West Sahara crossing

[jumaru]

Greedings to all!
I'll be on a bike trip through Morocco-W.Sahara-Mauritania-Mali in a month time from now. My question is simple: Is a "special" permit required for a foreigner to pass from "official" Morocco to West Sahara, after recent unrest in the region?
I know my query's been from time to time discussed on the HUBB, but I' m a bit confused of situation lately. I collect controversial information. Morocco Embassy here in Athens, Greece claims there is not such an issue, but a friend who lives in Morocco tells me about the necessary permit....
Does anyone have recent experience on the matter???

[Chris Scott]

As far as I know no permit is currently needed to ride down the Atlantic Route. I presume that is what you are doing. The old border south of Tarfaya is just a fuel station.
If there are more Saharawi riots I imagine they will simply close the road again.
Some areas/roads in Morocco-occupied WS off the main road (close to the Berm) are closed and so do require permission, but you won't want to go there. Maybe that is what your friend is thinking about.

Ch

[stef25]

I took this route in Jan, no permits required. I don't even remember entering the W-Sahara as such … the road just keeps rolling. The people and especially the cops at the checkpoints in W-Sahara were friendlier than the ones in Morocco and there was no hostility anywhere.

Have a good trip!

[jumaru]

Thank you all for your helpful replies. A query's been settled ...!

[CaBRita]

Just to add my recent personal experience.

I rode through the Atlantic Road beginning of February with no problem at all.

Just two notes:

- take plenty of "fiches", A5 sheet with your passport scanned and your personal and vehicle's details. They'll be very handy in the police/ military controls. Between Western Sahara and Mauritania I've handed some 25 fiches

- if you're riding a motorcycle fill it up at I would say every 100km. Some fuel pumps are dry or there is no one in there.

Hope it helps!

BR,
Luis Cabrita
Panoramio - Photos by LMCabrita > Lisboa Bissau Fev2011

[priffe]

From a few days ago.
At Dakhla Junction, they asked if I was a journalist after eyeing my camera equipment and binoculars. Don't give your profession on the fiche as journo, writer or photographer. Be a banker, butcher, boilermaker or whatever.
South of Borjdour they start asking for cadeaux, but just give them a smile.
Barabbas, the last stop before the border is now a very pleasant place to stay. Great food and lodging, affordable too.

[RexPearson]

Hey Jumaru!

Good luck on your iminant trip down the atlantic route! i will be doing the exact same route in August and would love to know how you got on, so please feel free to PM or post any updates/pics lessons learned etc

Looking forward to hearing how it all goes for you

Rex

[Dane]

I crossed West Sahara, Atlantic route mid March, and absolute no problems! Just a walk in the park! Few policecheckpoints and when stopped, they where asking for and whiskey!!!!! My total brebing through all Maroc was 5 bottles of !
I´m not sure of the petrol situation (was driving a dieselcar), but some gasstations had only diesel.

[gvdaa]

Hello Dane. Did You get your Mauritania visa in Rabat? Is it still a mess there, like a few weeks ago? Or going smooth again?

[priffe]

Gerbert, I got visa #3759 on March 8. Be there before noon, and your visa is ready next day at 14.00

[gvdaa]

Thanks. So no same day service anymore. Arriving on thursday afternoon, as I planned, will mean I have to wait till mondayafternoon. Maybe change my schedule.

[Dane]

Originally Posted by gvdaa

Hello Dane. Did You get your Mauritania visa in Rabat? Is it still a mess there, like a few weeks ago? Or going smooth again?

I was at the Embassy at morning opening, filled out the form they give you (or ask for it). they told we could have it next day at 2 pm, but they "forgot" to open until 4,30 pm! but then we had it and could go on.
for more inf: just ask!
Jacob

[Dane]

Originally Posted by gvdaa

Thanks. So no same day service anymore. Arriving on thursday afternoon, as I planned, will mean I have to wait till mondayafternoon. Maybe change my schedule.

Remember the Friday status in a muslim country! So maybe think twice ´bout schedule.
Jacob

[Elgreco74]

Hello my friend am from Greece too and am planing to travel this summer from morocco to Senegal and maybe in Mali.am gonna travel by backpacking and if you want you can tell me more about the trip you have done.I guess you are on the road now .den mporw na sou steilw p.m. Prepei na Kanw 5 post prwta an thes steile mou to email sou na epikoinwnhsoume.kale tyxh Kai eyfxaristo.