A volcano erupted on White Island, New Zealand on 9 December 2019. Follow the instructions of local authorities. Updates are available from the New Zealand Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management.
Call 177.
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.
Call 177 or visit the nearest police station.
Exercise a high degree of caution in Gabon.
Exercise a high degree of caution
Pay close attention to your personal security and monitor the media for new risks.
Exercise a high degree of caution in Gabon due to the risk of violent crime.
See Safety
Petty crime, including pickpocketing, bag snatching and vehicle break-ins, is common in Gabon. Keep your valuables out of sight.
Violent crime, including robberies and armed attacks, occurs, especially in Libreville and Port Gentil. Don't walk alone or at night. Avoid isolated areas, including beaches.
There has been a military presence on the streets since a failed coup in January 2019. Protests can turn violent. Avoid large public gatherings.
Flooding occurs during the rainy seasons. Check local conditions before driving. You may need a 4WD vehicle on some roads.
Full travel advice: Safety
Insect-borne diseases such as yellow fever and malaria occur throughout the year. Ensure your accommodation is insect-proof and use insect repellent.
Gabon has had cases of Zika virus. If you're pregnant, discuss your travel plans with your doctor.
HIV/AIDS is common. Take precautions if you're taking part in high-risk activities.
Foodborne, waterborne and other infectious diseases include cholera, typhoid and hepatitis. Drink only boiled or bottled water. Avoid raw or undercooked food.
Medical facilities are adequate in major cities, but basic or unavailable in rural areas. If you're seriously ill or injured, you'll need medical evacuation. Ensure your travel insurance covers this.
Full travel advice: Health
Don't use or carry illegal drugs. Penalties include long prison sentences.
Be careful when taking photos. It's illegal to photograph military sites, government buildings, border posts, airports and the Presidential Palace.
Don't buy or sell endangered wildlife products, including rhino horn and ivory. It's illegal to do so without a licence.
Same-sex relations are legal, but same-sex relationships aren't legally recognised. There have been attempts to charge people in same-sex marriages under public order and obscenity laws. Avoid public displays of affection.
Full travel advice: Local laws
You need a visa to enter Gabon. Contact your nearest embassy or consulate of Gabon for advice.
Carry proof of your yellow fever and cholera vaccinations.
Gabon is a largely cash-based economy. The local currency is the Central African CFA franc (XAF). Credit cards are not widely accepted. There are ATMs in major centres.
Be prepared if you're planning to drive in rural areas. Travel outside of major urban centres usually requires a 4WD vehicle. Towing and repair services aren't common outside Libreville.
Taxis are generally safe, but they often pick up multiple passengers and take indirect routes. Negotiate the fare with the driver before entering the taxi.
Piracy and armed robbery occurs in Gabon's coastal waters and in the Gulf of Guinea. Check International Maritime Bureau piracy reports before you travel.
Full travel advice: Travel
The Consular Services Charter details what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.
Australia doesn't have an embassy or consulate in Gabon. The Canadian Consulate in Gabon and the Canadian High Commission in Cameroon provide limited consular assistance to Australians. They can issue Australian provisional travel documents.
For full consular assistance, contact the Australian High Commission in Nigeria.
Full travel advice: Local contacts
Petty crime is common, including:
pickpocketing
bag snatching
vehicle break-ins
Hotspots for thieves include crowded:
markets
transport hubs
tourist areas
Violent crime is common, 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:
don't 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.
Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent. Demonstrations are more common in Libreville and Port Gentil.
A failed coup attempt in January 2019 led to a visible military presence on the streets.
To protect yourself during periods of unrest:
avoid demonstrations, protests and large gatherings
monitor local media
avoid affected areas
follow the advice of local authorities
More information:
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:
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 1000s 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.
More information:
Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.
If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in Gabon. Take enough legal medicine for your trip.
Many pharmaceutical products are in short supply in Gabon.
Carry a copy of your prescription and a letter from your doctor stating:
what the medicine is
how much you'll take
that it's for personal use
More information:
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:
If you're pregnant, the Australian Department of Health 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 is common in Gabon.
Take precautions if taking part in activities that put you at risk of infection.
Waterborne, foodborne, parasitic and other infectious diseases are common. These include:
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.
Penalties for drug offences are severe and can include long prison sentences in local jails.
More information:
Serious crimes, such as murder and assault, can attract the death penalty.
It's illegal to photograph:
military sites
government buildings
border posts
airports
the Presidential Palace
It's illegal to buy or sell endangered wildlife products without a licence. This includes ivory and rhino horn.
More information:
Same-sex relations are legal, but 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:
Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.
More information:
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:
Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders.
Make sure you meet all entry and exit conditions. If you don't, the Australian Government can't help you.
You need a visa to enter Gabon.
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. You can contact the nearest embassy or consulate for the latest details. They'll tell you about visas, currency, customs and other travel requirements.
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:
You need to show proof that you've been vaccinated against cholera.
If you don't have proof, you may need to pay to have a vaccine on arrival.
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.
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.
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.
You'll find ATMs in major centres. Take care when using ATMs because thieves may target you.
See Safety.
Ask your bank if your cards will work in Gabon.
Ecotourism is safe in Gabon if you:
use common sense
travel with a reputable tour company
don't venture too far from your group
To drive in Gabon, you need both:
a valid Australian driver's licence
an International Driving Permit (IDP)
You must obtain your IDP before leaving Australia.
You're 4 times more likely to be killed in a motor vehicle accident in Gabon than in Australia.
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 identity and motor vehicle registration papers.
Check you have adequate travel insurance cover 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:
Your travel insurance policy may not cover you when riding a motorbike, quad bike or similar vehicle.
Always wear a helmet.
Taxis are generally safe, but they 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
only use authorised taxis
use hotel taxi and limousine services if they're available
Buses and trains in Gabon are reasonably safe.
Services are infrequent.
More information:
Armed robbery and piracy against commercial shipping has occurred off the coast of Gabon and across the Gulf of Guinea.
When travelling by boat:
check the International Maritime Bureau (IMB) piracy reports
take appropriate security precautions
be alert to threats
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:
Depending on what you need, contact your:
family and friends
travel agent
insurance provider
employer
airline
Call 177.
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.
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.
Contact your provider with any complaints about tourist services or products.
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 Consulate in Gabon and the Canadian High Commission in Cameroon provide limited consular assistance to Australians in Gabon. They can issue Australian provisional travel documents.
Limited consular services are also available from the Australian High Commission in Nigeria.
Quartier Batterie IV
Pont de Gué-Gué (1st Street behind the EU)
Libreville, Gabon
Phone: (+241) 01 44 29 65
Email: conhongab@gmail.com
Les Colonnades Building
New Bastos, Road 1 792
Yaoundé, Cameroon
Phone: +237 222 50 39 00
Fax: +237 222 50 39 04
Email: yunde@international.gc.ca
Website: canadainternational.gc.ca/cameroon-cameroun.
Office mobile: +234 0 906 540 5487
Email: ahc.abuja@dfat.gov.au
Website: nigeria.highcommission.gov.au
Facebook: Australia in Nigeria
Twitter: @AusHCAbuja
Check the High Commission website for details about services or to make an appointment.
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
Be the first to know official government advice when travelling.