African countries with tourism potential are initiating measures to boost this sector of the economy. Morocco in particular is working to regain pre-pandemic performance, and after the removal of the PCR test to enter the country, comes the facilitation of the visa process.
The King of Morocco, Mohammed VI, instructed the issuance of the electronic visa for foreigners from July 10, 2022. The announcement was made on June 23 by Mustapha Baitas, the government spokesperson. Travelers from 49 countries will be able to obtain their entry permit to the territory directly from home, on the web platform set up for this purpose and managed by the Moroccan Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Mustapha Baitas explained that “foreigners who want to visit Morocco no longer have to go to consulates to collect a paper visa”. For the Minister of Tourism, Handicrafts and the Social and Solidarity Economy, Fatim-Zahra Ammor, this measure will allow the country to be more competitive on the international tourist scene. “We have been waiting for this catalyst for a long time, which will open up access to more markets for us,” she said, adding that the ease of obtaining a visa is a decisive criterion in choosing a destination.
The dematerialization of the procedure for applying for and issuing visas to foreigners is part of the actions undertaken since last year by Morocco to promote the return of foreign tourists. In particular, the country abolished in May 2022 the obligation of the PCR test to enter the territory. Tourism represents nearly 7% of gross domestic product (GDP).
The electronic visa concerns 3 categories of foreigners, specifies We Are Tech Africa. There are nationals subject to a visa to enter Morocco residents of the EU, USA, Canada, United Kingdom, Japan, Switzerland, New Zealand and Australia. Residence in one of these countries must not be less than 180 days. Then foreigners holding a Schengen visa or from the USA, Australia, Canada, United Kingdom, Ireland and New Zealand, valid for a minimum period of 90 days. Finally, nationals of countries benefiting from easy entry into the USA and the Schengen zone, such as Thailand and Israel.
The validity period of this electronic visa is 30 days, with the possibility of an extension to 60 days with multiple entries. Other countries will gradually integrate the list of 49 nationalities eligible for the Moroccan e-Visa.
