Gabon is a pristine jewel in Central Africa, known as 'Africa's Last Eden' for its incredible biodiversity and untouched wilderness. With over 80% forest cover, 13 national parks, and pristine Atlantic coastline, Gabon offers extraordinary wildlife encounters including forest elephants, surfing hippos, and lowland gorillas.
Gabon is one of Central Africa's more stable countries but requires heightened vigilance due to petty crime in Libreville and post-2023 military government context. The main risks are opportunistic theft, scams targeting tourists, and health hazards including malaria. Exercise caution particularly at night.
Current safety advisory
Moderate
Exercise increased caution in Gabon due to crime and civil unrest following the August 2023 military coup. Petty crime is common in Libreville. Night curfews may be in effect - check with your hotel upon arrival.
Last updated: 2025-01
Official advisories
Guidance from national travel-advisory services.
Level 2 - Exercise Increased Caution
Exercise increased caution in Gabon due to crime and civil unrest. Some areas have increased risk.
Amber Advisory
Exercise particular care in Libreville, especially at night. Avoid political demonstrations.
Essential safety tips
Practical advice that applies everywhere.
Avoid displaying valuables such as phones, cameras, and jewelry in public
Do not walk alone at night anywhere in Libreville — use hotel-arranged taxis
Stay informed about current curfew regulations; check with your hotel upon arrival
Avoid large gatherings, political demonstrations, and military checkpoints
Keep certified copies of passport, visa, and yellow fever certificate separate from originals
Register with your country's embassy upon arrival and share your itinerary
Take malaria prophylaxis before, during, and after your trip — malaria is year-round in Gabon
Drink only bottled or purified water; avoid ice at local restaurants and street stalls
Be cautious of scams: unlicensed tour guides, rigged taxi meters, and fake currency exchange — agree on prices before any service
Obtain comprehensive travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage before departure; evacuation can cost USD 50,000+
Dress modestly outside beach areas; revealing clothing attracts unwanted attention in traditional neighborhoods
Keep vehicle doors locked and windows up when driving through urban areas, especially at traffic lights
Common scams to avoid
Recognise and sidestep tourist-targeted scams.
Taxi Overcharging
Unlicensed or opportunistic taxis quote greatly inflated fares to tourists who haven't negotiated. Rates 3-5x higher than locals pay are common.
How to avoid: Always agree on the fare before getting in. Use the Yango app for transparent pricing. Ask hotel staff for expected fare ranges.
Fake Currency Exchange
Unofficial money changers on the street offer favorable rates then shortchange or give counterfeit notes.
How to avoid: Exchange only at official bank branches or hotel reception. Avoid street money changers entirely.
Unofficial Tour Guide Scam
Unofficial 'guides' approach tourists at markets and attractions offering tours, then demand large payment or create uncomfortable situations.
How to avoid: Book guides through your hotel or licensed tour operators. Politely but firmly decline approaches from strangers offering services.
Police Checkpoint Bribery
Police at checkpoints may claim documentation issues and request 'fees' to resolve the situation, even when documentation is in order.
How to avoid: Carry certified copies of all documents. Remain polite and calm. Ask for written notice of any fine. Most legitimate officers will not insist if you are patient.
Health considerations
Staying healthy on your trip.
- Vaccinations
- Required: Yellow fever (certificate required for entry). Recommended: Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid, Rabies (if animal contact likely), Meningitis, Routine vaccinations (MMR, DPT). Malaria prophylaxis essential - consult travel doctor 4-6 weeks before departure.
- Water
- Not safe to drink. Use bottled water for drinking, brushing teeth, and ice. Bottled water widely available (500-1,000 XAF per liter). Avoid raw vegetables unless washed in purified water.
- Food
- Avoid raw vegetables unless washed in purified water. Cooked food from clean establishments is generally safe. Avoid raw shellfish from street vendors. Hotel and mid-range restaurant food is safe.
- Facilities
- Libreville has the Hôpital de Libreville and private Clinique El Rapha with reasonable facilities. Remote areas have very limited medical infrastructure. Medical evacuation insurance ($50,000+ cost) is essential.
Safety for specific travellers
Tailored advice for different groups.
Solo travellers
Generally safe for solo travelers in Libreville during daylight hours. Use hotel-arranged taxis or Yango app at night, avoid walking alone after dark in Mont-Bouët or the port area, and keep valuables secured. Solo safari travel should always be with licensed guides.
Female travellers
Women traveling solo should exercise standard urban caution in Libreville - avoid walking alone at night, dress modestly in neighborhoods outside tourist areas, and use app-based taxis. Harassment can occur but serious violent incidents targeting tourists are uncommon. Travel with a licensed guide for national park visits.
Families
Gabon is manageable for families with older children (8+). Key concerns are malaria (prophylaxis essential for all ages), limited medical facilities outside Libreville, and food/water safety. Beach destinations like Point Denis are good family-friendly options. Bring comprehensive medical kit and ensure medical evacuation insurance covers all family members.
LGBTQ+ travellers
Same-sex relationships are legal in Gabon, distinguishing it from many neighboring countries. However, social acceptance is very limited and public displays of affection between same-sex couples will attract negative attention. LGBTQ+ travelers should exercise discretion. There is no visible LGBTQ+ scene in Libreville. Stick to hotel environments where international standards apply.
Emergency contacts
Numbers to know before you go.
- Police
- 1730
- Medical
- 1300
- Embassy
- US Embassy Libreville: +241 01 45 71 00. UK Embassy (via Cameroon): +237 22 22 05 45. French Embassy Libreville: +241 01 79 70 00.
- Tourist Police
- No dedicated tourist police in Gabon. General police: 1730. Contact your embassy for serious incidents.