CONTENT|CONTENU

TRAVEL REPORT
Gabon

1. RECENT UPDATES

Section 2 has been updated (information on elections removed).

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2. WARNINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

There is no Official Warning for this country.

Exercise normal security precautions

Exercise high degree of caution

Avoid non-essential travel

Avoid all travel

Canadians in Gabon are advised to exercise a high degree of caution and to ensure they are registered with the Consulate of Canada in Libreville.

Travellers should maintain a high level of security awareness at all times and avoid public gatherings and street demonstrations.

OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: We offer a registration service for all Canadians travelling or living abroad. This service is provided so that we can contact and assist you in an emergency abroad, such as a natural disaster or civil unrest, or inform you of a family emergency at home. Registration can be done on-line or by contacting a Canadian government office abroad. For more information, see our FAQs on Registration of Canadians Abroad.

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3. SAFETY AND SECURITY

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety. The purpose of this Travel Report is to provide Canadians with up-to-date information to enable them to make well-informed decisions.

Crime

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing, purse snatching and vehicle break-ins has increased, particularly in markets, transportation hubs and areas frequented by tourists. Do not show signs of affluence. Resisting a robbery can lead to further violence.

Violent crime, including business and residential robberies and armed attacks, occur, particularly in Libreville and Port-Gentil. Travellers should remain alert to their surroundings and avoid walking alone after dark, even in places visited by tourists. Visitors should also avoid walking alone on beaches.

Fraud

Cases of attempted fraud are frequently reported in this country. For more information on overseas scams and their impact on the security of Canadians, see our Global Issues page.

General Safety Information

Ensure personal belongings, passports, and other travel documents are secure at all times.

Tourist facilities are limited outside the capital. Ecotourism is generally safe; however, travellers should make arrangements only with reputable companies and not venture from their organized tour groups.

In case of an emergency, dial 177 for the police.

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4. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS

It is the sole prerogative of each country or region to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries or regions have special requirements for persons intending to reside for extended periods (usually more than 90 days) or who plan to work, study, or engage in non-tourist activities. To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) to be visited. Violations of entry and exit requirements may result in serious penalties.

The following information on entry and exit requirements has been confirmed with the Gabonese authorities. However, these requirements are subject to change at any time. It is the traveller’s responsibility to check with the Embassy of the Gabonese Republic and its consulates for up-to-date information.

A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit Gabon. The passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected departure from the country. Canadians must also be in possession of a visa.

Tourist/Family Visits Visa: Required
Business Visa: Required
Diplomatic Visa: Required
Transit Visa: Required

Travellers are required to carry evidence of yellow fever and cholera vaccination.

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A Certificate of Canadian Citizenship is not a travel document. A Canadian passport is the only reliable and universally accepted travel and identification document available to Canadians for the purpose of international travel. Canadian citizens returning to Canada who present other documents, such as a Certificate of Canadian Citizenship, birth certificate, provincial driver’s license, or foreign passport, instead of a Canadian passport, may face delays or be denied boarding by transport companies.

Selling, altering, or allowing another person to use your passport is a criminal offence. It could lead to the laying of charges and imprisonment if convicted. It could also lead to the denial of future passport services.

Special and diplomatic passport holders should verify all visa requirements for this and other destinations, as they may differ from those that apply to regular passport holders.

Any adult travelling with children may be required to show evidence of parental/custodial and/or access rights. Foreign and Canadian authorities may also require evidence that the adult has the consent of the parents, legal guardian, and/or the court to travel with the children. Some countries or regions may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country or region without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order.

Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries or regions do not recognize them. Attempting to enter as a same-sex married couple may result in refusal by local officials. For more information, contact the foreign government office accredited to Canada.

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5. CANADIAN GOVERNMENT CONTACTS

You can obtain consular assistance and further consular information at the following addresses:

Gabon - LIBREVILLE, Consulate of Canada
Address: Quartier Batterie IV, Pont de Gué-Gué, 1st street behind the European Union, Libreville, Gabon
Postal Address: P.O. Box 4037, Libreville, Gabon,
Tel.: 241 44 29 65 or 241 06 05 57 47
Fax: 241 44 29 64
E-Mail: conhongab@gmail.com

The High Commission of Canada in Yaoundé, Cameroon, has consular responsibility for Gabon. The address is as follows:

Cameroon - YAOUNDÉ, High Commission of Canada
Address: Immeuble Stamatiades, Place de l'Hôtel de Ville, Yaoundé, Cameroon
Postal Address: P.O. Box 572, Yaoundé, Cameroon,
Tel.: 237 2223-2311
Fax: 237 2222-1090
E-Mail: yunde@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.cameroon.gc.ca

For emergency assistance after hours, call the High Commission of Canada in Yaoundé (Cameroon) and follow the instructions. You may also make a collect call to the Operations Centre in Ottawa at 613-996-8885.

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6. TRAVEL HEALTH

The Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) report on disease outbreaks that occur throughout the world. For the latest travel health advisories and related information, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Travel Health Web site.

The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that your travel plans include contacting a travel medicine clinic or physician six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication and advise you on precautions to avoid disease. Travellers are reminded to ensure that their routine (childhood) immunizations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and measles) are up to date.

Standards of medical care may differ from those in Canada. Treatment may be expensive, and payment in advance may be required. Travellers are advised to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure. Prescription medications should be kept in the original container and packed in carry-on luggage.

The Public Health Agency of Canada also recommends that travellers who become sick or feel unwell on their return to Canada seek a medical assessment with their personal physician. Travellers should inform their physician that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada.

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7. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION

Medical facilities are adequate in major cities but are very rudimentary elsewhere in the country. Upfront payment is generally required Travellers should carry sufficient medical supplies and prescription medicine for their needs. Medical evacuation may be necessary in the event of an accident or serious sickness.

Canadians should be cautious about water-borne and insect-borne diseases. You should only drink bottled or  boiled water and avoid ice cubes. It is recommended to use mosquito-repellent.

As the level of HIV/AIDS infection in Gabon is high, you should be cautious about activities involving the transmission of bodily fluids.

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8. LAWS AND CUSTOMS

You are subject to local laws. A serious violation may lead to a jail sentence. The sentence will be served in local prisons.

Canadians arrested or detained have the right to contact the responsible Canadian government office (embassy, high commission, etc.) listed in Section 5 above. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request.

The procedures required in legal proceedings or police investigations may be different from the procedures in force in the Canadian legal system. Canadians wishing to undertake such proceedings can expect to face long delays and additional efforts in order to resolve their case. The Government of Canada cannot intervene in ongoing legal proceedings in other countries or regions, unless requested to do so by local authorities. Such requests are rare.

Penalties for possession and use of illegal drugs are strict and usually include jail sentences.

Homosexuality is not widely accepted and some homosexual acts are illegal.

Photography of military installations and presidential palaces is strictly prohibited.

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9. TRAVEL AND CURRENCY

Road conditions are poor and road signs are often insufficient. The use of a four-wheel-drive vehicle is recommended. Avoid travelling at night. Vehicle doors should be kept locked and windows closed. In the event of a traffic accident, proceed to the nearest police station. Towing and repair services are not widely available outside Libreville. There are frequent police roadblocks. Travellers should cooperate with local authorities. Avoid travel after dark.

Travellers can also use public transportation such as the train or the bus. The Transgabonese railroad offers a passenger train service that runs from Libreville to Franceville and makes stops in Ndjole, Booué and Lastoursville. When taking taxis in the cities, negotiate the price before getting in the cab. Most taxi drivers automatically double their fares after 9 pm.

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended.

No reliable information about Gabon Airlines' safety standards is available. See our FAQ on transportation in order to verify if national airlines meet safety standards.

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The currency is the African Financial Community franc (XAF/CFA fr). Exchange rates are those quoted by the BEAC (Banques des États d'Afrique Centrale). Euros and American dollars are largely accepted, but high exchange charges may apply. Credit cards are accepted only in large hotels and restaurants, but traveller's cheques in Euros and U.S. dollars may be cashed at local banks. If possible, it is recommended that you use cash for all transactions. Local banks often ask for the traveller's cheques' original purchase receipt.

Several fraud cases involving the use of a credit card have been reported in Gabon. Credit card holders should be cautious when making a payment with their credit card and monitor their transaction statements regularly. Banking frauds have also been reported. Ensure to protect your personal identification and banking information at all times, and get informed on the security measures taken by your financial institution.

Canadian currency and traveller's cheques are not widely accepted worldwide. Check with your bank for information on automated banking machine (ABM) services outside Canada. You can also check the VISA ATM locator page or the MasterCard ATM locator page for the addresses of ABMs around the world. Verify with your financial institution whether your bank card can be used with ABMs abroad. Some countries use chip and/or personal identification number (PIN) technology for credit cards. Check with your bank to find out if your credit card will be accepted abroad. Credit cards and debit cards should be used with caution due to the potential for fraud and other criminal activity. ABMs should be used during business hours inside a bank, supermarket, or large commercial building. Leave copies of your card numbers with a family member in case of emergency.

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10. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE

The rainy seasons extend from October to mid-December and mid-February to May. Some roads may be impassable during these periods. Travellers should monitor local weather reports and plan accordingly.

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11. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Returning to Canada

Traveller's Checklist

Health and Travel Insurance: Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy. Some credit cards offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides adequate coverage. Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or relative, and/or travelling companion how to contact your insurer. Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you return to Canada. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes.

Cancelling a scheduled trip abroad could cost you money. Before cancelling a scheduled trip, you should discuss the matter with your travel agent, your travel insurer, or the airline. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller.

Adoption: Provincial and territorial authorities in Canada are responsible for authorizing international adoptions. If you are thinking of adopting a child abroad, you must first obtain information about the adoption regulations of the province or territory in which the child will reside. While adoption is a provincial/territorial responsibility, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is responsible for allowing an adopted child entry into Canada. Entry can be refused if the child does not hold the appropriate immigrant visa. A visa may be denied, even if the adoption has already been completed. For more information contact CIC at 1 888 242-2100 (in Canada only), check the CIC Web site or contact your provincial or territorial government.

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12. ANNEX

N/A

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