Area Code 531 – Tangier/Al Hoceima/Larache/Tètouan/Chefchaouen

Geographic Coverage and Administrative Jurisdiction

The Moroccan national destination code (NDC) 531 is a geographic area code assigned to the northwestern region of the Kingdom of Morocco, specifically covering the provinces of Tangier, Al Hoceima, Larache, Tétouan, and Chefchaouen. This region is part of the Tangier-Tétouan-Al Hoceima administrative division, one of the twelve regions of Morocco. The code serves both fixed-line PSTN and VoIP services, with numbers typically having a total length of 9 digits when dialed nationally, including the trunk prefix '0' (e.g., 0531 XX XX XX). Internationally, the number is dialed as +212 531 XX XX XX, omitting the leading '0'.

Primary Cities and Local Dialing

The code 531 covers major urban centers such as Tangier (the economic capital of northern Morocco), Tétouan, Al Hoceima, Larache, and Chefchaouen. These cities are significant for commerce, tourism, and industry, with Tangier being a major port and free trade zone. Local callers within the same area code can dial the 9-digit number directly (starting with 0531) without any additional prefix. For calls from other regions within Morocco, callers must dial the trunk prefix '0' followed by the area code and subscriber number (e.g., 0531 XX XX XX).

International Dialing Instructions

For international callers, the correct format is +212 531 XX XX XX. The plus sign represents the international access code, which varies by country (e.g., 00 in most European countries, 011 in the United States). When calling from a mobile phone, the plus sign can be used directly. It is crucial to omit the leading '0' of the national trunk prefix when dialing from abroad. For example, a number in Tangier might be 0531 45 67 89 nationally, but internationally it is +212 531 45 67 89.

Overlay and Numbering Considerations

As of the latest ITU-T E.164 national numbering plan, Morocco does not have an overlay code for the 531 region; the code is exclusive to the geographic area. However, number portability is available for fixed-line services, allowing subscribers to retain their numbers when changing operators within the same geographic area. This means that a number starting with 531 may be served by any licensed fixed-line operator, not necessarily the incumbent. When dialing, callers should be aware that the subscriber number length is 6 digits after the area code, making the total national significant number (NSN) 9 digits (including the trunk prefix).

Practical Examples

• Local call (within Tangier): 0531 45 67 89
• National call (from Casablanca): 0531 45 67 89
• International call (from France): +212 531 45 67 89
• International call (from USA): 011 212 531 45 67 89