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Areas where FCDO advises against all travelÌýÌý

FCDO advises against all travel to:Ìý

• Areas in Western Sahara within 30km North and West of ‘the Bermâ€� boundary line
• Areas in Western Sahara the territory south and east of ‘the Bermâ€� boundary line

Western Sahara is a disputed territory. The Berm is the militarised boundary between Moroccan-controlled Western Sahara and territory to the east controlled by the Polisario Front.

Find out more about why FCDO advises against travel.ÌýÌý

Before you travelÌý

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to:Ìý

• ²õ±ð±ðÌýgeneral advice for women travellers
• read our guide on disability and travel abroad
• ²õ±ð±ðÌýgeneral advice for LGBT+ travellers
• read aboutÌýsafety for solo and independent travel
• see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad

Travel insuranceÌý

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.Ìý

About FCDO travel adviceÌýÌý

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.ÌýÌý

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This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizenâ€� passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Western Sahara’s current rules for the most common types of travel.Ìý

The authorities in Western Sahara set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the . ÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌý

Passport validity requirementsÌý

Your passport must be valid for the proposed duration of your stay.

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.ÌýÌý

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.Ìý

Visa requirementsÌý

You can travel without a visa for visits to the Moroccan-administered parts of Western Sahara and Morocco for up to 90 days. Ìý

Travel is restricted. Organised groups are generally permitted, but independent travellers could be turned back at the border.ÌýÌý

When first arriving in Morocco/Western Sahara, make sure you get a passport stamp from the Moroccan border control authorities. You may have difficulty leaving the country without a stamp.ÌýÌý

Vaccine requirementsÌýÌý

For details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see .Ìý

Customs rulesÌý

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Western Sahara. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.ÌýCheck (in French) for the Moroccan-administered parts of Western Sahara.

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There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.ÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌý

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.Ìý

Terrorism in Western SaharaÌý

Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreign nationals. Stay aware of your surroundings, keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities.Ìý

Political situationÌýÌý

Western Sahara is on the UN list of Non-Self-Governing Territories and the subject of a UN-mediated dispute. The UN Peacekeeping mission for Western Sahara, MINURSO, has been operating in the country since 1991. A ceasefire between Morocco and the Polisario Front broke down in 2020. Irregular skirmishes continue to take place between the 2 sides, sometimes resulting in civilian casualties.Ìý

Most of Western Sahara is under administration of Morocco, which closely monitors and controls access to the territory. You should avoid political gatherings and demonstrations.Ìý

Follow any media reporting and instructions from local security authorities.ÌýÌý

Laws and cultural differencesÌýÌý

Western Sahara is predominantly Muslim. Always respect local traditions, customs, laws and religion. Make sure your actions do not offend, especially during the holy month of Ramadan or if you plan to visit religious areas.ÌýÌý

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Ramadan is a holy month for Muslims. The dates vary by year and country, so check when Ramadan is in Western Sahara before you go. During this time, do not:Ìý

• eat, drink, smoke or chew gum in public in the daytime, including in your car
• play loud music or dance
• swear in public

Get more advice when you arrive from your tour guide, hotel or business contacts.Ìý

You should also:Ìý

• check opening hours of shops and restaurants
• be aware that if hotels and restaurants are providing food or drink in fasting hours, they may separate you from Islamic guests, for example with screens
• follow local dress codes â€� clothing that doesn’t meet local dress codes may cause more offence at this time
• be aware that driving may be erratic, particularly when people are trying to get home at dusk

Laws against religious conversionÌýÌý

It is illegal to attempt to convert any Muslim to another faith or to distribute evangelical literature, such as Arabic-language bibles. Attempting to convert a Muslim to another faith is punishable by fines or up to 3 years in prison.Ìý

Criticism of Islam on public platforms, in print or online media, or in public speeches is punishable by heavy fines and up to 2 years in prison.Ìý

Sexual relations outside of marriageÌý

Sexual activity between unmarried people and adultery are illegal â€� this includes sharing a hotel room. Ìý

The law against unmarried people sharing a hotel room does not generally apply to visiting foreign nationals, particularly in popular tourist areas. Ìý

LGBT+ travellersÌý

Same-sexÌýsexual activity is illegal. Be sensitive to local laws and customs and avoid showing affection in public. Complaints can lead to prosecution.ÌýÌýÌý

See more advice for LGBT+ travellers.Ìý

Women travellersÌý

Women may receive unwanted attention from men, especially when travelling alone. Consider wearing loose-fitting clothing which cover the arms, legs and chest. See advice for women travelling abroad.Ìý

Alcohol lawsÌý

Licensed hotels, restaurants and bars serve alcohol in tourist areas. Drinking alcohol in the street or anywhere other than licensed premises is illegal and can lead to arrest.Ìý

Transport risksÌýÌý

Road travelÌýÌý

If you are planning to drive in Western Sahara, see information on driving abroad.Ìý

You’ll need to have both the 1968 version of the international driving permit (IDP) and your UK driving licence with you in the car. You cannot buy an IDP outside the UK, so get one before you travel.Ìý

If you are staying in Western Sahara for longer than one year, you must apply for aÌý.

If you’re planning to hire a car, check with your car hire company for information on their requirements before you travel.Ìý

Drive carefully, especially when:Ìý

• driving at night, which be particularly dangerous due to poor lighting
• weather conditions are poor on secondary routes and mountain roads
• overtaking lorries and trucks that are overloaded and when there is no hard shoulder

This section has safety advice for regions of Western Sahara. It only covers regions where the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has specific advice.ÌýÌý

You should also read FCDO’s overall travel advice and safety and security advice.

Landmines and unexploded weaponsÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌý

A militarised boundary known as ‘the Berm� separates the Moroccan-administered part of Western Sahara from the rest of the territory. There are 30km militarised zones either side of the Berm containing landmines. There have been many fatalities in these zones.

FCDO advises against all travel to:Ìý

• within 30km of the Berm boundary lineÌý
• the territory south and east of the Berm boundary lineÌý

The eastern side of the Berm is sparsely populated with no diplomatic presence from any country.ÌýThere are other types of unexploded weapons in this area.

In remote areas:Ìý

• keep to main roads and stay alert
• if you drive off the main roads, keep to clearly identifiable tracks
• do not touch any metal or plastic objectsÌýÌý

Before you travel check that:Ìý

• your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
• you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.Ìý

Emergency medical numberÌý

Call 150 and ask for an ambulance.Ìý

Contact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.Ìý

Vaccine recommendations and health risksÌý

At least 8 weeks before your trip:ÌýÌý

• check the latest
• see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the

See .

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The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.Ìý

Read .Ìý

Healthcare in Western SaharaÌý

Medical facilities are adequate in the main cities â€� Laayoune, Dhakla and Smara â€� all of which have hospitals, clinics and pharmacies. For more sophisticated medical treatment, including scans, you will need to go to a major centre in Morocco or the Canary Islands.ÌýÌý

Medical facilities are almost non-existent in desert areas. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.Ìý

Travel and mental healthÌý

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also .Ìý

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.Ìý

Emergency services in Western SaharaÌý

Telephone: 150 (ambulance, fire, police)Ìý

Contact your travel provider and insurerÌý

Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.Ìý

Refunds and changes to travelÌý

For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.Ìý

Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:Ìý

• where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider
• how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim

Support from FCDOÌý

FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:Ìý

• getting help if you’re aâ€�victim of crime
• what to do if you’reâ€�in hospital
• if you’re affected by a crisis, such as a terrorist attack

ContactingÌýFCDOÌý

Help abroad �

SeeÌýÌýincluding in an emergency.Ìý

Help in the UKÌýÌý

You can call�FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad. �

Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours) �

Find out about call charges

Get travel advice updates �

Sign up to�get email notifications when this travel advice is updated. �

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