Entry Requirements
Visa requirements for Gabon depend on which passport you hold. Check the Traveller visa tool to see whether your passport needs a visa and, if so, how long you can stay.
Check if you need a visa for GabonEmergency Numbers
- Police
- 177
- Ambulance
- 1300
Currency
- Name
- Central African CFA franc
- Code
- XAF
- Symbol
- FCFA
Pegged to the euro. Cards accepted in Libreville hotels; cash elsewhere.
Power Outlets
- Outlet type
- Type C
- Voltage
- 220V
- Frequency
- 50Hz
Time Zone
WAT (UTC+1) — no daylight saving
Best Time to Visit
The long dry season (June to September) is the best window for Loango National Park and gorilla trekking.
Major Airports
- LBV
Léon-Mba International Airport
Libreville · main international hub
- POG
Port-Gentil International Airport
Port-Gentil
Tipping Customs
| Venue | Typical | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Restaurants | 10% | — |
| Guides | USD 20+ per day | — |
Dress Code
What "modest dress" usually means
Shoulders and knees covered, nothing tight or sheer, no low-cut tops, no visible underwear or midriff. Loose, breathable fabrics work best in warm climates. In most places this is a social expectation rather than a legal rule — the country-specific notes below add any extras (headscarves at mosques, long trousers in temples, etc.).
- Lightweight tropical clothing
- Modest dress in cities; swimwear only on beaches
Social Etiquette
- French is the official language; Fang is the most widely spoken local language
- Loango National Park's hippos surfing in the Atlantic are a genuine thing — the park is one of the world's great wildlife secrets
Local Laws
Laws change. Verify current rules with your country's official travel advisory before departure.
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate required
- Photography of government, military and airports prohibited
Common Phrases
| English | Local | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Hello (French) | Bonjour | bon-ZHOOR |
| Thank you (French) | Merci | mehr-SEE |
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