Stay healthy . With 150+ adventure activities covered and 24/7 emergency assistance. Just back from Gabon (August 13th, 2010)! You must always follow instructions from the local police. Highly touted Mistral Voyages wanted a hefty commission on plane tickets available from Air Service with no commissions only a 5 minute walk from the Mistral office! Cameroon is not safe for solo female travelers. To be on the safe side, be discreet about your sexual orientation. Gabon is a country in Africa (Middle Africa) with around 2 million citizens and a land mass of 267,667 km². It can be extremely dangerous to walk around Gabon after dark, alone or even if you got other people with you. Gabon travel guide. 30 October 2020. Be aware that Gabonese borders could be used as a possible corridor for terrorists, to easily pass through the country from/to either Congo or Cameroon. Demonstrations occur. On arrival, all passengers must take a compulsory Coronavirus (COVID-19) test at the airport. Avoid all demonstrations and large gatherings 3. Women are strongly advised against walking alone anywhere in Gabon. Be very careful as these incidents have happened during daylight hours. Although there haven't been any terrorist attacks in Gabon's recent history, they shouldn't be ruled out so remain vigilant at all times. Visitors are advised to use common sense and not leave valuables in plain sight or in their car. Gabon is unique among its equatorial African neighbours. Most political violence occurs during election campaigns, but issues are usually under control relatively quickly. The police or military may ask for bribes in the form of 'coca-cola money', and you should not pay these bribes. You can expect to see elephants, buffalo, monkeys, parrots, hornbills, and other local fauna. 5 Travel Safety Tips to Consider. Various governments have changed their travel warnings to restrict travel during this time. Coronavirus (COVID-19) and travel: The situation around the world is changing dramatically. Click here to get an offer for travel insurance. Armed robberies, petty theft and violent crime do happen on the streets – especially in Libreville and Port Gentil. Click the buttons below for more information on Safe Travel arrangements for arrival, transit or departure. Gabon is a relatively safe country, but there is a lot of corruption. It lies on the very Equator, and has a coastline along the Atlantic Ocean, while at the same time being squeezed in between the Republic of the Congo to the south and east, Equatorial Guinea to the northwest and Cameroon to the north. Gabon is located on the west coast of Central Africa, bordered by Equatorial Guinea, Cameroon, the Republic of the Congo, and the Gulf of Guinea. Pickpockets are very regular on the streets of Gabon and tourists are recommended to remain vigilant at all times when on the street. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  (CDC) has issued a Level 4 Travel Health Notice for Gabon due to COVID-19. Muggings and robberies at gun or knifepoint are no strange occurrences in the streets of Gabon, so be careful when walking alone along the streets of this country. Use extreme caution if you are driving here, as drivers are known for excessive speeding and reckless behavior. Check this page for any recent changes or regions to avoid: Travel Advice and Advisories. Bordering countries: 3.6 / 5. They need to get a prior visa for 140 countries. Commercial air travel has resumed with a limited number of international flights. And though it’s a small population, Gabon has reserves of oil and minerals which has made it one of Africa’s wealthier destinations. 3. avoid isolated or poorer areas of towns and walking alone at night. Even if you’re accompanied by someone, stay away from poorly lit and deserted streets and areas and from people that are visibly intoxicated or under the influence. Go Anywhere. COVID-19 Travel Alert: Which Countries Have Open Borders? Strikes sometimes occur when workers protest for their demands to be met. United States citizens must have a valid visa to enter Gabon. The Sitata Travel Safe app makes that easy. Is it Safe to Travel to Gabon? Before you book, ask if your accommodation provides 24-hour security guards, locking doors, and safes to lock up valuables in each room. © 2020 Copyright by Travel Safe - Abroad. Double check your change, never pay anything upfront and negotiate everything in advance. Limit your movements as much as possible 5. If you decide to go to Gabon, you should be aware that crime, poor road conditions, interruptions to power, and poor water quality are just some of the things tourists will have a problem with. Be aware police response can be slow, and investigations are rarely opened. About Gabon. HIV/AIDS is, unfortunately, a common disease in Gabon with 5.1% (1 in 20) of adults affected. Traffic accidents are one of the greatest dangers in Gabon. Keep your valuables out of sight. These parks protect a bounty of rare wildlife – including the elusive forest elephant and the critically endangered western lowland gorilla.Outside its parks, Gabon boasts pristine beaches and a reputation for political stability. Don't walk alone or at night. Gabon is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean, Equatorial Guinea, Cameroon and the Congo. Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit. Congested urban areas are particularly dangerous at night, but daytime incidents can happen. What this country has to offer are intact and mysterious rainforests, containing rich biodiversity. Transport is highly unsafe in Gabon. It is advised for tourists to take a taxi in such situations instead of walking. and said the situation was under control following a string of arrests, How to Travel Safely During the COVID-19 Pandemic, Is Austria Safe? During summer torrential downpours can cause severe damage to villages and bridges. Old equipment and rare maintenance have caused aging infrastructure to fail at times. It is advisable not to travel alone so there is someone with you who can deal with any problems or … Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. Traffic accidents are one of the greatest dangers in Gabon. If you’re a nature or animal lover, you can visit Chez Beti – a small safari camp near the village of Nyonie where you can rent an evening Landcruiser and wait for sunrise to go and experience the world-class safari (as they mostly are in Africa). To reduce your chance of being attacked or robbed, avoid showing any signs of wealth by not wearing expensive clothing or any jewelry. The structural integrity of roads throughout Gabon is generally in poor condition, Keep your doors locked, seat belts fastened, and windows up at all times, Do not roll down your window if someone approaches your car, Do not stop if you see rocks or logs in the middle of the road – this is a technique used throughout Africa for robbers to trick vehicles into stopping. 2. avoid displaying valuables like cameras, smart phones or jewellery. Be aware that once you leave Libreville's main roads, a four-wheel-drive vehicle is required beyond the city limits. There have been reports of scams where thieves cause a distraction to motorists, like stepping in front of cars in tight traffic, this way creating opportunities for their partners to snatch and grab things from unlocked passenger doors. Contact your airline or travel agent before travelling to check your flight’s … Gabon is a beautiful Central African destination known for its lush national parks, which together account for around 10% of the country's total land mass. The safest method of transport in Gabon is to catch taxis. There are pickpockets operating and every corner and petty theft such as purse snatching, armed robberies, and carjacking, so tourists should exercise caution. Important health and safety information about Gabon: diseases you should be aware of, vaccinations and medications you will need, the latest travel alerts, and more. In 2008, Gabon signed the UN declaration on sexual orientation and gender identity calling for the global decriminalization of homosexuality. Please note that not all content is translated or available to residents of all countries. Are prone to excessive speeding and reckless behavior, monkeys, parrots, hornbills, and many of those lack. 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