Moroccan e-visa sees surge in applications as digital system gains global traction

Post Views: 7

Morocco’s digital visa system has processed nearly 500,000 applications since its inception in July 2022, marking a significant milestone in the country’s ongoing efforts to modernize its immigration procedures and boost tourism.

According to official data, the third year of the e-visa service saw a record 187,895 applications submitted—an increase from 134,000 the previous year—signaling sustained interest and growing global confidence in the digital platform.

Open to citizens of 118 countries, Morocco’s e-visa offers two options: a standard service with processing within 72 hours, and an express option that delivers visas in under 24 hours. This streamlined approach has proven especially popular among international travelers seeking flexibility and efficiency.

Tourism remains the primary driver of demand, with 94.1% of all e-visas issued for tourism-related purposes. The remaining 5.9% were requested for business travel—a category that, while still small, is steadily growing as Morocco continues to host major international events.

In recent years, the e-visa system has played a key role in facilitating attendance at high-profile gatherings, including the Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund and World Bank in October 2023, and the Gitex Africa trade fair in Marrakech. These events have helped position Morocco as a hub for global business and diplomacy.

Officials note that the e-visa’s success goes beyond tourism. It represents a broader shift toward digitization within the Moroccan consular system, aimed at enhancing transparency, responsiveness, and administrative efficiency.

This transformation aligns with the country’s preparations for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which Morocco will co-host, and anticipates a significant rise in visitor numbers.

With a strong operational track record and rising demand, the Moroccan e-visa has emerged as both a diplomatic asset and a catalyst for economic growth—supporting the Kingdom’s strategic ambitions in global tourism and international cooperation.