Travel Vaccines and Advice for Gabon
Gabon is one of the largest countries for transporting goods in the continent and thrives off of the oil industry.
Villages in Gabon are sparse. They are often surrounded by forest on all sides, as it is one of the most forested countries in Africa. These forests provide homes to hundreds of species of animals and plants, including a large population of gorillas.
The country is filled with various landmarks and sculptures including famous research centers and buildings.
French is the official language of Gabon and is used among all ethnic groups. The majority of the population of Gabon has Bantu origins and has over 40 tribes inhabiting the country.
The capital city of Gabon is Libreville, which was founded by freed slaves. Gabon’s other major cities include Port Gentil, Franceville, and Oyern.
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Gabon?
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Gabon?
What is the Climate Like in Gabon?
How Safe is Gabon?
Gorillas in Gabon
What Should I Take To Gabon?
Embassy of the United Kingdom in Gabon
Do I Need Vaccines for Gabon?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Gabon. The National Travel Health Network and Centre and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Gabon: COVID-19, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, cholera, yellow fever, rabies and tetanus.
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunisations:
- COVID-19 –
Airborne –
Recommended for all travellers - Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travellers to the region, especially if unvaccinated. - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Recommended for travellers to most regions. - Tetanus –
Wounds or Breaks in Skin –
Recommended for travelers to most regions, especially if not previously vaccinated. - Typhoid –
Food & Water –
Jab lasts 3 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. - Cholera –
Food & Water –
Recommended for travel to most regions. - Yellow Fever –
Mosquito –
Required for all travellers over 1 year of age. - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-stay travellers and those who may come in contact with animals.
See the tables below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Gabon |
||
VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
---|---|---|
COVID-19 | Airborne | Recommended for all travellers |
Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travellers to the region, especially if unvaccinated. |
Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Accelerated schedule available |
Tetanus | Wounds or Breaks in Skin | Recommended for travelers to most regions, especially if not previously vaccinated. |
Typhoid | Food & Water | Jab lasts 3 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. |
Cholera | Food & Water | Recommended for travel to most regions. |
Yellow Fever | Mosquito | Required for all travellers over 1 year of age. |
Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-stay travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
Yellow fever is a serious risk in Gabon. Ensure you’re protected with a vaccination. Proof of yellow fever vaccination is also required for entry to Gabon.
Malaria is present in Gabon. Be sure to take antimalarials with you as part of your travel kit. A Passport Health travel specialist can help you identify your risk factors for the disease.
Dengue and chikungunya are two more mosquito-borne diseases found in Gabon. Both are preventable through proper use of repellents, netting and wearing proper clothing.
Medical facilities in urban areas may meet some needs, but they are limited. Medical facilities expect payment before services and do not accept credit cards. Medical facilities can not be found in rural areas.
Ensure to bring your own prescription and medicine as they will most likely not be available in Gabon.
If you have any questions about travelling to Gabon or are wondering which jabs you may need for your trip, schedule an appointment with your local Passport Health travel medicine clinic. Ring us up at or book online now and protect yourself today.
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Gabon?
A visa is required for all stays in Gabon. Passports must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of entry. Proof of yellow fever vaccination is required to enter the country. If you do not have proof of vaccination, you may be vaccinated on site, quarantined or returned to your previous location.
Gabon Entry Requirements |
||
Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Gabon? | |
---|---|---|
Passport | ||
Tourist Visa | ||
Business Visa | ||
Vaccinations |
Sources: Embassy of Gabon and GOV.UK
What is the Climate Like in Gabon?
Gabon has a tropical climate that is hot and has a high humidity throughout the year. There are no seasons in Gabon, but there are wet and dry seasons.
Between June and September, there is little to no rainfall, but it is still humid. From February to May, rainfall is common and heavy.
Temperatures range in Gabon from 22 to 30 degrees.
How Safe is Gabon?
While in Gabon, you should avoid large rallies, especially political ones. Police may use force and tear gas to break up crowds. Travellers should also avoid seasides after dark.
Petty theft such as pick-pocketing are the most common crimes that tourists experience.
Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime.
Gorillas in Gabon
Gabon is home to the highest, concentrated number of gorillas in the world. It hold nearly 80% of the world’s gorilla population.
Gorilla trekking and rainforest trails are available for tourists to see them in the wild.
If you want to see gorillas, it is best to travel in late October through February due to the larger amount of fruit available for them to eat.
Outside of the jungle, there have also been rare sightings of gorillas on seasides.
What Should I Take To Gabon?
Here are some essential items to consider for your trip to Gabon:
- Mosquito net to prevent malaria.
- Prescription and medicine should be packed for they are not available in Gabon.
- Light, cotton clothing for the humid/warm weather.
- Voltage regulators. Voltage can fluctuate, so bring a regulator to protect your electronics.
Embassy of the United Kingdom in Gabon
If you are in Gabon and have an emergency (for example, been attacked, arrested or someone has died) contact the nearest consular services. Contact the embassy before arrival if you have additional questions on entry requirements, safety concerns or are in need of assistance.
While there is no consulate or embassy in Gabon, it is served by the British embassy in Cameroon:
British High Commission Yaounde
Avenue Winston Churchill
Yaounde
Centre Region
547
Cameroon
Telephone: +237 222 22 07 96
Emergency Phone: +237 222 22 07 96
Fax: +237 222 22 01 48
Email: bhc.yaounde@fco.gov.uk
Ready to start your next journey? Ring us up at or book online now!