Customs regulations for your trip to 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.