Updated Travel Guidance for Brits Planning to Visit Morocco After Devastating Earthquake
Brits who are planning to travel to Morocco have been issued with updated travel guidance after the country was rocked by an earthquake. The most powerful quake to hit Morocco in 120 years, with a magnitude of 6.8, struck late on Friday, causing severe damage to buildings from villages in the Atlas Mountains to the historic city of Marrakesh.
In the wake of this disaster, authorities are urging those traveling to Morocco for leisure or to visit family and relatives to check with their airline or travel agent before setting off. The earthquake resulted in a tragic loss of life, with at least 2,862 people reported dead and over 2,500 injured, according to the Moroccan Interior Ministry. Rescue efforts are still ongoing, and the final toll will not be known until rescuers reach the remote mountain villages that were hit hardest.
Recognizing the urgent need for assistance, ActionAid UK has launched an emergency appeal to provide shelter, food, and clothing to those affected by the earthquake.
So what does the latest guidance on travel to Morocco entail? Here’s what you need to know:
Foreign Office guidance, updated on the day of the quake and still applicable as of September 12, advises travelers to follow the instructions of local authorities and keep up with local media reports. The guidance also notes that all Moroccan airports remain open, and flights to and from the UK are operating normally. Some airlines have even arranged additional seats for passengers who wish to return to the UK earlier than planned. Travelers who need to make changes to their flight plans are advised to contact their tour operators or airline companies directly.
It is crucial to communicate with accommodation providers or tour operators to confirm arrangements before departure in case of any disruption or damage resulting from the earthquake. Travelers also need to be aware that telephone networks in Morocco may experience outages, so getting in touch with family, friends, or the FCDO (Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office) could be challenging. For consular assistance, individuals can call the British Embassy Rabat or the FCDO directly.
Several airlines have also provided specific travel advice for passengers with upcoming trips to or from Morocco:
– easyJet has stated that it remains fully operational and encourages customers to check the status of their flights on their Flight Tracker or through the app. The company has been working diligently to support affected customers, offering larger planes between Marrakesh and London Gatwick and exploring repatriation options based on demand.
– Ryanair has advised affected passengers to check their Ryanair app for flight updates before heading to the airport and apologizes for any inconvenience caused.
– TUI is deeply saddened by the earthquakes and has expressed its condolences to the victims and their families. The company’s teams are on the ground, providing support to customers and collaborating with local authorities and partners to assess the situation. Customers can reach out to TUI through their contact center and the TUI app.
– British Airways (BA) has confirmed that its flights continue to operate as usual and that British Airways Holidays hotels remain unaffected. BA Holidays customers are allowed to change their travel dates or select a different destination without incurring any fees.
In summary, while Morocco recovers from the devastating earthquake, travelers should stay informed by following the advice of local authorities and checking with their airlines, tour operators, or accommodation providers. The situation is continuously evolving, and it is essential to prioritize safety and flexibility during this challenging time.
