Tips for an easy transition through the airport.
Marrakech Menara Airport is a beautiful airport first built in 1942 as a US airforce base. It has since been upgraded and expanded. It was finally completed in 2008, designed by E2A Architecture. It is famous for its Arabesque eco-friendly architecture with a modern terminal, which includes a cantilevered canopy designed to protect against the sun. It features a mashrabiya facade made from concrete and glass to create an attractive display of light. Marrakech airport offers a great first impression for visitors to the city.
The airport is designed so that visitors can find their way through easily. However, due to the huge volume of tourists visiting Marrakech, queues can be extremely long. It’s not uncommon to be waiting in line at passport control for up to two hours. I’ve included a few helpful tips to help you navigate your way through Marrakech Menara Airport.
1.
Don’t waste time getting off the plane. Sometimes, three or four flights will arrive at the same time, so it is a good idea to get as far forward in the queue as possible. Use the toilet on the aircraft before landing, and have a snack and drink handy in case.
There is a Marrakech airport fast-track service. This gives you priority access, skipping the queues at security check and baggage inspection.
2.
Passengers need to present a valid passport, with at least 6 months of validity left.
Passing through customs is now electronic. Have your accommodations name and address written down in case the immigrations officer asks for it. This will save time.
3.
Once you have passed through passport control into the baggage area, your flight will be clearly marked.
If your luggage hasn’t arrived, report it to the baggage reclaim office immediately. They will keep you informed and let you know when to come and collect it.
4.
Drones are not allowed to be taken into Morocco and will be confiscated by customs. It’s not worth the hassle of having to pay to retrieve it. Leave them at home.
5.
For exchanging cash, there is a Global Exchange counter in the departure hall or near the baggage claim area. Withdrawing Moroccan Dirhams from an ATM is usually the best rate. Look for Al Barid or BMCI.
6.
Pick up an Orange SIM card before exiting the airport. This will help you to find your way through the medina to your accommodation.
7.
If you want to buy alcohol or any other duty-free items, there is a last-chance shop in the baggage claim area.
8.
If you have booked a taxi through your accommodation, your driver will be waiting outside the entrance to the terminal. He will be holding up a sign with the name of your hotel or riad on. Not your name. It’s advisable to have WhatsApp as many drivers use it to contact tourists if there’s a delay.
9.
Taxis outside the airport operate at a fixed price. The National Airports Office (ONDA) has a counter outside the terminal for purchasing tickets. This is available twenty-four hours daily. The fare will depend on your destination and the time of day. You pay at the counter, not inside the taxi. The drive takes around 15 to 20 minutes.
10.
There is an airport bus, which is excellent value. It goes to the main square called Jemaa El-Fnaa, and also to Gueliz, the new town. It stops just outside the terminal.
Marrakech Menara Airport is efficient. It’s a stunning example of the kind of architecture you can expect to see in Marrakech. TGCOM24, one of Italy’s most notable news websites, awarded Marrakech Menara Airport fourth place in the international ranking for best airport. It is the only airport from North Africa and the Middle East to make it onto the list. The beautiful architectural design is just one of the reasons for its high-ranking.
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