🇪🇭Western Sahara Visa 2026: Entry Requirements
Africa· Updated 10/10/2026
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Indicative information, drawn from official sources and Wikipedia, and updated automatically. Rules change: confirm with the embassy or the official portal before booking. Our methodology
Visas
Visas from this country
Tours and activities (GetYourGuide)
Book excursions ahead, with free cancellation on most activities.
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Information
Capital
Laayoune
Population
614,800
Currency
Moroccan dirham (MAD د.م.)
Languages
Arabic, Tamazight, French
Continent
Africa
Calling code
+212
Timezone
Africa/Casablanca
Area
272,000 km²
Government
UN-recognized non-self-governing territory
National day
Data not available
Internet domain
.eh (non attribué)
About
Western Sahara is a disputed territory in northwestern Africa, bordered by Morocco, Algeria, and Mauritania. With approximately 600,000 inhabitants, it is the most sparsely populated territory in Africa. The territory is characterized by vast desert landscapes and significant phosphate deposits.
Nomad Insurance travel cover (SafetyWing)
Medical cover and repatriation, can be taken out mid-trip.
Partner link: IziVisas earns a commission if you buy, at no extra cost to you.
Safety
Risk areas
Crime(Medium)
- Avoid nighttime travel
- Keep valuables secure
- Remain vigilant in urban areas
Terrorism(Medium)
- Consult official travel advisories before traveling
- Register with the embassy
Transport
- Use main roads
- Avoid travel outside controlled areas
- Rent vehicles from reliable agencies
Natural risks(Sandstorms, extreme desert climate)
- Protect against sandstorms
- Stay constantly hydrated
- Use high sun protection
Health(Limited healthcare system, basic medical services available)
- Yellow fever vaccination recommended
- Vaccination against hepatitis A and B
- Malaria prevention in certain areas
- Travel insurance with medical repatriation highly recommended
Practical tips
- Consult official travel advisories before departure
- Register with the embassy or consulate
- Avoid political gatherings
- Respect movement restrictions imposed by authorities
Accommodation (Hotels.com)
Hotels and other stays, with a free-cancellation filter.
Partner link: IziVisas earns a commission if you buy, at no extra cost to you.
Cost of living
Accommodation
Food
Transport
Leisure
Health
Others
Indicative prices in USD in Laayoune · estimated in October 2026
eSIM data (Saily)
Stay connected on landing, with no roaming charges. Requires an eSIM-compatible phone.
Partner link: IziVisas earns a commission if you buy, at no extra cost to you.
Practical information
Electricity
Emergency numbers
Practical information
Right
Not safe - use bottled water
10% in restaurants, discretionary tipping for services
Tours and activities (GetYourGuide)
Book excursions ahead, with free cancellation on most activities.
Partner link: IziVisas earns a commission if you buy, at no extra cost to you.
Photos
Western Sahara
Badr Khechchab
Western Sahara
Moaz Tobok
Western Sahara
Ivan Siarbolin
Western Sahara
Mone Kostner
Western Sahara
Waleed Kerouila
Western Sahara
mohamed Zekry
Western Sahara
Emre Koşak
Western Sahara
Mike van Schoonderwalt
Western Sahara
Sefa Demirtaş
Western Sahara
Christianson Tan Kaishen
Western Sahara
Ramon Perucho
Western Sahara
Nicola Toscan
Western Sahara
Eleanore Stohner
Western Sahara
Tom D'Arby
Western Sahara
Christophe RASCLE
Western Sahara
Jörg Hamel
Western Sahara
Heinz Klier
Western Sahara
Moussa Idrissi
Western Sahara
Sergey Guk
Western Sahara
Francesco Ungaro
Plan your trip
Tours and activities (GetYourGuide)
Book excursions ahead, with free cancellation on most activities.
Nomad Insurance travel cover (SafetyWing)
Medical cover and repatriation, can be taken out mid-trip.
eSIM data (Saily)
Stay connected on landing, with no roaming charges. Requires an eSIM-compatible phone.
Accommodation (Hotels.com)
Hotels and other stays, with a free-cancellation filter.
Partner links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Guides to prepare your trip
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Visa Refusal: The 10 Most Common Reasons and How to Avoid Them
Funds, home ties, insurance, inconsistencies… The 10 most common visa refusal reasons, how to avoid them, and your appeal options region by…
Frequently asked questions
Do you need a visa to travel to Western Sahara?▾
The entry regime for Western Sahara is not yet documented nationality by nationality on IziVisas. Check with a consular post before booking.
Check by my nationality →Is it dangerous to travel to Western Sahara?▾
The overall risk level is currently rated "High risk due to unresolved territorial conflict and presence of landmines". See the Safety tab on this page for details by topic (crime, transport, health, areas to avoid) and practical tips.
What currency is used in Western Sahara?▾
The official currency is Moroccan dirham (MAD د.م.). See sample prices (accommodation, meals, transport) in the cost of living section above.
What is the capital of Western Sahara?▾
The capital of Western Sahara is Laayoune. The main spoken languages are: Arabic, Tamazight, French.
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