How to get a Schengen visa from Morocco (Complete 2026 Guide)
Every year, hundreds of thousands of Moroccan residents apply for a Schengen visa to visit Europe for tourism, family reunions, studies or business. The process can feel overwhelming: booking an appointment, preparing the right documents, understanding financial rules, managing deadlines — all while refusal rates remain relatively high compared to other nationalities.
Successful applicants are usually those who prepare early, select the right consulate and submit a complete, consistent file — including the mandatory Schengen medical insurance covering at least €30,000. This guide walks you through the entire process step-by-step so you can apply with clarity and confidence.
🇲🇦 Moroccan passport holders must apply for a Schengen short-stay visa (Type C) for trips up to 90 days.
⏳ You can stay a maximum of 90 days within any 180-day period across all Schengen countries.
📊 In 2024, Moroccan applicants submitted about 606,800 Schengen visa applications, making Morocco one of the Top 5 source countries worldwide. Of these, approximately 115,774 were refused, corresponding to a 20.1 % refusal rate — far above the global average of ~14.8 %.
💶 Visa fee = €90 for adults (standard EU tariff since June 2024) — that is about 970–980 MAD — paid at the visa centre, plus a service fee charged by TLScontact, BLS International or VFS Global.
🏥 Travel medical insurance of at least €30,000 is legally required, covering medical emergencies, hospitalisation and repatriation across all Schengen countries for your full stay.
📅 Apply between 15 days and 6 months before departure — earlier is safer, especially around peak travel periods in Morocco (Ramadan & Eid, summer holidays, national holidays).
💻 Many Moroccan applicants buy their Schengen insurance online in just a few minutes and upload the certificate with their application to TLScontact, BLS or VFS Global — reducing the risk of refusal due to non-compliant insurance.
Is a Schengen visa mandatory for Moroccan citizens — and who needs it?
A Schengen visa (Type C) is mandatory for Moroccan passport holders who wish to travel to Europe for a short stay of up to 90 days for tourism, family visits, business, medical treatment or short study programs within the Schengen Area.
Without this visa, Moroccan citizens are not allowed to enter Schengen countries, even for a short visit.
Here is how Schengen visa rules apply to Moroccan travellers in practice 👇
🧳 Travel situation | 🛂 Visa type required | ⏳ Stay allowed |
|---|---|---|
🏖️ Tourism, family visit or business trip | Schengen Visa Type C | Up to 90 days in any 180-day period |
🎓 Short study program or medical treatment | Schengen Visa Type C | Up to 90/180 days |
✈️ Transit through a Schengen airport (some routes) | Airport Transit Visa (ATV) | Transit only — no entry into Schengen |
📚 Long-term study (university, language school) | National Visa Type D | More than 90 days |
💼 Work or family reunification in one EU country | National Visa Type D | Long-term residence |
🏠 Moroccan citizen already resident in Schengen | No short-stay visa needed | According to residence permit |
An Airport Transit Visa (ATV) is required for some Moroccan travellers who only change planes in airports like Paris, Madrid, Frankfurt or Amsterdam on the way to a non-Schengen country. Requirements vary by transit country, and some travellers are exempt if they hold a valid Schengen, UK, US or Canadian visa or residence permit.
An Airport Transit Visa is only for travellers who do not enter Europe but change flights inside a Schengen airport.
So the rule is simple:
- Trip under 90 days → Schengen Visa (Type C)
- Trip over 90 days → National long-stay visa (Type D)
In all short-stay cases, Moroccan travellers must include Schengen-compliant medical insurance (minimum €30,000 coverage) in their visa application file.
To help Moroccan travellers complete this requirement smoothly, the HelloSafe online journey allows you to compare Schengen-approved insurance plans, check coverage and pricing, and receive your certificate instantly in PDF format — ready to upload with your visa application at TLScontact, BLS International or VFS Global.
Get your Schengen travel insurance certificate in 2 minutes
How to get a Schengen visa from Morocco?
Applying for a Schengen visa from Morocco follows a clear administrative process. The key is preparing early, choosing the correct consulate and making sure your documents are complete and consistent — especially your financial proof and Schengen medical insurance covering at least €30,000 for the whole stay.
Here is the process step-by-step 👇
Step 1️⃣ Choose your main Schengen destination 🗺️
You must apply through the country where you will stay the longest. If the stay is split equally, apply through the country of first entry.
In Morocco, each Schengen country works with an official visa partner:
🇪🇺 Country | 🏢 Visa Centre | 📍 Moroccan Cities | 🔗 Appointment Website |
|---|---|---|---|
🇫🇷 France | TLScontact | Casablanca • Rabat • Marrakech • Fès • Tanger • Oujda • Agadir | France-Visas + TLScontact portal |
🇪🇸 Spain | BLS International | Casablanca • Rabat • Tanger • Nador • Tétouan | BLS Spain Visa portal |
🇵🇹 Portugal | BLS International | Selected cities | BLS Portugal Visa portal |
🇮🇹 Italy | VFS Global | Rabat • Tanger (and others depending on category) | VFS Italy – Morocco |
🇳🇱 Netherlands | VFS Global | Rabat • Tanger | VFS Netherlands – Morocco |
🇩🇪 Germany | VFS / TLS (depending on visa type) | Main cities | Embassy-listed partner sites |
🇨🇭 Switzerland | VFS Global | Selected centres | VFS Switzerland – Morocco |
💡 Examples
🧳 Itinerary | ✔️ Apply Through |
|---|---|
10 days Spain + 3 days France | 🇪🇸 Spain (BLS) |
5 days Italy + 5 days Germany | 🇮🇹 First entry country |
Family visit in France only | 🇫🇷 France (TLScontact) |
⚠️ This “main destination rule” is strictly applied.
Step 2️⃣ Book your visa appointment online 📅
All Schengen visa applications in Morocco are submitted by appointment only through the official websites below:
🏢 Visa Centre | 🌍 Countries Covered | 🔗 Where to Book | 🏙️ Cities in Morocco |
|---|---|---|---|
TLScontact | 🇫🇷 France (+ some Germany categories) | TLScontact platform (via France-Visas) | Casablanca • Rabat • Tanger • Marrakech • Fès • Oujda • Agadir |
BLS International | 🇪🇸 Spain • 🇵🇹 Portugal | BLS appointment portal | Casablanca • Rabat • Tanger • Nador • Tétouan |
VFS Global | 🇮🇹 Italy • 🇳🇱 Netherlands • 🇩🇪 Germany • 🇨🇭 Switzerland & others | VFS Global Morocco | Rabat • Tanger + selected locations |
Appointments can fill up quickly, especially before summer and holidays — so it’s best to reserve several weeks (or months) in advance.
Step 3️⃣ Prepare your supporting documents 📂
Your file must include:
- Completed application form
- Valid passport
- Biometric photos for Schengen visa
- Travel medical insurance (min €30,000, valid across Schengen)
- Flight reservation
- Accommodation proof
- Bank statements & financial evidence
- Employment / student documents
- Purpose of travel
- Family / social ties to Morocco
Most applicants now purchase their Schengen insurance online and add the certificate to their file before their appointment.
Step 4️⃣ Attend your appointment & submit biometrics 🖐️
During your appointment you will:
- Submit your full file
- Pay the visa & service fees
- Provide fingerprints and photo (biometrics)
- Answer basic travel questions if needed
Biometrics are usually valid for 59 months — so you may not need to repeat them on future applications.
Step 5️⃣ Wait for the decision ⏳
Schengen visa processing usually takes:
- Around 15 calendar days, or
- Up to 45 days in exceptional cases
The consulate may contact you for extra documents.
Step 6️⃣ Collect your passport & check your visa ✈️
When your passport is ready, you will receive a notification from the visa centre.
On your visa sticker, verify:
- Your name & passport number
- Validity dates
- Number of entries
- Duration of stay (days)
If everything is correct — you’re ready to travel 🎒
Which documents are required for a Schengen visa from Morocco?
To apply for a Schengen visa from Morocco, you must submit a complete and consistent file. Missing or contradictory documents are one of the most common reasons for Schengen visa refusal — so it’s worth double-checking everything before your appointment.
Here is the full checklist 👇
✔️ Schengen visa document checklist (for Moroccan applicants)
📄 Document | ✅ Required |
|---|---|
Valid Moroccan passport (3+ months after return) | ✔️ |
Completed & signed Schengen visa application form | ✔️ |
Two biometric passport photos | ✔️ |
Travel medical insurance (min €30,000 — valid in all Schengen countries) | ✔️ |
Flight reservation or travel itinerary | ✔️ |
Proof of accommodation (hotel / invitation / rental) | ✔️ |
Bank statements & financial proof | ✔️ |
Employment or study proof | ✔️ |
Civil status documents (if applicable) | ✔️ |
Previous visas (if any) | ✔️ |
Appointment confirmation & service fee receipt | ✔️ |
💡 Most Moroccan travellers now purchase their Schengen-compliant travel insurance online and include the PDF certificate directly in their visa file.
Your visa photo must follow strict biometric standards (35×45 mm format, light background, neutral expression, recent photo, no shadows or filters). Non-compliant photos are one of the most common reasons for delays or file rejection at TLScontact, BLS and VFS Global, which is why many Moroccan applicants use a dedicated Schengen visa photo guide to check the exact requirements before submitting their file.
Schengen consulates also need proof that you can finance your trip and will return to Morocco. This usually means bank statements from the last 3–6 months, proof of regular income (salary or business documents) and, if applicable, a sponsor’s letter with their bank proof.
Statements must be clear and consistent — large recent deposits or cash balances often raise doubts. Documents should be provided in French or English to avoid delays.
🏥 A quick reminder about insurance
Your file must include travel medical insurance covering at least €30,000, valid across the entire Schengen Area for the full duration of your trip.
Most applicants now buy their certificate online in a few minutes and upload the PDF when preparing their appointment — which avoids last-minute stress at TLScontact, BLS or VFS.
How much does a Schengen visa cost in Morocco?
When applying for a Schengen visa from Morocco, you pay two mandatory fees:
the EU visa fee and the service fee charged by TLScontact, BLS International or VFS Global.
Both are non-refundable, even if the visa is refused.
💳 Cost item | 💶 Amount (EUR) | 🇲🇦 Approx. amount (MAD) |
|---|---|---|
Schengen visa fee — adult | €90 | ≈ 970–980 MAD |
Schengen visa fee — child (6–11) | €45 | ≈ 485–490 MAD |
Schengen visa fee — under 6 | Free | 0 MAD |
Service fee — TLScontact (France) | — | ≈ 330 MAD |
Service fee — BLS (Spain & Portugal) | — | ≈ 180–250 MAD |
Service fee — VFS Global (Italy, NL, DE, etc.) | €25–30 | ≈ 270–325 MAD |
Optional services (SMS, courier, copies, etc.) | Variable | Variable |
👉 Typical total for an adult Moroccan applicant
≈ €115–120 → ≈ 1,250–1,300 MAD (excluding insurance and travel bookings)
These EU visa fees have applied since June 2024 and are paid directly at the visa centre.
What is Schengen travel insurance — and why is it mandatory for Moroccan applicants?
Schengen travel insurance is a compulsory medical insurance policy that Moroccan travellers must include when applying for a Schengen visa. It protects you financially if you need urgent medical treatment, hospital care or medical repatriation while travelling in Europe.
This requirement comes from the EU Visa Code, and most consulates will not process an application without valid insurance.
Here are the official minimum requirements 👇
🏥 Insurance requirement | 📌 Condition to be accepted for a Schengen visa |
|---|---|
Minimum coverage amount | At least €30,000 per person |
Geographic coverage | Valid in all Schengen countries (full area, not only one state) |
Medical emergencies | Must include emergency treatment & hospitalisation |
Repatriation | Must cover medical evacuation or repatriation to Morocco |
Trip duration | Must cover the entire stay (entry → exit) |
Policy format | Insurance certificate required — usually in English or French |
The rule exists because medical and evacuation costs in Europe can be very expensive, especially in case of serious illness or accident. Insurance ensures that travellers are properly protected — and that local healthcare systems are not financially exposed.
Today, most Moroccan applicants buy their Schengen medical insurance online before submitting their file. The certificate is generally issued instantly in PDF format, clearly states the €30,000 minimum coverage, confirms validity across all Schengen states, and can be uploaded directly to TLScontact, BLS International or VFS Global together with the rest of the application.
To make this step easier, travellers can use the HelloSafe online journey to compare Schengen-compliant insurance policies, get transparent prices and receive their certificate immediately — ready to be added to their visa application file.
Get your instant, compliant Schengen visa certificateWhere should Moroccans apply for a Schengen visa — and which country is the easiest?
Moroccan applicants submit their Schengen visa files through official visa centres, not directly at most embassies. The partner you use depends on the country you are travelling to.
Where to apply in Morocco 🌍
🏢 Visa partner | 🇪🇺 Countries covered | 📍 Centres in Morocco |
|---|---|---|
TLScontact | France | Casablanca • Rabat • Tanger • Marrakech • Fès • Oujda • Agadir |
BLS International | Spain • Portugal | Casablanca • Rabat • Tanger • Nador • Tétouan |
VFS Global | Italy • Netherlands • Germany • Switzerland • others | Rabat • Tanger (plus selected categories) |
Appointments are booked online only on the official portals of these providers.
Is any Schengen country easier for Moroccans?
There is no officially easier country. Approval mainly depends on:
- Your financial proof and ties to Morocco
- A complete and consistent file
- Your travel purpose and history
France and Spain receive the most Moroccan applications simply because they are the most visited, but choosing another country does not guarantee higher approval.
How to choose the right consulate 🧭
🧳 Your itinerary | 🛂 Where to apply |
|---|---|
One Schengen country | That country |
Several countries, one longest stay | Country of longest stay |
Several countries, equal stays | First entry country |
This main destination rule is strictly applied. Once selected, you book your appointment via TLScontact, BLS or VFS and submit your full file, including Schengen-compliant travel insurance.
What is the Schengen visa processing time in Morocco?
Once a Moroccan applicant submits their file at TLScontact, BLS International or VFS Global, the Schengen visa is usually processed in about 15 calendar days. However, in practice, the full process often takes 30 to 45 days — mainly because appointment slots are difficult to get.
⏳ Stage | 📌 Typical timeframe |
|---|---|
Consulate review | ≈ 15 days |
Extra checks or missing documents | Up to 45 days |
Passport return | 1–3 days after decision |
When delays are longest in Morocco
In Casablanca, Rabat, Tanger, Marrakech, Fès, Oujda and Agadir, appointment availability becomes very limited during major Moroccan travel periods:
📆 Period | 🇲🇦 Why demand peaks |
|---|---|
Ramadan & Eid al-Fitr | Family visits to Europe |
Eid al-Adha (Aid Kbir) | Major travel period |
June–August | Summer holidays & diaspora travel |
September–October | Students and families |
November (6 & 18) | National holidays |
December | Christmas & year-end travel |
During these periods, applicants — especially for France (TLScontact) and Spain (BLS) — may wait several weeks just to book an appointment.
Realistic timeline for Moroccan applicants
🧾 Step | ⏰ What to expect |
|---|---|
Book appointment | Days to weeks |
Visa processing | 15–45 days |
Collect passport | 1–3 days |
👉 In practice, many Moroccan travellers should plan for 4 to 8 weeks in total from the moment they start booking their appointment.
What is the Schengen visa refusal rate for Moroccans — and how can you improve your chances of approval?
Moroccan travellers face a higher refusal rate compared with many parts of the world — in 2024 about 20.1 % of Moroccan Schengen visa applications were refused, which is above the global average (≈ 14.8 %) and reflects regional challenges in documentation and consistency.
Below is a breakdown of the main reasons Schengen visas are refused, based on the latest HelloSafe analysis of rejection patterns and common consular feedback in North Africa (including Morocco) — this helps explain why files are often rejected and where improvements can be made:
⚠️ Refusal reason | 📊 Approx. share of refusals in North Africa | 📌 What it means for your application |
|---|---|---|
Insufficient financial resources | ~ 25–28 % | Bank statements too low or inconsistent to prove you can support your trip and return. |
Non-compliant travel insurance | ~ 15 % | Policy does not meet Schengen rules (€30,000, area, duration). |
Doubts about return to home country | ~ 10–18 % | “Motive 8” — perceived weak ties to Morocco (job, family, property). |
Weak or unclear travel purpose | ~ 9–10 % | Incomplete itinerary or vague justification of trip. |
Other documentation issues | Remaining % | Missing papers, mismatched dates, passport issues, etc. |
📍 These patterns show that financial proof and insurance compliance together account for a large portion of refusals, and that consulates pay close attention to how well your documents support your stated purpose and ties to Morocco.
How to improve your chances of success
Based on the trends above, the strongest applications generally include:
- Clear, traceable bank statements for at least 3–6 months (avoiding erratic deposits).
- Schengen-compliant travel insurance covering €30,000 minimum, valid for the entire stay and all Schengen states.
- Strong proof of ties to Morocco (employment letter, property, family obligations).
- A coherent, plausible travel plan (accommodation, transport, schedule).
- Complete documents submitted via official centres (TLScontact / BLS International / VFS Global).
In practice, Moroccan applicants who focus on these areas are far more likely to receive approval, because they reduce the main sources of doubt for visa officers. Including a valid insurance certificate from the start of your application signals compliance and planning — both factors that consulates interpret positively.
FAQ
Yes. Moroccan citizens must apply for a Schengen short-stay visa (Type C) for tourism, family visits, business trips or short study programs up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
You can apply up to 6 months before your departure date, and no later than 15 days before travelling.
Because appointments are often hard to secure around Ramadan, Eid, summer holidays and year-end, most applicants start 1–3 months in advance.
Applications are submitted through authorised visa partners:
- TLScontact → mainly France
- BLS International → Spain & Portugal
- VFS Global → Italy, Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland and others
You must use the centre corresponding to your main destination country.
Once your file is officially submitted, processing usually takes around 15 days, but it can extend to 45 days.
Including appointment delays, the full process often lasts 4–8 weeks.
Recent data shows refusal rates of around 19–23% depending on the year and consulate.
Many refusals relate to financial proof or doubts about the applicant returning to Morocco (“motive 8”).
Yes. You must provide Schengen-compliant medical insurance covering at least €30,000, valid for all Schengen countries and for the entire duration of your stay.
Fees currently are:
€90 for adults → ≈ 970–980 MAD
€45 for children aged 6–11 → ≈ 485–490 MAD
Free for children under 6 → 0 MAD
Plus a service fee charged by TLScontact, BLS or VFS → ≈ 180 to 330 MAD depending on the centre
All fees are non-refundable, even if the visa is refused.
No, most consulates accept a flight reservation or itinerary.
Avoid purchasing non-refundable tickets before your visa is approved.
Yes. Biometrics are normally required from age 12 and above, but once recorded they remain valid for 59 months, unless retaking is necessary.
Yes. A Schengen visa generally allows travel across the entire Schengen Area, provided you applied through the main destination country and respect your authorised stay.
Sometimes, depending on the transit country and your status.
You must check the rules of the country where you connect (for example France, Germany, Spain or the Netherlands).
Yes. A sponsor may cover costs, but their financial proof must be provided, and your own ties to Morocco must still be clear.
- Strong proof of ties to Morocco (employment, studies, family, property)
- Clear and realistic travel plan
- Consistent bank statements over 3–6 months
- Honest and complete documentation
- Valid Schengen-compliant insurance
You will receive a refusal letter stating the reason.
Depending on the country, you may appeal or reapply with a stronger file.
Visa and service fees are not refunded.
Some insurers offer refund-on-refusal options. Always check the policy conditions.
Yes. Many applicants now purchase insurance fully online in a few minutes and receive the certificate instantly in PDF format for upload to TLScontact, BLS or VFS.
The HelloSafe online journey helps Moroccan travellers compare Schengen-compliant insurance policies, view transparent prices and obtain the certificate immediately — ready to attach to their visa application.

