Gabon Travel Safety

Road safety

Driving can be hazardous. Outside urban areas, road conditions are poor and there are very few road signs. Insufficient lighting and overloaded vehicles also pose hazards. If possible, use a four-wheel-drive vehicle, particularly outside urban areas. In the event of a traffic accident, proceed to the nearest police station to avoid possible confrontations. Towing and repair services are not widely available outside Libreville.

Precautions

Remain alert to your surroundings and avoid walking alone after dark, even in places visited by tourists. Avoid walking alone in isolated areas, including beaches, particularly at night. There have also been occurrences of theft from parked cars targeting foreigners. Keep car doors locked, windows up and your belongings out of sight.

Identification

Always carry originals of your passport, visa and migration card, as you may be asked to prove your identity and date of entry into the country. Failure to provide internationally recognized identification could result in detention.

Taxis

If taking taxis in the cities, negotiate the price before getting in the cab. Taxi drivers may at times pick up more than one fare at a time. Drivers may charge more if they don't pick up any other fares during your ride. Most taxi drivers automatically double their fares after 9 PM. Avoid taking taxis alone, particularly at night.

Public transportation

Public transportation such as trains or buses are available and are generally safe. The Trans-Gabon Railway offers a passenger train service that runs from Libreville to Franceville and includes stops in Ndjolé, Booué and Lastoursville.

Marine transportation

Pirate attacks occur in coastal waters and, in some cases, farther out at sea. Mariners should take appropriate precautions.

Women's safety

Based on the crime situation of the Gabon, women should be vigilant all the time and aware of the surroundings. Avoid dark or non-tourist areas at night. Instead try to be around larger crowds, whether they are fellow tourists or local citizens. Females should be cautious while dealing with strangers and acquaintances. Women may be subject to unpleasant male attention, sexual harassment and verbal abuse. Avoid flash of money or valuables in public. Exercise a high degree of caution during travel.

Fraud

Cases of attempted fraud are frequent. Fraud involving the use of a credit card or automated teller machines (ATM) occurs in Gabon. Use ATMs located in well-lit public areas or inside a bank or business, avoid using card readers with an irregular or unusual feature, cover the keypad with one hand when entering your PIN and check any unauthorized transactions on your account statements. Credit card holders should be cautious when making a payment with their credit card and monitor their transaction statements regularly.

Crime

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing, purse snatching and vehicle break-ins, is common, particularly in markets, transportation hubs and areas frequented by tourists. Do not show signs of affluence. Resisting a robbery can lead to further violence. Although rare, violent crime occurs, including business and residential robberies and armed attacks, particularly in Libreville and Port-Gentil.

LGBT

The Gabon Penal Code criminalises consensual same-sex sexual relations. Under the law, same-sex sexual relations is punishable with up to six months in prison and a fine of up to 5 million CFA francs. Same-sex couples and households headed by same-sex couples are not eligible for the same legal protections available to opposite-sex couples. There's no legal protection against discrimination based on sexual orientation. Gabon remains a conservative society and discrimination can be a problem for those open about their sexual identity.

Illegal or restricted activities

Penalties for possession and use of illegal drugs are strict and usually include jail sentences. Photography of military installations, presidential palaces, airports and other government buildings is strictly prohibited.

Driving

An International Driving Permit is recommended. Drivers must carry:a valid licence, proof of insurance, proof of inspection, a reflective vest and an emergency trianglea fire extinguisher and a first aid kit. The use of cellular telephones while driving is prohibited.