Western Sahara

Recommended Vaccinations For Western Sahara

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis B Vaccine

There is a significant risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

Hepatitis A Vaccine

There is a significant risk of exposure to hepatitis A for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

For Some Travellers

Rabies Vaccine

Vaccination against rabies is recommended for travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, bikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) who may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk and should be vaccinated.

Typhoid Fever Vaccine

There is a risk of exposure to typhoid fever in this country through consumption of unsafe food and water. Since exposure to unsafe sources is variable within this country, the vaccination against typhoid fever is generally recommended, especially when visiting smaller cities or rural areas, where food and water sources may be contaminated.

Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) Vaccine

A BCG vaccine is recommended for all unvaccinated adults and children under 16 years of age, staying in the country for more than 3 months. A tuberculin skin test is required prior to administering vaccination for all children from 6 years of age.

Recommended Medications For Western Sahara

There are no recommendations for Western Sahara at this time.

Diseases To Be Aware of for Western Sahara

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis A

There is a significant risk for hepatitis A virus exposure in Western Sahara through contaminated food or water.

Hepatitis B

There is a significant risk for acquiring hepatitis B in Western Sahara.

For Some Travellers

Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis occurs in Western Sahara. Travellers to Western Sahara are at risk for tuberculosis if visiting sick friends or family, working in the health care field, or having close prolonged contact with the general population.

Typhoid Fever

Unvaccinated people can become infected through contaminated food and water in Western Sahara, especially when visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where food and water sources may be contaminated.

Rabies

Rabies occurs in Western Sahara. Bats may also carry rabies-like viruses. Travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, bikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) may have direct contact with rabid dogs and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk.

Safety & Security in Western Sahara

Personal Safety

Western Sahara is a disputed territory where Morocco controls roughly 80% of the western area and the Polisario Front administers the eastern section. A 2,700 km earthen wall called the Berm separates these zones. The Moroccan-controlled areas have more developed infrastructure and are safer for visitors, though tensions remain. A ceasefire that held from 1991 broke down in 2020, and irregular skirmishes continue between Moroccan forces and the Polisario Front, sometimes causing civilian casualties. Terrorists are likely to attempt attacks, and these could target places visited by foreign nationals. The territory is predominantly Muslim. You need to respect local traditions, customs, and religious practices. Moroccan authorities closely monitor and control access to the territory and treat it as part of Morocco. You will encounter many military checkpoints, especially on the main roads. Always stop at checkpoints unless clearly waved through, and carry identification documents. You should avoid all political gatherings, demonstrations, and expressions of support for Sahrawi independence, as authorities treat these as serious offenses punishable by law. Moroccan security forces can turn violent when dispersing protests, and arbitrary detentions occur. Petty crime like pickpocketing occurs in urban areas. Armed robberies with knives happen occasionally and have resulted in injuries and deaths. Credit card fraud and ATM theft are common problems.

Extreme Violence

Unexploded landmines pose the most significant extreme danger in Western Sahara. An estimated seven to nine million landmines contaminate the territory, making it one of the most heavily mined places on Earth. The Berm and areas within 30 km on either side contain particularly heavy concentrations of antipersonnel and antitank mines. Fatalities from unexploded ordnance occur every year. Landmines have shifted over decades due to wind, rain, and flooding, making even previously cleared areas potentially dangerous. Remote regions, hilltops, and areas around oases were deliberately mined during the conflict. Stay strictly on well-traveled roads and paved surfaces. Never venture into unmarked desert areas, even if they appear close to main routes. If you see stones arranged in circles, they mark explosive hazards. The buffer zone between Moroccan and Polisario-controlled areas is particularly deadly and completely off-limits to civilians. The 1991 ceasefire that created this demilitarized strip prohibits all unauthorized entry, and both military forces heavily patrol it. UN peacekeepers monitor the area but cannot guarantee civilian safety. Areas near the Algerian and Mauritanian borders also contain significant mine threats. The no-man’s land at the Mauritanian border crossing is especially hazardous. Only cross this zone during daylight in convoy with other vehicles and stay on the marked road. The old Spanish Road dating to before 1975 appears on some maps but leads directly into minefields and sand dunes. Do not follow it.

Political Unrest

Western Sahara has been a UN-listed non-self-governing territory since 1975, with Morocco and the Polisario Front disputing sovereignty. Morocco administers the western portions as its Southern Provinces, while the Polisario Front controls areas east of the Berm. The ceasefire that ended active fighting in 1991 collapsed in November 2020 when Moroccan forces cleared protesters blocking a road at Guerguerat near the Mauritanian border. Low-intensity armed conflict has resumed, with the Polisario Front launching occasional attacks on Moroccan positions. The situation can escalate with little warning. Morocco maintains a heavy military and security presence throughout the territory it controls. Protests demanding Sahrawi independence occur periodically in Laayoune, Dakhla, and Smara, though Moroccan authorities suppress them forcibly. Security forces use excessive force including beatings, arbitrary arrests, and tear gas. Pro-independence activists face surveillance, harassment, lengthy detentions, and unfair trials. In 2010, the dismantling of the Gdeim Izik protest camp resulted in 11 security force deaths and at least two civilian deaths. Authorities convicted 19 Sahrawis in controversial trials that relied on confessions allegedly obtained through torture. Demonstrations connected to socioeconomic grievances also happen, focusing on unemployment, housing, and discrimination against Sahrawis in favor of Moroccan settlers. The political nature of Western Sahara means Morocco restricts independent media coverage. Journalists and anyone suspected of involvement in documenting human rights issues or the independence movement face deportation, travel bans, and prosecution. Do not photograph military installations, checkpoints, or security forces. Expressing support for Sahrawi independence is illegal under Moroccan law and treated as an attack on territorial integrity.

Areas To Avoid

You should avoid all areas within 30 km north and west of the Berm due to landmines and the risk of armed conflict. The entire area south and east of the Berm controlled by the Polisario Front is effectively off-limits. This zone contains extensive minefields, has minimal infrastructure, and sees occasional military activity. You cannot legally cross the Berm from Moroccan-controlled areas. The only access to Polisario territory is through Algeria, but even that route is extremely difficult and requires special permissions. The buffer zone along the Berm is a militarized demarcation line that extends roughly 5 km on either side. Entry is strictly prohibited for civilians. Both Moroccan and Polisario forces patrol this area, and it contains the heaviest concentrations of landmines anywhere in the territory. The area within 20 to 30 km of the Algerian border in the northeast is another zone to avoid due to heavy military presence, instability, and difficulty determining the exact border location. Morocco’s border with Algeria remains closed. Remote desert regions away from main roads carry serious risks. These areas lack basic services, have limited or no mobile phone coverage, and are scattered with unexploded ordnance. If your vehicle breaks down, help may be days away. Sandstorms can occur suddenly and reduce visibility to zero. The coastline south of Dakhla toward Mauritania has improved security in recent years due to development, but the road passes through remote areas. Travel this route only during daylight and ensure you have adequate supplies. The 3-4 km no-man’s land between Moroccan and Mauritanian border posts historically saw banditry and has landmines just off the road. Stay strictly on the paved route during crossing.