Genvisec advises that all business and leisure travel should continue Gabon obeying security advice, certain categories of traveller may require enhanced security.

 

In recent months there have been strikes and demonstrations throughout Gabon. Over the weekend of 11 to 12 April 2015 the Benin Embassy in Libreville was burnt down during a demonstration.

 

During periods of unrest, police checks may increase. Make sure you have all required documentation with you. Follow local media and avoid large gatherings.

 

Avoid unnecessary journeys during periods of unrest and stay away from areas where demonstrations are likely to take place. Protests may quickly turn violent without warning.

 

 

Gabon has closed land, air and sea borders with countries affected by Ebola as a prevention measure against the spread of Ebola. Flights and ships travelling from or via Ebola affected countries are banned. Make sure your onward/return travel arrangements are flexible and take account of these travel restrictions.

 

Crime

 

Most visits by foreign nationals are trouble-free. However, there have been incidents of robbery, armed attacks and rape, including a violent assault on a foreign national in Port-Gentil in December 2012. You should take sensible personal security precautions and maintain a high level of vigilance in public places. You are advised to avoid displaying valuables like cameras, smart phones or jewellery. Avoid isolated or poorer areas of towns and walking alone at night. Be cautious on quiet or isolated beaches in and around Libreville, and avoid them altogether at night.

 

Taxis in Gabonese cities operate like buses, picking up new passengers while there is still room in the car. They often take indirect routes. There have been reports of violent assaults and robberies on taxi passengers. Only use authorised taxis and preferably book one from a reputable company or through a restaurant or hotel. There have been reports of car-jackings in Libreville. You are advised to keep your car windows closed and doors locked if you are travelling at night. Do not stop to pick up strangers. Do not resist car-jackers. An immobiliser that operates after the vehicle has been driven a short distance or a tracking device may help with the recovery of your vehicle. .

 

Local travel

 

Road conditions are poor in most local areas and driving can be hazardous. During the rainy season from October to mid-December and mid-February to May many roads are passable only with a four-wheel drive vehicle. Avoid travelling by road at night. Police checkpoints are common; you may be asked to show your passport, driving licence or vehicle registration documents.  

 

Air travel

 

The EU has published a list of air carriers that are subject to an operating ban or restrictions within the EU.  We advise against the use of domestic flights run by Gabonese airline companies.

 

Sea travel

 

There have been attacks of armed robbery on commercial shipping vessels in the Gulf of Guinea. Take extreme care when travelling in coastal waters.

 

Political situation

 

There have been occasional unauthorised political demonstrations in Libreville and Port Gentil, and in recent months there have been strikes and demonstrations throughout Gabon. Avoid all demonstrations, rallies and large public gatherings; even peaceful demonstrations have the potential to escalate.

 

Local laws and customs

Penalties for the use and possession of drugs are severe and usually include a prison sentence.

 

Homosexuality is not widely accepted in central African society and some sexual acts between members of the same sex are illegal.

 

Taking photographs of military sites and government buildings is forbidden

 

Money

Credit cards are not widely accepted, except at hotels. Due to the high incidence of credit card fraud, you should avoid using your credit card outside major hotel chains. Be vigilant when withdrawing cash from ATMs.

 

Medical facilities are limited, particularly in rural areas. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.

 

The UNAIDS 20130 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic estimated that around 37,000 adults aged 15 or over in Gabon were living with HIV; the prevalence percentage was estimated at around 4.0% of the adult population compared to the prevalence percentage in adults in the UK of around 0.25%. You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS.

 

If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 1300 or 1399 and ask for an ambulance. You should contact your insurance/medical assistance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment. 

 

Visas

 

Foreign nationals require a visa to visit Gabon. To apply for a visa and to obtain further information on entry requirements, contact the Embassy of the Republic of Gabon in your home country.

 

Passport validity

 

Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of six months from the date of entry into Gabon.

 

Yellow fever certificate

 

Yellow Fever vaccination is required for travellers arriving from all countries.

 

You will be asked to produce a yellow fever vaccination certificate on arrival in the country.  Failure to do so may result in a further vaccination being administered, for which a charge is made.