travel advisory gabon

Search Smartraveller

Latest update

Exercise a high degree of caution in Gabon due to the threat of violent crime.

Gabon (PDF 231.94 KB)

Africa (PDF 1.68 MB)

Local emergency contacts

Fire and rescue services, medical emergencies.

Call 177 or go to the hospital.

Depending on your mobile network, call: 1300, 0174 or 0880 for SOS Médecins.

Operators may only speak French.

Call 177 or visit the nearest police station.

Advice levels

Exercise a high degree of caution in Gabon.

See Safety .

• Gabon has a transitional government following a military takeover in August 2023. There's an increased military presence throughout Libreville and other areas of Gabon. Local authorities are on high alert. Ensure you carry identification and evidence of the purpose of your travel.

A nighttime curfew is currently in place. Monitor the local media, as this is subject to change without notice. Respect the curfew.

• Borders have reopened, but travel may still be disrupted. Monitor local media for updates.
• There have been reports of violent crime, especially in Libreville and Port Gentil. Incidents include robberies and armed attacks. Don't walk alone or at night. Avoid isolated areas, including beaches.
• Protests and civil unrest may occur with little warning and may turn violent. Avoid large public gatherings and government buildings and avoid unnecessarily attracting the attention of local authorities.
• Petty crime, including pickpocketing, bag snatching and vehicle break-ins, is common in Gabon. Keep your valuables out of sight.
• Flooding occurs during the rainy seasons. Check local conditions before driving. You may need a 4WD vehicle on some roads.

Full travel advice: Safety

• Insect-borne diseases such as yellow fever and malaria occur throughout the year. Ensure your accommodation is insect-proof, and use insect repellent.
• Gabon has had cases of Zika virus. If you're pregnant, discuss your travel plans with your doctor.
• HIV/AIDS is common. Take precautions if you are taking part in high-risk activities.
• Foodborne, waterborne and other infectious diseases include cholera, typhoid and hepatitis. Drink only boiled or bottled water. Avoid raw or undercooked food. 
• Medical facilities are adequate in major cities but basic or unavailable in rural areas. If you are seriously ill or injured, you will need medical evacuation. Ensure your travel insurance covers this. 

Full travel advice: Health

• Ensure you always carry identification and evidence of the purpose of your visit. Local security forces may interpret laws broadly and inconsistently. You could break the law without intending to.
• Don't use or carry illegal drugs. Penalties include long prison sentences.
• Be careful when taking photos. Photographing military sites, government buildings, border posts, airports and the Presidential Palace is illegal.
• Don't buy or sell endangered wildlife products, including rhino horn and ivory. It's illegal to do so without a licence.
• Same-sex relationships aren't legally recognised. There have been attempts to charge people in same-sex marriages under public order and obscenity laws. Avoid public displays of affection.

Full travel advice: Local laws

• You need a visa to enter Gabon. You'll also need a letter of invitation or sponsorship from your accommodation or sponsoring partner outlining the purpose of your visit and the duration of your stay. The letter should be in French and contain the author's contact details. You'll need to show the letter to immigration officials on arrival. 
• Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact the nearest embassy or consulate for the latest details.
• Restrictions and government requirements for internal travel within Gabon may change without notice. Seek local advice before internal travel, particularly when visiting areas not frequented by tourists.
• Carry proof of your yellow fever vaccinations.
• Gabon is a largely cash-based economy. The local currency is the Central African CFA franc (XAF). Credit cards aren't widely accepted. There are ATMs in major centres. 
• Piracy and armed robbery occur in Gabon's coastal waters and the Gulf of Guinea. Check International Maritime Bureau piracy reports before you travel.

Full travel advice: Travel

Local contacts

• The Consular Services Charter  details what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.
• Australia doesn't have an embassy or consulate in Gabon. The Canadian High Commission in Cameroon provides limited consular assistance to Australians. It can issue Australian provisional travel documents .
• For full consular assistance, contact the Australian High Commission in Nigeria .
• To stay up to date with local information, follow the Australian High Commission in Nigeria's social media accounts.

Full travel advice: Local contacts

Full advice

Petty crime is common, including:

• pickpocketing
• bag snatching
• vehicle break-ins

Hotspots for thieves include crowded:

• transport hubs
• tourist areas

Violent crime

There have been reports of violent crime, especially in Libreville and Port Gentil. Incidents include  robberies  and armed attacks.

Travellers have been victims of:

• carjackings
• 'snatch–and-grab' robberies from unlocked cars
• violent road rage

Victims have been targeted when walking alone or at night. This is more common in isolated areas or on beaches.

There are reports of credit card fraud originating in Gabon.

To protect yourself from violent crime:

• do not walk alone or visit beaches and isolated areas alone, especially at night
• always keep car windows and doors locked, even when moving
• watch your credit card at all times, including during transactions
• monitor local media for updates about safety or security risks

If you're a victim of violent crime, including  rape , go to the doctor or a hospital straight away. HIV/AIDS is common in Gabon. 

Cyber Security

You may be at risk of cyber-based threats during overseas travel to any country. Digital identity theft is a growing concern. Your devices and personal data can be compromised, especially if you're connecting to Wi-Fi, using or connecting to shared or public computers, or Bluetooth. 

Social media can also be risky in destinations where there are social or political tensions or laws that may seem unreasonable by Australian standards. Travellers have been arrested for things they have said on social media. Don't comment on local or political events on your social media. 

More information:  

• Cyber security when travelling overseas  

Kidnapping can happen anywhere, anytime, including in destinations that are typically at lower risk. The Australian Government's longstanding policy is that it doesn't make payments or concessions to kidnappers. 

More information: 

Kidnapping  

Civil unrest and political tension

Gabon has a transitional government following a military takeover in August 2023. There's an increased military presence throughout Libreville and other areas of Gabon. Protests and civil unrest may occur with little warning and may turn violent. Local authorities are on high alert. 

Ensure you carry identification and evidence of the purpose of your travel. Local authorities may inspect your documentation. Avoid protests and government buildings, and monitor local media for updates.

Demonstrations and protests

Public protests and events that draw large groups of people may occur with little warning and may turn violent. Demonstrations are more common in Libreville and Port Gentil.

A military takeover in August 2023 has led to an increased military and security presence on the streets.

To protect yourself during periods of unrest:

• avoid demonstrations, protests and large gatherings
• monitor local media
• avoid affected areas
• follow the advice of local authorities

More information:

• Demonstrations and civil unrest

Terrorism is a threat worldwide.

Climate and natural disasters

Gabon experiences natural disasters and severe weather .

Flooding occurs in the rainy seasons from:

• October to mid-December
• mid-February to May

You may need a 4WD on some roads at this time.

If a natural disaster occurs:

• secure your passport in a safe, waterproof location
• monitor local media and other sources
• keep in contact with friends and family

Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System

Travel insurance

Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave.

Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.

If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.

If you're not insured, you may have to pay many thousands of dollars up-front for medical care.

• what activities and care your policy covers
• that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away

Physical and mental health

Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition.

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

• have a basic health check-up
• ask if your travel plans may affect your health
• plan any vaccinations you need

Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.

If you have immediate concerns for your welfare or the welfare of someone you know, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or contact your  nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate  to discuss counselling hotlines and services available in your location.

• General health advice
• Healthy holiday tips  (Healthdirect Australia)

Many pharmaceutical products are in short supply in Gabon.

If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in Gabon. Take enough legal medication for your trip.

Carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating:

• what the medication is
• your required dosage
• that it's for personal use

Health risks

Insect-borne diseases.

Yellow fever is widespread in Gabon. Yellow fever is a potentially fatal virus spread by mosquitoes. It's prevented by vaccination. Get vaccinated before you travel.

Malaria is common throughout the year.

Other insect-borne diseases include:

• chikungunya
• African sleeping sickness

If you're pregnant, the Australian Department of Health and Aged Care recommends that you:

• discuss your travel plans with your doctor
• consider deferring non-essential travel to Zika-affected areas

To protect yourself from disease:

• make sure your accommodation is insect-proof
• use treated mosquito nets and insect repellent
• wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing

Consider taking medication to prevent malaria.

Seek medical advice if you have a fever, muscle pain, rash or severe headache.

HIV/AIDS is common in Gabon.

Take precautions if taking part in activities that put you at risk of infection.

Other health risks

Waterborne, foodborne, parasitic, and other infectious diseases are common. These include:

• tuberculosis

Serious outbreaks sometimes occur.

To protect yourself from illness:

• drink boiled water or bottled water with sealed lids
• avoid ice cubes
• avoid raw and undercooked food, such as salads
• don't swim in fresh water
• avoid contact with dogs and other mammals

If you're bitten or scratched by an animal, get medical help straight away.

Get medical advice if you have a fever or diarrhoea.

Medical care

Medical facilities.

Medical facilities are adequate in major cities but basic or unavailable in rural areas.

You'll need to pay up-front before doctors and hospitals will treat you.

If you become seriously ill or injured, you may need to be evacuated to a place with better facilities. Medical evacuation can be very expensive.

You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.

If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter . But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

Penalties for drug offences are severe and can include long prison sentences in local jails.

Carrying or using drugs

Ensure you carry your identification and evidence of the purpose of your visit at all times. Local security forces may interpret laws broadly and inconsistently. You could break the law without intending to. The Australian Government can’t intervene in local judicial processes.

It's illegal to photograph:

• military sites
• government buildings
• border posts
• the Presidential Palace

It's illegal to buy or sell endangered wildlife products without a licence. This includes ivory and rhino horn.

Local laws may change without notice.

LGBTI information

Same-sex relationships aren't legally recognised.

Local communities can be intolerant towards same-sex relationships, so avoid public displays of affection.

There have been attempts to charge people in same-sex marriages under public order and obscenity laws.

Advice for LGBTI travellers

Australian laws

Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.

Staying within the law and respecting customs

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is recognised in Gabon.

Help for dual nationals can be limited if local authorities consider you a Gabonese citizen.  Travel on your Australian passport.

Dual nationals

Visas and border measures

Every country or territory decides who can enter or leave through its borders. For specific information about the evidence you'll need to enter a foreign destination, check with the nearest embassy, consulate or immigration department of the destination you're entering. 

Visa conditions

You should get a visa to enter Gabon. Those entering Gabon under visa-free arrangements have experienced immigration issues during their stay.

You also need a letter of invitation, or sponsorship, from your accommodation or sponsoring partner outlining the purpose of your visit and the duration of your stay. The letter should be in French and contain the author's contact details. You'll need to show the letter to immigration officials on arrival.

Gabon doesn't have an embassy or consulate in Australia. Gabon's nearest embassy is in Tokyo.

Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact the nearest embassy or consulate for the latest details about visas, currency, customs and other travel requirements.

Other formalities

Yellow fever vaccination.

You'll need a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter Gabon. Some airlines may want to see one when you leave.

Find out about returning to Australia after exposure to yellow fever .

Countries with a risk of yellow fever

Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you're just transiting or stopping over.

Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.

You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.

The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport .

Lost or stolen passport

Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.

Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.

If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:

• In Australia, contact the Australian Passport Information Service .
• If you're overseas, contact the nearest Australian embassy or consulate .

Passport with 'X' gender identifier 

Although Australian passports comply with international standards for sex and gender, we can’t guarantee that a passport showing 'X' in the sex field will be accepted for entry or transit by another country. Contact the nearest  embassy, high commission or consulate of your destination  before you arrive at the border to confirm if authorities will accept passports with 'X' gender markers. 

LGBTI travellers  

The local currency is the Central African CFA Franc (XAF).

Declare all amounts of local or foreign currency more than XAF200,000 on arrival and departure. This covers all forms of currency, not only cash.

You can only cash traveller's cheques at larger banks in major cities. The cheques must be in either euros or US dollars.

Gabon is largely a cash-based economy.

Credit cards aren't widely accepted, except at major hotels and restaurants.

You'll find ATMs in major centres. Take care when using ATMs because thieves may target you.

Ask your bank if your cards will work in Gabon.

Local travel

French is the official language. English isn't widely spoken.

Local restrictions

Restrictions and government requirements for internal travel within Gabon may change without notice. Seek local advice before internal travel, particularly when travelling to areas not frequented by tourists. When travelling within Gabon, local authorities may inspect your documentation. Always carry evidence of the purpose of your travel for presentation on request. 

Travelling with a reputable Ecotourism operator is not a guarantee that your travel plans will not be subject to restrictions.

Driving permit

To drive in Gabon, you need both:

• a valid Australian driver's licence
• an International Driving Permit (IDP)

You must obtain your IDP before leaving Australia.

Road travel

Hazards include:

• poorly maintained roads
• poorly maintained and overloaded vehicles
• local driving practices
• poor lighting and road signs, especially outside urban areas

Travel outside of major urban centres usually requires a 4WD vehicle.

Towing and repair services aren't common outside Libreville.

There are police roadblocks throughout the country. You may be asked to show your identity and motor vehicle registration papers.

Check you have adequate travel insurance coverage before driving.

If you hire a vehicle, confirm with your rental company what you're required to carry in your vehicle, such as:

• licensing documents
• proof of insurance
• safety equipment such as a fire extinguisher

To reduce your risks if you plan to drive:

• get to know local traffic laws and practices
• be alert to pedestrians, animals and other hazards on the road
• avoid travelling at night
• get local advice on road conditions, especially during the rainy season

If you're involved in a traffic accident, go to the nearest police station to avoid possible confrontations.

• Driving or riding

Motorcycles

Your travel insurance policy may not cover you when riding a motorbike, quad bike or similar vehicle.

Always wear a helmet.

Taxis are generally safe but often pick up multiple passengers and take indirect routes.

To reduce risks when using taxis:

• negotiate the fare with the driver before entering the taxi
• avoid using taxis alone or at night
• ask the driver not to pick up other passengers
• only use authorised taxis
• use hotel taxi and limousine services if they're available

Public transport

Buses and trains in Gabon are reasonably safe.

Services are infrequent.

• Transport and getting around safely

Boat travel

Armed robbery  and  piracy  against commercial shipping have occurred off the coast of Gabon and across the Gulf of Guinea.

Take extreme caution when  travelling by boat , and:

• check the International Maritime Bureau (IMB)  piracy reports
• take appropriate security precautions
• be alert to threats

DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

Check  Gabon's air safety profile  with the Aviation Safety Network.

Emergencies

Depending on what you need, contact your:

• family and friends
• travel agent
• insurance provider

Always get a police report when you report a crime.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

Consular contacts

Read the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.

Australia doesn't have an embassy in Gabon.

The Canadian High Commission in Cameroon provides limited consular assistance to Australians in Gabon. It can issue Australian provisional travel documents .

Limited consular services are also available from the Australian High Commission in Nigeria.

Canadian High Commission, Yaounde

Les Colonnades Building

New Bastos, Road 1 792

Yaoundé, Cameroon

Phone: +234 (0)20 9460 6960

Fax: +237 222 50 39 04

Email: [email protected]

Website: canadainternational.gc.ca/cameroon-cameroun .

Australian High Commission, Abuja

Phone: +234 (0) 9460 6960

Email: [email protected]

Website: nigeria.highcommission.gov.au

Facebook: Australia in Nigeria

X: @AusHCAbuja

Check the High Commission website for details about services or to make an appointment.

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
• 1300 555 135 in Australia

Travelling to Gabon?

Sign up to get the latest travel advice updates..

Be the first to know official government advice when travelling.

You are using an outdated browser. Upgrade your browser today or install Google Chrome Frame to better experience this site.

Gabon Traveler View

Travel health notices, vaccines and medicines, non-vaccine-preventable diseases, stay healthy and safe.

• Packing List

After Your Trip

Be aware of current health issues in Gabon. Learn how to protect yourself.

Level 1 Practice Usual Precautions

• Updated   Global Measles May 28, 2024 Many international destinations are reporting increased numbers of cases of measles. Destination List: Afghanistan, Angola, Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast), Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Gabon, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Malaysia, Mauritania, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, Qatar, Republic of South Sudan, Republic of the Congo, Romania, Russia, Senegal, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Syria, Tajikistan, Togo, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Yemen, Zambia

⇧ Top

Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor at least a month before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need. If you or your doctor need help finding a location that provides certain vaccines or medicines, visit the Find a Clinic page.

Routine vaccines

Recommendations.

Make sure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines before every trip. Some of these vaccines include

• Chickenpox (Varicella)
• Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis
• Flu (influenza)
• Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)

Immunization schedules

All eligible travelers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines. Please see  Your COVID-19 Vaccination  for more information. 

COVID-19 vaccine

Hepatitis A

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers one year old or older going to Gabon.

Infants 6 to 11 months old should also be vaccinated against Hepatitis A. The dose does not count toward the routine 2-dose series.

Travelers allergic to a vaccine component or who are younger than 6 months should receive a single dose of immune globulin, which provides effective protection for up to 2 months depending on dosage given.

Unvaccinated travelers who are over 40 years old, immunocompromised, or have chronic medical conditions planning to depart to a risk area in less than 2 weeks should get the initial dose of vaccine and at the same appointment receive immune globulin.

Hepatitis A - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep A

Hepatitis B

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers of all ages traveling to Gabon.

Hepatitis B - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep B

CDC recommends that travelers going to Gabon take prescription medicine to prevent malaria. Depending on the medicine you take, you will need to start taking this medicine multiple days before your trip, as well as during and after your trip. Talk to your doctor about which malaria medication you should take.

Find  country-specific information  about malaria.

Malaria - CDC Yellow Book

Considerations when choosing a drug for malaria prophylaxis (CDC Yellow Book)

Malaria information for Gabon.

Cases of measles are on the rise worldwide. Travelers are at risk of measles if they have not been fully vaccinated at least two weeks prior to departure, or have not had measles in the past, and travel internationally to areas where measles is spreading.

All international travelers should be fully vaccinated against measles with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, including an early dose for infants 6–11 months, according to  CDC’s measles vaccination recommendations for international travel .

Measles (Rubeola) - CDC Yellow Book

Dogs infected with rabies are commonly found in Gabon.

If rabies exposures occur while in Gabon, rabies vaccines are typically not readily available.

Rabies pre-exposure vaccination considerations include whether travelers 1) will be performing occupational or recreational activities that increase risk for exposure to potentially rabid animals and 2) might have difficulty getting prompt access to safe post-exposure prophylaxis.

Please consult with a healthcare provider to determine whether you should receive pre-exposure vaccination before travel.

For more information, see country rabies status assessments .

Rabies - CDC Yellow Book

Recommended for most travelers, especially those staying with friends or relatives or visiting smaller cities or rural areas.

Typhoid - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Typhoid

Yellow Fever

Required for all arriving travelers ≥9 months old.

Recommended for all travelers ≥9 months old.

Yellow Fever - CDC Yellow Book

• Avoid contaminated water

Leptospirosis

How most people get sick (most common modes of transmission)

• Touching urine or other body fluids from an animal infected with leptospirosis
• Swimming or wading in urine-contaminated fresh water, or contact with urine-contaminated mud
• Drinking water or eating food contaminated with animal urine
• Avoid contaminated water and soil

Clinical Guidance

Schistosomiasis

• Wading, swimming, bathing, or washing in contaminated freshwater streams, rivers, ponds, lakes, or untreated pools.

Avoid bug bites

African sleeping sickness (african trypanosomiasis).

• Tsetse fly bite 
• Avoid Bug Bites

African Trypanosomiasis

African Tick-Bite Fever

African Tick-bite fever

Chikungunya

• Mosquito bite
• Mosquito bite
• An infected pregnant woman can spread it to her unborn baby

Avoid animals

• Touching infected animals (including bats and primates) or their body fluids
• Touching body fluids (blood or sweat) from an infected person
• Touching objects contaminated with the body fluids of a person infected with Ebola or Marburg virus
• Avoid sick people
• Avoid animals and areas where they live

Ebola virus

• Scratched or bitten by an infected animal such as a rodent or primate
• Touching an infected animal or touching animal products, including skins and meat
• Being near an infected person who is coughing or sneezing
• Touching the body fluids or rash of a person with monkeypox
• Avoid animals and animal products
• Avoid people who are sick

Airborne & droplet

• Breathing in air or accidentally eating food contaminated with the urine, droppings, or saliva of infected rodents
• Bite from an infected rodent
• Less commonly, being around someone sick with hantavirus (only occurs with Andes virus)
• Avoid rodents and areas where they live

Tuberculosis (TB)

• Breathe in TB bacteria that is in the air from an infected and contagious person coughing, speaking, or singing.

Learn actions you can take to stay healthy and safe on your trip. Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in Gabon, so your behaviors are important.

Eat and drink safely

Food and water standards around the world vary based on the destination. Standards may also differ within a country and risk may change depending on activity type (e.g., hiking versus business trip). You can learn more about safe food and drink choices when traveling by accessing the resources below.

• Choose Safe Food and Drinks When Traveling
• Water Treatment Options When Hiking, Camping or Traveling
• Global Water, Sanitation and Hygiene | Healthy Water
• Avoid Contaminated Water During Travel

You can also visit the Department of State Country Information Pages for additional information about food and water safety.

Prevent bug bites

Bugs (like mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas) can spread a number of diseases in Gabon. Many of these diseases cannot be prevented with a vaccine or medicine. You can reduce your risk by taking steps to prevent bug bites.

What can I do to prevent bug bites?

• Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
• Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
• Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents). Do not use permethrin directly on skin.
• Stay and sleep in air-conditioned or screened rooms.
• Use a bed net if the area where you are sleeping is exposed to the outdoors.

What type of insect repellent should I use?

• FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours.
• Picaridin (also known as KBR 3023, Bayrepel, and icaridin)
• Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or para-menthane-diol (PMD)
• 2-undecanone
• Always use insect repellent as directed.

What should I do if I am bitten by bugs?

• Avoid scratching bug bites, and apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to reduce the itching.
• Check your entire body for ticks after outdoor activity. Be sure to remove ticks properly.

What can I do to avoid bed bugs?

Although bed bugs do not carry disease, they are an annoyance. See our information page about avoiding bug bites for some easy tips to avoid them. For more information on bed bugs, see Bed Bugs .

For more detailed information on avoiding bug bites, see Avoid Bug Bites .

Stay safe outdoors

If your travel plans in Gabon include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip.

• Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
• Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
• Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit with items appropriate for your activities.
• If you are outside for many hours in heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating.
• Protect yourself from UV radiation : use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
• Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand, and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing, swimming, and sailing.
• Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location.

Stay safe around water

• Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches.
• Practice safe boating—follow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket.
• Do not dive into shallow water.
• Do not swim in freshwater in developing areas or where sanitation is poor.
• Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick.
• To prevent infections, wear shoes on beaches where there may be animal waste.

Schistosomiasis, a parasitic infection that can be spread in fresh water, is found in Gabon. Avoid swimming in fresh, unchlorinated water, such as lakes, ponds, or rivers.

Keep away from animals

Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.

Follow these tips to protect yourself:

• Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know.
• Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
• Avoid rodents and their urine and feces.
• Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals.
• If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately. Bat bites may be hard to see.

All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:

• Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
• Go to a doctor right away.
• Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.

Consider buying medical evacuation insurance. Rabies is a deadly disease that must be treated quickly, and treatment may not be available in some countries.

Reduce your exposure to germs

Follow these tips to avoid getting sick or spreading illness to others while traveling:

• Wash your hands often, especially before eating.
• If soap and water aren’t available, clean hands with hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol).
• Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you need to touch your face, make sure your hands are clean.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
• Try to avoid contact with people who are sick.
• If you are sick, stay home or in your hotel room, unless you need medical care.

Avoid sharing body fluids

Diseases can be spread through body fluids, such as saliva, blood, vomit, and semen.

Protect yourself:

• Use latex condoms correctly.
• Do not inject drugs.
• Limit alcohol consumption. People take more risks when intoxicated.
• Do not share needles or any devices that can break the skin. That includes needles for tattoos, piercings, and acupuncture.
• If you receive medical or dental care, make sure the equipment is disinfected or sanitized.

Know how to get medical care while traveling

Plan for how you will get health care during your trip, should the need arise:

• Carry a list of local doctors and hospitals at your destination.
• Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance.
• Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medications you take.
• Some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. Call Gabon’s embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.
• Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to.

Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. A list of accredited facilities is available at their website ( www.jointcommissioninternational.org ).

In some countries, medicine (prescription and over-the-counter) may be substandard or counterfeit. Bring the medicines you will need from the United States to avoid having to buy them at your destination.

Malaria is a risk in Gabon. Fill your malaria prescription before you leave and take enough with you for the entire length of your trip. Follow your doctor’s instructions for taking the pills; some need to be started before you leave.

Select safe transportation

Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.

In many places cars, buses, large trucks, rickshaws, bikes, people on foot, and even animals share the same lanes of traffic, increasing the risk for crashes.

Be smart when you are traveling on foot.

• Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks.
• Pay attention to the traffic around you, especially in crowded areas.
• Remember, people on foot do not always have the right of way in other countries.

Riding/Driving

Choose a safe vehicle.

• Choose official taxis or public transportation, such as trains and buses.
• Ride only in cars that have seatbelts.
• Avoid overcrowded, overloaded, top-heavy buses and minivans.
• Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. (Many crashes are caused by inexperienced motorbike drivers.)
• Choose newer vehicles—they may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable.
• Choose larger vehicles, which may provide more protection in crashes.

Think about the driver.

• Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking.
• Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area.
• Arrange payment before departing.

Follow basic safety tips.

• Wear a seatbelt at all times.
• Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis.
• When on motorbikes or bicycles, always wear a helmet. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.)
• Avoid driving at night; street lighting in certain parts of Gabon may be poor.
• Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries).
• Travel during daylight hours only, especially in rural areas.
• If you choose to drive a vehicle in Gabon, learn the local traffic laws and have the proper paperwork.
• Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times.
• Check with your auto insurance policy's international coverage, and get more coverage if needed. Make sure you have liability insurance.
• Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft.
• If possible, fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats); larger airplanes are more likely to have regular safety inspections.
• Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather.

Medical Evacuation Insurance

If you are seriously injured, emergency care may not be available or may not meet US standards. Trauma care centers are uncommon outside urban areas. Having medical evacuation insurance can be helpful for these reasons.

Helpful Resources

Road Safety Overseas (Information from the US Department of State): Includes tips on driving in other countries, International Driving Permits, auto insurance, and other resources.

The Association for International Road Travel has country-specific Road Travel Reports available for most countries for a minimal fee.

Maintain personal security

Use the same common sense traveling overseas that you would at home, and always stay alert and aware of your surroundings.

Before you leave

• Research your destination(s), including local laws, customs, and culture.
• Monitor travel advisories and alerts and read travel tips from the US Department of State.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) .
• Leave a copy of your itinerary, contact information, credit cards, and passport with someone at home.
• Pack as light as possible, and leave at home any item you could not replace.

While at your destination(s)

• Carry contact information for the nearest US embassy or consulate .
• Carry a photocopy of your passport and entry stamp; leave the actual passport securely in your hotel.
• Follow all local laws and social customs.
• Do not wear expensive clothing or jewelry.
• Always keep hotel doors locked, and store valuables in secure areas.
• If possible, choose hotel rooms between the 2nd and 6th floors.

Healthy Travel Packing List

Use the Healthy Travel Packing List for Gabon for a list of health-related items to consider packing for your trip. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you.

Why does CDC recommend packing these health-related items?

It’s best to be prepared to prevent and treat common illnesses and injuries. Some supplies and medicines may be difficult to find at your destination, may have different names, or may have different ingredients than what you normally use.

If you are not feeling well after your trip, you may need to see a doctor. If you need help finding a travel medicine specialist, see Find a Clinic . Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel, including where you went and what you did on your trip. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.

If your doctor prescribed antimalarial medicine for your trip, keep taking the rest of your pills after you return home. If you stop taking your medicine too soon, you could still get sick.

Malaria is always a serious disease and may be a deadly illness. If you become ill with a fever either while traveling in a malaria-risk area or after you return home (for up to 1 year), you should seek immediate medical attention and should tell the doctor about your travel history.

For more information on what to do if you are sick after your trip, see Getting Sick after Travel .

Map Disclaimer - The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on maps do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. Approximate border lines for which there may not yet be full agreement are generally marked.

Other Destinations

If you need help finding travel information:

Message & data rates may apply. CDC Privacy Policy

File Formats Help:

• Adobe PDF file
• Microsoft PowerPoint file
• Microsoft Word file
• Microsoft Excel file
• Audio/Video file
• Apple Quicktime file
• RealPlayer file
• Zip Archive file

Exit Notification / Disclaimer Policy

• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cannot attest to the accuracy of a non-federal website.
• Linking to a non-federal website does not constitute an endorsement by CDC or any of its employees of the sponsors or the information and products presented on the website.
• You will be subject to the destination website's privacy policy when you follow the link.
• CDC is not responsible for Section 508 compliance (accessibility) on other federal or private website.

• Skip to main content
• Skip to "About this site"

Language selection

Search travel.gc.ca.

Help us to improve our website. Take our survey !

Travel advice and advisories by destination

COVID-19: travel health notice for all travellers

The Government of Canada’s official source of travel information and advice, the Travel Advice and Advisories help you to make informed decisions and travel safely while you are outside Canada. Check the page for your destination often, because safety and security conditions may change. See Travel Advice and Advisories – FAQ for more information.

Where are you going?

Take normal security precautions

Exercise a high degree of caution

Avoid non-essential travel

Avoid all travel

Travel advice from other countries

Travel advice is also provided by the governments of Australia , New Zealand , the United Kingdom and the United States .

Risk Levels

  take normal security precautions.

Take similar precautions to those you would take in Canada.

  Exercise a high degree of caution

There are certain safety and security concerns or the situation could change quickly. Be very cautious at all times, monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities.

IMPORTANT: The two levels below are official Government of Canada Travel Advisories and are issued when the safety and security of Canadians travelling or living in the country or region may be at risk.

  Avoid non-essential travel

Your safety and security could be at risk. You should think about your need to travel to this country, territory or region based on family or business requirements, knowledge of or familiarity with the region, and other factors. If you are already there, think about whether you really need to be there. If you do not need to be there, you should think about leaving.

  Avoid all travel

You should not travel to this country, territory or region. Your personal safety and security are at great risk. If you are already there, you should think about leaving if it is safe to do so.

• Skip to primary navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar
• Skip to footer

TravelAwaits

Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list.

Travel Advisory Issued for Gabon

• Destinations
• News and Tips
• Travel News

The U.S. State Department issued a travel advisory for Americans planning to visit the central African nation of Gabon . 

The Level 2 advisory means you should “exercise increased caution” due to civil unrest, according to last week’s announcement . Specific areas like the country’s capital Libreville and the second-largest city Port Gentil have a high risk of robberies, vehicle break-ins, and residential burglaries. 

The unrest is linked to the ousting of the Gabonese president in a coup d’é·tat following allegations of electoral fraud in August’s general election. Since then, the department has reported that highly populated areas have an increased military presence and warns that demonstrations may occur with little to no warning. 

According to the travel website Kayak , Gabon offers travelers a range of opportunities for ecotourism and adventure travel. They include observing gorillas in the wild, see the vast wildlife while boating on  Lake Zilé, riding elephants on the beach, and more. 

If you do plan on traveling to Gabon, the State Department recommends that you respect curfews, avoid crowds and demonstrations, monitor local media reports, keep travel documents up to date and accessible, and create evacuation plans that do not rely on U.S. government assistance. 

Daniel Terrill is a writer, editor, and journalist. He covers the outdoors and travel. In the past, he was the managing editor at Guns.com, the commerce editor at Task & Purpose, a police officer, a Marine, and perhaps the most dangerous job of all, a substitute teacher. You can contact him at [email protected].

Last verified: Thursday, 6. June 2024 at 08:06 AM

Gabon Travel Advisory

• Middle Africa
• Gabon Travel Advice

We advise caution when travelling to Gabon

Local situation: 3.5 / 5.

We advise caution when travelling to Gabon. We detected travel advisories from 4 sources for this specific country.

Regional Situation: 3.1 / 5

Gabon shares a land border with 3 neighbouring states. For this region of countries (including Gabon), the Advisory Index is 3.1 (average value over all countries). All countries have some reported advisories: Cameroon (3.2), Equatorial Guinea with 3 and Republic of the Congo with 2.7 (of 5).

Current informationen on Covid-19 in Gabon

There are currently no officially reported cases of infections with SARS-CoV-2 (or Coronavirus) in Gabon. As reported by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control this morning (~8:30am CET).

There are currently no officially reported deaths related to this disease in Gabon.

Source: www.ecdc.europa.eu

Advice scoring history for Gabon

Chart of the risk level over that last 200 days. This is the daily calculated travel risk for Gabon.

Chart of the number of sources over that last 200 days. This is the daily number of advisory sources (of any rating) that have been active on that day.

Note: Changes happening on the 28th/29th of July 2019 are related to a change in the software and number of sources processed.

Rating Details (single travel warnings)

These are the individual advisories published by other countries about the destination Gabon from a travellers perspective. The scoring of all messages combined is the foundation for the current rating 3.5 out of 5.0 .

This is the general advisory usually covering the country as a whole.

Advisory issued by: New Zealand

If you are planning international travel at this time, please read our COVID-19 related travel advice here, alongside our destination specific travel advice below.

Source: https://www.safetravel.govt.nz/gabon

Advisory issued by: United States

Updated travel advisory level due to civil unrest. Exercise increased caution in Gabon due to civil unrest. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire travel advisory. Exercise Increased Caution in: Libreville and Port Gentil due to crime, which can include robbery, vehicle break-ins, and residential burglaries. There is an increased military presence ...

Source: http://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/gabon-travel-advisory.html

Advisory issued by: Canada

The Canadian goverment suggests: Exercise a high degree of caution.

Source: https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/gabon

Individual rating changes for Gabon

This is the recent history of individual changes of travel advices that affected the total asessment of Gabon. Most recent events first.

Changes from August 7th 2020

The total rating for Gabon changed from 3.5 to 4.3 . Here are the influencing details:

The United States government increased their existing warning for Gabon to 4.0 (of 5.0) from the previous rating of 1.0 (by +3.0).

Changes from March 22nd 2020

The total rating for Gabon changed from 3.3 to 3.5 . Here are the influencing details:

The Canadian government increased their existing warning for Gabon to 4.0 (of 5.0) from the previous rating of 3.0 (by +1.0).

Changes from March 18th 2020

The total rating for Gabon changed from 2.8 to 3.3 . Here are the influencing details:

The Australian government increased their existing warning for Gabon to 5.0 (of 5.0) from the previous rating of 4.0 (by +1.0).

The Irish government increased their existing warning for Gabon to 4.0 (of 5.0) from the previous rating of 3.0 (by +1.0).

Changes from March 16th 2020

The total rating for Gabon changed from 2.3 to 2.8 . Here are the influencing details:

The Australian government issued a new warning for Gabon with a rating of 4.0.

Changes from September 25th 2019

The total rating for Gabon changed from 0.0 to 0.0 . Here are the influencing details:

The United States government issued a new warning for Gabon with a rating of 1.0.

The Canadian government issued a new warning for Gabon with a rating of 3.0.

The Irish government issued a new warning for Gabon with a rating of 3.0.

About Gabon

Gabon with its capital Libreville is a country in Africa (Middle Africa), slightly smaller than Colorado (267,667 km²). The country is located Western Africa, bordering the Atlantic Ocean at the Equator, between Republic of the Congo and Equatorial Guinea. The climate can be described as tropical; always hot, humid. The landscape is narrow coastal plain; hilly interior; savanna in east and south. With a population of about 1.48 million citizens.

Gabonese flag

Introduction Video

Basic Statistics and Facts

Environmental problems and natural hazzards.

These are problems Gabon is facing. Environmental issues refer to damages of the nature due to industry and society. Natural hazzards refer to potential dangers originating in nature.

Environmental problems

• burgeoning population exacerbating disposal of solid waste
• deforestation
• oil industry contributing to water pollution
• wildlife poaching

Top Industries and Agricultural Products

These are the main product industries and agricultural products of Gabon. This list indicates what this country is good at producing.

• petroleum extraction

Agriculture products

Gabonese Imports and Exports

These are the main product categories of imports and exports to and from Gabon.

Export products

Import products

• construction materials

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the current travel advisory for gabon.

Gabon is currently rated at 3,5 out of a possible 5.0. Collected from 4 official sources. We advise caution when travelling to Gabon.

Is it safe to travel Gabon in 2024?

Visiting the country Gabon is usually fine. The score is at 3,5 Just keep an eye open, obey local rules and you'll most likely be fine.

How many travel advisories do you know for Gabon?

We currently evaluate 11 official sources each morning. Today, we know of active advisories from 4 individual sources for Gabon.

What is the current Corona virus situation in Gabon?

There are currently no officially reported cases of infections with SARS-CoV-2 (or Coronavirus) in Gabon. As reported by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control this morning (~8:30am CET). There are currently no officially reported deaths related to this disease in Gabon.

What is the size of Gabon?

Gabon has a size of 267,667 km² or 103,347 mi² which is slightly smaller than Colorado.

Common Frequently Asked Questions

For non-country specific questions, please check our global F.A.Q.

Travel safety map for Gabon and bordering countries.

If you want to embed Gabon travel warning information into your website or application, check out these tools.

• Is Gabon safe to travel?
• What's the safety situation in Gabon?
• Are there security warnings for Gabon?

2020-03-10: Integrated data from European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (COVID-19/ SARS-CoV-2/ Coronavirus).

2019-09-01: Added timeline charts for risk level and number of advisories.

2019-07-29: Added two more sources (Finland and Denmark). Affects country ratings.

2019-07-15: South-Sudan was missing and was added today.

2019-05-18: Performance improvements for API users.

2019-03-23: Introduced professional API with more data.

2019-02-13: Added three more sources (Cyprus, Ireland and Malta). Affects country ratings.

Security Alert May 17, 2024

Worldwide caution, update may 10, 2024, information for u.s. citizens in the middle east.

• Travel Advisories |
• Contact Us |
• MyTravelGov |

Find U.S. Embassies & Consulates

Travel.state.gov, congressional liaison, special issuance agency, u.s. passports, international travel, intercountry adoption, international parental child abduction, records and authentications, popular links, travel advisories, mytravelgov, stay connected, legal resources, legal information, info for u.s. law enforcement, replace or certify documents.

Share this page:

Learn about your destination

Take 90 seconds for safer travel.

Travel Advisory Levels

Enroll in step.

Subscribe to get up-to-date safety and security information and help us reach you in an emergency abroad.

Recommended Web Browsers: Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome.

External Link

You are about to leave travel.state.gov for an external website that is not maintained by the U.S. Department of State.

Links to external websites are provided as a convenience and should not be construed as an endorsement by the U.S. Department of State of the views or products contained therein. If you wish to remain on travel.state.gov, click the "cancel" message.

You are about to visit:

We’re sorry, this site is currently experiencing technical difficulties. Please try again in a few moments. Exception: request blocked

Gabon Travel Guide

Travel & Tourism

Gabon’s tourism industry is still in its infancy stage, but beautiful weather all year round, there is almost never a bad time to explore Gabon. The bigger cities like Libreville and Port-Gentil are full of restaurants, bars, and casinos, but we particularly like the country’s parks and beaches, so be sure to check out our top recommendations. Gabon’s various ecosystems include everything from pristine coastal beaches to lush rain forests, and the country’s biodiversity and low population ensure that the savanna and forests are teeming with a huge variety of wildlife—not tourists. Pack your camera; the natural wonders of Gabon are worth remembering for a lifetime. Making everyone at home jealous with your photos is just a fringe benefit.

What to Do in Gabon

1. Lopé National Park:  If you are looking for perfect photo spots in Gabon, it’s worth your while to include Lopé National Park on your itinerary. The protected rain forest and savanna areas of the park are home to elephants, buffalo, and hogs. Keep your eyes peeled for the colorful and sometimes intimidating mandrills, too. We recommend staying the night at the Lopé Hotel before touring the park.

2. Mayumba:  It is not easy to get to, but the rewards are rich for those who find Mayumba, located near the Congolese border. With its white, serene beaches, Mayumba is a premier resort area in Gabon. From July to September, you can see thousands of humpback whales swimming in the sea and leatherback turtles nesting in the sand, and you can feast on freshly caught fish every day.

3. Cirque de Léconi:  While you are near the border with Congo, you should also check out the Cirque de Léconi, a beautiful, circular, red rock canyon. The best way to enjoy the canyon is to rent camping equipment and spend the night. The view of the canyon in the waning sunlight is unforgettable.

4. Bateke Plateau National Park:  Covering 790 square miles in the southeastern part of Gabon, Bateke Plateau National Park is hard to reach but an amazing site to visit. The ancient volcanic area is full of elephants, buffalo, lions, gorillas, and other animals. Take a walk through the park and cross the large bridges that span the rivers. If you’re going to make an excursion to the park, plan to spend a few days in the area.

5. National Museum of Arts and Tradition:  When in Libreville, we recommend visiting the National Museum of Arts and Tradition (known in French as the Musée des Arts et Traditions du Gabon) for a few hours. A walk through the halls of the museum, which include sections on statues and masks, will introduce you to the traditions and art of Gabon.

6. Cathedral of St. Michael:  Another worthwhile site in Libreville is the Cathedral of St. Michael. The cathedral has 31 carved wooden columns that depict various biblical scenes. (It’s said that a blind craftsman carved the columns.)

7. Mont-Bouët Market:  It’s time to go shopping. The Mont-Bouët market is Libreville’s largest, and exploring it makes for a fun day. Check out the fruit stands early in the morning, and spend the rest of the day admiring fabrics, jewelry, and other goods. One word of caution: the market (or marché, as it’s called in Gabon) is a favorite place for pickpockets. Keep your belongings close to you.

8. Presidential Palace:  Built in 1970, the Presidential Palace in Libreville is a magnificent building that rises from the low-lying landscape of the city. There is usually a crowd outside admiring the ornate building. It’s illegal to take pictures of the building, so be careful if you try to sneak a shot.

9. Cap Estérias:  For a quieter beach experience, you can travel an hour north of Libreville to the Cap Estérias, a perfect spot for water sports or plain relaxation. The route to the beach can be a bit confusing, so we recommend hiring a driver for the day to take you to the Cap Estérias.

10. Pointe Denis Beach:  We love this beach for its versatility: you can remain outdoors from day to night and set up a tent under the stars for an overnight stay. (Hotels are available for those who feel less than comfortable camping.) During the day, hop on a boat to tour the beach’s estuary.

Gabon is hot year-round, but it has also has an extensive rainy season. If you are looking for heat and sun, then January, December, and May through September are the best times to visit. For whale watching, note that the humpbacks migrate from July to October, and the beaches of Loango National Park are the most active with wildlife from November through March.

Getting In and Around

Visas:  Be sure your passport is valid for at least six months past your last day in Gabon. At the airport you can get a three-month, single-entry tourist visa, which can be extended once you are in the country.

Transportation:  Libreville Léon M’ba International Airport is Gabon’s main airport. It handles both international and domestic flights.

The most convenient and expensive means of travel within and between cities is a private car service. You should check with your hotel or travel agency for reputable organizations. Also, the country has very few paved roads, so the ride can be pretty bumpy; we highly recommend renting a four-by-four.

The Trans-Gabon Railway offers another relatively fast and viable option for travel. Just check with your hotel to see whether using the train will not leave you too far away from your planned destinations.

Within cities are numerous minibuses that cram in their passengers, as well as taxi-brousses, which are multi-passenger vehicles that travel between cities and whose form can vary from that of a minivan to that of a truck.

Mobile Phones:  We definitely recommend taking an unlocked, SIM card–enabled phone with you to Gabon. You can also buy a cheap phone in the country. The phone is the most economical and convenient way of staying connected.

Safety and Security

Concerned about your safety as you plan travel to Gabon? We at Africa.com, together with our friends, family and colleagues, travel extensively throughout the continent. Here are the resources we consult when thinking of our safety in Gabon:

•  UK Government Gabon Travel Advice Guidance

Africa.com comment: Very timely and frequently updated. Perspective assumes that you ARE going to travel to Gabon, and seeks to give you good guidance so that you understand the risks and are well informed.

•  U.S. State Department Travel Advisory on Gabon

Africa.com comment: Can sometimes be considered as overly conservative and discourage travel altogether to destinations that many reasonable people find acceptably secure. On the other hand, they have the resources of the CIA to inform them, so they know things that the rest of us don’t know. See what they have to say about Gabon.

Local Advice

1. The capital and largest city of Gabon is Libreville, located on the shores of the Como River and the Atlantic Ocean.

2. The currency used in Gabon is the Central African CFA (Communauté Financière Africaine) Franc, which is also used in some other parts of Africa, including Cameroon and Chad.

3. Gabon has a number of newspapers available, including L’Union, a daily newspaper published by the government, as well as Le Temps and Le Temoin, which are privately published weeklies.

4. The official language of Gabon is French. Fang and many other local languages are spoken as well.

5. There are currently no restrictions on lighting up in public, unless otherwise noted.

Media Partners Upcoming Events

Africa agri tech 2024, 5th west africa lpg expo – senegal 2024, middle east lpg expo – saudi arabia 2024.

Gabon Travel Advice and Travel Advisories

Gabon travel vaccines and advice.

Bordering Congo, Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea, Gabon is a prime destination for spending holidays off the beaten path. Because of its generous landscapes, this country invites you to enjoy the splendour of its wild nature. Most of its national territories are covered by forest as far as the eye can see. Lagoons, swamps and the sandy coast of Pongara complete the picture. Discover the country by water on a pirogue. Roam the mountains of Waka Park to enjoy a breathtaking view. People looking for relaxation will be spoiled for choice between beautiful beaches around Port-Gentil. You should take a little trip to Libreville for its dynamic atmosphere. To glimpse a sight of the humpback whales, the months of June and September are the best times to visit.

Recommended travel vaccinations for Gabon

Recommended medication for travelling to gabon, current weather in gabon, medical care in gabon.

Unfortunately, problems associated with public health have yet to be resolved in Gabon. Although the country has a considerable number of doctors, pharmacies and health centres in comparison to its neighbours, the quality of care (especially in rural areas) is insufficient. Medical equipment fails to meets standards of hygiene, and doctors and hospitals are overwhelmed with patients. Consultations are not thorough and treatments are often ineffective. Although private clinics in Gabon seem to be flourishing, fees are expensive. In order to find a reliable doctor in the country, the city of Lembamba in the south offers a hospital which has a great reputation among locals.

If making a trip to Gabon, you should plan in advance and cater for possible medical problems by bringing medication with you.

Although emergency services are often unsatisfactory, they can be summoned by calling  1300 ,  0174  or  0880  (for SOS Médecins).

Is Gabon Safe for Travel?

Do i need a visa to visit gabon.

Prior to travel, make sure you check with your transportation company about any passport requirements. This is important as in some cases their regulations on passport validity may be more strict than those of the destination country.

Both, a  visa  and a  passport  are required to enter Gabon. Your passport must be  valid for at least six months beyond the date of departure .

Please click  here  for more information.

Embassy of Canada to Gabon information

When travelling to another country, it is important to know where the Canadian embassy is located in the event of:

• A legal problem
• A lost passport
• The need to report a crime

It is advisable to make a copy of your original passport in case you lose it.

Canadian Consulate to Gabon (LIBREVILLE) Street Address: Quartier Batterie IV, Pont de Gué-Gué, 1st street behind the European Union, Libreville, Gabon

Tel.:  (241) 01 44 29 65

Email:   [email protected]

Canadian High Commission to Cameroon (YAOUNDÉ) Street Address: Les Colonnades building, Bastos, Yaoundé, Cameroon

Tel.:  (237) 222-50-39-00 Fax.:  (237) 222-50-39-04

Please note that this is the website for the Canadian High Commission in Cameroon.

Click here to access the high commission’s website

Travel Advice for Gabon

Going to Gabon and need to know about the latest government travel advice for Gabon? Find the updated travel advice and travel warnings for Gabon from governments around the world, here.

General Travel Advice and Warnings for Gabon

The decision to visit to Gabon is your choice and you are in charge of your individual welfare whilst in Gabon.

The content on this page is offered information only and collected from travel advice and warnings for Gabon by authorities all over the world to their citizens.

While we strive to give you correct travel advice information, it is given on an “as is” basis without warranty of any kind, expressed or implied.

This owners of this web site does not assume responsibility and will not be liable for any damages in connection to the information given.

General Cautions Travellers Need to Bear In Mind When Taking a Trip in Gabon

Crime – Petty crimes such as pick pocketing in a congested environment to sexual assault and robberies do occur in larger cities of Gabon. Make sure that all your personal items, such as passports and other traveling documents, are secure at all times.

Terrorism – Always be aware of your surroundings when in public locations. Be particularly watchful if going to sporting events and during religious holidays and other public events, as terrorists frequently make use of such celebrations to mount attacks.

Demonstrations and Protests – Demonstrations might take place. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also result in disruptions to traffic and public transportation. It is in your interest of safety and security to keep away from areas where demonstrations and big events are happening and adhere to the instructions of local authorities. Monitor local media in Gabon for info on ongoing demonstrations in Gabon.

Scams – Take care in popular tourist locations in Gabon, where scammers target tourists. If you’ve been scammed in Gabon, get to a safe location right away; make note, as soon as possible of the name and address of the facility where you were held; notify the authorities in Gabon and acquire a record and if your credit card is used by the scammer call your credit card company to inform the scam; they will likely ask for a copy of the police report to cancel the financial transaction.

Spiked Food and Drinks – Never ever leave food or drinks unattended or in the care of complete strangers whilst taking a trip in Gabon or anywhere else. Be wary of accepting snacks, beverages, chewing gum or cigarettes from unknown acquaintances. These items may contain drugs that can put you at risk of sexual assault and robbery.

What is the entry/exit conditions for Gabon?

Every country or territory decides who can get in or exit through its borders, likewise Gabon determines who enter its territories. The Government of your home country can not step in on your behalf if you do not satisfy your Gabon’s entry or exit requirements.

To get more information regarding the entry/exit requirement for Gabon browse through visa requirements for Gabon or get the most up to date information with the visa office at the Gabonese consulate in your home country.

Travel insurance for Gabon

Health cover is among the main factors travellers get travel insurance policy. It will not prevent you getting sick or hurt, though it can prevent you suffering financially. Medical aid overseas can be really expensive.

You have to pay for all treatment you receive overseas. You can not expect to get free or subsidised treatment through your Gabon’s public health system, like you would in your home country.

If you can not pay, local authorities might arrest you. The government from your home country can’t pay you health care costs for you, loan you cash or get you out of jail.

You need travel insurance policy for travelling to Gabon . You also need to make certain you choose a plan that is right for you.

Check out the small print of your travel insurance policy.

Declare all pre-existing conditions to your travel insurer upfront. If you don’t, you might invalidate your travel insurance coverage.

Inform your travel insurance provider the activities you intend to do, before you go. Many popular activities like skiing are excluded in basic policies. You might need to pay additional.

Check if you have complimentary credit card travel insurance coverage. Some cards include travel insurance cover. However, they commonly have different conditions than paid policies. Be aware of the differences.

If you’re travelling to Gabon from a country that has a reciprocal healthcare agreement, you still need travel health insurance. Agreements are limited in what they’ll will cover.

If you have an incurable disease, you may not be able to get standard travel insurance policy. Nonetheless you might be able to find a specialised insurer that covers you for health, accidents or property troubles unrelated to your illness. Speak with your insurance company to find out.

Discover more about getting international travel insurance coverage for Gabon prior to you go.

© 2021 Government Travel Advice

• Terms and Conditions
• Privacy Policy

U.S. issues new travel advisories: Which countries made the list in 2024 so far?

• Published: Jun. 06, 2024, 8:07 a.m.

As the summer travel season begins, some popular vacation hotspots for Americans are being named in advisories from the U.S. Department of State. (Staten Island Advance) Shira Stoll

• Jillian Delaney | [email protected]

Summer 2024 is nearly here, and you know what that means: Vacation time!

As Americans across the nation plan getaways to all parts of the globe, travelers need to keep in mind that certain areas of the world are safer than others — after all, with two wars raging in Israel and Ukraine, the world at large is tense.

But those two locations aren’t the only ones to try and avoid; in fact, even popular vacation hotspots for Americans are being named in travel advisories from the U.S. Department of State.

Here are the countries Americans should keep an eye on as they make travel arrangements this summer, according to the Department of State:

• Antarctica: Level Two – Exercise increased caution (May 29, 2024)
• Armenia: Level Two – Exercise increased caution (April 9, 2024)
• Benin: Level Two – Exercise increased caution (May 24, 2024)
• Botswana: Level Two – Exercise increased caution (Feb. 26, 2024)
• Burma (Myanmar): Level Four – Do not travel (Jan. 22, 2024)
• Colombia: Level Three – Reconsider travel (Jan. 2, 2024)
• Comoros: Level Two – Exercise increased caution (May 28, 2024)
• Côte d’Ivoire: Level Two: Exercise increased caution (April 8, 2024)
• Cuba: Level Two: Exercise increased caution (Jan. 5, 2024)
• Ecuador: Level Two – Exercise increased caution (April 15, 2024)
• Equatorial Guinea: Level Two – Exercise Increased caution (April 4, 2024)
• Gaza: Level Four – Do not travel (April 11, 2024)
• Germany: Level Two – Exercise increased caution (May 1, 2024)
• Hong Kong: Level Two – Exercise increased caution (April 12, 2024)
• Iran: Level Four – Do not travel (Jan. 11, 2024)
• Iraq: Level Four – Do not travel (April 24, 2024)
• Israel: Level Three – Reconsider travel (April 11, 2024)
• Jamaica: Level Three – Reconsider travel (Jan. 23, 2024)
• Japan: Level One – Exercise normal precautions (Jan. 8, 2024)
• Kyrgyz Republic: Level One – Exercise normal precautions (March 8, 2024)
• Lebanon: Level Three – Reconsider travel (Jan. 29, 2024)
• Macau: Level Three – Reconsider travel (April 12, 2024)
• Mainland China: Level Three – Reconsider travel (April 12, 2024)
• Marshall Islands: Level One – Exercise normal precautions (May 28, 2024)
• Moldova: Level Two – Exercise increased caution (March 14, 2024)
• New Caledonia: Level Three – Reconsider travel (June 4, 2024)
• Nicaragua: Level Three – Reconsider travel (Jan. 11, 2024)
• Niger: Level Three – Reconsider travel (Jan. 8, 2024)
• Papua New Guinea: Level Three – Reconsider travel (Jan. 17, 2024)
• Philippines: Level Two – Exercise increased caution (May 16, 2024)
• Poland: Level One – Exercise normal precautions (May 1, 2024)
• Rwanda: Level One – Exercise normal precautions (March 29, 2024)
• Saudi Arabia: Level Three – Reconsider travel (Jan. 24, 2024)
• South Africa: Level Two – Exercise increased caution (Feb. 5, 2024)
• The Bahamas: Level Two – Exercise increased caution (Jan. 26, 2024)
• Tunisia: Level Two – Exercise increased caution (May 14, 2024)
• Turkmenistan: Level One – Exercise normal precautions (Jan. 22, 2024)
• Venezuela: Level Four – Do not travel (May 13, 2024)
• West Bank: Level Three – Reconsider travel (April 11, 2024)

If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

The State Department Has Issued a Worldwide Travel Advisory—Here’s What to Know

The alert advises that travelers remain vigilant during pride celebrations, which take place throughout the world during the summer months..

• Copy Link copied

Berlin’s Christopher Street Day, a Pride celebration, is on July 27 this year.

Filmbildfabrik/Shutterstock

Ahead of Pride Month, the U.S. State Department took the extraordinary step of issuing a Worldwide Caution alert tailored to LGBTQ+ travelers and their allies. The bulletin, deployed on May 17, urged citizens to “stay alert in locations frequented by tourists, including Pride celebrations and venues frequented by LGBTQI+ persons.” It did not mention specific hazards or advise against travel.

While the State Department typically grades countries with safety ratings—ranging from Level 1 (“Exercise Normal Precautions”) to Level 4 (“Do Not Travel”)—this blanket global advisory stands on its own, John Tanzella, president and CEO of the International LGBTQ+ Travel Association (IGLTA), tells Afar .

“The State Department’s recent worldwide travel advisory for LGBTQ+ travelers is a unique step, reflecting the increased focus on LGBTQ+ safety around the world,” Tanzella notes. The organization he leads, IGLTA, provides free travel resources while promoting equality and safety for the LGBTQ+ community in more than 80 countries worldwide.

It’s not a coincidence the warning was issued on the same day as International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia, and Transphobia. This occasion marks the day the World Health Organization delisted “homosexuality” as a medical diagnosis in 1990.

John Clifford, founder of International Travel Management , a San Diego–based travel agency specializing in trips for LGBTQ+ clients, says the memo is a stark reminder of LGBTQ+ rights in the United States and worldwide.

“We must be continually vigilant of violence around our gatherings and celebrations,” says Clifford . The May 17 State Department advisory came exactly one week after the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security issued a joint public service announcement warning of potential foreign terrorist acts against LGBTQ+ events.

In its advisory, the State Department suggests travelers register for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program , which sends travelers alerts when a hazardous situation arises in their destination and helps travelers make contact with the local U.S. embassy in an emergency. The State Department also maintains a web page with information tailored to LGBTQ+ travelers, including important pointers for staying safe and the locations of U.S. embassies.

Tanzella recommends “consulting with LGBTQ+ travel experts and local Pride organizers to understand the specific safety considerations at their chosen destination.” For instance, Madrid Pride , along with Pride events in most major cities, offers a travel hub with up-to-date information for visitors such as Pride parade route information, meetup points, and potential hazards.

Meanwhile, Clifford says to check maps that feature data visualizations of LGBTQ+ safety broken down by country from the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA World), a global advocacy group campaigning for queer human rights. “These maps will help travelers see how certain laws impact queer folks around the world,” Clifford notes.

A 2023 index ranked the safest countries for LGBTQ+ travelers . Metrics included civil rights, protections, and anti-discriminatory laws. At the top of the list are Canada, Sweden, the Netherlands, Malta, Norway, Portugal, and Spain. The United States ranked 25th overall.

While it’s recommended that you leverage local resources, connect with individuals on the ground, and understand your own level of risk tolerance, traveling in June is still very much encouraged, Tanzella says. “This advisory, while highlighting the need for informed travel, doesn’t replace the joy and importance of celebrating Pride around the world,” he says.

• Newsletters
• Account Activating this button will toggle the display of additional content Account Sign out

Help! Everyone Always Asks “Where I’m From.” But the Answer Sets Them Off on a Tirade.

Each week in Dear Prudence Uncensored, Prudie discusses a tricky letter with fellow Slate writer (and her husband!)  Joel Anderson , only for Slate Plus members. This week, they dig into “Tired of All the Stereotypes.”

Dear Prudence,

I live in California, although I travel outside the state from time to time and most of my co-workers reside outside the state. Can you give me a good response in these situations that keep coming up? Once someone finds out I’m from CA, I get, “Don’t be bringing your woke nonsense around here” or “All the people from CA are moving here and driving up the house prices so we locals can’t afford them.” Or my red and purple state co-workers love to complain about the CA political issues. Prudie, I am not personally responsible for the state that CA is in, nor do I want to hear anybody else’s opinions about it. On travel, I just want to buy a restaurant meal in peace, stay at a hotel, and go home. I’m not buying anybody’s house from under them. I promise I will not open with, “I’m from CA, table for four, with a side of politics please.” I need a script that is both polite and shuts people down.

—Tired of All the Stereotypes

Read Prudie’s original response to this letter.

Joel Anderson: I haven’t lived out here a full decade yet and I’m already defensive. But if people really wanted to engage me about this, I could easily muster a few pro-California talking points (racial and ethnic diversity—though not very many Black folks; stunning natural beauty; the ability to access abortion, and so on and so on). However, it doesn’t appear “Tired” wants that kind of back and forth.

Jenée Desmond-Harris : It sounds like she has a uniquely um, un-”woke” group of workers, or is going to a particularly Fox News-loving place. Like what normal person other than someone who watches a lot of inflammatory coverage of how San Francisco is the scariest place on earth and crime is through the roof makes small talk about their negative opinions about a state? Of all the topics!

Although maybe that’s not fair. People from California do sometimes tend to clutch their pearls and look concerned when I mention going to visit your family in Texas. And I’ve heard people say some crazy stuff to you.

Joel: For the most part, I assume those comments come from a place of exaggeration or total ignorance. Sure, there is sometimes property crime in San Francisco! Yes, guns are way too easy to access in Texas! But every place in the world has something that makes it potentially untenable as a place to live. Perhaps the harder, possibly more satisfying thing is to get people to be specific about their criticism to watch their argument fall apart. “What does woke nonsense mean, specifically?” Do you think rising housing prices are limited to only your particular corner of Unwokeville?” But there’s definitely an easier option: Your script. Or politely, or not, excusing yourself from that person’s company.

Jenée : Or a bored, “Oh wow that’s crazy” while actively doing something else on your phone, if you don’t want to be at all confrontational.

Joel: Right, giving them any attention at all is probably too much. Once a person has identified themselves as that kind of person , I’m more inclined toward dropping niceties. Y’all are probably never going to be friends. It doesn’t mean to lash out. But it could mean that you can excuse yourself in a non-dramatic fashion, as you’ve suggested here.

Jenée: Yes I am certain the mention of the letter writer’s home state isn’t the only thing that sets them off. These people definitely have content on gender roles, homelessness, DEI, and the great replacement theory just waiting to be shared if you give them the right moment.

Joel: It’s crazy too, because as a non-native Californian, I also know that California has plenty of people who hate wokeness and love MAGA. A little more than 20 years ago, the state recalled its Democratic governor and voted for Arnold Schwarzenegger! Maybe the state’s premier university has a whole research institute dedicated to Herbert Hoover! There’s plenty to love about California if you hate wokeness. They could choose to know and maybe even embrace that but they’d rather antagonize their co-worker.

Jenée: Like we always say, people around here shouldn’t be too smug. We’re personally surrounded by a bunch of Elon Musk fans!

Joel: Absolutely! We’re under no illusion California is some progressive paradise. It’s just a little more big “D” Democratic than many of the MAGA-villes springing up all around the country.

Anyway, that’s neither here nor there. These are the LW’s co-workers, not their family or friends. They’re under no obligation to endure that sort of interaction and they can make that clear, and awkwardly move on to discussing sports in the manner you’ve suggested here.

Jenée: And of course, like I say to everyone with an annoying manager, stinky cubicle-mate, or any other gripe: You have nothing to lose by applying to new jobs.

Joel: That’s the other thing! It does seem like maybe this isn’t the greatest cultural fit—or isn’t any longer. And that’s something for “Tired” to consider the next time they log into LinkedIn.

Classic Prudie

My wife and I recently had a baby. My workplace is still on lockdown and everything’s being done virtually, so instead of physically showing around baby photos, I passed around several by interoffice email. There was the usual round of congratulations and well wishes, mostly expressed over Zoom and the in-office Skype application. However, there was one particular co-worker, “Zack,” who had a few polite comments in the public-facing chat but sent me a couple of emails to my work address from his.

Cookies on GOV.UK

We use some essential cookies to make this website work.

We’d like to set additional cookies to understand how you use GOV.UK, remember your settings and improve government services.

We also use cookies set by other sites to help us deliver content from their services.

You have accepted additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

You have rejected additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

Register to vote Register by 18 June to vote in the General Election on 4 July.

• Passports, travel and living abroad
• Travel abroad
• Foreign travel advice

Getting help

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ( FCDO ) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.

Emergency services in Gabon  

Ambulance: 117. Depending on your mobile network, call: 1300, 0174 or 0880 for SOS Médecins. Operators may only speak French.   

Police: 177

None of these numbers are guaranteed to be reliable. Emergency help can be limited in some places that are hard to reach

Contact your travel provider and insurer

Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.

Refunds and changes to travel

For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.

Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans , including:

• where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider
• how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim

Support from FCDO

FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:

• finding English-speaking  lawyers ,  funeral directors and  translators and interpreters in Gabon
• dealing with a  death in Gabon
• being  arrested or imprisoned in Gabon
• getting help if you’re a  victim of crime
• what to do if you’re  in hospital
• if you’re affected by a crisis , such as a terrorist attack

Contacting FCDO

Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter , Facebook and Instagram . You can also sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.

You can also contact FCDO online .

Help abroad in an emergency

If you are in Gabon and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the British High Commission in Yaoundé, Cameroon who provide consular assistance for Gabon.

FCDO in London

You can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.

Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)

Find out about call charges

Related content

Is this page useful.

• Yes this page is useful
• No this page is not useful

Help us improve GOV.UK

Don’t include personal or financial information like your National Insurance number or credit card details.

To help us improve GOV.UK, we’d like to know more about your visit today. Please fill in this survey (opens in a new tab) .

NAACP Threatens To Reinstate American Airlines Travel Advisory After ‘Recent Discriminatory Actions’

American airlines has a laundry list of documented instances of being accused specifically of racist treatment of black passengers., share this link via, or copy link.

An American Airlines flight arrives at Los Angeles International Airport during Memorial Day weekend on May 24, 2024, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: AaronP/Bauer-Griffin / Getty

T he nation’s oldest and largest civil rights organization is threatening to reinstate a travel advisory against American Airlines following “recent discriminatory actions” against Black passengers in what’s emerged as a pattern over the years.

The NAACP was reacting in part to a recent lawsuit filed by Black men who are suing American Airlines for “blatant and egregious race discrimination” after an alleged body odor complaint led to their removal. The lawsuit filed by a group of Black men claims they were removed from the flight in January after being approached by American Airlines representatives who demanded they leave the airplane.

“(O)nce they reached the jet bridge, they saw that several other Black men were also being removed from the plane. In fact, it appeared to Plaintiffs that American had ordered  all  of the Black male passengers on Flight 832 off the plane,” the complaint said.

Eight total Black men were removed from the flight “without any valid reason, based solely on their race,” the lawsuit added.

The NAACP previously imposed a travel advisory against American Airlines in 2017 but ended up lifting it the following year after saying the airline had finally made some significant headway in cutting down on discrimination incidents involving passengers of color.

But that progress ended last year, the NAACP’s president and CEO said.

“The removal of our travel advisory in 2018 came as a result of a commitment to deliver on key stipulations that would prevent future discriminatory acts, one of which was a diversity, equity, and inclusion advisory council,” Derrick Johnson said in a statement sent to NewsOne. “Amidst the resurgence of attacks on DEI, American Airlines disbanded the panel in 2023.”

The latest alleged incident is making the NAACP consider whether another travel advisory against American Airlines is needed, Johnson explained.

“Recent discriminatory actions from company employees prove that there is a dire need for continued accountability and resolution to this clear pattern,” Johnson said. “We encourage American Airlines to come revive the advisory panel and reconvene with the NAACP to devise a path forward that ensures equitable experiences for all American Airlines customers. Without a swift and decisive response, the NAACP will be forced to reinstate an advisory against the airline.”

The 2017 NAACP travel advisory specifically warned Black travelers that they could encounter racism from the airline. The announcement came after the NAACP advised American Airlines on diversity and inclusion after implementing the ban over “unsafe” conditions for African Americans.

American Airlines agreed to make big changes in a number of areas: diversity and inclusion gap research; implicit bias training for the airlines’ 130,000 employees; and launch a discrimination complaint resolution process for workers and customers. The NAACP said the airline made a good effort to ensure their business was more comfortable for Black travelers and its staff members.

The travel advisory was lifted in 2018 after Johnson said American Airlines had “taken substantive action to begin to address  implicit bias.”

Six years later, it’s apparently “déjà vu all over again.”

To be sure, American Airlines has a laundry list of documented instances of being accused specifically of racist treatment of Black passengers.

Aside from the new pending lawsuit, other notable instances include activist  Tamika Mallory being kicked off a flight after a seat assignment dispute in 2017. The pilot ordered Mallory to leave the plane and displayed “white male aggression,” she said. Rapper Joey Bada$$ was also racially profiled while on an American Airlines flight that same year, he said. A flight attendant told him he didn’t belong in first class, he tweeted.

Also in 2017, pundit Symone Sanders claimed in a tweet that American Airlines called the police on her because of a discrepancy over her luggage. She reportedly saw another man yell at customer service for 20 minutes and police were never called.

It was around that same time that American Airlines also led the aviation industry with the highest number of discrimination complaints.

And who could forget the legendary Rev. William Barber, organizer of the Moral Mondays progressive protest movement and president of the North Carolina NAACP, suing American Airlines after he said the company removed him from a flight because of his skin color?

Barber’s lawsuit in 2016 claimed that white passengers were being loud behind his seat, so he asked a flight attendant to handle the situation. But after one of the white passengers had borderline racist words about “those people” in reference to Barber, the police were called to remove Barber while the white men were allowed to stay on the flight, Barber’s lawsuit said. The American Airlines employee who rebooked Barber on a different flight allegedly told him that kind of racist scenario “tends to happen a lot” with the airline.

This is America[n Airlines].

White Woman Accuses Southwest Airlines Of Racial Profiling Over Suspicion Of Trafficking Biracial Daughter

Traveling While Black: Viral Posts Show Racist Barriers To Obtaining A Passport

RELATED TAGS

Kyle Rittenhouse Tells Native Americans They Can 'Leave' If They Hate America

Kyle Rittenhouse's 'Gay' Social Media Post About Biden Backfires After People Remind Him He's A Killer

White Dad Who Pushed Black Superintendent At Daughter's Graduation Accused Of Racism

Video Shows Arlington National Cemetery Reject Ashli Babbitt Shrine On Memorial Day

Old Video Resurfaces Of Trump Saying Presidential Candidates Under Indictment ‘Shouldn’t Be Allowed To Run’

Why Eric Trump Saying Black People Are 'Swinging' To Trump In 'Spades' Is Racist No Matter How He Meant It

What Happened To Allisha Watts? Accused Killer Awaits Murder Trial In Girlfriend's Death

Clarence Thomas Suggests Supreme Court's Brown v. Board Of Education Decision Was Wrong

‘Jim Crow’: Congressional Black Caucus Rips Byron Donalds For Saying Black Families Were Stronger Under Racist Laws

REPORT: Department Of Justice Underrepresenting Missing Black And Indigenous Women Cases

N.J. Trooper Fired After Nazi-Affiliated ‘Blood Honor’ Tattoos Were Discovered Following Unrelated Investigation

White Dad Who Pushed Black Superintendent At Daughter’s Graduation Accused Of Racism

GOP Rep Compares Trump Prosecution To Treatment Of Black People ‘In Alabama In 1950.’ Bruh…What?

‘Black Barbie’ Documentary From Shondaland Headed To Netflix

NBA Finals: Kyrie Irving Faces Celtics 3 Years After Calling Out Boston’s Anti-Black Racism

Why Eric Trump Saying Black People Are ‘Swinging’ To Trump In ‘Spades’ Is Racist No Matter How He Meant It

Why Donald Trump’s Felony Conviction Has No Impact On Black Voters

5 Lessons You Must Learn From Shirley Strawberry’s Unfortunate Crisis

Black Folklore In Video Season 2 Ep 6: The Haunting Of Rosewood

10 Eric Mays Quotes To Keep You Motivated And Laughing

Trump Appointed Judges Block Fearless Fund From Offering Capital To Black Woman Entrepreneurs

Never Forget: Vintage Photos From 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre Underscore The Lingering Devastation

Sign up for the newsone newsletter.

We care about your data. See our privacy policy .

Quick Links

Access to East I-25 Frontage Road from CO 119 closed from June 10 to July 3

Travel advisory.

Firestone — The Colorado Department of Transportation will close access to the East I-25 Frontage Road from Colorado Highway 119 to make additional improvements starting June 10.

Improvements include expanding the south side of the intersection, adding raised islands and replacing the traffic signal poles and mast arms.

The closure will be in place until July 3. The Town of Firestone has approved a detour that goes through town.

Detour Route

CO 119/Firestone Boulevard to East I-25 Frontage Road

• Motorists will travel east to Birch Street and turn right.
• Turn right on Sable Avenue
• Turn right on East I-25 Frontage Road

East I-25 Frontage Road to CO 119/Firestone Boulevard

• Motorists will travel south on East I-25 Frontage Road, turn left on Sable Avenue
• Turn left on Birch Street
• Turn left on CO 119/Firestone Boulevard

Project Contact Information

Contact the project team with questions or concerns or if you would like to receive construction updates.

• Project website: https://www.codot.gov/projects/firestone-mobility-hub
• Project information hotline: 970-422-4201
• Project email: [email protected]

Know Before You Go

Travelers are urged to “know before you go.” Gather information about weather forecasts and anticipated travel impacts and current road conditions prior to hitting the road. CDOT resources include:

• Road conditions and travel information: COtrip.org
• Download the COtrip Planner app: bit.ly/COtripapp
• Sign up for project or travel alerts: bit.ly/COnewsalerts
• See scheduled construction lane closures: bit.ly/laneclosures
• Connect with @ColoradoDOT on social media: Twitter , Facebook , Instagram and YouTube

Remember: Slow For The Cone Zone

The following tips are to help you stay safe while traveling through maintenance and construction work zones.

• Do not speed in work zones. Obey the posted speed limits.
• Stay Alert! Expect the unexpected.
• Watch for workers. Drive with caution.
• Don't change lanes unnecessarily.
• Avoid using mobile devices such as phones while driving in work zones.
• Turn on headlights so that workers and other drivers can see you.
• Be especially alert at night while driving in work zones.
• Expect delays, especially during peak travel times.
• Allow ample space between you and the car in front of you.
• Anticipate lane shifts and merge when directed to do so.
• Be patient!

Download the COtrip App!

The new free COtrip Planner mobile app was designed to meet the growing trend of information on mobile and tablet devices for the traveling public. The COtrip Planner app provides statewide, real-time traffic information, and works on mobile devices that operate on the iOS and Android platforms. Visit the Google Play Store (Android devices) or the Apple Store (iOS devices) to download!