Gabon

Petty crime is common, including:

• pickpocketing
• bag snatching
• vehicle break-ins

Hotspots for thieves include crowded:

• markets
• transport hubs
• tourist areas

Drink spiking

Methanol poisoning

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

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 

Ensure you carry identification and evidence of the purpose of your travel. Local authorities may inspect your documentation. 

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

Terrorism is a threat worldwide. Terrorist attacks could occur anywhere and at any time. Be alert to possible threats, especially in public places. 

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

If there’s a terrorist incident, leave the area if it’s safe to do so and follow the instructions of local authorities. 

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

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.

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

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.

There’s no agreement between Australia and Gabon for free healthcare. Tourists must pay for all medical care, even if they need to stay in hospital or be evacuated. This can be very expensive. Make sure your travel insurance covers you. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.

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.

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

Dual nationality 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.

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

Validity

Lost or stolen passport

Passport with 'X' gender identifier 

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
• wildlife such as elephants may wander onto roads, particularly at night

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. Local transport apps are available, however none of the major international rideshare services operate in Gabon.

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

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.

The Australian Government aims to provide high quality consular assistance. There are limits to what we can do. Read the Consular Services Charter to understand how we can assist 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 Honorary Consul, Libreville

Quartier Batterie IV, Pont de Gué-Gué (1st street behind the European Union office), Libreville, Gabon

Phone: (241) 074 77 37 41 (Honcon)

Email: conhongab@gmail.com

Website: Consulate of Canada to Gabon, in Libreville 

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: High Commission of Canada in Cameroon, in Yaoundé

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