Gabon entry requirements for United Kingdom passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 17, 2026·View sources
eVisa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
British passport holders need an eVisa to enter Gabon. The process is entirely online — no embassy visit required. As of 2026, the eVisa is the standard entry method for tourism and short business trips.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Apply for a Gabon eVisa at evisa.gouv.ga at least 72 hours before departure. The eVisa is valid for a single entry and covers stays up to 90 days. Print the approval letter and carry it with your passport — immigration at Libreville will check it before stamping you in.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must have 6 months validity | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Gabon. Airlines at Heathrow and other UK airports will check this before letting you board — no exceptions. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration at Libreville International Airport will ask for proof of a return or onward flight out of Gabon. Have a printed or digital copy of your ticket ready — they check this every time. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to carry | Hotel booking confirmations or a letter of invitation from a host in Gabon can smooth your entry. Immigration officers sometimes ask where you're staying, so have a printed copy or a PDF on your phone. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to carry | Carry evidence of sufficient funds for your stay — a bank statement or credit card showing access to around 500,000 CFA francs (about £650) works. Immigration rarely asks, but it's a standard requirement in the rulebook. | Recommended |
Apply early — no visa on arrival
There is no visa-on-arrival for UK passport holders at Libreville airport. You must have an approved eVisa before you fly. Airlines will check this at check-in.
Keep digital copies of everything
Save your eVisa approval, passport photo, and return ticket as PDFs on your phone and in cloud storage. Phone screenshots are fine for immigration, but a printed backup is safer if your battery dies.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to evisa.gouv.ga, fill in your personal and passport details, upload a passport photo and a scan of your passport bio page. Pay the fee (around £50–£70 depending on processing speed). Submit and wait for approval — typically 3–7 business days.
2
Print or save your eVisa approval
Once approved, you'll receive a PDF or email confirmation. Print a copy and save it on your phone. You'll need to show it at check-in and on arrival.
3
Arrive at Libreville International Airport (LBV)
After landing, follow signs to 'Immigration'. Join the queue for 'Foreign Passports'. Hand over your passport, eVisa approval, and return ticket. The officer may ask your hotel address — have it ready. They'll stamp you in, usually for up to 30 days.
Download Gabon Entry Checklist
PDF · United Kingdom Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 17, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable once for 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost€70 (~$75 USD)
Standard option for tourism; extension possible at immigration office.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, up to 90 days total
Validity6 months from issue
Cost€100 (~$107 USD)
Ideal for frequent travellers; must leave and re-enter.
Business visa
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost€150 (~$160 USD)
Requires invitation letter from Gabonese company.
work visa
Carte de Séjour (Travailleur)
1 year, renewable
€200 (~$214 USD) application fee
For those with a job offer in Gabon. Requires employer sponsorship and work contract. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Visa Étudiant
1 year, renewable based on studies
€100 (~$107 USD) application fee
For enrolled students at a Gabonese institution. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
investor visa
Carte de Résident (Investisseur)
2 years, renewable
€500 (~$535 USD) application fee
For investors making a significant economic contribution. Minimum investment of €100,000 required.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for UK passport holders applying online. | €70 (~$75 USD) |
| eVisa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | €100 (~$107 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying visa validity. | €10 (~$11 USD) per day, max €500 (~$535 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete visa application20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Gabon
No transit visa needed
UK passport holders transiting through Gabon airports do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Transit hubsLibreville International Airport (LBV) · Port-Gentil International Airport (POG)
Health & vaccines for Gabon
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for all travellers arriving from endemic countries; proof of vaccination may be requested.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Widespread throughout Gabon; prophylaxis strongly recommended.
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Occasional outbreaks, especially in urban areas.
CholeraLow risk
Rare but possible; practice food and water safety.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round in all regions. Use mosquito repellent, nets, and consider prophylactic medication.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Libreville
Direction Générale de la Documentation et de l'Immigration
Boulevard de l'Indépendance, Libreville
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and residency permits.
Port-Gentil
Service de l'Immigration de Port-Gentil
Avenue de la République, Port-Gentil
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:30
Handles extensions for visitors in the oil hub.
Practical information for GB travellers
Country basics
CapitalLibreville
LanguageFrench
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US driver's license for up to 3 months; an International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyCentral African CFA franc (XAF)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 563.11 XAF
Time zone
Local timeUTC+1
vs New York+6h
vs Los Angeles+9h
Electricity
Voltage220V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,EType C (two round pins) and Type E (two round pins with a hole for the male grounding pin)
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is not safe to drink; stick to bottled or boiled water.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
Typically 3–7 business days. Apply at least two weeks before your trip to be safe. There's no walk-in option at the airport.
Around £50–£70 depending on the processing speed you choose. The exact fee is shown on the evisa.gouv.ga site before you pay.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave and reapply, or contact the immigration office in Libreville before your visa expires.
Yes, at least one blank page for the entry stamp. More is better if you travel frequently.
You will be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at Libreville airport. There is no visa-on-arrival for British passport holders.
Not legally required, but strongly recommended. Medical evacuation or hospital treatment can be very expensive.
No, the standard eVisa is single-entry. If you plan to leave and re-enter Gabon, you'll need a new eVisa each time.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 17, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.