Customs
Africa
Gabon Customs Regulations
Import & export rules, duty-free allowances, prohibited items, and traveler health advisory
200 cigs
Tobacco allowance
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Import Regulations
The following items can be imported tax free into the country by passengers aged 17 years or older.
** There are no restrictions on tobacco or tobacco articles of Cameroon origin imported from Cameroon.
- The following items can be imported tax free into the country by passengers aged 17 years or older.
- 200 cigarettes*
- 50 cigars
- 200 cigarillos
- 250 grammes tobacco**
- 2 litres in alcoholic drinks
- 50 grammes perfume
- 2 cameras
- Other gifts equalling XAF 5000
- Women can only import cigarettes
- * There are no restrictions on tobacco or tobacco articles of Cameroon origin imported from Cameroon.
- Holiday trips: Travellers are allowed to export local currency (CFA Franc-XAF) up to XAF 200,000 or foreign currencies up to the equivalent of XAF 200,000.
- Business trips: Travellers are allowed to export local currency XAF 25,000 per day with a maximum of XAF 500,000 or foreign currencies up to the equivalent of the above sums.
- Illegal drugs
- Guns and Ammunition – unless accompanied by a licence
- Knives and deadly weapons
- Counterfeit money and goods
- Pornographic material
- Plant and plant materials
- Guns and ammunition require a licence from the Ministry of Home Affairs in Libreville before being legal to import into the country.
- All imported pets require a rabies vaccination certificate or a newly issued veterinary certificate from the country of origin before being allowed entry into the country. Dogs and cats less than 3 months old are currently exempt.
Export Regulations
- No information available
- Illegal drugs
- Guns and Ammunition – unless accompanied by a licence
- Knives and deadly weapons
- Counterfeit money and goods
- Pornographic material
- Plant and plant materials
- No information available
Health & Security
Basic health information for travelers to Gabon
Food and Water based diseases are present in Gabon including cases of Hepatitis A, E, Bilharzia (schistosomiasis), Cholera and Typhoid. Travellers are advised to obtain all required vaccinations for these diseases prior to beginning their journey and to take care around native sources of food and water.
Basic security information for travelers to Gabon
🩺 Basic Health Information for Travelers to Gabon
- A yellow fever vaccination will be required for all visitors over one year of age before being allowed entry into the country.
- Water in the country should be considered dangerous and thoroughly boiled before being drunk. Travellers are advised to stick to bottled water wherever possible. Swimming in lakes, pools or the sea is not advised owing to the significant risk of disease. Visitors should only swim in chlorinated swimming pools and seek immediate medical attention if required. Milk and other dairy based products should be avoided if unpasteurised. Fruit should be peeled and vegetables cooked prior to being eaten. All fish and meat should also be well cooked and served boiling hot to prevent any chance of contamination.
- Food served from vendors may be poorly cooked and should be avoided wherever possible.
- Food and Water based diseases are present in Gabon including cases of Hepatitis A, E, Bilharzia (schistosomiasis), Cholera and Typhoid. Travellers are advised to obtain all required vaccinations for these diseases prior to beginning their journey and to take care around native sources of food and water.
- Malaria and Dengue fever are both present in the country and travellers are advised to buy plenty of insect repellent and close clothing for protection. If infected, travellers should seek out immediate medical attention before symptoms develop.
- HIV and Hepatitis B are endemic to the region and travellers should take all necessary precautions when dealing with bloody needles or when engaging in sexual activity.
- Occasional cases of Rabies have been reported throughout the country and travellers should avoid approaching any wild dogs or cats whose bites might contain the disease. If bitten, travellers should immediately clean the wound and seek medical attention to check for signs of infection.
- Medical facilities in the country are extremely limited and travellers are strongly urged to obtain both medical and travel insurance before starting their journey. Upfront payment for medicine or medical assistance will likely be needed. Transport to nearby countries may be required in more severe cases of illness or injury and travellers visiting rural areas should take a first-aid kit with anti-tetanus and anti-venom serums for protection.
🛡 Basic Security Information for Travelers to Gabon
- Incidents of petty crime such as pick pocketing and purse snatching are reportedly on the increase throughout the country and travellers are advised to keep their passport and other valuable items in a safe location at all times during their visit. Travellers are also urged to avoid any obvious public displays of wealth or jewellery which could attract unwanted attention and should not walk alone after dark. Walking alone after dark on beaches is also not advised and female travellers in particular are advised to take note of their surroundings if on their own during their visit. Visitors are also advised to keep a copy of their passport with them as proof of identity in the event of detainment by the police or the security services.
- There have been a number of political and civil disturbances in recent years following the inauguration of the current president Ali Bongo in 2009. Although the curfew that was previously in place has now been lifted, travellers are advised to check the countries current political situation prior to beginning their flight and to avoid any large gatherings or political rallies which could potentially turn violent.
- The road conditions are considered poor throughout the whole country and should not be attempted after dark for safety reasons. Many of the roads can become impassable during the countries rainy season between October and mid December and travellers should procure a four wheel drive if driving through the country during this period. Police checkpoints are common and all travellers should keep a copy of their passport and driving licence with them at all times.
- Penalties for the use and possession of drugs are severe and usually include a prison sentence. Selling or otherwise allowing others to use a travellers passport is a criminal offence and can lead to arrest and imprisonment if caught. 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.
Contact Information
For additional information about travel restrictions, security warnings, political updates, and basic travel guidelines, please contact the nearest Gabonese Embassy.