The Ministry for Developing Relations with the Kingdom of Morocco wishes to remind persons resident in Gibraltar who are planning to invite family members from Morocco to visit during the forthcoming summer holiday period that, following the implementation of the EU–UK Treaty arrangements in respect of Gibraltar, Moroccan nationals travelling to Gibraltar through Spain will be required to obtain a Schengen visa before travelling.
Family members intending to visit Gibraltar are therefore encouraged to begin the visa application process as early as possible, as appointment availability and processing times may vary, particularly during the busy summer season.
A guidance note explaining the Schengen visa application process for Moroccan citizens is attached for ease of reference. The note outlines the general application procedure and the documentation that is commonly required. Applicants should be aware that the granting of a Schengen visa remains entirely at the discretion of the competent Consular authorities, and the submission of a complete application does not in itself guarantee that a visa will be issued.
The Ministry encourages those intending to travel during the summer period to make their preparations well in advance in order to avoid disappointment and unnecessary delays.
The Government of Gibraltar remains committed to supporting the Moroccan community and to strengthening the longstanding ties between Gibraltar and the Kingdom of Morocco. Further information will be provided as it becomes available.
Please direct any enquires to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Schengen Visa Application Process for Moroccan Citizens
Introduction
Moroccan citizens who wish to travel to the Schengen Area for short stays are generally required to obtain a Schengen visa before travelling. The application process follows the common rules established under the Schengen Visa Code, while applications are examined by the consular authorities of the destination country or by their authorised visa application centres operating in Morocco.
The procedure usually involves the following steps:
Step 1: Determine the Purpose of Travel
The applicant must first identify the purpose of the intended journey, such as:
• Tourism
• Business
• Family or friend visit
• Study or training
• Medical treatment
• Cultural or sporting activities
• Other short-stay purposes
Step 2: Complete the Visa Application Form
The applicant completes the official Schengen visa application form through the relevant consular platform or the designated visa application system of the destination country, e.g. Spain, France, Italy, or any other country in the Schengen Area.
Step 3: Prepare the Required Documents
A complete application file generally includes:
• A valid passport
• Recent passport-sized photographs
• Proof of accommodation
• Travel itinerary or flight reservation
• Travel medical insurance valid throughout the Schengen Area
• Proof of sufficient financial means
• Proof of employment, business activity, or student status where applicable
• Documents supporting the purpose of travel
Additional documents may be requested depending on the applicant’s circumstances and the requirements of the Member State concerned.
Step 4: Book an Appointment
Once the documents are prepared, the applicant must schedule an appointment at the authorised visa application centre responsible for the destination country. In Morocco, these centres are operated by service providers such as TLScontact, BLS International, or VFS Global, depending on the country represented.
* Appointments are not always easy to get manually; that’s why travel agencies offer assistance to book them at different tariffs
Step 5: Submit the Application and Provide Biometrics
On the day of the appointment, the applicant generally appears in person to:
• Submit the application file
• Provide fingerprints and a facial photograph (biometric data)
• Pay the visa and service fees
Applicants who have recently provided biometric data under Schengen rules may, in certain cases, be exempt from fingerprint collection.
Step 6: Consular Examination
After submission, the application is forwarded to the competent consular authority for examination. During this stage, the authority may:
• Request additional documents
• Seek clarification
• Invite the applicant for an interview if necessary
Step 7: Decision and Passport Return
Once a decision is made, the passport is returned through the visa application centre. If the visa is granted, it is affixed to the passport. If the application is refused, the applicant is informed of the reasons for refusal and, where applicable, of the available appeal procedures.
* Important Note *
The granting of a Schengen visa remains entirely at the discretion of the competent consular authority. Submission of a complete application does not guarantee visa issuance.