El Marsa

Passport validity requirements 

Your passport must be valid for the proposed duration of your stay.

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.  

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen. 

Dual nationals

When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.

Visa requirements 

You can travel without a visa for visits to the Moroccan-administered parts of Western Sahara and Morocco for up to 90 days.  

Travel is restricted. Organised groups are generally permitted, but independent travellers could be turned back at the border.  

Make sure you get your passport stamped.  

When first arriving in Morocco/Western Sahara, make sure you get a passport stamp from the Moroccan border control authorities. You may have difficulty leaving the country without a stamp.  

Vaccine requirements  

For details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Western Sahara guide. 

Customs rules 

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Western Sahara. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty. Check Moroccan customs rules (in French) for the Moroccan-administered parts of Western Sahara.

Customs rules 

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Western Sahara. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty. Check Moroccan customs rules (in French) for the Moroccan-administered parts of Western Sahara.

Emergency services in Western Sahara 

Telephone: 150 (ambulance, fire, police) 

Contact your travel provider and insurer 

Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do. 

Refunds and changes to travel 

For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first. 

Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including: 

• where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider
• how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim

Support from FCDO 

FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including: 

• getting help if you’re a victim of crime
• what to do if you’re in hospital
• if you’re affected by a crisis, such as a terrorist attack

Contacting FCDO 

Help abroad  

See how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency. 

Help in the UK  

You can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.  

Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)  

Find out about call charges

Get travel advice updates  

Sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.  

Follow FCDO: 

• travel advice on X
• travel advice on Facebook

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. 

About FCDO travel advice  

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.  

Get travel advice updates

Sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated. 

Follow FCDO:   

• travel advice on X
• travel advice on Facebook
• Travel Aware on Instagram

Laws and cultural differences  

Western Sahara is predominantly Muslim. Always respect local traditions, customs, laws and religion. Make sure your actions do not offend, especially during the holy month of Ramadan or if you plan to visit religious areas.  

Ramadan 

Ramadan is a holy month for Muslims. The dates vary by year and country, so check when Ramadan is in Western Sahara before you go. During this time, do not: 

• eat, drink, smoke or chew gum in public in the daytime, including in your car
• play loud music or dance
• swear in public

Get more advice when you arrive from your tour guide, hotel or business contacts. 

You should also: 

• check opening hours of shops and restaurants
• be aware that if hotels and restaurants are providing food or drink in fasting hours, they may separate you from Islamic guests, for example with screens
• follow local dress codes – clothing that doesn’t meet local dress codes may cause more offence at this time
• be aware that driving may be erratic, particularly when people are trying to get home at dusk

Laws against religious conversion  

It is illegal to attempt to convert any Muslim to another faith or to distribute evangelical literature, such as Arabic-language bibles. Attempting to convert a Muslim to another faith is punishable by fines or up to 3 years in prison. 

Criticism of Islam on public platforms, in print or online media, or in public speeches is punishable by heavy fines and up to 2 years in prison. 

Sexual relations outside of marriage 

Sexual activity between unmarried people and adultery are illegal – this includes sharing a hotel room.  

The law against unmarried people sharing a hotel room does not generally apply to visiting foreign nationals, particularly in popular tourist areas.  

LGBT+ travellers 

Same-sex sexual activity is illegal. Be sensitive to local laws and customs and avoid showing affection in public. Complaints can lead to prosecution.   

See more advice for LGBT+ travellers. 

Women travellers 

Women may receive unwanted attention from men, especially when travelling alone. Consider wearing loose-fitting clothing which cover the arms, legs and chest. See advice for women travelling abroad. 

Alcohol laws 

Licensed hotels, restaurants and bars serve alcohol in tourist areas. Drinking alcohol in the street or anywhere other than licensed premises is illegal and can lead to arrest.