Morocco Caps Record-Breaking 2025 with Nearly 20 Million Tourist Arrivals

RABAT (TRI) — Morocco closed out 2025 with extraordinary tourism performance, welcoming approximately 19.8 million visitors for the full year — a 14% increase over 2024’s record 17.4 million arrivals and solidifying its position as Africa’s top tourist destination.

The milestone comes after a year of sustained growth, with the kingdom recording 18 million arrivals by the end of November alone, already surpassing the previous year’s full total by more than 600,000 visitors. The final surge in December, boosted by holiday travel and the hosting of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), pushed the annual figure close to the symbolic 20 million mark that officials had eyed as a stretch goal.

Tourism Minister Fatim-Zahra Ammor described 2025 as a “transformative year,” crediting the results to the 2023-2026 tourism roadmap’s emphasis on enhanced air connectivity, aggressive international marketing, and product diversification.

Steady Growth Throughout the Year

Morocco’s momentum built progressively in 2025:

• The first half saw 8.9 million arrivals, up 19% from 2024.
• By July, the total reached 11.6 million (+16%).
• August closed at 13.5 million (+15%).
• September hit 15 million (+14%).
• October recorded 16.6 million (+14%).
• November topped 18 million (+13.5%).

The year-end push from AFCON — held from late December 2025 into January 2026 — delivered the anticipated boost, with sports fans, media, and supporters adding significant numbers in the final weeks.

Revenues Set New Benchmarks

The visitor surge translated into robust financial gains. Tourism receipts exceeded MAD 124 billion ($13.4 billion) for the year, achieving — and slightly surpassing — the roadmap’s target originally set for 2026. By October alone, revenues had reached MAD 113 billion, already topping the full 2024 total.

This performance far outpaced global trends, with UN Tourism noting Morocco as one of the world’s most dynamic destinations amid a worldwide growth forecast of around 5%.

Visa Policies Facilitate Accessibility

Morocco’s liberal visa regime played a key role in attracting diverse markets. Citizens of over 70 countries — including the EU, United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Japan, and much of Africa and the Gulf — enjoy visa-free entry for stays up to 90 days.

For nationalities requiring visas, the electronic visa (e-Visa) system, launched in 2022 and expanded in 2025, streamlined applications. Eligible applicants now include nationals of India, Jordan, Azerbaijan, Guatemala, and others, as well as holders of valid residency or multiple-entry visas from Schengen countries, the US, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Ireland.

Processing through the Acces Maroc platform typically takes 24-72 hours, with single-entry e-Visas valid for 180 days and allowing 30-day stays (extendable).

A temporary measure during AFCON required citizens of eight African nations to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (AEVM), but this ended in late January 2026.

These policies, combined with over 80 new flight routes added in 2025, made Morocco more accessible than ever.

Outlook and Challenges

The kingdom’s ambitions remain high: 26 million annual visitors by 2030, supported by massive infrastructure investments ahead of co-hosting the FIFA World Cup with Spain and Portugal.

While some travelers noted rising accommodation prices in peak seasons, the overall experience — blending imperial cities, Atlantic and Mediterranean beaches, Atlas Mountains, and Sahara adventures — continues to draw rave reviews.

With 2025’s records now in the books, Morocco enters 2026 poised for continued growth, leveraging major events and its reputation for hospitality and cultural richness.