Gabon
Temperatures stay consistently warm, generally from 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F), with little seasonal variation. Humidity levels run high, often over 80%. Dry seasons occur from mid-May to mid-September ('Great Dry Season') and mid-December to mid-February ('Small Dry Season'), bringing less rain and lower humidity. Wet seasons are mid-February to mid-May ('Small Wet Season') and mid-September to mid-December ('Great Wet Season'), featuring increased and frequent rainfall, with common thunderstorms.
The 'Gabonese winter' during the Great Dry Season (June-August) describes slightly cooler and much drier conditions. Even in dry periods, brief, light showers appear, so expect not entirely arid conditions. During wet seasons, periods of sunshine are also possible. The equatorial weather changes quickly.
Regardless of the season, packing a Light rain jacket or a Small umbrella offers preparation for unexpected showers. Even during dry periods, light rain appears.
Your clothing selections benefit from lightweight, quick-drying fabrics that manage high humidity.
Yellow Fever Vaccine
Certificate for all travelers 9 months+.
Entry denial possible.
Minimum 6 months validity
Passport valid for 6 months beyond departure.
At least two blank pages for stamps.
Apply online for ease
Most recommended for tourists flying to LBV.
Not a general option without prior confirmation.
Most foreign nationals need a visa. Gabon offers tourist and business visas. The e-visa, online application with physical visa upon arrival at Libreville Leon M'ba International Airport (LBV), is the most common method. Required documents include a passport valid for six months beyond departure with two blank pages, recent passport-sized photographs, confirmed round-trip flight tickets, accommodation proof (hotel or invitation), a travel itinerary, and proof of funds. E-visa applicants require a scanned passport biographical page.
E-visa fees range from 70 to 85 EUR (approx. 75-90 USD) for a 1-3 month single-entry visa, payable in cash (Euros or CFA francs) upon arrival at LBV. At immigration, present your e-visa authorization, passport, and all supporting documents. Biometric data collection (fingerprints, photo) may occur. National park access needs specific permits, typically arranged via tour operators. Photography of government buildings, military sites, police, or port areas is strictly prohibited.
Carry several photocopies of your passport and Gabonese visa. Digital copies on your phone, cloud, and email offer multiple backups.
Print and digital copies of your policy, including emergency contacts and coverage details (World Nomads, SafetyWing, Insubuy).
Bring an IDP with your national driver's license if driving.
Original Yellow Fever certificate is mandatory. Copies of other relevant medical records or prescriptions.
Printed and digital confirmations of flights (IVisa, VisaHQ, AirHelp), hotels, tours. Physical emergency contact list.
Gabon generally presents as a higher-cost destination in Central Africa compared to some West African nations.
The Central African CFA franc (XAF) is the official currency, fixed to the Euro (€1 = XAF 655.957). Major currencies like EUR and USD exchange at banks and larger Libreville hotels. ATMs operate in urban centers. Most international cards (Visa, MasterCard) work. Cash is the accepted payment method for smaller establishments and taxis. Carry sufficient local currency for daily expenses.
Accommodation: Budget guesthouses XAF 15,000-30,000; Mid-range hotels XAF 40,000-90,000; Luxury hotels XAF 100,000-250,000+. Meals: Street food XAF 1,000-3,000; Local restaurants XAF 5,000-15,000; Mid-range XAF 20,000-40,000; Fine dining XAF 50,000+. Transportation: Shared taxi XAF 500-1,000; Private taxi XAF 2,000-5,000; Airport taxi XAF 5,000-10,000. Attractions: Museum entry XAF 1,000-5,000; National park entry XAF 10,000-30,000+ (often part of tour package).
Expect XAF 250,000+ (approx. $400+ USD) daily. Accommodation at 4-5 star international hotels typically starts from XAF 150,000+. Fine dining experiences at upscale restaurants commence at XAF 60,000+. Transportation includes private car hire with a driver or domestic flights to national parks, beginning at XAF 30,000+. Activities like organized, multi-day tours to national parks, specialized experiences, or private excursions range from XAF 10,000 to XAF 50,000+.
Your personal health and wellness receive a boost from a thoughtfully stocked medical kit and personal hygiene products. This readiness addresses common travel ailments and promotes comfort.
Yellow Fever vaccination is mandatory for all travelers aged 9 months or older entering Gabon. Present a valid Yellow Fever vaccination certificate upon arrival; entry may be denied without it. Ensure vaccination documentation appears in an International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP).
Consult a travel health clinic well in advance (4-6 weeks prior) for tailored advice. Recommended vaccinations for Gabon include Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, Rabies (if animal exposure or rural stays), Meningitis, and Tetanus-Diphtheria-Pertussis (Tdap). Routine vaccinations (MMR) should be current.
Gabon is a high-risk malaria area year-round. Consistent protective measures are advisable during your stay.
Take anti-malarial medication as prescribed.
Apply DEET-containing repellent (30-50%).
These mosquito-borne diseases are also present. Similar precautions against mosquito bites are effective.
Use Permethrin-treated mosquito nets.
Wear Long sleeves and pants dusk to dawn.
Diarrhea and food/waterborne illnesses are common. Strict hygiene practices are a safeguard.
Drink only Bottled water with an unbroken seal.
Avoid tap water, ice, raw vegetables, and unpeeled fruits.
| Category | Details | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Hospitals/Clinics | Varying quality. Private clinics (e.g., Polyclinique El Rapha) offer better standards. Upfront cash payment is common. | Seek private facilities for better care. |
| Pharmacies | Available for common medications; limited stock for specialized drugs. | Carry sufficient prescription medications. |
| Crime & Safety | Petty crime (pickpocketing, bag snatching) is common in crowded areas (e.g., Mont Bouët). Armed robbery can occur after dark. Avoid displaying wealth. | Use private taxis after dark. Avoid Nkembo, Glass, parts of Owendo, and walking alone at night. |
