What the governments of the United Kingdom, the United States and Canada tell their own citizens about travelling to Western Sahara, in their own words, plus practical help with packing.
Travel advice levels
Each government rates the risks for its own citizens, on its own scale. The levels are shown exactly as published; they are not equivalent to each other and are not combined here.
UK
United KingdomForeign, Commonwealth & Development Office
Advises against all travel to parts of the country
No numbered levels
Updated 29 June 2026
Latest change, in the source's words:FCDO now advises against all travel to areas in Western Sahara within 40km North and West of 'the Berm' boundary line, including the city of Es Semara ('Warnings and insurance' page).
The official source shows no update to this advice in over 12 months. Check the official page for the current version.
Trip Rulebook could not refresh this source since 30 September 2026. The official website may have newer advice.
US
United StatesU.S. Department of State
The U.S. government publishes no separate advice for Western Sahara in its data.
Trip Rulebook could not refresh this source since 30 September 2026. The official website may have newer advice.
CA
CanadaGlobal Affairs Canada
The Canadian government publishes no separate advice for Western Sahara in its data.
Trip Rulebook could not refresh this source since 30 September 2026. The official website may have newer advice.
Emergency numbers
From the section “Emergency services in Western Sahara” of the UK government's travel advice for Western Sahara, written for British travellers. Reproduced without changes to the wording; formatting adapted.
Telephone: 150 (ambulance, fire, police)
Local laws and customs
From the section “Laws and cultural differences” of the UK government's travel advice for Western Sahara, written for British travellers. Reproduced without changes to the wording; formatting adapted.
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.
Ramadan
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:
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.
You should also:
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 – 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 conversion
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.
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.
Sexual relations outside of marriage
Sexual activity between unmarried people and adultery are illegal – this includes sharing a hotel room.
The law against unmarried people sharing a hotel room does not generally apply to visiting foreign nationals, particularly in popular tourist areas.
LGBT+ travellers
Same-sex sexual activity is illegal. Be sensitive to local laws and customs and avoid showing affection in public. Complaints can lead to prosecution.
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.
Alcohol laws
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.
Travelling with medicines
From the section “Medication” of the UK government's travel advice for Western Sahara, written for British travellers. Reproduced without changes to the wording; formatting adapted.
The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.
Practical suggestions from Trip Rulebook, based on open data and fixed rules. They are not safety or legal advice: rules on clothing, medicines and restricted items are covered only by the official text on this page.
Chargers and plugs
We have no plug or voltage data for Western Sahara yet.
Clothes for the weather
We have no climate averages for Western Sahara yet.
What is acceptable to wear is a matter of local law and custom: read Local laws and customs.
Packing checklist
A general list for any trip. Ticks are not saved.
Entry requirements and visas
Visa and entry rules depend on your nationality and change often, so Trip Rulebook does not summarise them. Each government explains the rules for its own citizens. If you travel on another passport, check with the embassy or the official immigration website of Western Sahara.
This page is guidance, not legal advice. Laws and advice change without notice and are written for each government's own citizens, so they may apply to you differently. Confirm everything with the official source before you travel. Terms of use.