Travel Facts
US State Dept Travel Advisory
The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens exercise increased caution in Gabon due to civil unrest. Some areas have increased risk. Consult its website via the link below for updates to travel advisories and statements on safety, security, local laws, and special circumstances in this country.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html
Passport/Visa Requirements
US citizens should make sure their passport will not expire for at least 6 months after they enter the country even if they do not intend to stay that long. They should also make sure they have at least 1 blank page in their passport for any entry stamp and or visa that will be required. A visa is required. US citizens will need to get in touch with the country’s embassy or nearest consulate to obtain a visa prior to visiting the country.
US Embassy/Consulate
[241] 01-45-71-00; US Embassy in Libreville, Sablière B.P. 4000, Libreville, Gabon; https://ga.usembassy.gov/; ACSLibreville@state.gov
LGBTQIA+ Travelers
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) travelers can face unique challenges when traveling abroad. Laws and attitudes in some countries may affect safety and ease of travel. Legal protections vary from country to country. Many countries do not legally recognize same-sex marriage. Approximately seventy countries consider consensual same-sex sexual relations a crime, sometimes carrying severe punishment.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/before-you-go/travelers-with-special-considerations/lgbtqi.html
Telephone Code
241
Local Emergency Phone
Ambulance: 1300-1399; Fire: 18; Police: 1730
Vaccinations
The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Gabon: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, yellow fever, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza.
http://www.who.int/
Climate
Tropical; always hot, humid
Currency (Code)
Cooperation Financiere en Afrique Central francs (Central African CFA franc, XAF)
Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)
220 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): C
Major Languages
French, Fang, Myene, Nzebi, Bapounou/Eschira, Bandjabi
Major Religions
Roman Catholic 42.3%, Protestant 12.3%, other Christian 27.4%, Muslim 9.8%, animist 0.6%
Time Difference
UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Potable Water
Opt for bottled water
International Driving Permit
Suggested
Road Driving Side
Right
Tourist Destinations
Libreville; Loango National Park; Fernan Vaz Lagoon; Ivindo National Park (includes Kongou Falls)
Major Sports
Soccer, basketball
Cultural Practices
Personal space is not considered necessary in Gabon, where it is common for conversations to occur at very close distances.
Tipping Guidelines
Tips are not expected in hotels and restaurants, except at upscale locales frequented by foreigners. Tip drivers and guides 10%.
Souvenirs
Stone carvings, ceremonial masks, pottery, drums, precious and semi-precious gemstones; beaded or brass, copper, or silver pendant necklaces
Traditional Cuisine
Poulet Nyembwe — chicken in palm butter sauce
Please visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination.
World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination.
US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens.
To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs:
American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)
How to get help in an emergency?
Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers:
from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444
Page last updated: Thursday, September 28, 2023
