Sub Saharan Africa

• Travel Summary
• Safety and security
• Local laws and customs
• Entry requirements

• Health
• General
 

Travel Summary

• There is no British Embassy in Gabon.  In an emergency, you can obtain consular assistance from the British Honorary Consul in Libreville.  Otherwise, all enquiries should be made to the British High Commission in Yaoundé, Cameroon.  See the General section of this travel advice for more details.
  
  
• Ali Bongo, the son of Gabon's long serving President Omar Bongo, was inaugurated as the new President of Gabon on 16 October.  There was some unrest following the results of the elections on 3 September 2009. The situation across the country has now stabilised; we no longer advise against all but essential travel to Gabon.  There are currently no travel restrictions for Gabon.  See the Political section of this travel advice for more details.
  
  
• There has been a confirmed human case of the A (H1N1) virus (Swine Flu) in Gabon (source: World Health Organisation).  The World Health Organisation (WHO) has raised its Pandemic Threat Alert Phase to Level 6. The WHO website has further details. Check Swine Flu for further information.
  
  
• There is a low threat from terrorism.  But you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks which could be in public areas, including those frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.
  
  
• No British nationals required consular assistance in Gabon in 2007 or 2008.  However, you should be aware that crime is increasing, particularly in Libreville and Port-Gentil.  See the Crime section of this travel advice for more details.
  
  
• We recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling.  You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake. See the General (Insurance) section of this advice and Travel insurance for more details.