Entering Gabon in 2025
Gabon, renowned for its verdant rainforests, varied fauna and growing ecotourism appeal, is gaining popularity among daring tourists. With improvements made to its e-Visa application system in 2025, Gabon now offers a quicker, easier and safer online travel authorization procedure. With the simplified e-Visa procedure, entering Gabon is now easier than ever, regardless of your travel goals—nature exploration, business, or cultural discovery.
Things to Know Before Entering Gabon
Here are some key points for visitors before entering Gabon:
Visa & Entry Requirements
- Your passport has to be valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date.
- You will be denied entrance if you do not have a valid travel document or attempt to use a passport that has been reported as lost or stolen.
- The e-Visa program does not allow admission by land or sea; it is only acceptable for entry through Libreville International Airport (LBV).
- You may also have supporting documents, such as a confirmed hotel reservation and return tickets for tourism or a letter of invitation for business.
Biosecurity & Customs Rules
- Hunting items, counterfeit goods, and narcotics are strictly banned when traveling to Gabon
- Travelers entering or leaving Gabon with more than 10,000 EUR (or equivalent) must declare it at customs.
- Duty-Free Allowances are accepted for visitors over 17 years of age. Travelers should check carefully to avoid the penalty of the Immigration officer.
Currency & Payments
- The Central African CFA franc (XAF) is the currency of Gabon and is based on the Euro.
- Payment methods: Contactless is common; credit and debit cards are generally accepted. There are ATMs in urban areas.
- Tipping is not obligatory; however, rounding up or giving 10% at restaurants is appreciated.
Culture and Practical Tips
- French is the official language in Gabon, widely spoken in government, business, and tourism.
- Avoid taking pictures of airports, military installations, or government buildings. Before taking a picture of someone, always get their consent.
- The traditional welcome is a handshake, frequently accompanied by a kind grin. Expect more customary greetings in rural regions.
Health & Travel Insurance
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate is mandatory for all travelers over 9 months old. Due to frequent airport inspections, have your immunization certificate close at hand.
- Travel insurance is strongly advised, even if it is not legally required in Gabon. To ensure peace of mind while traveling, it offers coverage for unforeseen circumstances, including medical emergencies, trip disruptions, or lost luggage.
Gabon Highlights
Capital: Libreville
WAT, UTC +1
Currency: Central African CFA franc (XAF)
Language: French
Tropical climate, humid
Best Time to Visit:
Popular Tourist Sites:
FAQs about entering Gabon
1.
Do I need a visa to enter Gabon?
Yes, most travelers require a visa. However, Gabon offers an e-Visa for eligible nationalities, which can be applied for online without going to the Embassy/ Consulate.
2.
How long does it take to process a Gabon e-Visa?
The processing time will change based on the service option you choose and the kind of visa you require. Under our instructions, visas are processed at three different levels: Normal (within 3 working days), Urgent (within 24 hours) and Super Urgent (within 2 hours).
3.
Do I need to print out my visa to enter Gabon?
Yes, you should print out your Gabon e-Visa before traveling. While the Gabon e-Visa is granted electronically and linked to your passport, you have to present a physical copy of the visa acceptance letter (PDF) while arriving at Libreville International Airport.
4.
Is travel insurance mandatory for entry to Gabon?
As of now, travel insurance is not officially mandatory for entry to Gabon for most travelers. However, it's recommended because Gabon has limited medical infrastructure in remote areas. It covers unforeseen situations such as medical crises, trip disruptions, and missing luggage, providing peace of mind when traveling. Furthermore, Gabon's outdoor activities, such as diving and jungle tours, make travel insurance with adventure coverage extremely beneficial.
5.
Is the e-Visa available for business travel?
Yes, travelers can apply for a Gabon e-Visa for business purposes with proper documentation. Those attending meetings, conferences, or investigating commercial prospects can apply for an e-Visa by selecting "Business" as the reason of travel during the application procedure.
6.
How long can I stay in Gabon with an e-Visa?
The duration of your stay with a Gabon eVisa is determined by the type of visa you apply for; a multiple-entry eVisa is valid for six months, while a single-entry eVisa might be valid for one to three months. The Directorate General of Documentation and Immigration (DGDI) in Libreville is able to extend single-entry visas by one or two months, but not the three- or six-month multiple-entry visas.
Reliable & Up-to-Date Entry Information
All information provided here is regularly updated to reflect the latest travel and visa regulations for Gabon. We only reference official and reputable sources to ensure accuracy.
Source: The Immigration of Gabon: https://evisa.dgdi.ga/
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