W. Sahara Travel Risk

Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).

Areas where FCDO advises against all travel

FCDO 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
• Areas in Western Sahara the territory south and east of ‘the Berm’ boundary line

Western Sahara is a disputed territory. The Berm is the militarised boundary between Moroccan-controlled Western Sahara and territory to the east controlled by the Polisario Front. Cross border rocket fire has occurred which cannot be ruled out in the future.

Find out more about why FCDO advises against travel.

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to:

• see general advice for women travellers
• read our guide on disability and travel abroad
• see general advice for LGBT+ travellers
• read about safety for solo and independent travel
• see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

Terrorism

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.

Terrorism in Western Sahara

Terrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks in Western Sahara.

Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreign nationals. Stay aware of your surroundings, keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities.

Political situation

Western Sahara is on the UN list of Non-Self-Governing Territories and the subject of a UN-mediated dispute. The UN Peacekeeping mission for Western Sahara, MINURSO, has been operating in the country since 1991. A ceasefire between Morocco and the Polisario Front broke down in 2020. Irregular skirmishes continue to take place between the 2 sides, sometimes resulting in civilian casualties.

Most of Western Sahara is under administration of Morocco, which closely monitors and controls access to the territory. You should avoid political gatherings and demonstrations.

Follow any media reporting and instructions from local security authorities.

This section has safety advice for regions of Western Sahara. It only covers regions where the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has specific advice.

You should also read FCDO’s overall travel advice and safety and security advice.

Landmines, unexploded weapons and rocket fire

A militarised boundary known as ‘the Berm’ separates the Moroccan-administered part of Western Sahara from the rest of the territory. There are 30km militarised zones either side of the Berm containing landmines. There have been many fatalities in these zones. Cross border rocket fire has occurred which cannot be ruled out in the future.

FCDO 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
• Areas in Western Sahara the territory south and east of ‘the Berm’ boundary line

The eastern side of the Berm is sparsely populated with no diplomatic presence from any country. There are other types of unexploded weapons in this area.

In remote areas:

• keep to main roads and stay alert
• if you drive off the main roads, keep to clearly identifiable tracks
• do not touch any metal or plastic objects