Customs regulations and required documents
Personal effects import regulations
Gabon
Customs regulations
Penalties for the use and possession of drugs are severe and usually include a prison sentence.
On 30 June 2020, consensual same-sex sexual relations was decriminalised. This was previously a criminal offence within the Gabon Penal Code. Gabon remains a conservative society and discrimination can be a problem for those open about their sexual identity. Same-sex marriage isn’t recognised in Gabon. See our information and advice page for the LGBT community before you travel.
Taking photographs of military sites and government buildings is forbidden.
Used Household Goods and Personal Effects
Documents Required
- Copy of passport
- Original bill of lading (OBL) / no express release / sea waybill / air waybill (AWB) / electronic cargo tracking note
- Original valued inventory in French, dated, and signed by the owner of the goods
- Invoice for all electrical items less than 6 months old
- Change of residence certificate (available from local native country embassy)
- End of employment letter from employer
- Resident permit / work permit / letter of employment in Gabon (expatriate)
- Exemption certificate and letter from the Gabon embassy (diplomats)
- Non-sale certificate
Specific Information
- All documents must be provided to the destination agent 2 weeks before arrival of the shipment in order to apply and be granted duty free clearance prior to arrival of the shipment.
- The certificate for free entry must be obtained from the Customs head office; when granted, the shipment is duty free.
- All new items less than 6 months old are subject to taxes.
- All owners of the goods must pay a tax on imported items of approximately 3% to 4% of the cost, insurance, and freight (CIF) value (RUSID tax) of the shipment.
- Diplomats do not need to be in Gabon to apply for exemption certificate.
Dutiable Items
- Cameras (2)
- Firearms and ammunitions (authorization from the territorial administration is required)
- Alcohol (only “Fond de Cave”) is acceptable and is duty free (20 bottles)
- Some items may qualify for free import if within the limits indicated:
- Cigarettes (200), cigarillos (200), tobacco (250 g)
- 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.
Prohibited Items
- Illegal drugs
- Guns and Ammunition – unless accompanied by a licence
- Knives and deadly weapons
- Counterfeit money and goods
- Pornographic material
- Plant and plant materials
Miscellaneous (Pets, Motors, and others.)
Motor Vehicles
Documents Required
- Original registration card
- Proof of ownership
- Original certificate of title and registration
- Purchase invoice
- Original bill of lading / air waybill
- Interpol authorization
- Cargo tracking note (BIETC – Bordereau d’Identification Electronique de Tracabilite des Cargaisons)
- Roadworthy certificate issued in the country of origin
Specific Information
- Tax is payable on all shipments of approximately 53.4% of the cost, insurance and freight (CIF) value.
- The original bill of lading must identify the chassis number, engine number, cubic capacity, year of manufacture, brand, and model.
- Car must not be older than 3 years old.
Pets
Documents Required
- Vaccination record
- Veterinary health certificate
Specific Information
- Veterinary health certificate must be issued less than 3 days before departure by a veterinarian.
- Cats and dogs less than 3 months old are exempt from document requirements.
Pets
Rabies vaccination certificate or a veterinary certificate from the country of origin (issued less than 3 days before departure); dogs and cats less than 3 months old are exempt from such certificates.
Baggage Clearance regulations:
Baggage is cleared at the first airport of entry in Gabon.
Currency
Currency Import regulations:
Local currency (CFA Franc-XAF) and foreign currencies: no restrictions if declared on arrival.
Currency Export regulations:
Residents:
- Tourist trips: local currency (CFA Franc-XAF) and foreign currencies: up to XAF 200,000.- or equivalent.
- Business trips: local currency or foreign currencies: XAF 25,000.- per day with a maximum of XAF 500,000.-, or equivalent.
Non-residents:
- Local currency and foreign currencies: up to XAF 200,000.- or equivalent, or up to the amounts imported and declared.
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No airport tax is levied on passengers upon embarkation at the airport.
Entry requirements
The information on this page covers the most common types of travel and reflects the UK government’s understanding of the rules currently in place. Unless otherwise stated, this information is for travellers using a full ‘British Citizen’ passport.
The authorities in the country or territory you’re travelling to are responsible for setting and enforcing the rules for entry. If you’re unclear about any aspect of the entry requirements, or you need further reassurance, you’ll need to contact the embassy, high commission or consulate of the country or territory you’re travelling to.
You should also consider checking with your transport provider or travel company to make sure your passport and other travel documents meet their requirements.
Entry rules in response to coronavirus (COVID-19)
Entry to Gabon
Flight restrictions have eased to allow three flights per airline, per week. Land and sea borders are closed.
UK nationals must receive authorisation from the Gabonese Ministry of Foreign Affairs before travelling to Gabon. Authorisation can be obtained by sending an e-mail addressed to the ‘Minister’ or ‘Secretary General’ at the following e-mail address: [email protected].
All passengers travelling to Gabon must present a valid negative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test no older than 3 days for entry into Gabon.
On arrival, all passengers must take a compulsory test for COVID-19 at Libreville Airport. Passengers are then required to self-isolate for 48 hours whilst the COVID-19 test is being processed. If the COVID-19 test is negative, passengers will be issued a test certificate, which is valid for 14 days and can be renewed at the end of this period after another test is undertaken.
If a COVID-19 test taken at the airport is positive, then passengers are required to continue self-isolation and await specific instructions from Gabonese health authorities. All COVID-19 tests taken in Gabon supersede any that were taken before arrival in Gabon.
Visas
On 16 March 2020, the Government of Gabon announced the suspension of tourist visas for British nationals. All Gabon diplomatic missions abroad are prohibited from issuing entry visas to Gabon without special authorisation. For full information on the visa application process, visit the website of the Gabonese Embassy in the UK.
The Government of Gabon confirmed it would not penalise British nationals whose visas have expired while they were unable to leave the country whilst borders were closed. Now that commercial flights are running, if your visa has expired, you should consider leaving the country.
Regular entry requirements
Visas
You will need a visa to visit Gabon. For full information on the visa application process, visit the website of the Gabonese Embassy in the UK.
Alternatively, in normal times, if you’re arriving into Libreville International Airport you can submit an online visa application at least 72 hours before the date of travel and collect your visa on arrival. For more information, visit the Gabonese government’s immigration portal.
Passport validity
Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of six months from the date of entry into Gabon.
Emergency Travel Documents
Emergency Travel Documents (ETDs) are not valid for entry into Gabon but ETDs are accepted for airside transit and exit from Gabon.
Yellow fever certificate requirements
Check whether you need a yellow fever certificate by visiting the National Travel Health Network and Centre’s TravelHealthPro website.
Crime
Most visits by British nationals are trouble-free. However, there have been incidents of robbery, armed attacks and rape in the past. You should:
- take sensible personal security precautions and maintain a high level of vigilance in public places.
- avoid displaying valuables like cameras, smart phones or jewellery.
- avoid isolated or poorer areas of towns and walking alone at night.
- be cautious on quiet or isolated beaches in and around Libreville, and avoid them altogether at night.
Taxis in Gabonese cities operate like buses, picking up new passengers while there is still room in the car. They often take indirect routes. There have been reports of violent assaults and robberies on taxi passengers.
- only use authorised taxis and preferably book one from a reputable company or through a restaurant or hotel.
There have been reports of car-jackings in Libreville. You’re advised to:
- keep your car windows closed and doors locked if you are travelling at night.
- don’t stop to pick up strangers.
- don’t resist car-jackers. An immobiliser that operates after the vehicle has been driven a short distance or a tracking device may help with the recovery of your vehicle.
Road travel
Road conditions are poor in most local areas and driving can be hazardous. During the rainy season from October to mid-December and mid-February to May many roads are passable only with a four-wheel drive vehicle. Avoid travelling by road at night. Police checkpoints are common; you may be asked to show your passport, driving licence or vehicle registration documents.
Air travel
The EU has published a list of air carriers that are subject to an operating ban or restrictions within the EU. British Government employees don’t use domestic flights run by Gabonese airline companies unless this is unavoidable.
Sea travel
There have been armed attacks on commercial shipping vessels in the Gulf of Guinea. Take extreme care when travelling in coastal waters.
Political situation
On 7 January 2019 there was a failed coup attempt by a small group of military officers. Following a few hours of sporadic gunfire in Libreville, the situation was brought back under control. Political stability in Gabon remains uncertain following the result of the 2016 presidential election, with violent clashes occurring between demonstrators and security forces at that time. Further protests may quickly turn violent without warning. You should avoid all demonstrations and rallies and remain vigilant during periods of unrest.
Consular assistance
Consular support may be limited in Gabon. However, the British High Commission in Yaoundé, Cameroon or Honorary Consul in Libreville can provide consular support to British nationals.
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