Gabon - Business TravelGabon - Business Travel

Business Customs

Gabon inherited the French legal system after independence in 1960.  Business law is mostly based on French law, and business customs are similar to those in France.

Travel Advisory

In Gabon, muggings and burglaries are the most common types of crime.  U.S. citizens should maintain security awareness at all times and utilize all security equipment available such as locks, alarms and guards.  More information on traveling to Gabon may be obtained through the Consular Information Sheet.

The Department of State Diplomatic Security Offices maintain Overseas Security Advisory Councils around the world to inform and advise U.S. companies on crime and safety issues.  Although there is not an active OSAC in Gabon at this writing, there is a Crime and Safety Report available on the website for Gabon and neighboring Sao Tome Principe. 

Visa Requirements

A passport with more than six months of validity remaining, a visa, and proof of vaccination against yellow fever are required for entry into Gabon.  For additional immunization information, visit the CDC’s Health Information for Travelers to Gabon.

There are a number of ways a visitor can obtain a visa to visit Gabon.  The most reliable means of securing a visa for travel to Gabon is to apply prior to departure at the Embassy of the Gabonese Republic in Washington D.C. or the Consulate of the Gabonese Republic in New York.  Please check their websites for visa requirements.

U.S. citizens may now obtain a visa upon arrival at the airport.  In October 2017, Gabon announced that citizens of G20 countries, including the United States, may obtain a single-entry visa at the Libreville International Airport upon arrival.  Applicants must have more than six months of validity remaining on their passport and must pay a fee of 45,000 CFA or 70 euros.  Although the program has launched, there have been reports of airlines refusing to issue a boarding pass for travel to Gabon when a traveler is unable to present a Gabonese visa prior to departure.

Travelers should obtain the latest information and details from the Embassy of Gabon, 2034 20th Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20009, telephone: (202) 797-1000, fax: (202) 332-0668.  Travelers may also contact the Gabonese Consulate at 18 East 41st St., Ninth Floor, New York, NY 10017, telephone (212) 683-7371.
Information may also be obtained by contacting the Gabonese Mission to the U.N. at (212) 686-9720.  Overseas, inquiries should be made to the nearest Gabonese embassy or consulate.

U.S. companies that require travel of foreign businesspersons to the United States should be advised that security evaluations are handled via an interagency process.  Visa applicants should go to the following links:

State Department Visa Website
Gabonese Embassy in Washington, DC

Currency

Gabon’s currency is the franc of the Communaute Financiere Africaine (CFA).  The CFA is convertible and tied to the euro; EUR 1 equals CFA 656.  As of September 2018, 1 U.S. dollar is roughly equivalent to CFA 579.

Telecommunications/Electric

Telecommunications are generally adequate and reliable.  Local and long distance telephone service is available 24 hours a day.  Cellular service is offered in Libreville and the interior.  Telephone rates are much higher than those in the United States.  Local connection to the Internet is available through Gabon Telecom (the state company recently acquired by Maroc Telecom) and a few private local providers (IG Telecom, Digicom, IPI9, Airtel, and Solsi).  Broadband internet is now available, including fiberoptic connection in Libreville.

Transportation

International airlines serving Libreville include Asky, Air France, Ethiopian Airlines, Royal Air Maroc, Rwandair, and Turkish Airlines.  There are no direct flights to the United States.  Direct flights to Paris are available seven times per week.  There are also direct flights to capitals in Central and West Africa, as well as to Addis Ababa, Casablanca, and Istanbul.  The Libreville International Airport is 10 to 40 minutes from the city center, depending on traffic. 
Gabon has a poor road network, but airports can be found in most provincial capitals.  Various airlines provide domestic flights, including, Afrijet and La Nationale. Rail service is available between Libreville and Franceville only.  Taxis are available in Libreville.  Car rental is available but expensive.  The major hotels offer shuttle service to and from the Libreville airport for international flights. 

Language

French is Gabon's official language.  English is not widely spoken but the use of English is increasing.  Hotels may arrange for interpreters.

Health 

Medical facilities are limited.  A list of doctors may be obtained through the Embassy’s consular section or at https://ga.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/doctors/. Malaria is endemic in Gabon, and malaria prophylaxis are strongly recommended and should be begun prior to arrival.  Travelers should drink only bottled water or bottled drinks.  Hygiene at restaurants varies, but is generally good at more expensive restaurants.

Local Time, Business Hours and Holidays

Local time is GMT+1.
Business hours: 7:30 AM –3:30 PM 

Gabonese Holidays in 2019 are:

The U.S. Embassy also observes U.S. federal holidays.

Temporary Entry of Materials or Personal Belongings
No restrictions, but customs pays close attention to electronics and high-value items.  
Travel Related Web Resources
State Department Visa Website: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel.html 
United States Embassy Libreville: https://ga.usembassy.gov/visas/