Rides
Western Sahara is a United Nations–recognized non-self-governing territory in north western Africa, covering about 272,000 square kilometres (105,000 sq mi). Known as “Africa’s last colony,” it remains the only African territory yet to gain independence. With roughly 600,000 residents, it’s the most sparsely populated place in Africa and the second in the world after Greenland, made up mostly of flat desert landscapes.
Spain once controlled the region known as the Spanish Sahara until 1976, when it tried to hand over its administration to Morocco and Mauritania, disregarding a ruling from the International Court of Justice that declared those countries had no sovereignty over Western Sahara.
Requirements
| Carnet de Passage | no requirements |
| Insurance | no requirements |
| International driving permit | require IDP 1968 |
| Travel Visa | no requirements, 90 days per calendar year |
Riding in Western Sahara.
You need understandable documents.
The police can require the immediate presentation of all driving documents by the roadside, including license, logbook, and insurance, is common in most jurisdictions. If you cannot these documents in a language that the police can understand, there is a likelihood of having your bike impounded.
As a tip, it is to laminate all of your key documents or otherwise waterproof them. It is also highly recommended to scan all your original documents and email them to an easily accessible email address.
It is also worth printing off the Constat Amiable D’accident Automobile, which is used across numerous and other countries (the downloadable one on our website has English as well as French).
A full bike license is essential.
To ride in Western Sahara, you need a full UK bike licence, which authorises you to ride in your home country. Therefore, if you have a restricted licence in the UK, you cannot ride an unrestricted bike in Senegal.
Entry paperwork is required, thankfully no visa is needed.
There is no visa requirement to enter Senegal for UK nationals, but you will have to fill in a simple entry form when you cross into Senegal, as well as a similar form for your bike.
If you take your bike there, your taking your bike back.
Your bike will be registered entry into Western Sahara and you must leave with your bike. customs officers are meticulous. If you leave the Kingdom you must have your vehicle entry papers stamped having the country. If you cross the border and intend to return, must go through the entire process again. This is to prevent vehicle smuggling.
Speed limits.
In urban areas, the speed limit is 50 km/h (31 mph).
Rural roads typically have speed limits that vary, but they’re usually around 80 km/h (50 mph).
On highways, the maximum speed limit is usually 120 km/h (74 mph).
It is important to recognize that speed limits may vary depending on local conditions, and law enforcement agencies maintain strict oversight, imposing fines for any violations.
Please note, this page was correct when written in March 2026.