Gabon

Use Normal Level of Caution

Use High Level of Caution when visiting the following departments: Bendjé and Komo-Mondah

The Gabonese Republic is located in central Africa at the Equator, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean, Cameroon, Republic of the Congo, and Equatorial Guinea. The population is about 1.6 million people. There are many indigenous languages spoken, but Fang, Mbere, and Sira are the most common. Gabon’s government is a multiparty presidential republic with a president as chief of state and a prime minister as head of government.

Gabon gained independence from France in 1960. Although the country has more than 40 ethnic groups, Gabon has not experienced ethnic conflict like other African countries and is one of the more stable countries in this region. Gabon’s economy depends heavily on oil and mineral reserves, giving the country a wealthy per capita income compared to many African countries. However, there remains a large gap between the wealthy and the poor, and most people live in poverty.

The government has made efforts to promote eco-tourism. About 10 percent of the country is designated as a national park system. The country has 13 national parks, along with beaches, rainforests, and wildlife, including gorillas and elephants. At this time, infrastructure for tourism, such as transportation, is lacking.

Currency	XAF: Central African franc
Language	French
Capital	Libreville
Recent Alerts	1
Latest Alert	July 22, 2021 - COVID-19 Precautionary Measures in Gabon (22 July Update)

Diseases To Be Aware Of

The diseases listed below are those which occur most often in Gabon. Other, less frequently encountered diseases might be displayed within the Travel Alerts section if they have occurred recently.

Malaria Malaria risk exists throughout the year in the whole country.
Yellow Fever There is a risk of yellow fever transmission.
Sleeping Sickness (Type 1) There is increased risk for travellers spending a lot of time outdoors or visiting game parks. Travellers to urban areas are not at risk.
Hepatitis A There is a significant risk of exposure to hepatitis A in Gabon.
Hepatitis B There is a significant risk of exposure to hepatitis B in Gabon.
Typhoid Fever Unvaccinated people can become infected through contaminated food and water in Gabon, especially when visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where water and food may not be safe.
Chikungunya Fever Chikungunya fever has occurred in this country.
Rabies Rabies occurs in this country. Travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, bikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk.
Cholera Outbreaks of cholera occur in Gabon.
Tuberculosis Tuberculosis occurs in this country. Travellers to this country are at risk for tuberculosis if visiting sick friends or family, working in the health care field, or having close prolonged contact with the general population.
Dengue Fever Dengue fever occurs in this country.
Schistosomiasis This disease is present in this country and is acquired through contact with fresh water, such as swimming, bathing, or rafting. Well-chlorinated swimming pools and contact with saltwater in oceans or seas will not put travellers at risk for schistosomiasis.
Zika Fever Zika virus can occur in this country.

Vaccinations to Consider

The following is a list of recommended vaccinations for travelling to Gabon.

Yellow Fever Vaccine A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for all travellers 1 year of age and older. However, the vaccination is recommended for all travellers 9 months of age and older.
Hepatitis A Vaccine There is a significant risk of exposure to hepatitis A for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.
Hepatitis B Vaccine There is a significant risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.
Typhoid Fever Vaccine There is a risk of exposure to typhoid fever in this country through consumption of unsafe food and water. Since exposure to unsafe sources is variable within this country, the vaccination against typhoid fever is generally recommended, especially when visiting smaller cities, rural areas, where water and food may not be safe.
Rabies Vaccine Vaccination against rabies is recommended for travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, bikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) who may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk and should be vaccinated.
Cholera Vaccine The U.K. NaTHNaC recommends the oral cholera vaccine for some travellers whose activities or medical history put them at increased risk, travelling to areas of active cholera transmission. These risk factors include: aid workers; those going to areas of cholera outbreaks who have limited access to potable water and medical care; travellers for whom the vaccination would be considered potentially beneficial, such as chronic medical conditions. The U.S. CDC recommends the cholera vaccine for travellers who are 18-64 years of age and who plan to travel to areas of active cholera transmission. CDC notes that most travellers do not travel to areas of active cholera transmission, and that safe food and water practices can prevent many cholera infections.

Medications to Consider

The following is a list of recommended medications for travelling to Gabon.

Anti-malarial Drugs Anti-malaria medication is recommended for travellers going to Gabon. Recommended medications are atovaquone/proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine. Anti-malaria drug resistance for chloroquine and sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine is present.

Safety and Security in Gabon

Emergency Numbers

177

1300 for SOS Médecins

0174 for SOS Médecins

18 In Libreville

0880 for SOS Médecins

07-63-93-63 In Port Gentil

01-56-27-75 In Port Gentil

Operators may speak French only.

Personal Safety

There is a high level of both petty and serious crime in Gabon, particularly in Libreville and Port-Gentil. Travellers should be alert in their surroundings, keep valuables and cash out of sight, and avoid showing signs of affluence.

Avoid isolated or poorer areas of towns. Avoid walking alone at night even in tourist areas. Avoid walking alone on beaches during the day, and avoid beaches completely at night.

Poor road conditions and reckless driving make road travel dangerous. In rural areas, roads may be unpaved and unlit at night. Avoid travelling after dark. Only use authorized taxis and book only from a trusted source such as a hotel, restaurant, or reputable company. Do not hail a taxi on the street.

In Libreville, there have been some carjackings. Keep car doors locked and windows closed. Do not stop to pick up hitch-hikers.

There are strict penalties for the possession and use of illegal drugs.

Serious crimes, including serious assault, carry the death penalty.

Photography of military sites, government buildings, and the Presidential Palace is strictly prohibited.

In 2019, the Gabon government passed a law criminalizing homosexuality. Consensual same-sex sexual relations are a criminal offense with penalties of up to six months in prison and a fine of up to 5 million CFA francs. Same-sex marriage is not legal in Gabon. The culture is not tolerant, therefore, avoid public displays of affection. There is no legal protection against discrimination based on sexual orientation.

Tourism infrastructure is limited outside of the capital.

Always carry your passport and visa in case you are asked for identification.

Political Unrest

Protests and demonstrations have turned violent in the past. Minimize safety risk by avoiding all areas of civil unrest.

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Updated: July 23, 2021