Gabon

Översikt

Gabon is a comparatively stable country in the West-Central African region, bordered by Equatorial Guinea, Cameroon and Congo-Brazzaville. Dominated by the Bongo family, Gabon appointed Ali Bongo Ondimba to the presidency in 2009, following the death of his long-serving father. The erosion of democracy is facilitating stability in the short term, whilst infrequent protests are met with a violent response from the security forces. Political grievances and perpetually poor living conditions in an oil-rich nation mean discontent can be anticipated in the longer term if the pace of reform remains slow. Gabon is a low-risk country, however petty crimes such as muggings, pick-pocketing, and theft of unattended possessions are the most common forms of crime in the country. Additionally, travellers are advice to carry identification at all times to minimize the risk of harassment at police checkpoints.

Hälsa, sjukdomar och vaccination

Travellers are advised to consult a travel health specialist or general practitioner (GP) to obtain the latest information with regards to what vaccines are recommended about 4-8 weeks prior to departing for Gabon. Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before your trip to Gabon. The following vaccinations are recommended: measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis, polio and influenza. Travellers might also consider the vaccinations for Hepatitis B and rabies, according to the specifics of their travel.

A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is required on arrival from all travellers 9 months of age and older.

Risk of malaria is present throughout Gabon, including urban areas. The use of anti-malarial medications (Lariam, Malarone, or doxycycline) is recommended for all areas of the country. This prophylaxis should be supported by the use of insect repellent, mosquito nets and long-sleeved clothing around the hours of dusk.

There is risk of ongoing Chikungunya and Zika virus transmission in Gabon. Travellers should take meticulous anti-mosquito bite measures during the daytime. Pregnant women and those considering becoming pregnant should avoid travel to the country.

Sleeping Sickness occurs in Gabon, with risk areas along the coast, primarily in the Komo Estuary around Libreville and the mouth of the Ogooue River near Port Gentil. Travellers going on safari and rural areas should avoid getting bitten by tsetse flies.

Schistosomiasis risk is present in the whole country, including urban areas. Avoid swimming in fresh water, such as lakes, rivers, ponds, and wetlands and eating raw foods which have not been washed with purified water.

The risk of African Tick-Bite fever is present in Gabon. Travellers who participate in outdoor activities in rural regions of endemic areas should take measures to prevent tick bites.

In addition to these health risks, travellers diarrhoea is the most common travel-related medical problem affecting travellers to Gabon. It is advisable to bring anti-diarrhoea medication and oral rehydration salts to prevent dehydration. Travellers must take all necessary precautions when drinking water or eating food within the country and only drink water from sealed bottles obtained from a reputable source or water that has been boiled.

Tuberculosis is highly endemic in Gabon.

Medical facilities in Gabon's major cities are limited, but may meet basic needs. Credit cards are not widely accepted in Gabon, and hospitals almost always expect payment, in cash, before rendering service. Medical services in rural areas are unavailable or of very poor quality.

Although it is advisable to acquire a comprehensive travel health insurance before travelling, this insurance may not cover medical expenses at most facilities. Doctors and hospitals might expect payment in cash before service is given, regardless of whether you have travel health insurance.

Life-threatening medical problems may require air evacuation to a country with state-of-the-art medical facilities since medical care in Gabon is limited, especially in rural areas, and may not be up to Western standards.

Pass

A passport valid for at least six months from your intended date of departure from Gabon and a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate are required for nationals of all countries. Travellers should also make sure they have at least 1 blank page in their passport for any entry stamp and or visa that will be required.

Visum

A visa is required by all nationals entering into Gabon. Single-entry visas are valid for a maximum of 90 days from the date of issue. Visas are valid for three months from their date of issue. E-visas can be obtained before departure at https://evisa.dgdi.ga. Passengers must have a printed e-visa confirmation.

Visitors are required to hold hotel voucher or letter of invitation issued by sponsor.

Tourist and business visas are available. Travellers can apply for single, double or multiple entry visas.