of you.

Photo: Oussama RAHIB on Unsplash

Trains. Casa Voyageurs is the main station for Marrakech, Fes and the Al Boraq high-speed line to Rabat and Tangier. Casa Port is the smaller station by the old medina and the port. Both are staffed and safe, and both attract the usual station pickpockets and taxi touts. Walk out to the official rank or the tram stop.

Walking. This is the part people underestimate. Drivers and mopeds do not reliably stop at crossings. Cross with locals, at lights where there are any, and keep headphones out of your ears.

Driving. Casablanca's traffic is heavy and aggressive, and the advisories describe road accidents as frequent in Morocco. Canada recommends not driving at night. If you are hiring a car for a wider trip, pick it up on the day you leave the city.

Phones. Mobile data makes all of this easier, from checking a tram route to calling your hotel. A Morocco eSIM can be set up before you fly, so your maps work when you land.

Still choosing dates? Compare flights into Casablanca here:

Common scams in Casablanca and how to avoid them

Casablanca has fewer scams than Morocco's tourist cities, and the ones it has cluster around the Hassan II Mosque, the old medina and taxis.

Scam	How it works	What to do
"The mosque is closed"	Someone outside the Hassan II Mosque says it is closed, or that you need a special guide to get in	Walk to the official ticket office. Non-Muslims visit on the mosque's own guided tours
The helpful stranger	A friendly local walks you somewhere you did not ask to go, then asks for money	Say "la, shukran" (no, thank you) once and keep walking
The broken meter	The petit taxi driver does not start the meter, then names a high price at the end	Ask for the meter before the car moves, or take another taxi
The airport "taxi"	A man inside the terminal offers a car at a special price	Use the official rank outside arrivals, or the train
Market first prices	Opening prices in the medina can be two or three times the going rate	Bargain politely, and be ready to walk away
The "free" gift	A vendor hands you something as a present, then asks for payment	Do not take anything you have not agreed a price for
The menu without prices	Extra dishes arrive, or the bill does not match	Ask for a menu with prices before you order

Unofficial guides are illegal in Morocco, and the UK advisory notes that genuine guides carry an official badge. If someone has been genuinely helpful, a tip of 10 to 20 MAD is normal. You do not owe more because it is demanded.

Is Casablanca safe for women?

Casablanca is generally safe for women, including women travelling alone, and it is one of Morocco's more liberal cities. Residents describe the modern cafés and restaurants of Maarif and Gauthier as comfortable places for a woman to eat alone.

Unwanted attention still happens. The UK and Canadian advisories both say women in Morocco, especially on their own, may be stared at, followed or spoken to in the street. In Casablanca it is mostly verbal and mostly in crowded areas such as the old medina and the city centre.

What helps:

• Dress to blend in. Loose clothes covering shoulders and knees are a sensible default away from the beach clubs.
• Do not engage. No eye contact, no reply, keep walking.
• Step into a shop or café if someone persists.
• Use taxis after dark instead of walking through quiet streets.
• Choose beach clubs or hotel pools for swimming. Canada's advisory notes that women can be harassed for wearing swimsuits on public beaches.
• Book your first night ahead in one of the areas listed above.

Is Casablanca safe for families, Americans and LGBTQ+ travellers?

Families. Casablanca is manageable with children. The Corniche has a long seafront promenade, the mosque esplanade is wide and open, and Morocco Mall is nearby for a break. The real risks are traffic, the sun and stomach upsets. Hold hands at every crossing and carry water.

Americans. There is no specific risk for US citizens in Casablanca. The city has a US Consulate General, and the State Department suggests enrolling in its free STEP programme to receive alerts.

LGBTQ+ travellers. Same-sex sexual relations are illegal in Morocco under Article 489 of the penal code, with penalties of up to three years in prison. The UK advisory adds that public displays of affection can lead to prosecution and that dating apps carry legal and safety risks. Many LGBTQ+ travellers visit Casablanca without problems by being discreet in public. International hotels are used to couples sharing a room.

Public affection of any kind is frowned on in Morocco, so the same discretion applies to everyone.

Laws and customs that catch visitors out

• Drugs. Possession of any amount, including cannabis, is illegal. The UK advisory describes Morocco's approach as zero tolerance.
• Alcohol. It is legal in licensed hotels, bars, restaurants and some supermarkets. Drinking in the street can lead to arrest.
• Photography. Do not photograph police, soldiers, the port or government buildings. Ask before taking pictures of people.
• Ramadan. Eating, drinking and smoking in public during daylight is disrespectful. In 2027 Ramadan runs from about 8 February to 9 March.
• Drones. Bringing a drone into Morocco without prior permission is not allowed, and customs will confiscate it.
• Mosques. Non-Muslims cannot enter most mosques in Morocco. The Hassan II Mosque is the main exception, on guided tours. Dress modestly for the visit.

Health, water and the beach

Water. Tap water in Casablanca is treated, and residents drink it. Many short-stay visitors still choose bottled or filtered water, because unfamiliar water can upset your stomach.

Food. Eat where it is busy, and choose food that is cooked in front of you. Canada's health notes list hepatitis A and typhoid as risks in Morocco, so check your vaccinations are up to date.

Swimming. Ain Diab faces the open Atlantic. The UK advisory warns that many Moroccan beaches have no lifeguards or warning flags and that currents can be strong. Swim where others are swimming, stay close to shore, or use a beach club pool.

Photo: Maria Krasnova on Unsplash

Sun. The ocean keeps Casablanca milder than Marrakech, but the sun is strong from May to September. Our guide to the best time to visit Morocco has the month-by-month detail.

Medical care. Canada's advisory singles out Casablanca for its good private medical facilities. Private clinics are faster than public hospitals and usually expect payment up front. Pharmacies, marked with a green cross, are a good first stop for minor problems. Make sure your policy covers medical treatment and evacuation. You can compare EKTA travel insurance plans before you go. Our guide to travel insurance for Morocco explains what to look for.

Emergency numbers in Casablanca

Service	From a landline	From a mobile
Police (in the city)	19	190 or 112
Ambulance and fire	15	150
Royal Gendarmerie (outside the city)	177	177

Morocco's tourist police (the brigade touristique) patrol the main visitor areas, including around the Hassan II Mosque, the Corniche and the old medina. If something is stolen, you will need a police report for your insurance claim. Your hotel can tell you where the nearest station is and may send someone to translate. Operators generally speak Arabic and French.

12 quick safety tips for Casablanca

1. Stay in Maarif, Gauthier, Anfa or on the Corniche.
2. Take the airport train by day, and an official taxi or pre-booked car at night.
3. Put your phone away near the road.
4. Ask for the meter in red petit taxis.
5. Agree the fare first in white grand taxis.
6. Buy mosque tickets only at the official office.
7. See the old medina in daylight.
8. Cross roads with locals.
9. Use ATMs attached to banks, in daylight.
10. Take a taxi home after dark.
11. Carry a copy of your passport, not the original.
12. Save your hotel's number and the emergency numbers above.

Frequently asked questions

Is it safe for tourists in Casablanca?

Yes. Casablanca is safe for tourists who take normal big-city precautions. Violent crime against visitors is uncommon. The usual problems are phone snatching, pickpockets and taxi overcharging, and all three are easy to reduce once you know about them.

Is it safe to walk around Casablanca at night?

Yes, in Maarif, Gauthier, Anfa, on the Corniche and around the main hotels. Avoid the old medina, the port edges and empty side streets in the centre after dark, and take a taxi for longer distances.

Is Casablanca safer than Marrakech?

They are similar overall, but the risks are different. Marrakech has far more touts, fake guides and souk hassle. Casablanca has less of that and more ordinary city crime, mainly phone and bag snatching. Neither is dangerous for a careful visitor.

Is Casablanca safe for a single woman?

Generally yes. It is one of Morocco's more liberal cities. Expect some comments in crowded areas, dress modestly away from the beach clubs, and use taxis at night.

Is it safe to travel to Casablanca now?

As of October 2026, yes. The US rates Morocco at Level 2 (exercise increased caution) and Canada advises a high degree of caution, both because of a general terrorism risk across the country. Neither advises against visiting Casablanca. Check your government's page before you travel.

Is the old medina in Casablanca safe?

By day, yes. It is small and lived-in, with pickpockets in the busier lanes. After dark it is poorly lit and has little open, so visit in daylight.

Are taxis in Casablanca safe?

Yes. Red petit taxis are metered and cheap, and the main issue is drivers who try to skip the meter. Airport taxis are white grand taxis with agreed fares. Agree the price before you set off.

Is Casablanca airport safe at night?

The airport itself is staffed and safe around the clock. The last train into the city leaves in the late evening, so for a night arrival use the official taxi rank outside arrivals or book a transfer in advance.

Can you drink the tap water in Casablanca?

It is treated and residents drink it. Many short-stay visitors prefer bottled or filtered water to avoid an upset stomach.

Is Casablanca worth visiting?

For a day or a night, yes. The Hassan II Mosque is one of the few mosques in Morocco that non-Muslims can enter, the Art Deco centre is good for a walk, and the Corniche is pleasant at sunset. Most travellers then move on to Marrakech, Rabat or Fes by train.

How we researched this guide

This guide is based on desk research, not a personal visit. We read the Morocco pages of the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, the US State Department and the Government of Canada in October 2026, along with accounts from long-term residents of Casablanca and recent guides to the airport, taxis and tram. Fares were the hardest figures to pin down, because sources disagree. Where they did, we give a range, and all figures were checked in October 2026. Advisories and prices can change quickly, so check the official pages before you travel. If you find something that has changed, let us know.

For more of the country, start with our Morocco travel guide. Our list of the best things to do in Morocco covers the Hassan II Mosque tour, and our 10-day Morocco itinerary shows where Casablanca fits on the train line between Marrakech, Fes and Tangier. If you are heading north afterwards, read Is Tangier safe? next.