Travel Vaccines and Advice 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.

COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. Check with your local Passport Health clinic if immunization is offered in your area.

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.

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.

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.

There is currently a cease-fire between the Moroccan government and the POLISARIO Front. The majority of safety concerns are related to un-exploded 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.

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.

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

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.