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Travel advice for Western Sahara

Both governments advise avoiding hazardous and restricted areas
Summary of 3 governments, written 3 Nov 2026Both the United Kingdom and Japan advise avoiding hazardous and restricted areas, with terrorism and landmines among the shared risks. Japan retains the normal precautions level but advises evacuation east of the Sand Wall and avoidance of travel west except Laayoune, Smara, Boujdour, Dakhla and connecting trunk roads. The United Kingdom goes further, advising against travel around the Berm, including Es Semara, and to territory south and east of it.
2 normal1 caution
Places named by governmentsLaayouneSmarathe BermEs SemaraDhaklaMorocco
3governments advising
3strongest level held, avoid all travel
29 Junlatest change (United Kingdom)
-no monthly arrivals series held

What each government says

Its level on one scale, its own wording, and a summary of its advice written from its own text

United Kingdom13 in parts
Avoid all travel to parts

Avoid all travel to areas within 40km north and west of the Berm, including Es Semara, and to territory south and east of it because of landmines, unexploded weapons and possible cross-border rocket fire. Travel is restricted: organised groups are generally permitted, but independent travellers could be turned back and should obtain a passport stamp. Terrorists are likely to attempt attacks; medical facilities are almost non-existent in desert areas.

the BermEs SemaraLaayouneDhakla
Level since 29 Oct 2026, summary 1 Nov 2026
Japan03 in parts
No danger level for the whole country; level 3 or 4 for named regions: do not travel, or evacuate

Evacuate and avoid travel east of the Sand Wall due to civilian casualties from shelling, kidnappings targeting foreigners, gun crime and landmines. Avoid travel to restricted areas and to areas west of the wall, except Laayoune, Smara, Boujdour, Dakhla and their connecting trunk roads. There, take considerable caution because terrorism remains possible and remote terrain makes rescue difficult. Moroccan authorities may detain travellers near restricted areas.

East of the Sand WallWest of the Sand WallLaayouneSmara
Level since 29 Oct 2026, summary 3 Nov 2026
Hong Kong0Normal precautions
Hk level 0

Hong Kong advises normal precautions for Western Sahara.

Level since 29 Apr 2022

Changes by month

Last 12 months

HighMediumLowNoneNew

What changed

The latest 12 of 12; arrivals beside each, not as its cause

29 Jun 2026United KingdomUK advice now advises against all travel within 40 km north and west of the Berm boundary line, including Es Semara.high
10 Dec 2025United KingdomThe UK added guidance on entry requirements for dual nationals returning from Western Sahara.low
18 Feb 2025JapanJapan updated danger information for Western Sahara while maintaining the existing danger level.medium
18 Feb 2025JapanWestern Sahara danger information was updated while the existing danger level remained in place.medium
10 Jun 2024United KingdomWestern Sahara travel advice was rewritten to improve readability and understanding.none
22 Jun 2023United KingdomTravel advice for Western Sahara added information about global terrorism risks to British nationals abroad.low
22 Mar 2023United KingdomRamadan information in Western Sahara’s local laws and customs guidance was updated.low
8 Oct 2021United KingdomThe UK no longer advises against all but essential travel to Western Sahara following a COVID-19 risk reassessment.high
2 Sep 2021United KingdomInformation was added about COVID-19 vaccines for people living in Western Sahara.low
1 Mar 2021United KingdomInformation about COVID-19 vaccines for people living in Western Sahara was added.low
21 Dec 2018United KingdomLatest update: Summary - update to information about the availability of consular supportnew
20 Dec 2018United KingdomLatest update: Health Section – revised guidance on sources of health information before travelnew
Travel advice for every destination, in one call

Levels from 20 governments on one scale, every dated change since 2018 with its categories, summary and impact, and the destination's arrivals beside each one. On the Intelligence plan, and in the MCP server for assistants.

GET /v1/advisories?dest=EH GET /v1/advisories/changes?dest=EH&impact=medium&with=arrivals

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