Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).
\nFCDO advises against all travel to:
\n\nWestern 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. Cross border rocket fire has occurred which cannot be ruled out in the future.
\n\nFind out more about why FCDO advises against travel.
\n\nNo travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to:
\n\nIf you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.
\n\nThe Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.
\n\nSign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.
\n\nFollow FCDO:
\n\n\n\n","slug":"warnings-and-insurance","title":"Warnings and insurance "},{"body":"This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ 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.
\n\nThe authorities in Western Sahara set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Moroccan Consulate General in the UK.
\n\nYour passport must be valid for the proposed duration of your stay.
\n\nCheck with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.
\n\nYou 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.
\n\nWhen returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.
\n\nYou can travel without a visa for visits to the Moroccan-administered parts of Western Sahara and Morocco for up to 90 days.
\n\nTravel is restricted. Organised groups are generally permitted, but independent travellers could be turned back at the border.
\n\nMake sure you get your passport stamped.
\nWhen 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.
\n\nFor details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Western Sahara guide.
\n\nThere 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. Check Moroccan customs rules (in French) for the Moroccan-administered parts of Western Sahara.
\n\n","slug":"entry-requirements","title":"Entry requirements"},{"body":"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.
\n\nUK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.
\n\nTerrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks in Western Sahara.
\nAttacks 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.
\n\nWestern 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.
\n\nMost of Western Sahara is under administration of Morocco, which closely monitors and controls access to the territory. You should avoid political gatherings and demonstrations.
\n\nFollow any media reporting and instructions from local security authorities.
\n\nWestern 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.
\n\nRamadan 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:
\n\nGet more advice when you arrive from your tour guide, hotel or business contacts.
\n\nYou should also:
\n\nIt 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.
\n\nCriticism 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.
\n\nSexual activity between unmarried people and adultery are illegal – this includes sharing a hotel room.
\n\nThe law against unmarried people sharing a hotel room does not generally apply to visiting foreign nationals, particularly in popular tourist areas.
\n\nSame-sex sexual activity is illegal. Be sensitive to local laws and customs and avoid showing affection in public. Complaints can lead to prosecution.
\n\nSee more advice for LGBT+ travellers.
\n\nWomen 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.
\n\nLicensed 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.
\n\nIf you are planning to drive in Western Sahara, see information on driving abroad.
\n\nYou’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.
\n\nIf you are staying in Western Sahara for longer than one year, you must apply for a Moroccan driving licence.
\n\nIf you’re planning to hire a car, check with your car hire company for information on their requirements before you travel.
\n\nDrive carefully, especially when:
\n\nThis section has safety advice for regions of Western Sahara. It only covers regions where the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has specific advice.
\n\nYou should also read FCDO’s overall travel advice and safety and security advice.
\n\nA 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. Cross border rocket fire has occurred which cannot be ruled out in the future.
\n\nFCDO advises against all travel to:
\n\nThe eastern side of the Berm is sparsely populated with no diplomatic presence from any country. There are other types of unexploded weapons in this area.
\n\nIn remote areas:
\n\nBefore you travel check that:
\n\nThis is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.
\n\nCall 150 and ask for an ambulance.
\n\nContact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.
\n\nAt least 8 weeks before your trip:
\n\nSee what health risks you’ll face in Western Sahara.
\n\nThe legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.
\n\nRead best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.
\n\nMedical 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.
\n\nMedical 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.
\n\nRead FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.
\n\n","slug":"health","title":"Health"},{"body":"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.
\n\nTelephone: 150 (ambulance, fire, police)
\n\nContact 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.
\n\nFor 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.
\n\nFind out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:
\n\nFCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:
\n\nSee how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency.
\n\nYou can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.
\n\nTelephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)
\n\n\n\nSign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.
\n\nFollow FCDO:
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