Travel Vaccines and Advice for Western Sahara
The Western Sahara is a disputed territory in North Africa. It is currently controlled by Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (self-proclaimed) and Morocco.
The Western Sahara is populated by an estimated 267,000 people spanning over 103,000 square miles. The major ethnic group of the Western Sahara are the Sahrawis, an Arabic speaking people.
There is no official language or religion, as the territory is still disputed.
Major cities in the Western Sahara include Laayoune, Dhakla, and Smara.
Do I Need Vaccines for Western Sahara?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Western Sahara. The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Western Sahara: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza.
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travelers - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Accelerated schedule available - Typhoid –
Food & Water –
Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travelers and those who may come in contact with animals. - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - Chickenpox –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. - Shingles –
Direct Contact –
Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given seperately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually. - Meningitis –
Airborne & Direct Contact –
Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended.
See the tables below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Western Sahara |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travelers |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Accelerated schedule available |
| Typhoid | Food & Water | Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. |
| Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travelers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
Routine Vaccinations for Western Sahara |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
| TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
| Chickenpox | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. |
| Shingles | Direct Contact | Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. |
| Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given seperately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
| Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
| Meningitis | Airborne & Direct Contact | Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. |
| Polio | Food & Water | Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. |
Malaria is present in the Western Sahara, although the risk for it is relatively low. It is a serious and potentially deadly disease. If you are traveling or if you have returned home and are experiencing a fever. Seek medical help immediately.
Medical facilities are adequate, but some technology may not be available for more serious procedures. Main cities such as Laayoune, Dhakla, and Smara, have hospitals and medical clinics.
To find out more about these vaccines, see our vaccinations page. Ready to travel safely? Book your appointment either call or start booking online now.
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Western Sahara?
If your stay in Western Sahara is under 90 days, you do not need a visa.
You do need to have a valid passport that needs to be valid at the time of entry with one empty page for a stamp.
Western Sahara Entry Requirements |
||
| Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Western Sahara? | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport |  |
|
| Tourist Visa | ||
| Business Visa | ||
| Vaccinations | ||
Sources: U.S. State Department
For more information contact a Passport Health Passport and Visa specialist by calling 1-844-366-8472 or by filling out our online form.
What Is the Climate Like in Western Sahara?
Western Sahara has a hot desert climate with rainfall being very rare. Along the coast, it can be cool to moderate.
Summer is hot and winter is warm with summer being significantly longer. Average temperatures is in the hundreds, but it can get as hot as the 120’s. During the winter, temperatures can reach the 40’s.
How Safe is Western Sahara?
There is currently a cease-fire between the Moroccan government and the POLISARIO Front. The majority of safety concerns are related to unexploded landmines from the conflict.
Beware of aggressive theft and harassment (especially if you are a woman). Avoid soccer stadiums and organized protests.
Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime if a crime should be committed against you.
Forts in Western Sahara
One of the most visited places in the Western Sahara is Dchira, a Spanish fort. In 1958, an attack took place at Dchira in which the area was liberated from Spanish rule.
From the fort, you can see a large canyon, old guard towers and buildings, and damaged walls from the battle.
Around the fort, travelers can also find shops and restaurants.
What Should I Take To Western Sahara?
Here are some essential items to consider for your trip to the Western Sahara:
- Loose fitted clothing
- Hat to protect against the sun
- A scarf to wrap around your face to protect yourself against the sun and sand
- Medicine-over the counter and prescription
- First aid kit
- Clothing for layers to transition between the day and night
- Sunscreen
U.S. Embassy in Western Sahara
All Americans visiting Western Sahara should register online with the U.S. Department of State before departure. This will inform the office of your travel plans within the country and will allow them to reach out in the case of an emergency or evacuation.
There is no U.S. embassy in Western Sahara, but it is served by the embassy in Morocco.
U.S. Embassy Rabat
Km 5.7, Avenue Mohamed VI
Souissi, Rabat 10170, Morocco
Phone: (212) 0537 637 200
Fax: (212) 0537 637 201
If you have any questions about traveling to Western Sahara or are wondering what shots you may need for your trip, schedule an appointment with your local Passport Health travel medicine clinic. Call us at or book online now and protect yourself today.
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Western Sahara?
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Western Sahara?
What Is the Climate Like in Western Sahara?
How Safe is Western Sahara?
Forts in Western Sahara
What Should I Take To Western Sahara?
U.S. Embassy in Western Sahara
