Are you a citizen of Vanuatu dreaming of trading the turquoise waters of the Pacific for the vibrant, bustling souks of Marrakech? Perhaps you envision yourself exploring the ancient tanneries of Fes, hiking the majestic Atlas Mountains, or feeling the cool ocean breeze in the coastal town of Essaouira.
Morocco is an unforgettable destination, but for holders of a Vanuatu passport, planning this adventure requires one crucial first step: securing a visa.
You may have heard about Morocco’s new, modern electronic visa (eVisa) system and wondered, “Can I apply for Morocco Visa from Vanuatu?” The answer is a bit more complex than a simple “yes” or “no,” and it’s vital you understand the details before booking your flights.
This comprehensive guide is designed to answer every question a Vanuatuan traveler has. We’ll explain the correct visa policy, clarify the “conditional” eVisa system, and outline the exact steps and potential problems you need to be aware of.
Do Citizens of Vanuatu Need a Visa for Morocco?
Yes. This is the most important fact to establish. Holders of an ordinary Vanuatu passport are required to obtain a visa to enter Morocco.
Vanuatu is not on Morocco’s list of visa-exempt countries. You cannot travel visa-free for tourism or business. Attempting to travel without a visa will result in you being denied boarding by your airline.
The good news is that you have two potential pathways to get this visa, and one is significantly easier than the other, if you qualify.
Are Vanuatu Citizens Eligible for the Morocco eVisa?
Yes, but with a major condition. Vanuatu is on Morocco’s “List B” of countries.
This means you are only eligible to apply for Morocco eVisa if you meet one of the following two conditions:
- You hold a valid residence permit from one of the “List A” countries, and this permit is valid for at least 180 days from the date you apply for the eVisa.
- You hold a valid multiple-entry “sticker” visa from one of the “List A” countries, and this visa is valid for at least 90 days from the date you apply for the eVisa.
If you have a Vanuatu passport and a valid multiple-entry US visa, for example, you are eligible. If you have a Vanuatu passport and no other visas, you are not eligible for the eVisa and must use Path 2.
What are the requirements for a Moroccan visa?
This “List A” document is the key to your entire eVisa application. It’s the “supporting document” you will have to upload.
The “List A” countries whose visas and residence permits are accepted are:
- United States (US)
- United Kingdom (UK)
- Australia
- Canada
- Japan
- New Zealand
- Ireland
- Norway
- Any Schengen Area country (e.g., Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, etc.)
The 6-Month Passport Validity Rule Explained
This is a strict rule for both the eVisa application and for entry into Morocco. Your Vanuatu passport must have at least six (6) months of validity remaining, calculated from your intended date of arrival in Morocco.
- Example: If you plan to fly to Morocco on March 1, 2025, your passport must not expire before September 1, 2025.
- Why? If your passport expires in (for example) four months, your eVisa application will be rejected. Even if it were approved by mistake, the airline would likely deny you boarding, or you would be refused entry by Moroccan immigration. Check your passport’s expiry date before you apply.
Government or Agent: Which is the Best Way to Apply for Your Morocco eVisa?
This table highlights the fundamental differences between applying directly on the official Moroccan government portal and using the dedicated assistance service provided by Morocco-eVisa.org.
| Key Feature | Official Government Portal | Morocco-eVisa.org (Assisted Service) |
| Application Cost | Cheaper (Only the non-refundable government visa fee) | Higher (Government fee + Service Fee for expert assistance) |
| Pre-Submission Check | None. You are fully responsible for ensuring documents are legible and the form is accurate. | Mandatory Expert Review. Documents (photo, passport) and form details are checked by a team before submission. |
| Error/Correction | No flexibility. Errors usually lead to delays or outright rejection; no personal help to fix them. | High Flexibility. You are notified immediately if errors are found, and guided to make corrections before the application is submitted. |
| Dedicated Support | None. The process is self-service. | 24/7 Comprehensive Support via email, chat, and WhatsApp/call for all your questions. |
| Success Rate | Depends entirely on your accuracy and due diligence. | Claims a 99% success rate due to document pre-checking and error guidance. |
| Application Process | Can be complex, especially with unclear instructions or technical issues. | Simple, fast, and user-friendly platform designed for maximum efficiency. |
| Status Tracking | Limited official updates. | Continuous real-time status updates and priority follow-up in case of government delays. |
| Affiliation | Directly run by the Government of Morocco. | A Private Visa Assistance Agency (not affiliated with the government). |
How to fill a Morocco visa application form?
If you have confirmed you are eligible for the eVisa, congratulations! The process is fast and simple.
- Fill Out the Online Form: You will need to enter your personal details, your Vanuatu passport information, and the details of your “List A” supporting document (e.g., your Australian visa number and its validity dates).
- Upload Your Documents: You will be prompted to upload clear digital copies of your documents.
- Pay the eVisa Fee: The fee is paid securely online using a major credit or debit card.
- Wait and Receive Your eVisa: Once approved, your eVisa will be sent to you as a PDF document via email.
What documents are required for e visa in Morocco?
Before you start the online application, have these Morocco Visa Requirements and ready to upload:
- Valid Vanuatu Passport: Must be valid for at least six (6) months from your intended date of arrival in Morocco.
- Passport Bio Page Scan: A clear, high-quality scan of your passport page that shows your photo and personal information.
- The Crucial Supporting Document: A high-quality scan of your valid “List A” visa or residence permit. This is the document that proves your eligibility.
- Digital Passport-Style Photo: A recent, clear, color photo (often 4×3 cm) with a plain white background.
Morocco eVisa Photo Requirements: Getting it Right
Don’t let a simple photo error get your application rejected. The photo must be:
- Recent: Taken within the last 6 months.
- Dimensions: A standard passport photo size, typically 4cm high by 3cm wide.
- Background: Plain white, off-white, or light grey. No patterns, shadows, or other objects.
- Quality: Clear, in-focus, and in color.
- Pose: You must be facing the camera directly with a neutral expression. No hats or sunglasses.
Morocco eVisa for Families and Minors
Yes, every traveler, regardless of age, must have their own individual eVisa. This includes infants and children.
You can apply as a group on the Morocco eVisa, but each family member will need to meet the requirements. If the parents have a “List A” visa, this generally covers their minor children, but you must upload the parents’ supporting documents for each child’s application, along with the child’s own passport and photo.
Morocco eVisa Processing Time
This is one of the biggest advantages of the eVisa system.
- Normal Processing: Takes approximately 3 to 6 days — ideal for travelers applying in advance.
- Rush Processing: Completed within 2 to 4 days — suitable for those with nearer travel dates.
- Super Rush Processing: Finalized in just 1 to 2 days — perfect for urgent or last-minute trips.
Given the remote location of Vanuatu and the time differences, it is highly recommended to apply at least two weeks before your travel date to avoid any last-minute stress.
How Many Entries and How Long a Stay Does the Morocco eVisa Allow?
This is a key point to understand for planning your trip:
- Visa Validity: The eVisa is valid for 180 days (6 months) from the date it is issued. This is the “window” in which you must travel and enter Morocco.
- Duration of Stay: Once you enter Morocco, you can stay for a maximum of 30 days.
- Number of Entries: The eVisa is a single-entry visa. Once you leave Morocco, you cannot re-enter, even if you have not used your full 30 days.
You cannot stay for 180 days. You have 180 days to begin your 30-day trip.
Is There a Morocco Visa on Arrival for Vanuatu Citizens?
This is a critical, frequently asked question. The answer is an emphatic NO.
Citizens of Vanuatu are not eligible for a visa on arrival (VoA) in Morocco. You must secure either your eVisa (if eligible) or your embassy sticker visa before you travel. You will be denied boarding your flight from Australia, Fiji, or any other transit hub if you do not have a valid, pre-approved visa.
Can I Get a Transit Visa or Convert it to a Business Visa?
- Transit: If you have a long layover at a Moroccan airport (like Casablanca) and wish to leave the airport to explore, you must have a pre-approved eVisa or sticker visa. There is no separate “transit visa” that you can get on arrival for this purpose. If you stay in the international transit zone of the airport, you do not need a visa.
- Conversion: You cannot convert any visa type after arrival. A visa’s purpose is fixed when it is issued. You cannot enter on a transit-purposed visa (or even a tourist eVisa) and then decide to attend business meetings. This would be a violation of your visa conditions. You must apply for the correct visa (e.g., Business eVisa) from the beginning.
What Activities Are Allowed on a Morocco eVisa?
Your eVisa’s purpose is strict. You must only perform the activities for the visa you applied for.
- Permitted for Tourist eVisa: Tourism, sightseeing, visiting friends or family, non-business-related travel.
- Permitted for Business eVisa: Attending meetings, conferences, seminars, making contacts, exploring business opportunities.
- Strictly Prohibited on either eVisa:
- Paid Work: You cannot be employed by a Moroccan company.
- Long-Term Study: You cannot enroll in a university.
- Seeking Residency: You cannot use this visa to apply for a residence permit.
Arriving at the Border: Genuine Problems You Might Face at Immigration
Congratulations, you have your approved eVisa! However, your entry is not guaranteed. The final decision rests with the border officer. Here are genuine problems users face and how to avoid them:
Problem 1: Your eVisa is Only on Your Phone.
Do not rely on your phone. The officer may ask for a paper copy, their scanner may be offline, or your phone battery could die. Solution: You must carry a clear, high-quality printed copy of your eVisa PDF. Keep it with your passport.
Problem 2: You Forgot Your “Supporting Document.”
This is the most serious and common error. The border officer will ask to see the original “List A” document (your US visa, Schengen visa, or residence permit) that you used to get the eVisa. Solution: You must carry the exact same passport containing the supporting visa or the original residence permit card. If you don’t have it, they have the right to deny your entry, even with an approved eVisa.
Problem 3: You Can’t Answer Basic Questions.
The officer may ask simple questions like, “Where are you staying tonight?” or “When are you leaving?” Fumbling for answers on your phone looks suspicious. Solution: Have your 30-day itinerary clear in your mind. Keep printed copies of your hotel/riad reservations for the first few nights and your confirmed return flight ticket easily accessible with your passport.
What Happens if I Overstay My 30-Day eVisa?
Do not do this. Overstaying your visa in Morocco is a serious offense.
It is not as simple as paying a fine at the airport when you leave. You will likely be detained at the airport, and you will not be allowed to leave. You will have to go to a police station, pay a fine, and potentially go before a judge to get an “exit visa” to be legally allowed to depart. This process can take days or even weeks, causing you to miss your flight and banning you from future travel to Morocco.
Your Moroccan Adventure is Closer Than You Think
For Vanuatuan travelers, the path to Morocco requires a visa. The new eVisa system is a fantastic and convenient shortcut, if you hold a valid visa or residence permit from the US, UK, Schengen Area, or other “List A” countries.
If you don’t have one of those documents, the traditional path via the embassy in Australia is your clear, albeit longer, option.
By checking your eligibility, carefully preparing your documents, and being aware of the real-world problems at immigration, you’ll have your visa sorted in no time. Get ready to sip sweet mint tea in a bustling medina, hike the Atlas Mountains, and make memories that will last a lifetime. Yalla! (Let’s go!)
