Moroccans living abroad who plan to return home this summer will benefit from a range of new customs measures, including higher duty-free allowances, simpler vehicle procedures and new support for those looking to invest in the country.
The Customs and Indirect Tax Administration announced the measures as Morocco prepares for Operation Marhaba 2026, the annual summer transit operation that helps millions of Moroccans travel between Europe and Morocco.
This year’s operation, which runs from 15 June to 15 September, is expected to see more than 3.5 million passengers and around 800,000 vehicles cross through Moroccan ports and airports. That would be about 3% more than last year.
To handle the expected increase, authorities have boosted security, medical and administrative staff by 10%, bringing the total number of personnel involved to more than 31,500. A new digital system will also be used to monitor traffic and passenger flows in real time.
One of the main changes concerns customs exemptions for Moroccans returning permanently to the country. The duty-free allowance has been increased from MAD 30,000 to MAD 40,000.
The exemption covers personal belongings, household items and gifts that are not intended for commercial use. Customs officials said the increase reflects the impact of rising prices and inflation.
The administration has also simplified the temporary import process for vehicles.
Moroccans living abroad can now temporarily import vehicles registered with temporary registration documents, such as sales certificates or temporary foreign licence plates, through an authorised representative. Previously, the vehicle owner generally had to be present in person.
The customs authority has also launched a dedicated support unit for Moroccans abroad who want to invest in Morocco.
The unit will provide guidance on customs procedures, equipment imports and available customs schemes for investment projects. Officials say the goal is to make it easier for members of the diaspora to start businesses and invest in the Moroccan economy.
All the new measures have been included in a multilingual guide called Moroccans of the World 2026, which is available online through the customs administration’s website.
The administration also reminded eligible Moroccans abroad of an existing scheme that offers a 90% reduction in customs duties and taxes on imported passenger cars.
To qualify, applicants must be at least 60 years old, have lived abroad continuously for at least 10 years and must not have returned permanently to Morocco.
Applications must be submitted in person.
The benefit applies to passenger vehicles with up to nine seats, including petrol, diesel, hybrid and fully electric models. Motorcycles, commercial vehicles, camper vans and light trucks are not eligible.
The discount can only be used once in a person’s lifetime and applies to vehicles valued at up to MAD 300,000. Any amount above that limit is taxed under normal customs rules.
Customs officials also said the scheme cannot be combined with other customs benefits available under Morocco’s free trade agreements or other preferential programmes.
