Gabon Travel Risk

Exercise increased caution due to unrest, crime, and health.

Unrest

Demonstrations and protests may occur in Gabon without warning. Protests often occur in Libreville and Port Gentil.

Crime

Crime is common in Libreville and Port Gentil. It includes robbery, vehicle break-ins, and residential burglaries.

Health

Access to medical care is limited. Medical facilities are limited in quality and standard of care they can provide. They may not have enough supplies of basic medications, especially outside of large cities.

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to:

• see general advice for women travellers
• read our guide on disability and travel abroad
• see general advice for LGBT+ travellers
• read about safety for solo and independent travel
• see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

Terrorism

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.

Terrorism in Gabon

Although there’s no recent history of terrorism in Gabon, attacks cannot be ruled out.

Political situation

Presidential elections will be held on 12 April, 2025, in Gabon. We do not expect significant disruption, however British Nationals should continue to exercise vigilance in crowded areas and near polling stations, and avoid rallies.

Protests and unrest can occur without warning and the situation could change quickly. During periods of unrest, police checks may increase. Make sure you have all required documentation with you and avoid large gatherings.

Borders have reopened following the military takeover in August 2023, but some disruption may happen. Contact your travel provider for more information and follow instructions from local authorities.

You should:

• follow the advice of the local authorities and your travel provider
• monitor local media and follow any curfew restrictions
• remain vigilant and stay indoors where possible
• avoid protests or large gatherings and any military activity

Detention of tourists

Political and security tensions following the August 2023 military coup resulted in some tourists being held and questioned about their reasons for travelling to Gabon. Some individuals had their passports taken and were briefly prevented from leaving the country. While the situation has stabilised, current political and security sensitivities mean that the authorities may treat tourists with heightened scrutiny.

Protests

Protests in Gabon are not common but happen on occasion and may turn violent without warning. You should avoid all demonstrations and rallies and remain vigilant during periods of unrest.

Risk level

Gabon - Exercise a high degree of caution

Exercise a high degree of caution in Gabon. The safety and security situation is calm, but tense. The situation could degrade rapidly.

Demonstrations

Demonstrations occur. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can lead also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.

Mass gatherings (large-scale events)

Crime

Petty crime

Pickpocketing, theft and “smash and grab” robberies occur.

Vehicle break-ins are common, particularly in markets, transportation hubs and areas frequented by tourists.

• Keep car doors locked, windows and your belongings out of sight
• Ensure that your personal belongings, including passports and other travel documents, are secure at all times
• Avoid showing signs of affluence and carrying large sums of cash

Violent crime

Crime is more common in Libreville and Port Gentil than in rural areas.

• Although rare, violent crime occurs, including business and residential robberies and armed attacks
• Be vigilant at all times, particularly in Libreville and Port Gentil
• Avoid walking alone after dark, even in places visited by tourists
• Avoid walking alone in isolated areas, including beaches, particularly at night

Resisting a robbery can lead to further violence.

Fraud

Fraud involving the use of a credit card and ATMs occurs in Gabon. Be cautious when using debit or credit cards:

• pay careful attention when your cards are being handled by others
• 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
• check for any unauthorized transactions on your account statements

Overseas fraud

加蓬风险等级为蓝色（低风险）