Gabon

The Land of Forests
and Wildlife Riches

Flag of Gabon
Travel Documents

Travel Documents: What You Need to Know

Passport Requirements

  • Non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens: A valid passport is generally required for entry into Gabon.
  • Passport validity: Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned departure date from Gabon.

Visa Requirements

  • Visa-exempt countries: No countries are fully visa-exempt for Gabon. All travelers require a visa unless otherwise specified by diplomatic agreement.
  • Visa-required countries: Travelers from all nations must possess a valid passport and obtain a visa prior to entering Gabon, either through an embassy, high commission, or the e-Visa system.

Special Entry Provisions

  • No specific provisions exist for holders of Schengen, US, or UK visas or residence permits to enter Gabon without a visa; a Gabon-specific visa is required.
  • Travelers must have confirmed onward or return tickets, proof of sufficient funds for their stay, and a yellow fever vaccination certificate.

ID Card Entry

  • No countries are permitted to enter Gabon using only a national ID card. A passport is mandatory for all travelers.

Visa Types

  • Type "C" Visa: Allows entry and stay for up to 30 days (extendable with approval). Can be single or multiple entry, with validity up to 1 year.
  • Type "D" Visa: For stays longer than 30 days. Valid for one year with a 90-day stay period, allowing application for a residence permit.

Important Links

Additional Considerations

  • Length of stay: Visa durations vary; tourist stays are typically capped at 30 days unless extended.
  • Purpose of visit: Different rules apply for work, study, or long-term stays; contact the nearest Gabonese embassy or high commission.
  • COVID-19 measures: Always check for current health-related entry requirements (e.g., vaccination certificates or testing) via the Ministry of Health.
Toll

Driving in Gabon

Current Toll Roads

  • As of 2025, Gabon has no official toll roads. Major routes like the Libreville-Port-Gentil road are publicly funded, but tolls may be introduced on key routes in the future due to infrastructure needs.

Toll Rates and Payment

  • Toll rates: Not applicable yet; monitor updates from the Gabon Road Authority.
  • Payment Methods:
    • Cash: Central African CFA Franc (XAF) would be accepted if tolls are introduced.
    • Credit/Debit Cards: Unlikely to be accepted initially; cash is king.
    • Electronic Toll Collection: No system currently exists.

Driving in Gabon

  • Drive on the right side of the road.
  • Seat belts are mandatory for all vehicle occupants, though enforcement is limited.
  • Speed limits:
    • Urban areas: 40 km/h
    • Rural roads: 60 km/h
    • Highways: 80 km/h
  • Road conditions: Poor outside major cities like Libreville and Port-Gentil; unpaved, damaged, and unlit roads are common, especially during the rainy season (October to May).
  • International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended alongside your national driver’s license for stays up to 3 months; longer stays require a Gabonese driver’s license.

Important Considerations

  • Vignette System: Gabon has no vignette system, but road taxes or checkpoints may apply—check locally.
  • Road Safety: Roads are hazardous due to poor maintenance, aggressive drivers, and occasional banditry in rural areas. Avoid night driving outside urban areas.
  • GPS and Maps: GPS is unreliable in rural areas; keep an updated physical map and a reliable communication device.
  • Emergency Number: Dial 112 for emergencies (service may be limited, especially in rural areas).

Useful Links

Gabon Currency

The official currency of Gabon is the Central African CFA Franc (XAF).

Key Information

  • Banknotes: 500, 1000, 2000, 5000, 10000 XAF
  • Coins: 1, 5, 10, 25, 50, 100, 500 XAF
  • Symbol: CFA

Currency Exchange

  • Exchange services available at banks, Libreville Léon-Mba International Airport, and major hotels in Libreville and Port-Gentil.
  • ATMs are limited but available in major cities for direct XAF withdrawals (major UK, US, and Euro cards may be accepted).

Payment Methods

  • Cash is preferred, especially outside urban areas.
  • Credit/debit cards are rarely accepted, limited to major hotels and some businesses in Libreville and Port-Gentil.

Travel Tips

  • Inform your bank of travel plans, though card use may be unreliable.
  • Carry sufficient cash for small purchases and rural areas.
  • Check for currency conversion fees when exchanging or using cards.
  • For current exchange rates, visit the Bank of Central African States website: https://www.beac.int/en/exchange-rates
Laws

Legal Essentials for Traveling in Gabon

Understanding local laws and regulations is crucial for a safe and compliant visit. Below are key legal considerations for travellers in Gabon, updated as of 2025.

Local Laws & Restrictions

  • Drugs: Severe penalties for possession, use, or trafficking of illegal drugs, including lengthy prison sentences or execution. No tolerance for small amounts.
  • Alcohol & Smoking:
    • Public intoxication is illegal and punishable by fines or detention.
    • Smoking banned in public buildings and on public transport.
  • Cultural Sensitivities: Avoid discussing sensitive political or ethnic issues, especially related to the government or regional tensions.
  • LGBTIQ+ Rights: Same-sex relationships are illegal, with penalties up to 6 months in prison or fines. 2SLGBTQI+ travelers should carefully consider the risks of traveling to Gabon.
  • Photography: Restricted near government buildings, military sites, or sensitive installations. Always ask permission for portraits of locals.

Duty-Free Limits

  • Alcohol: 1L spirits | Tobacco: 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars.
  • Cash: Declare amounts over $10,000 USD (or equivalent).

Prohibited Items

  • Narcotics, firearms, endangered species products.
  • Counterfeit goods (may face fines or confiscation).

Luggage Issues

  • Report lost/damaged luggage within 7 days at the airport via a Property Irregularity Report (PIR).

Complaints

  • Submit grievances to the Gabon Tourism Office or local police stations.

Beach Access

  • Public beaches must allow free access within 2.5 meters of the shoreline. Wheelchair access is legally mandated on major beaches like those in Libreville and Port-Gentil.

Key Resources

Gabon Safety

Gabon is generally safe for travellers, with low crime rates and a reputation for hospitality. However, travellers should remain aware of health precautions, road safety, and emergency protocols. Below is a concise guide to staying safe and healthy in Gabon.

Safety Overview

  • Crime: Petty theft (e.g., pickpocketing) is rare but possible in crowded areas like markets or tourist sites in Libreville and Port-Gentil. Violent crime against tourists is extremely uncommon.
  • Solo/Female Travelers: Gabon is considered safe, with locals often going out of their way to assist visitors. Avoid isolated areas at night.

Road Safety

  • Driving can be challenging due to narrow, winding roads, aggressive drivers, and poor rural road conditions.
  • Avoid night driving outside urban areas due to limited lighting and road hazards.
  • Seat belts and helmets (for motorbikes) are mandatory, though enforcement is limited.

Health Risks

  • Food/Water Safety:
    • Avoid tap water; drink bottled or purified water.
    • Practice safe eating habits to prevent travelers’ diarrhea.
  • Vaccinations:
    • Required: Yellow fever (for all travelers over 1 year old).
    • Recommended: Hepatitis A, typhoid, polio, hepatitis B, rabies, malaria prophylaxis, and COVID-19.
  • Insect-Borne Diseases: Malaria, dengue, and African sleeping sickness are widespread; use repellent and bed nets.
  • Altitude Sickness: Minimal risk, as no areas exceed 1,575 meters (Mont Iboundji).

Medical Facilities

  • Hospitals: Private facilities like the Albert Schweitzer Hospital in Lambaréné offer higher standards. Rural areas often lack advanced care.
  • Pharmacies: Available in cities; stock essential medications, but supplies can be limited.
  • Insurance: Ensure coverage includes medical evacuation.

Emergency Contacts

  • General Emergency: 112 (works for police, ambulance, and fire).
  • Police: 17 | Ambulance: 18 | Fire: 19.
  • Tourist Police (Libreville): +241 01 76 30 30.

Travel Tips

  • Roads: Rent a 4x4 for rural or forested areas. Check insurance coverage for rentals.
  • Hiking: Use local guides for remote areas like Mont Iboundji or national parks (e.g., Lopé National Park).
  • Cultural Sensitivity: Avoid discussing sensitive political or government-related issues.
  • Air Quality: Generally good, but monitor dust levels during dry seasons (June to September).

Key Links

Flying to Gabon