Is Gabon safe?
Yes, Gabon is relatively safe, especially compared to many other African countries such as the DRC, Kenya or South-Africa. Gabon has a low crime rate, with crime especially occuring in Libreville and Port-Gentil, which is mostly theft, pick-pocketing and mugging. Murder and kidnapping are quite rare (mostly piracy incidents with Nigerian pirates kidnapping people in the oil and marine sector) and very few visitors experience crime or any problems at all when travelling in Gabon. You should practise the usual precautions when you’re traveling: don’t flash any expensive stuff such as jewelry and expensive watches. Be careful with your belongings and keep an eye on your phone. But most of these advices should be followed in any country or major city. Avoid poorer areas in Libreville and Port-Gentil and be on the lookout when you walk around deserted beaches. Only use authorised taxis and have your hotel or someone you know book one for you if possible.
Gabon has malaria, dengue, chikungunya and tsétsé flies. Please, take all the necessary precautions by covering your body. It is advised to use long pants, socks and in the evening it’s best to use long sleeves to avoid mosquitoes from biting you. Use a mosquito net where available or even bring your own. You can also use DEET to keep mosquitoes and other insects away. Consult your doctor if you want to take preventive medication.
Avoid drinking tap water and refrain from swimming, especially in still water. Always ask locals if it’s ok to swim. Not only can the water be contaminated, it can also house dangerous insects, snakes and crocodiles.
Be careful with wild animals, avoid confrontation with animals such as gorillas, buffaloes, hippos, leopards and elephants and maintain your distance! Do not pet or touch animals, even cats and dogs as they can have rabies. Also avoid bushmeat as this is how diseases such as ebola spread.
Gabon has several roadblocks on the main roads operated by police and other authorities. Have your passport on you, as well as your vaccination card and be sure you have your visa. Cooperate with the officers and stay polite and patient.
Take the necessary precautions regarding COVID-19 and other diseases such as HIV, diarrhea, flu and others.
Vaccinations
Proof of yellow fever vaccination is required in Gabon and you may be refused entry if you fail to show. It is recommended to be vaccinated against polio, typhus, diphtheria, rabies and hepatitis A and B.
Visa
Gabon has now e-visa which can be obtained through their official website: https://evisa.dgdi.ga
The e-visa is only accepted for people entering the Leon Mba International Airport.
1. The application form should be completed online and include a copy of the passport data page, the date of validity of at least six months and a color photograph from less than 6 months of size 35 x 45 mm and has neither overexposure or underexposure. It must be properly mixed without shadow on the face or in the background.
2. The visa application form must be correctly filled. All information on the form must match passport data.
3. The applicant for the e-Visa should not travel before the arrival date specified in the registration or take the risk of traveling without having received the travel authorisation receipt. Applicants who do not respect these instructions will be drived back in accoredance with Law Nr 5/86 of 18 June 1986.
4. E-visas are granted for these durations:
– From one to three months single entry: 70 euro or 45.000 xaf + 15 euro as file processing fee.
– From six months with multiple entries: 185 euro or 120.000 xaf + 15 euro as file processing fee.
5. Payments are made on arrival at the delivery of the e-visa sticker.
6. The application processing time is 72 hours, after ETA-reception. ETA request cannot be processed in a shorter period.
7. Some countries are exempt from visas under bilateral agreements with Gabon, kindly check the exempted countries list in advance before submitting an e-visa request.
https://evisa.dgdi.ga/#/exemptions
8. This e-visa, as for other visas issued by the Gabonese Republic may be extende by going to the visa department of the Directorate General of Documentation and Immigration (DGDI) in Libreville, under the following conditions:
– A visa for one month can be extended for two months.
– A visa for two months may be extended for one month.
– A visa for three months is not extended.
– A visa for six months is not extended.
What to pack for Gabon?
If you’re going into the jungle, you will definitely need:
– DEET or another mosquito repellent
– Ask your doctor about malaria-medication
– A small stack of medication
– A mosquito net
– Good walking shoes that can get wet and easily dry
– Enough socks if you need to walk
– A light rain jacket
– A hat against the sun
– Sun screen
– Enough snacks and water
– A torch
– Swimwear and light towels
– A sleeping bag
– A good dose of humour and patience!
