Travel Vaccines and Advice for Western Sahara
The Western Sahara is a disputed territory in North Africa. It is currently controlled by Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (self-proclaimed) and Morocco.
The Western Sahara is populated by an estimated 267,000 people spanning over 250,000 square kilometres. The major ethnic group of the Western Sahara are the Sahrawis, an Arabic speaking people.
There is no official language or religion, as the territory is still disputed.
Major cities in the Western Sahara include Laayoune, Dhakla, and Smara.
Do I Need Vaccines for Western Sahara?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Western Sahara. The PHAC 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.
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travellers - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Accelerated schedule available - Typhoid –
Food & Water –
Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - Chickenpox –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. - Shingles –
Direct Contact –
Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given seperately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually. - Meningitis –
Airborne & Direct Contact –
Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended.
See the tables below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Western Sahara |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travellers |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Accelerated schedule available |
| Typhoid | Food & Water | Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. |
| Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
Routine Vaccinations for Western Sahara |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
| TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
| Chickenpox | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. |
| Shingles | Direct Contact | Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. |
| Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given seperately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
| Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
| Meningitis | Airborne & Direct Contact | Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. |
| Polio | Food & Water | Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. |
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 travelling 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.
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Western Sahara?
The Western Sahara is an unregulated territory, claimed by multiple factions. As such, visa information is not available.
What Is the Climate Like in Western Sahara?
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 are in the high-30’s and low-40’s. During the winter, temperatures can reach near zero.
How Safe is Western Sahara?
There is currently a cease-fire between the Moroccan government and the POLISARIO Front. The majority of safety concerns are related to unexploded 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.
Forts in Western Sahara
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, travellers can also find shops and restaurants.
What Should I Take To Western Sahara?
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
Canadian Embassy in Western Sahara
If travellers face issues or have concerns while travelling throughout the country, contact or visit the Canadian Embassy.
There is no Canadian embassy in Western Sahara, but it is served by the embassy in Morocco.
Canadian Embassy in Rabat-Souissi
66 Mehdi Ben Barka Avenue, Rabat-Souissi, Morocco
Telephone: 212 (0) 537 54 49 49
Email: rabat@international.gc.ca
If you have any questions about travelling 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.
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Western Sahara?
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Western Sahara?
What Is the Climate Like in Western Sahara?
How Safe is Western Sahara?
Forts in Western Sahara
What Should I Take To Western Sahara?
Canadian Embassy in Western Sahara
