Western Sahara
Health
Before you travel check that:
- 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.
Emergency medical number
Call 150 and ask for an ambulance.
Contact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.
Vaccine recommendations and health risks
At least 8 weeks before your trip:
- check the latest vaccine recommendations for Western Sahara
- see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page
See what health risks you’ll face in Western Sahara.
Medication
The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.
Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.
Healthcare in Western Sahara
Medical facilities are adequate in the main cities – Laayoune, Dhakla and Smara – 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.
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.
Travel and mental health
Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.