Visit My Roots
Sign inStart planning — free

Heritage destination · EH

Plan a roots trip to Western Sahara

Trace Saharan roots through Spanish and French colonial archives.

← All countries

Western Sahara is a contested territory in northwestern Africa, bordered by Morocco, Algeria, and Mauritania. Its history reflects Berber and Arab heritage, with significant periods of Spanish and French colonial administration. Family historians with ancestors from this region will find records scattered across multiple national archives, particularly in Spain, France, and Morocco, as well as in local holdings.

Western Sahara's sovereignty is disputed between Morocco and the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic; travelers should be aware of this political context and respect local sensitivities.

Genealogy highlights

  • Spanish colonial records (1884–1975): civil registration, military service, and administrative documents held in Spanish archives and some local collections
  • French colonial records: relevant for northern areas and cross-border trade, held in French overseas archives
  • Moroccan records: post-1975 documentation, civil registration, and land records in Moroccan national archives
  • Tribal and family records: oral genealogies and written family registers maintained by Sahrawi communities
  • Emigration records: passenger lists and naturalization documents in Spain, France, and countries receiving Sahrawi migrants

Record types to know

  • Spanish colonial civil registration
  • French administrative records
  • Moroccan national archives
  • Military service records
  • Tribal genealogies
  • Emigration and naturalization documents

Emigration patterns

Significant Sahrawi emigration occurred after the 1975 Spanish withdrawal and during the subsequent conflict, with diaspora communities establishing themselves in Algeria, Mauritania, Spain, France, and other parts of North Africa and Europe. Many families fled to refugee camps in Algeria or relocated for economic opportunity.

Heritage trip tips

  • Verify current travel advisories and entry requirements before planning; the territory's status affects access and services
  • Spanish and French archives hold the bulk of colonial-era records; plan visits to Madrid, Rabat, or Paris to access primary sources
  • Arabic and Tamazight (Berber) are primary languages; basic French or Spanish will help with older documents and officials
  • Regional travel is challenging; work with local guides and consider hiring a researcher familiar with Sahrawi genealogy
  • Winter months (November–March) offer more comfortable conditions; summer heat is extreme

Practical notes

  • The territory's political status is disputed; Spain, Morocco, Algeria, and the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic all have differing claims. This affects government services, record access, and travel logistics
  • Records are distributed across Spain, France, Morocco, and Algeria depending on the period and type; genealogy research requires coordination across multiple countries
  • Local infrastructure and internet access are limited; work with established genealogy researchers or archives in neighboring countries
  • Many families have multiple relocations in their history (Spain, Morocco, Algeria, Mauritania, Europe); document movement patterns carefully

Next steps