Practical Information
Visa & entry
Most nationalities require a visa. Apply at Gabon embassy before arrival or obtain a Gabon e-visa online (occasionally available but unreliable). Visa on arrival exists for some nationalities. Yellow fever vaccination recommended; proof may be requested. Passport valid for 6+ months required.
Money & payments
Currency is CFA Franc (XAF). EUR and USD can be exchanged in Libreville; rates are decent. ATMs from major banks exist in Libreville and Port-Gentil; less available in interior. Credit cards work in hotels and restaurants in major cities. Cash is still king outside urban areas. Banking is relatively reliable.
SIM cards & internet
Mobile networks: Moov Gabon, Azur, and Orange operate. Coverage is good in cities and along main roads; patchy inland. Data is available and reasonably priced. Buy SIM in Libreville; registration required. Internet cafes and WiFi available in cities.
Getting around
No trains for tourists. Shared minibuses operate in cities. Road travel inland is slow; 4x4 recommended. Libreville to interior parks requires chartered flights or organized overland tours. Libreville Aviation and other charter operators serve national parks. Hire a driver for road travel.
Health
Malaria is endemic; take prophylaxis. Yellow fever, dengue, and sleeping sickness occur. Sanitation in cities is acceptable; tap water in Libreville is sometimes potable but bottled is safer. Medical care in Libreville is acceptable; rural areas are minimal. Bring prescriptions and first aid supplies.
Language & etiquette
French is official and widely spoken. Fang and other languages are used locally. English is less common. Learn basic French. Handshakes are standard. Avoid discussing politics. Photography: polite asking recommended. Dress modestly except at beaches. Tipping is appreciated.
When to go
Dry season June-September is best; cooler and less humid. Rainy season November-April and smaller rains in May bring high humidity. Equatorial climate is warm year-round. Seasons are less pronounced inland; coastal areas have Atlantic breezes.
Getting there
Libreville's Leon M'ba International Airport is the main entry; Air France, Brussels Airlines, and Ethiopian Airlines serve it regularly. Overland routes connect to Cameroon and the Republic of Congo; limited ferry access to islands. Most travelers connect through Paris or Brussels hubs for efficiency.