Dreaming of the vibrant souks of Marrakech, the blue-washed streets of Chefchaouen, or the vast, starry skies of the Sahara Desert? Morocco is a feast for the senses, and for Armenian travelers, that dream is more accessible than ever.
In 2022, the Kingdom of Morocco launched its electronic visa (eVisa) system, streamlining the travel process for citizens of many countries. But as an Armenian passport holder, you might be asking: "Am I eligible?" and "How does it work?"
The answer is yes, Armenian citizens can apply for Morocco eVisa, but there is a crucial condition.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from the special eligibility requirements for Armenians to the step-by-step application process, document checklists, and the alternative visa options if you don't qualify for the eVisa.
Do Armenian Citizens Need a Visa for Morocco?
Yes, absolutely. Armenian passport holders are required to obtain a visa before traveling to Morocco. You cannot enter Morocco visa-free or get a standard visa on arrival just by showing your Armenian passport. The good news is that you have two main pathways: the new eVisa or the traditional embassy visa.
Is Armenia on the Morocco eVisa Eligible Country List?
This is the most important question. The answer is nuanced: Yes, but conditionally.
Armenia is not on Morocco's "Group 1" list of countries (like Thailand or Israel) whose citizens can apply for an eVisa directly, no-questions-asked.
Instead, Armenia is in a "Group 2" or "conditional" category. This means you are only eligible to apply for the Morocco eVisa if you meet a specific requirement.
What Are the Special Conditions for Armenians Applying for a Morocco eVisa?
To be eligible for the Morocco eVisa, an Armenian citizen must hold one of the following "golden ticket" documents:
A valid, multiple-entry visa from one of these countries:
United States (USA)
United Kingdom (UK)
Schengen Area
Australia
Canada
Ireland
New Zealand
Japan
A valid residence permit (valid for at least 180 days) from one of the same countries listed above.
If you have one of these valid documents in your passport, you can use the simple online Morocco eVisa. If you do not, you must apply for a traditional visa.
How Long Must My Supporting Visa (Schengen/USA) Be Valid For?
This is a critical detail. As shown in the application, your supporting document has a minimum validity requirement.
If you are using a supporting visa (e.g., from the USA or Schengen Area), it must be valid for more than 90 days from your date of application.
If you are using a residence permit, it must be valid for at least 180 days.
An expired visa or one that is about to expire will not be accepted.
Who is Eligible for the Morocco eVisa from Armenia?
Let's break it down with simple examples:
You ARE eligible if you are an Armenian citizen with a valid 1-year B1/B2 US tourist visa.
You ARE eligible if you are an Armenian citizen living in Germany with a valid 1-year EU residence permit.
You ARE eligible if you have a 6-month multiple-entry UK visitor visa (as it's valid for more than 90 days).
You are NOT eligible if you only have an Armenian passport and no other valid visas or residence permits from the listed countries.
You are NOT eligible if your Schengen visa is single-entry or has less than 90 days of validity remaining.
Morocco eVisa Documents: What to Upload vs. What to Have
Morocco Visa Requirement is the most important part of your application. There is a key difference between the few documents you upload and the documents you must possess (and certify that you have).
Documents You Must Upload During Your Morocco Visa Application:
You will only need to upload clear digital copies (scans or photos) of three items:
Your Armenian Passport Bio Page: The page with your photo and information. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months.
A Passport-Sized Photograph: A recent, color photo with a white background.
Your Supporting Document: A clear scan of your valid visa or residence permit (from the US, UK, Schengen, etc.) that makes you eligible.
Documents You Must Have for Morocco (and Certify You Possess):
During the application, you must check a box to certify that you have the following, even though you don't upload them. You may be asked to show proof of these upon arrival in Morocco.
Hotel Reservation or an Invitation: You must have confirmed accommodation for your stay.
Return Ticket: You must have a confirmed flight (or other ticket) to leave Morocco.
Sufficient Financial Means: You must certify that you have a minimum of 70 EUR per day for the duration of your stay.
How to Apply for the Morocco eVisa from Armenia?
The Morocco eVisa Application process is designed to be simple and can be completed from your home.
Fill Out the Application Form: You will enter your personal information, passport details, and select your visa type (e.g., "Tourist eVisa" or "Business eVisa").
Upload Your Documents: This is where you will upload the three items listed above (passport, photo, supporting visa/permit).
Certify Your Declarations: You will be asked to agree to the terms, including that you have a return ticket, hotel booking, and sufficient funds (70 EUR/day).
Pay the eVisa Fee: The fee is paid online using a major credit card.
Submit and Wait: After payment, your application is submitted for review. You will receive a confirmation email with a tracking number.
Receive Your eVisa: Once approved, your eVisa will be sent to your email as a PDF document. You must print this document and present it to immigration upon arrival in Morocco.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Moroccan eVisa?
Morocco offers three processing speeds, as shown:
Normal Processing: This is the cheapest option and typically takes 3 to 6 business days.
Rush Processing: For those in a hurry, this option usually delivers the eVisa in 2 to 4 business days.
Super Rush Processing: If you have an urgent trip, this is the fastest (and most expensive) option, with processing often completed within 1 to 2 business days.
It is always recommended to apply at least two weeks before your flight.
Morocco eVisa Validity and Types
Tourist eVisa vs. Business eVisa
The Morocco application offers two main types: "Tourist eVisa" and "Business eVisa." For most travelers, the purpose is the only difference:
Tourist eVisa: For leisure, sightseeing, and visiting family.
Business eVisa: For professional activities like meetings, conferences, or industry events.
The core requirements (supporting visa, passport, etc.) and validity are the same for both.
Validity and Duration of Stay
No matter which type you choose, the Morocco eVisa is a single-entry visa.
Validity: It is valid for 180 days (6 months) from the date it is issued.
Duration of Stay: It allows you to stay in Morocco for a maximum of 30 days on your trip.
What If I Am Not Eligible for the Morocco eVisa?
This is a critical point. If you are an Armenian citizen without a valid visa or residence permit from the specified countries, you cannot use the eVisa system.
Do not worry, this does not mean you can't visit Morocco. It simply means you must apply for a traditional "sticker visa" at a Moroccan embassy or consulate.
Applying for a Traditional Morocco Visa from Armenia
Since there is no Moroccan embassy in Armenia, Armenian citizens must typically apply through the Embassy of the Kingdom of Morocco in Warsaw, Poland.
This process is more complex and requires significantly more documentation, including all the items you must certify for the eVisa (bank statements, flight bookings, hotel reservations) to be submitted upfront.
What Are the Most Common Reasons for eVisa Rejection?
While the eVisa is simple, rejections can happen. The most common reasons are:
Ineligible Supporting Document: Your Schengen/US visa was expired, single-entry, or had less than 90 days of validity.
Blurry or Unclear Scans: Your passport photo, bio page, or supporting visa scan was unreadable.
Information Mismatch: The name on your application doesn't exactly match the name on your passport.
Wrong Document Type: You uploaded a photo of your driver's license instead of your residence permit.
Can I Get a Morocco Visa on Arrival?
For Armenian citizens, a standard visa-on-arrival is not available. You must secure either an eVisa or a traditional embassy visa before you travel.
Top Tips for a Successful Morocco eVisa Application
Book Refundable Options: Since you must certify you have a hotel and return flight, it's wise to book refundable or flexible options before you apply.
Check Your Dates: Double-check that your passport is valid for 6+ months and your supporting visa is valid for 90+ days.
High-Quality Scans: Use a scanner or a good scanning app. Do not submit a blurry, dark photo of your documents.
Check Your Spam Folder: After applying, be sure to check your email's spam or junk folder for your approved eVisa.
What Happens When I Arrive in Morocco with My eVisa?
When you land at a Moroccan airport (like Marrakech or Casablanca), you will proceed to the immigration counter. You must present:
Your Armenian Passport.
Your Printed Morocco eVisa. (It is highly recommended to have a physical paper copy, not just on your phone).
The immigration officer may also ask to see the documents you certified you had:
Your supporting visa/residence permit (so have your passport ready).
Your hotel reservation.
Your return flight ticket.
Proof of financial means (a recent bank statement or credit card).
Have these documents easily accessible in your carry-on luggage.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Do I need to book my flights and hotels before I apply?
A: The application requires you to certify that you have them. While you don't upload them, it is highly recommended to have at least refundable bookings made before you apply to be truthful in your declaration. You may be asked for this proof on arrival.
Q: How much money do I need to show?
A: The application requires you to certify that you have "sufficient financial means," which is specified as a minimum of 70 EUR per day of your stay.
Q: So, can I apply for a Morocco eVisa with just my Armenian passport?
A: No. You can only apply if your Armenian passport is accompanied by a valid visa or residence permit from the USA, UK, Schengen Area, Canada, Australia, etc.
Q: What's easier, the eVisa or the embassy visa?
A: The eVisa is infinitely easier, faster, and requires fewer documents uploaded. If you are eligible for it, it is the highly recommended option.
Q: Do my children need a separate eVisa?
A: Yes. Every individual traveler, regardless of age, must have their own separate eVisa. You will need to submit a separate application for each child, using their passport and their own (if applicable) supporting documents.
Have a wonderful trip to Morocco!
