COVID-19 Precautionary Measures in Gabon (22 July Update)

Can a resident enter the country?

• Yes

• All citizens and residents of Gabon are allowed to enter the country.

Can a foreigner enter the country?

• No with exceptions

• All Gabon diplomatic missions abroad are prohibited from issuing entry visas to Gabon, without special authorization.

• Travellers wishing to enter Gabon from the United Kingdom will need authorization from the Gabonese authorities prior to departure for Gabon. Authorization can be obtained by sending an email addressed to the ‘Minister’ or ‘Secretary General’ at the following email address: [email protected].

Is a test required on arrival?

• Yes with exception

• All travellers are required to undergo a COVID-19 test on arrival at the Libreville International Airport (LBV) at their own expense. Passengers will be required to self-isolate for 24 hours at a facility approved by local authorities until the test is processed.

• If the COVID-19 test is negative, travellers will receive a certificate valid for 14 days, which can be renewed after taking another test. If travellers test positive on arrival, they will be required to continue self-isolation/quarantine and will be contacted by the Gabonese health authorities.

• Travellers who are vaccinated against COVID-19 and have valid vaccination certificates are exempted from the requirement.

• All COVID-19 tests taken in Gabon will supersede any test conducted before arrival in Gabon.

Test certificate allowed?

• Yes

• Test certificates issued outside of Gabon are accepted.

Test certificate required?

• Yes

• All passengers travelling to Gabon must present a valid negative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test certificate from a test taken within 3 days prior to entry, or a valid COVID-19 vaccination certificate to enter Gabon.

Is quarantine required on arrival?

• Yes

• On arrival, all travellers are required to undergo a COVID-19 test at the Libreville International Airport (LBV). All travellers will have to self-isolate for 24 hours at an approved facility until the test is processed. If the COVID-19 test is negative, travellers will receive a certificate valid for 14 days, which can be renewed after another test is taken. If travellers test positive, they will be required to continue self-isolation and will be contacted by the Gabonese health authorities.Fully vaccinated travellers are exempt from quarantine on arrival.

• Based on the above restrictions, all incoming travellers will need to enter quarantine for a minimum of 24 hours. The maximum duration for quarantine is contingent on the test results and decision by Gabonese health authorities.

Is a vaccination required?

• No

• A vaccination for COVID-19 is not required for entry into the country.

Insurance required?

• No

• Proof of insurance coverage for COVID-19 expenses is not required to enter the country.

Airline restrictions

• Moderate

• International commercial flights to and from Gabon remain very limited.

• Domestic flights have resumed. Negative PCR test certificates issued within 14 days prior to travel are required for residents of Gabon who wish to travel within the country. Vaccinated travellers can seek exemption from the testing requirements.

Border restrictions

• Significant

• Gabon’s land and sea borders are closed. Freight transport and transport of food, oil, and gas are allowed.

• Gabon has suspended all tourist visas. Travellers arriving by air are advised to verify entry to Gabon before travelling.

• People 16 years of age and below are allowed to enter Gabon without a visa, however, they should be accompanied by their parent or guardian having a valid visa.

• Foreign nationals wishing to leave Gabon will need to obtain a letter of permission (“authorisation de sortie”) from the Gabonese Government and present proof of a negative coronavirus test prior to departure.

Curfew Restrictions

• Moderate

• The state of health emergency has been extended until further notice. This will entail an extension of the enforcement of various health and social measures to contain the spread of COVID-10.

• A curfew is in effect in the capital of Libreville, from 21:00 to 05:00 (local time). Vaccinated persons who have received their second dose 14 days ago are exempted from curfew measures.

Social distancing restrictions

• Significant

• Gatherings of more than 30 people remain banned. Parliament and educational institutions are exempt.

• Social distance must be followed by maintaining a 1-meter distance in a public gathering.

Internal travel restrictions

• Moderate

• Masks are required.

• Public transportation and rail services are operating.

• Taxis are only permitted to carry up to three passengers.

• Boat services within Gabon have resumed.

• Travellers intending to commute between cities must present a negative COVID-19 test certificate issued within the last 14 days before departure.

• Anyone wishing to leave or enter from/into Greater Libreville will need to secure permission from authorities and must produce a negative COVID-19 test certificate.

• Vaccinated travellers who have received their second dose 14 days ago are exempted from these domestic travel measures.

Non-essential shops open?

• Yes

• Markets are open.

Accommodations open?

• Yes

• Hotels are open. A valid negative COVID-19 test may be required for access to hotels.

Restaurants open?

• Yes

• Restaurants are allowed to operate until 20:30 (local time). A negative COVID-19 test certificate or vaccination certificate will be required for access to restaurants.

Bars and cafes open?

• Yes

• Bars are allowed to operate until 20:30 (local time). A negative COVID-19 test certificate or vaccination certificate will be required for access to bars and nightclubs.

Beaches and tourism sites open?

• No

• Beaches will remain closed until further notice.

Places of worship open?

• Yes with exceptions

• All places of worship are allowed to reopen one day per week. Access to places of worship is subject to presenting a negative PCR test or a vaccination certificate. Places of worship may hold services for limited gatherings.

Events allowed?

• No

• Sporting events are not allowed.

Masks required in public?

• Yes

• Wearing face masks is compulsory.

Other

• Educational institutes are allowed to reopen.

The COVID-19 epidemic is constantly changing worldwide. Travel and border restrictions may change with little or no notice. Airlines may have their own requirements for testing, masking, and distancing. It is recommended that travellers carry a supply of face masks since the requirement can vary by location. It is recommended that travellers practise social distancing, maintain a 6-foot distance from other individuals and avoid crowded areas. Check with your airline, booking agent, or country's embassy for information on your specific travel plans.