Do I need a permit to film in Morocco?

Yes. Authorization is required and typically coordinated through the Centre Cinématographique Marocain.

Is Morocco experienced with international productions?

Yes. The country has decades of experience hosting large-scale international features and series.

Are incentives available?

Morocco offers competitive cash rebate programs for qualifying productions.

Drone use requires prior authorization and may face restrictions in sensitive areas.

Is desert filming logistically complex?

It requires remote planning and terrain vehicles but benefits from experienced local crews.

Are studio facilities available?

Yes. Established studio infrastructure supports interior builds and long-form productions.

Morocco

Hoodlum offers expert film fixer services in Morocco, facilitating international productions of every scale with a full range of services, including location scouting, obtaining permits, full range of logistic support and connecting production teams with local talent and experienced crew.

Ultimate Filming Guide for Morocco

Capital

Rabat

Main Cities

Marrakesh, Rabat, Casablanca, Tangier, Fes

Local Languages

Arabic and Amazigh

Currency

Moroccan Dirham (MAD)

Climate

Climate is diverse

General Visa Requirements:

Most international film and television crew entering Morocco for professional filming purposes may enter on visa-free status or a tourist visa, depending on nationality. Morocco allows filming activities to be authorised via the approved film permit rather than requiring a separate business visa. A business visa is generally not required if the crew is covered under an approved Moroccan film permit. Many nationalities receive visa-free entry for up to 90 days. Others must apply for a tourist visa in advance. A Letter of Invitation from the local production company is recommended.

Required Documents:

Passport (minimum 6 months validity)
Passport-style photograph
Letter of Invitation
Accommodation confirmation
Travel itinerary or flight details

Visa Application Process:

Visa-free entry for eligible nationalities
Embassy application for others

Official reference:
https://www.diplomatie.ma

Processing Time:

Visa-free: issued on arrival, Embassy visa: 5–10 working days

Cost:

Varies by nationality (where applicable)

Accreditation Requirements:

Morocco does not require a separate work permit for foreign film crew when operating under an approved Moroccan Cinematographic Centre (CCM) film permit. Work authorisation is embedded within the film permit approval process. A licensed Moroccan production company must sponsor the application.

Required Documents:

Approved CCM Film Permit
Full cast and crew list with passport copies
Letter of Invitation from Moroccan production partner
Equipment list (if applicable)

Processing Time:

Aligned with general film permit timeline: 2–4 weeks.

Cost:

Included within overall film permit process.

Issuing Organization:

Moroccan Cinematographic Centre (CCM)
Application must be sponsored by a licensed Moroccan production company.

Required Documents:

Title
full synopsis
commissioning letter from broadcaster
⁠⁠dates of shoot
potential date of broadcast
day by day schedule
locations (cities and villages)
⁠⁠crew list with roles and passports numbers
⁠⁠copies of passports
list of equipment
⁠⁠copy of production insurance

Processing Time:

2–4 weeks standard processing. Approvals are generally efficient once documentation is complete.

Cost:

Project-dependent. Indicative range: USD 500–2,000. Additional costs may apply for public locations, police supervision, military oversight, or special access areas.

Location Scouting / Location Permits Information:

Private locations require written owner permission. Public locations require CCM approval and coordination with local authorities. Morocco benefits from strong regional film offices, including Ouarzazate, Marrakech, and Casablanca.

Location Scouting / Permitting Cost & Processing Time

May include:

Location rental fees
Local authority fees
Police or traffic control fees
All costs are confirmed during prep.

Drone Regulations:

Drones are strictly regulated
Temporary importation of foreign drones is permitted with prior authorization
Drones brought without authorization are held by customs until departure

Drone Importation Regulations:

Private importation is permitted only through prior approval and official procedure
Requests must be submitted through a registered local Moroccan company to the relevant authorities

Permit Issuance:

Private drone permits can be issued following approval.

Aerial filming authorization is granted by the competent regional and national authorities after submission by a local operator or production company.

Timing:

Temporary import authorization: approximately 2 months
Drone flight permit issuance: typically 10–15 days depending on region and project details

Cost:

Aerial filming costs quoted per project via authorized local operators.

Carnet Status:

Morocco accepts ATA Carnets.
Use of a Carnet is strongly recommended.

Required Documents:

ATA Carnet
Approved Film Permit
Detailed equipment list with serial numbers and values
Crew passport copies

Issuing Organization:

Moroccan Customs Administration.

Timing:

With carnet and pre-clearance: same day. Without carnet: deposits and delays likely.

Cost:

Carnet fees paid in home country. Local handling fees quoted per project.

General Overview:

Morocco is generally safe and highly film-friendly. Authorities are experienced in managing international productions. Filming without permits is strongly discouraged.

Security Requirements:

Police or gendarmes may be required for:
- Public filming
- Traffic control
- Crowd scenes
Costs borne by production

Medical Considerations

No mandatory vaccinations for most travellers
Recommended:
- Hepatitis A
- Typhoid
- Tetanus / TDap

Rebates/Incentives:

Morocco does not operate a traditional European-style cash rebate scheme. Incentives and support mechanisms vary and should be confirmed per project with CCM and local partners.