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Before you go to Western Sahara: what to know

Must know

  • Scope: Moroccan-administered areas only; other areas have different access and security conditions.
  • Independent travellers may be turned back even when visa-exempt; confirm access before travelling.
  • Remain on established routes and consult current official security advice.

Entry and visas

British citizen passport: Moroccan-administered areas: visits up to 90 days are visa-free, but independent travellers can be turned back. Get a passport stamp. This guide does not cover access east of the berm. Check the linked immigration guidance for other nationalities and purposes.

Passport validity: Valid for the proposed duration of the stay under the linked UK Western Sahara guidance.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: gov.uk ↗

Money

Cash and cards are both common. Cards are accepted mainly in cities and tourist areas.

Apple Pay — no data · Google Pay — no data

  • For Moroccan-administered visits, the dirham is used. Moroccan tourist-office guidance describes card use in larger visitor establishments; arrange cash for remote travel.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: unstats.un.org ↗, visitmorocco.com ↗

Rules and bans

Prohibited

  • Drinking alcohol in the street or outside licensed premises.

Laws visitors break unknowingly

  • Check customs restrictions before bringing medicines, drones or wildlife products.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: gov.uk ↗

Culture and clothing

Religion: Respect local religious traditions; ask before entering places of worship.

Clothing: Consider loose clothing covering arms, legs and chest; respect local customs.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: gov.uk ↗

Climate

Coastal Laayoune has very low rainfall: Moroccan meteorological climate normals report fewer than 9 rainy days annually. Use local forecasts for the exact route.

Month by month
  • January: Jan: Laayoune: very dry annual climate; check local forecasts.
  • February: Feb: Laayoune: very dry annual climate; check local forecasts.
  • March: Mar: Laayoune: very dry annual climate; check local forecasts.
  • April: Apr: Laayoune: very dry annual climate; check local forecasts.
  • May: May: Laayoune: very dry annual climate; check local forecasts.
  • June: Jun: Laayoune: very dry annual climate; check local forecasts.
  • July: Jul: Laayoune: very dry annual climate; check local forecasts.
  • August: Aug: Laayoune: very dry annual climate; check local forecasts.
  • September: Sep: Laayoune: very dry annual climate; check local forecasts.
  • October: Oct: Laayoune: very dry annual climate; check local forecasts.
  • November: Nov: Laayoune: very dry annual climate; check local forecasts.
  • December: Dec: Laayoune: very dry annual climate; check local forecasts.

Best season: Choose dates for your route using local forecasts and road-condition advice.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: marocmeteo.ma ↗

What to pack

  • Copies of travel documents
  • An adapter compatible with your accommodation
  • Medicines with their prescription documents

Practical

Plugs: Confirm socket type and supply voltage with your accommodation before packing.

Water: Use a safe drinking-water supply; ask locally before drinking tap water.

Traffic: drives on the right

Insurance: Arrange insurance for your itinerary and planned activities, including medical evacuation where needed.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: visitmorocco.com ↗, gov.uk ↗

Entry rules change. Before your trip, check the website of the embassy or immigration service of the country.