Western Sahara on a UK Licence 2026: 1968 IDP Is Required
United Kingdom
Western Sahara
Yes, with the 1968 international driving permit. GOV.UK says to keep it and your UK licence in the car, and stays over a year need a Moroccan licence. Traffic keeps right; emergencies are 150.
Western Sahara is a disputed desert territory, largely administered by Morocco. Its main roads run past police and military checkpoints where you will show your documents. For a British driver, the documents are a licence plus a specific permit.
Licence and permit
GOV.UK says: “You’ll need to have both the 1968 version of the international driving permit (IDP) and your UK driving licence with you in the car.” The permit is required, and you cannot buy one outside the UK, so get it before you fly. GOV.UK adds that if you stay longer than one year, you must apply for a Moroccan driving licence. If you are hiring, check the company’s own requirements before you travel. Keep the IDP, licence and passport together at all times.
Driving on the right
You drive on the left at home and on the right here. The empty desert highway is rarely the problem. The few busy moments are: pulling out in a town such as Laayoune, a rare roundabout, a glance the wrong way at a junction.
Desert driving
GOV.UK advises particular care when driving at night, because lighting is poor, on secondary and mountain roads in bad weather, and when overtaking overloaded lorries where there is no hard shoulder. Distances between fuel stations are long and mobile signal is patchy, so carry plenty of water, fill up whenever you can and take a paper map as backup. Drinking alcohol anywhere other than licensed premises is illegal and can lead to arrest.
Emergency number
150 for ambulance, fire and police.
If your route passes through Morocco, confirm what your licence needs with the Driving Permit Checker, and read how penalties work in the guide to driving fines abroad.
Sources
- GOV.UK foreign travel advice, Western Sahara, safety and security (1968 IDP, Moroccan licence after one year, road hazards, alcohol rules): https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/western-sahara/safety-and-security
- GOV.UK foreign travel advice, Western Sahara, getting help (emergency number): https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/western-sahara/getting-help
Speed limits, fines, equipment & license requirements
Your home country driving rules for reference
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but GOV.UK says you need both the 1968 international driving permit and your UK licence with you in the car. If you stay longer than one year, you must apply for a Moroccan driving licence.
The right, the opposite of the UK. The main risk is looking the wrong way at junctions, so take your first stretch slowly.
No. GOV.UK warns about night driving with poor lighting, bad weather on secondary and mountain roads, and overtaking overloaded lorries where there is no hard shoulder. Carry water and fuel on long desert stretches.