Gabon

Petty crime is common, including:

• pickpocketing
• bag snatching
• vehicle break-ins

Hotspots for thieves include crowded:

• markets
• transport hubs
• tourist areas

Drink spiking can happen anywhere. Be alert to the potential risks, and don't leave food or drinks unattended. Pay attention when your drinks are being mixed. Stick to reputable venues and avoid homemade alcoholic drinks due to the risk of methanol poisoning. Get urgent medical help if you suspect you’ve been a victim.

More information:

• Partying safely while overseas

Violent crime

There have been reports of violent crime, especially in Libreville and Port Gentil. Incidents include robberies and armed attacks.

Travellers have been victims of:

• carjackings
• 'snatch–and-grab' robberies from unlocked cars
• violent road rage

Victims have been targeted when walking alone or at night. This is more common in isolated areas or on beaches.

There are reports of credit card fraud originating in Gabon.

To protect yourself from violent crime:

• do not walk alone or visit beaches and isolated areas alone, especially at night
• always keep car windows and doors locked, even when moving
• watch your credit card at all times, including during transactions
• monitor local media for updates about safety or security risks

If you're a victim of violent crime, including rape, go to the doctor or a hospital straight away. HIV/AIDS is common in Gabon. 

Cyber Security

You may be at risk of cyber-based threats during overseas travel to any country. Digital identity theft is a growing concern. Your devices and personal data can be compromised, especially if you're connecting to Wi-Fi, using or connecting to shared or public computers, or Bluetooth. 

Social media can also be risky in destinations where there are social or political tensions or laws that may seem unreasonable by Australian standards. Travellers have been arrested for things they have said on social media. Don't comment on local or political events on your social media. 

More information:  

• Cyber security when travelling overseas 

Kidnapping

Kidnapping can happen anywhere, anytime, including in destinations that are typically at lower risk. The Australian Government's longstanding policy is that it doesn't make payments or concessions to kidnappers. 

More information: 

• Kidnapping 

Gabon held a peaceful presidential election on 12 April 2025, the first in the country since a military takeover in August 2023. While the situation has been stable, local authorities may continue to maintain a higher security alert level in Libreville and other areas of Gabon. Legislative elections are scheduled for September 2025.
 
Ensure you carry identification and evidence of the purpose of your travel. Local authorities may inspect your documentation. Curfews may be imposed without notice. If a curfew is imposed, ensure you follow any requirements. Monitor local media for updates and follow the advice of local authorities.

Demonstrations and protests

Public protests and events that draw large groups of people may occur with little warning and can turn violent. Demonstrations are more common in Libreville and Port Gentil.

To protect yourself during periods of unrest:

• avoid demonstrations, protests, large gatherings and government buildings
• monitor local media
• avoid affected areas
• follow the advice of local authorities

More information:

• Demonstrations and civil unrest

Terrorist attacks could occur anywhere and at any time. Be alert to possible threats, especially in public places. Terrorists may target tourist areas or other places frequented by foreigners and where large crowds may gather.

Possible targets include:

• places of worship or religious holidays
• hotels, clubs, restaurants and cafes
• markets and shopping malls
• outdoor recreation events, including festivals, concerts, and sporting venues
• public transport, airports and railway hubs

To stay safe:

• report suspicious activities or items to the police
• check the media for new threats
• take official warnings seriously
• follow the instructions of local authorities

If there's an attack, leave the area as soon as it's safe to do so.

Terrorism is a threat worldwide.

More information:

• Terrorism

Gabon experiences natural disasters and severe weather.

Flooding occurs in the rainy seasons from:

• October to mid-December
• mid-February to May

You may need a 4WD on some roads at this time.

If a natural disaster occurs:

• secure your passport in a safe, waterproof location
• monitor local media and other sources
• follow the advice of local authorities
• keep in contact with friends and family

More information:

• Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System

Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave.

Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.

If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.

If you're not insured, you may have to pay many thousands of dollars up-front for medical care.

Confirm:

• what activities and care your policy covers
• that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away

Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition.

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

• have a basic health check-up
• ask if your travel plans may affect your health
• plan any vaccinations you need

Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.

If you have immediate concerns for your welfare or the welfare of someone you know, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or contact your nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate to discuss counselling hotlines and services available in your location.

More information:

• General health advice
• Healthy holiday tips (Healthdirect Australia)

Many pharmaceutical products are in short supply in Gabon.

If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in Gabon. Take enough legal medication for your trip.

Carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating:

• what the medication is
• your required dosage
• that it's for personal use

More information:

• Medication

Insect-borne diseases

Yellow fever is widespread in Gabon. Yellow fever is a potentially fatal virus spread by mosquitoes. It's prevented by vaccination. Get vaccinated before you travel.

Malaria is common throughout the year.

Other insect-borne diseases include:

• chikungunya
• dengue
• zika virus
• filariasis
• African sleeping sickness

If you're pregnant, the Australian Department of Health and Aged Care recommends that you:

• discuss your travel plans with your doctor
• consider deferring non-essential travel to zika-affected areas

To protect yourself from disease:

• make sure your accommodation is insect-proof
• use treated mosquito nets and insect repellent
• wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing

Consider taking medication to prevent malaria.

Seek medical advice if you have a fever, muscle pain, rash or severe headache.

HIV/AIDS

HIV/AIDS is common in Gabon.

Take precautions if taking part in activities that put you at risk of infection.

Other health risks

Waterborne, foodborne, parasitic, and other infectious diseases are common. These include:

• cholera
• typhoid
• hepatitis
• tuberculosis
• rabies
• COVID-19

Serious outbreaks sometimes occur.

To protect yourself from illness:

• drink boiled water or bottled water with sealed lids
• avoid ice cubes
• avoid raw and undercooked food, such as salads
• don't swim in fresh water
• avoid contact with dogs and other mammals

If you're bitten or scratched by an animal, get medical help straight away.

Get medical advice if you have a fever or diarrhoea.

Medical facilities are adequate in major cities but basic or unavailable in rural areas.

You'll need to pay up-front before doctors and hospitals will treat you.

If you become seriously ill or injured, you may need to be evacuated to a place with better facilities. Medical evacuation can be very expensive.

You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.

If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter. But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

Drugs

Penalties for drug offences are severe and can include long prison sentences in local jails.

More information:

• Carrying or using drugs

Other laws

Ensure you carry your identification and evidence of the purpose of your visit at all times. Local security forces may interpret laws broadly and inconsistently. You could break the law without intending to. The Australian Government can’t intervene in local judicial processes.

It's illegal to photograph:

• airports
• the Presidential Palace
• government buildings
• military sites
• border posts

It's illegal to buy or sell endangered wildlife products without a licence. This includes ivory and rhino horn.

Local laws may change without notice.

Same-sex relationships aren't legally recognised.

Local communities can be intolerant towards same-sex relationships, so avoid public displays of affection.

There have been attempts to charge people in same-sex marriages under public order and obscenity laws.

More information:

• Advice for LGBTQIA+ travellers

Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia. 

More information:

• Staying within the law and respecting customs

Dual citizenship is recognised in Gabon.

Help for dual nationals can be limited if local authorities consider you a Gabonese citizen. Travel on your Australian passport.

More information:

• Dual nationals

Visa conditions

You should get a visa to enter Gabon. Those entering Gabon under visa-free arrangements have experienced immigration issues during their stay.

You also need a letter of invitation or sponsorship from your accommodation or sponsoring partner outlining the purpose of your visit and the duration of your stay. The letter should be in French and contain the author's contact details. You'll need to show the letter to immigration officials on arrival.

Gabon doesn't have an embassy or consulate in Australia. Gabon's nearest embassy is in Tokyo.

Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact the nearest embassy or consulate for the latest details about visas, currency, customs and other travel requirements.

While the situation has stabilised, political and security sensitivities mean that travel to and from Gabon may be disrupted. This could include difficulties obtaining a visa or borders being closed at short notice. Monitor local media for updates.

Yellow fever vaccination

You'll need a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter Gabon. Some airlines may want to see one when you leave.

Find out about returning to Australia after exposure to yellow fever.

More information:

• Countries with a risk of yellow fever (PDF 252KB)

Validity

Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you're just transiting or stopping over.

Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.

You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.

The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport.

Lost or stolen passport

Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.

Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.

If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:

• In Australia, contact the Australian Passport Information Service.
• If you're overseas, contact the nearest Australian embassy or consulate.

Passport with 'X' gender identifier 

Although Australian passports comply with international standards for sex and gender, we can’t guarantee that a passport showing 'X' in the sex field will be accepted for entry or transit by another country. Contact the nearest embassy, high commission or consulate of your destination before you arrive at the border to confirm if authorities will accept passports with 'X' gender markers. 

More information:  

• LGBTQIA+ travellers 

The local currency is the Central African CFA Franc (XAF).

Declare all amounts of local or foreign currency more than XAF200,000 on arrival and departure. This covers all forms of currency, not only cash.

You can only cash traveller's cheques at larger banks in major cities. The cheques must be in either euros or US dollars.

Gabon is largely a cash-based economy.

Credit cards aren't widely accepted, except at major hotels and restaurants. 

Ask your bank if your cards will work in Gabon.

You'll find ATMs in major centres. Take care when using ATMs because thieves may target you. See the Safety section for more information.

French is the official language. English isn't widely spoken.

Local restrictions

Restrictions and government requirements for internal travel within Gabon may change without notice. Seek local advice before internal travel, particularly when travelling to areas not frequented by tourists. When travelling within Gabon, local authorities may inspect your documentation. Always carry evidence of the purpose of your travel for presentation on request. 

Travelling with a reputable Ecotourism operator is not a guarantee that your travel plans will not be subject to restrictions.

Driving permit

To drive in Gabon, you need both:

• a valid Australian driver's licence (digital driver's licences may not be accepted)
• an International Driving Permit (IDP)

You must obtain your IDP before leaving Australia.

Road travel

Hazards include:

• poorly maintained roads
• poorly maintained and overloaded vehicles
• local driving practices
• poor lighting and road signs, especially outside urban areas

Travel outside of major urban centres usually requires a 4WD vehicle.

Towing and repair services aren't common outside Libreville.

There are police roadblocks throughout the country. You may be asked to show your identity and motor vehicle registration papers.

Check you have adequate travel insurance coverage before driving.

If you hire a vehicle, confirm with your rental company what you're required to carry in your vehicle, such as:

• licensing documents
• proof of insurance
• safety equipment such as a fire extinguisher

To reduce your risks if you plan to drive:

• get to know local traffic laws and practices
• be alert to pedestrians, animals and other hazards on the road
• avoid travelling at night
• get local advice on road conditions, especially during the rainy season

If you're involved in a traffic accident, go to the nearest police station to avoid possible confrontations.

More information:

• Driving or riding

Motorcycles

Your travel insurance policy may not cover you when riding a motorbike, quad bike or similar vehicle.

Always wear a helmet.

Taxis

Taxis are generally safe but often pick up multiple passengers and take indirect routes.

To reduce risks when using taxis:

• negotiate the fare with the driver before entering the taxi
• avoid using taxis alone or at night
• ask the driver not to pick up other passengers
• only use authorised taxis
• use hotel taxi and limousine services if they're available

Public transport

Buses and trains in Gabon are reasonably safe.

Services are infrequent.

More information:

• Transport and getting around safely

Boat travel

Armed robbery and piracy against commercial shipping have occurred off the coast of Gabon and across the Gulf of Guinea.

Take extreme caution when travelling by boat, and:

• check the International Maritime Bureau (IMB) piracy reports
• take appropriate security precautions
• be alert to threats

Air travel

DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

Check Gabon's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.

More information:

• Air travel

Depending on what you need, contact your:

• family and friends
• travel agent
• insurance provider
• employer
• airline

Fire and rescue services

Call 177.

Medical emergencies

Call 177 or go to the hospital.

Depending on your mobile network, call: 1300, 0174 or 0880 for SOS Médecins.

Operators may only speak French.

Police

Call 177 or visit the nearest police station.

Always get a police report when you report a crime.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

Read the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.

Australia doesn't have an embassy in Gabon.

The Canadian High Commission in Cameroon provides limited consular assistance to Australians in Gabon. It can issue Australian provisional travel documents.

Limited consular services are also available from the Australian High Commission in Nigeria.

Canadian High Commission, Yaounde

Les Colonnades Building

New Bastos, Road 1 792

Yaoundé, Cameroon

Phone: +234 (0)20 9460 6960

Fax: +237 222 50 39 04

Email: yunde@international.gc.ca

Website: https://www.international.gc.ca/country-pays/cameroon-cameroun/yaounde.aspx?lang=eng

Australian High Commission, Abuja

Phone: +234 (0) 9460 6960

Email: ahc.abuja@dfat.gov.au

Website: nigeria.highcommission.gov.au

Facebook: Australia in Nigeria

X: @AusHCAbuja

Check the High Commission website for details about services or to make an appointment.

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
• 1300 555 135 in Australia