Gabon: main airports
Gabon has a single international airport: Libreville Airport, the capital, the main gateway to a country covered by 88% equatorial rainforest.
Gabon: recommended activities
Gabon: visa and entry requirements
A visa is mandatory for most nationalities, including Italian: it is obtained via online e-visa (visa.gabon.ga) before departure, with processing generally taking a few working days. A yellow fever certificate is mandatory and must be submitted together with the visa application.
Gabon: safety
Gabon is generally considered one of the most stable countries in Central Africa, with a violent crime rate low compared to its neighbours. A military coup in August 2023 ended over 55 years of Bongo family rule, with a transition carried out without widespread violence against civilians; the usual precautions against petty theft in Libreville nonetheless remain valid, along with attention to any political updates before departure.
Gabon: health situation
A yellow fever certificate is mandatory for entry. Gabon is a high-risk malaria area across its entire territory: antimalarial prophylaxis is strongly recommended together with rigorous mosquito protection. Libreville's healthcare facilities are adequate for common emergencies; for forest areas, insurance with medical evacuation is essential.
Gabon: currency, payments and connectivity
The currency is the Central African CFA franc (XAF), pegged to the euro at a fixed exchange rate. Cash is essential in most situations outside Libreville's international hotels. There are no widespread Western ride-hailing apps: local taxis are the main means of transport. For connectivity, the operators Airtel Gabon and Moov Africa sell prepaid SIM cards. For driving, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is generally also required alongside the national one.
