From the bustling energy of Djemaa el-Fna in Marrakesh to the blue-washed streets of Chefchaouen and the vast, silent beauty of the Sahara Desert, Morocco is a sensory feast that tops many travel bucket lists. For South Africans, this dream destination has become more accessible, but there's a crucial catch.
Gone are the days of mandatory embassy visits, thanks to the Moroccan e-Visa. However, the application has one critical step many travelers miss.
If you're a South African passport holder, this guide is your one-stop resource. We'll break down the exact Morocco eVisa requirements for South Africa, answer the questions you've been Googling, and ensure your application process is as smooth as a cup of traditional mint tea.
Are South Africans Eligible for the Morocco e-Visa?
Yes, but with one major condition. This is the most important part of your application.
South African citizens are not eligible for the e-Visa based on their passport alone. To apply online, you must also hold a valid multiple-entry visa OR residence permit from one of the following "high-issuance" countries:
Schengen Area countries
United States of America (USA)
United Kingdom (UK)
Australia
Canada
Japan
Ireland
New Zealand
Norway
Switzerland
Your "supporting document" (the visa or residence permit) must be valid for more than 90 days from the date you submit your Morocco e-Visa application. This is a common "real problem" that leads to instant rejection for many applicants.
What Kind of Morocco e-Visa Can I Get?
The e-Visa system is for short-term stays. As the official Morocco e-Visa application shows, you have two options:
Tourist eVisa - 180 days, Single entry
Business eVisa - 180 Days, Single entry
Both visa types have a total validity of 180 days from the date they are issued. This means you must enter Morocco within that 6-month window. However, your maximum duration of stay in Morocco is limited to 30 days from your date of entry.
Morocco e-Visa Requirements for South Africa
Before you start your application, gather these Morocco Visa Requirements. You will need clear, digital (scanned) copies of each.
Valid South African Passport: A clear scan of your passport's bio page. It must be valid for at least six months from your planned date of entry into Morocco.
Valid Supporting Document (The Critical Part): A clear scan of your valid, multiple-entry visa or residence permit from one of the countries listed above (USA, UK, Schengen, etc.). Remember, it must be valid for more than 90 days from the day you apply.
Recent Passport-Sized Photograph: A clear, recent color photo (often specified as 4x3 cm) against a plain white or light-colored background. Do not use an old photo.
How to Apply Online for Morocco e-Visa from South Africa
Ready to apply? The process is straightforward if you have the right documents.
Step 1: Complete the Online Form. Fill in your personal information, passport details, and travel plans. Double-check every entry for spelling errors.
Step 2: Upload Your Documents. This is the key step. You will upload your passport scan, your photo, and your "Supporting Doc - Valid Multiple-Entry Visa" or residence permit.
Step 3 Pay the e-Visa Fee. You will be prompted to pay the fee online with a credit or debit card.
Step 4: Submit and Wait. After payment, you will receive a confirmation email with a tracking number.
Step 5: Receive Your e-Visa. Once approved, your e-Visa will be sent as a PDF via email.
How Long Does It Take for a Morocco e-Visa?
This is a common question, and the e-Visa offers three tiers of service. These times are for processing and do not include weekends or public holidays.
Normal Processing: 3 - 6 Days
Rush Processing: 2 - 4 Days
Super Rush Processing: 1 - 2 Days (often within 24 hours)
To be safe, always apply for Morocco Visa at least two weeks before your travel date to avoid any last-minute stress.
How Much Does the Morocco e-Visa Cost?
The cost is paid in Moroccan Dirhams (MAD) and depends on the processing speed you choose.
Crucially, this fee is non-refundable. As the application states, "Any refused request is non-refundable." If your application is refused (even for a simple error), you will not get your money back.
Can I apply if my US/Schengen visa is single-entry or expires in 80 days?
No. This is the most common reason for rejection. The "supporting document" you use must be multiple-entry and must be valid for more than 90 days at the time of your application. A single-entry visa (even if unused) or a multi-entry visa that expires in 89 days will not be accepted. The system is very strict on this.
Can I Get a Visa on Arrival in Morocco as a South African?
NO. This is a critical point. Morocco does not offer a Visa on Arrival (VoA) for South African passport holders. You must obtain your e-Visa (or a traditional embassy visa) before you travel. You will be denied boarding your flight if you do not have a valid visa.
What if I don't have a US, UK, or Schengen visa?
If you do not have one of the required "supporting documents," you are not eligible for the e-Visa. Your only option is to apply for a traditional sticker visa in person at the Moroccan Embassy in Pretoria.
My e-Visa Application was Rejected! What should I do?
This is heartbreaking, but it's almost always due to a preventable error. The most common reasons for rejection are:
Supporting document was invalid: It was single-entry, valid for less than 90 days, or not from an approved country.
Blurry or incorrect documents: Your passport scan was unreadable, or your photo did not meet the strict requirements (see below).
Information mismatch: Your name was spelled differently on your application than on your passport.
Incomplete bookings: Your hotel or flight bookings didn't cover your entire trip.
If you are refused, you must submit a new application and pay the fee again. You cannot appeal the e-Visa decision. Double-check everything before you pay.
What are the exact photo requirements?
This is a major failure point. A selfie or a casual photo will be rejected. You need a proper passport-style photo with these specifications:
Size: 4x3 cm.
Background: Plain white or light-colored. No shadows or patterns.
Quality: Clear, in-focus, and high-resolution.
Pose: Facing the camera directly with a neutral expression. No smiling.
Extras: No glasses (if possible), no hats or head coverings (except for religious reasons).
My payment failed. What should I do?
Payment failures can happen, especially with international transactions.
Check with your bank: Your bank may be blocking the transaction for security. Call them to pre-authorize the payment to a Moroccan vendor.
Try a different card: Sometimes a Visa will work where a Mastercard fails, or vice-versa.
Clear your browser cache: Clear your cache and cookies, or try a different browser, before attempting payment again.
Hotel Booking vs. Invitation Letter: What's easier?
For a Tourist e-Visa, a standard hotel booking from a site like Booking.com or Agoda is the simplest and most recommended option.
An "invitation letter" (lettre d'invitation) is generally for visiting family or friends. This letter must be formally legalized by the local authorities in Morocco, which is a complicated process for your host. Unless you are staying with a family who knows this process, stick to a confirmed hotel reservation.
Do I Need to Print My Approved e-Visa?
Yes, absolutely. You must print a hard copy of your approved e-Visa document. You will need to present this printed e-Visa to the airline at check-in and to the immigration officials upon arrival in Morocco, along with your passport.
Conclusion: Your Moroccan Adventure Awaits!
The Morocco e-Visa is a fantastic, fast option for South Africans... if you meet the specific conditions. The key is that valid, multiple-entry visa or residence permit from the US, UK, or Schengen zone with more than 90 days of validity.
By following this guide, gathering the correct documents, and applying online, you're just a few clicks away from bargaining in the souks of Fez, hiking the Atlas Mountains, and sipping tea while watching the sunset over the Sahara.
