Sub Saharan Africa
Gabon
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Still current at: 08 October 2008
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Updated: 09 September 2008
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This advice has been reviewed and reissued. The overall level of the advice has not changed
(see travel advice legal disclaimer)
Travel advice for this country
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Travel Summary
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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.
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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.
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We are not aware of any British nationals who have required consular assistance in Gabon in 2006 or 2007. 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 strongly 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.
Safety and security
Terrorism
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. For more general information see Terrorism Abroad.
Crime
Crime is increasing, particularly in Libreville and Port-Gentil, including incidents of robbery and armed attacks. You should take sensible personal security precautions and maintain a high level of vigilance in public places. We recommend that you avoid carrying valuables or wearing jewellery in public. You should avoid isolated or poorer areas of towns and walking alone at night. We advise you to be cautious on quiet or isolated beaches in and around Libreville, and to avoid them altogether at night.
Following a number of carjackings within Libreville we recommend that you keep your car windows closed and car doors locked if you are travelling at night. Do not stop to pick up strangers. To avoid the risk of serious injury do not resist carjackers. You may find that an immobiliser that operates after the vehicle has been driven a short distance or a tracking device can help with the recovery of your vehicle.
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. For more general information see Terrorism Abroad.
Crime
Crime is increasing, particularly in Libreville and Port-Gentil, including incidents of robbery and armed attacks. You should take sensible personal security precautions and maintain a high level of vigilance in public places. We recommend that you avoid carrying valuables or wearing jewellery in public. You should avoid isolated or poorer areas of towns and walking alone at night. We advise you to be cautious on quiet or isolated beaches in and around Libreville, and to avoid them altogether at night.
Following a number of carjackings within Libreville we recommend that you keep your car windows closed and car doors locked if you are travelling at night. Do not stop to pick up strangers. To avoid the risk of serious injury do not resist carjackers. You may find that an immobiliser that operates after the vehicle has been driven a short distance or a tracking device can help with the recovery of your vehicle.
Public demonstrations in Port Gentil have on occasion turned violent. You should avoid demonstrations, rallies and large public gatherings.
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. You should avoid travelling by road at night. Police checkpoints are common, where 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 community. You should check http://europa.eu.int/comm/transport/air/safety/flywell_en.htm to see whether this will affect your travel.
British Government employees do not use domestic flights run by Gabonese airline companies unless this is unavoidable. You should bear this in mind when making your travel plans.
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.
For more general information for different types of travellers see Travel Advice Relevant to You.
Entry requirements
Visas
British nationals require a visa to visit Gabon. To apply for a visa and to obtain further information on entry requirements, please contact the Gabonese Embassy in London.
Yellow Fever Certificate
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.
Travelling with children
Single parents or other adults travelling alone with children should be aware that some countries require documentary evidence of parental responsibility before allowing lone parents to enter the country or, in some cases, before permitting the children to leave the country. For further information on exactly what will be required at immigration please contact the Gabonese Embassy in London.
Health
Medical facilities are limited, particularly in rural areas.
There are reports of an outbreak of the mosquito-borne Chikungunya virus in Libreville and the southern suburb of Owendo on the Gabon Estuary. The government has stated that 5,000 suspected cases have been reported.
You should drink or use only boiled or bottled water and avoid ice in drinks. If you suffer from diarrhoea during a visit to Gabon you should seek immediate medical attention.
There are reports of an outbreak of the mosquito-borne Chikungunya virus in Libreville and the southern suburb of Owendo on the Gabon Estuary. The government has stated that 5,000 suspected cases have been reported.
You should drink or use only boiled or bottled water and avoid ice in drinks. If you suffer from diarrhoea during a visit to Gabon you should seek immediate medical attention.
In the 2006 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic the UNAIDS/WHO Working Group estimated that around 56,000 adults aged 15 or over in Gabon were living with HIV; the prevalence rate was estimated at around 7.9% of the adult population. This compares to the prevalence rate in adults in the UK of around 0.2%.
You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. For more general information on how to do this see HIV and AIDS.
You should seek medical advice before travelling to Gabon and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up-to-date. For further information on vaccination requirements, health outbreaks and general disease protection and prevention you should visit the websites of NaTHNaC and NHS Scotland's Fit For Travel or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.
For more general health information see Travel Health.
General
Insurance
We strongly 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.
British Representation
There is no British Embassy in Gabon. In an emergency, you can obtain consular assistance from the British Honorary Consul in Libreville (tel: + 241 769 899 during office hours; or + 241 0626 3994 at other times).
The nearest British diplomatic mission is in Yaoundé, Cameroon (contact details below).
Consular registration
Register with our LOCATE service to tell us when and where you are travelling abroad or where you live abroad so our consular and crisis staff can provide better assistance to you in an emergency. More information about registering with LOCATE can be found here.
Register with our LOCATE service to tell us when and where you are travelling abroad or where you live abroad so our consular and crisis staff can provide better assistance to you in an emergency. More information about registering with LOCATE can be found here.
Travel advice for this country
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