Gabon entry requirements for Japan 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
Japanese passport holders must obtain an eVisa before traveling to Gabon. The entire application is online — no embassy visit needed. As of 2026, you must apply and receive approval before your departure.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Gabon eVisa | Apply for a Gabon eVisa at evisa.gouv.ga before departure. The process takes 3–5 business days — do not wait until the last minute. 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 be valid for the duration of your stay | Your Japanese passport needs to be valid only for the length of your stay in Gabon — no 6-month rule here. Airlines sometimes enforce 6 months anyway, so check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Gabon | Immigration officers at Libreville International Airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or the booking confirmation on your phone ready. If you're overlanding to a neighboring country, a bus ticket or ferry booking works too. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Gabon. Officers rarely ask for it, but having it avoids delays if they do. A simple booking confirmation email is fine. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have a bank statement or credit card showing at least 200,000 CFA francs (~$330) available. Immigration rarely checks, but if you look underprepared they may ask. A recent statement from your Japanese bank works. | Recommended |
Yellow fever vaccine mandatory
You must have the yellow fever vaccine and carry the International Certificate of Vaccination (yellow card). Without it, you may be refused entry or quarantined. Get the shot at least 10 days before travel.
eVisa is the only option
There is no visa on arrival for Japanese nationals. Do not travel without an approved eVisa — you will be sent back.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for eVisa online
Go to https://evisa.gouv.ga/ and fill out the application. Upload a digital passport photo and a scan of your passport bio page. Pay the fee (amount varies by nationality — check the site). Processing typically takes 3–5 business days.
2
Receive eVisa approval
You'll get an email with your eVisa PDF. Print a copy and also save it on your phone. Keep it with your passport.
3
Arrive at Libreville International Airport (LBV)
At immigration, present your passport, printed eVisa, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation. The officer will stamp your passport. No additional forms needed.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, pick up your bags and proceed through customs. There are no arrival declarations required for Japanese passport holders.
Download Gabon Entry Checklist
PDF · Japan 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 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost€70 (approx. $77 USD)
Standard tourist visa for short stays.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost€100 (approx. $110 USD)
For multiple visits within validity.
Long-stay visa (visiteur)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost€200 (approx. $220 USD)
Requires proof of sufficient funds and accommodation.
work visa
Carte de Séjour Travailleur
1 year, renewable
€150 (approx. $165 USD) application fee
For foreign workers with a job offer in Gabon. Requires employer sponsorship and work contract.
student visa
Carte de Séjour Étudiant
1 year, renewable
€100 (approx. $110 USD) application fee
For students enrolled in a Gabonese educational institution. Requires proof of enrollment and funds.
investor visa
Carte de Séjour Investisseur
2 years, renewable
€500 (approx. $550 USD) application fee
For investors making a significant economic contribution. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for tourist eVisa. | €70 (approx. $77 USD) |
| eVisa (multiple entry)For multiple entries within validity. | €100 (approx. $110 USD) |
| Stay extension feeExtension possible at immigration office. | €30 (approx. $33 USD) per month |
| Overstay finePayable at immigration upon departure. | €10 (approx. $11 USD) per day, max €300 (approx. $330 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete 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
Japan passport holders transiting through Gabon do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Transit hubsLéon-Mba International Airport (LBV) · Port-Gentil International Airport (POG)
Health & vaccines for Gabon
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for all travellers arriving from endemic countries or if travelling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
High risk throughout the country, especially in rural areas. Prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Outbreaks occur, especially in urban areas. Use mosquito repellent.
CholeraLow risk
Rare but possible in areas with poor sanitation. Drink bottled water.
Malaria risk: high
High risk nationwide, especially in rural and forested areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) strongly recommended.
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 permits.
Port-Gentil
Direction Régionale de l'Immigration
Avenue de la Liberté, Port-Gentil
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Regional office for immigration services.
Practical information for JP 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
Yes. You must get an eVisa before you travel. There is no visa on arrival for Japanese nationals.
Typically 3–5 business days. Apply at least a week before your trip to be safe.
The fee varies by nationality. Check the official eVisa site (https://evisa.gouv.ga/) for the current amount. Payment is made online during the application.
No. The eVisa does not allow extensions. You must leave before your authorized stay expires.
You will be denied entry. Renew your passport before applying for the eVisa.
Yes, it is required for all travellers over 1 year old. You must show the yellow card (International Certificate of Vaccination) at immigration. Get the vaccine at least 10 days before travel.
No. Gabon does not require an arrival declaration for Japanese passport holders. Just your passport, eVisa, and supporting documents.
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.