GoGabon Visa Requirements

Visa Entry

Ordinary passport:

Chinese citizens can now log in to the Gabonese Immigration Bureau website https://evisa.dgdi.ga Apply for an electronic visa, and after the application is successful, apply for a sticker visa at Libreville International Airport with valid travel documents, electronic visa and the necessary materials for processing the corresponding type of visa, and international travel health certificate. You can also apply for an entry permit to Gabon (autoregression d'entry é e) to apply for an entry visa. Specifically, you can apply for an entry permit from the Canadian immigration office through a Canadian invitation unit or registered company, and then apply for the corresponding category of entry visa at the Canadian port or at the Gabonese embassy or consulate abroad with the entry permit.

Diplomatic and official passports:

The agreement between China and Gabon on mutual exemption of visas for diplomatic and official passport holders officially came into effect on February 5, 2016. According to the agreement, personnel holding valid diplomatic or official (including regular official) passports from both countries who enter, exit or transit through the other contracting country are exempt from visa application for a period not exceeding 30 days from the date of entry; Staying for more than 30 days or engaging in activities such as work, study, settlement, news reporting, etc. in another contracting country, prior approval from the competent authority of the other contracting country must be obtained, and a visa must be applied for before entering the other contracting country; Permanent diplomatic personnel holding valid diplomatic service passports, including their family members holding diplomatic or service passports, must complete the appointment procedures within 30 days after their first entry.

Attention: For those who plan to do business or work in Canada and require long-term residency (with a stay of more than 3 months), they must apply for a labor permit and an entry permit respectively from the Gabonese Ministry of Labor and Immigration Bureau in advance. Then, they can apply for the corresponding category of entry visa from the Canadian embassy or consulate abroad with the labor permit and entry permit, or apply for a sticker visa after applying for an electronic visa. Entering with a tourist visa does not qualify for employment or work in Canada.

Customs epidemic prevention and control

Cash and prohibited items: Gabon Customs has made detailed regulations on the amount of cash that can be carried and declaration standards when entering and leaving the country:

1. From other member countries of the Central African Economic and Monetary Community (CEMAC) (Equatorial Guinea, Congo (Brazzaville), Cameroon, Chad, Central African Republic) to Canada or from Canada to the aforementioned countries, regardless of identity or duration of stay, there is no limit to the amount of cash carried in African francs and no declaration is required.

2. To travel from Canada to countries outside the Central African Economic and Monetary Community (CEMAC), the amount of cash carried in African francs shall not exceed 100000. If violating regulations, a fine of up to 20% of the carrying amount must be paid.

3. When carrying foreign currency cash of equal value exceeding 1 million francs (approximately 1800 US dollars) into or out of Gabon, it should be declared to customs. Foreign currency cash that is equal to or less than the declared amount at the time of entry can be carried when leaving the country. If no declaration is made upon entry, or if the amount carried upon exit exceeds the declared amount upon entry, the source of foreign currency cash exceeding 1 million francs (approximately 1800 US dollars) should be explained (such as providing proof of salary, labor permit, gift notarization certificate, etc.).

Customs declaration and tariffs: Personal items generally do not require customs declaration upon entry, but if a large quantity of a certain item is carried, it may be considered for trading purposes and required to be declared. When entering Gabon, according to relevant regulations, each person is allowed to bring 3 bottles of red wine (not exceeding 1 liter per bottle), 1 bottle of strong liquor (not exceeding 1 liter), 400 cigarettes or 125 cigars or 500 grams of tobacco, personal jewelry not exceeding 500 grams, etc. If the quantity exceeds the corresponding limit, customs clearance is required. Both import and export of enterprise goods must be declared and customs duties must be paid. The tariff rate is determined based on the value of the goods, generally ranging from 52% to 54%. The tax rate for cosmetics is relatively high. The following situations are eligible for tax exemption: diplomatic items; Medicine, stationery, and other humanitarian goods; Government to government cooperation projects or agreements signed between enterprises and the Canadian government. The Canadian government can also issue temporary permits to relevant enterprises, and within the time frame of the permit, the import and export of production and living materials by relevant enterprises are exempt from taxes. Weapons, flammable and explosive materials, as well as prohibited items such as ivory and drugs, are not allowed to be carried in luggage. Once the above-mentioned items are discovered, a fine of 1 million CFA francs (approximately 1800 US dollars) or more shall be imposed, and those with serious circumstances shall bear criminal responsibility. Carrying Gabonese wood carvings or stone carvings out of the country requires proof from the Canadian cultural authorities.

Epidemic prevention:

According to official regulations, foreign citizens must receive the yellow fever vaccine before coming to Canada and provide a vaccination certificate upon entry. Ordinary passport holders' luggage generally needs to undergo random unpacking inspection upon entry, and it is recommended not to carry animal or plant products.

Residency and Naturalization

Visa extension: Temporary visitors who arrive in Gabon with an entry visa and need to extend their stay in Gabon can apply for a visa extension from the Canadian Immigration Office within 3 months of entry. A visa with one entry and a stay of one or two months can apply for an extension of stay to three months. The visa for one-time entry, stay of 3 months and 6 months cannot be extended after entry.

Residence: Long term residents should apply for a residence permit (Carte de S é jour) from the Canadian Immigration Bureau within one month of entry. The residence permit is valid for two years. Gabon has strict residency policies and requires a relatively long time to obtain a residence permit. The basic materials for applying for a residence permit include a valid passport, original and photocopy of a notarized proof of residence in Canada, photocopy of the landlord's ID card, and photocopy of the most recent water and electricity payment receipt. Generally, migrant workers in Canada are required to apply for a residence permit from the immigration bureau by presenting their labor permit issued by the Ministry of Labor and entry permit issued by the immigration bureau. Individual business personnel applying for a residence permit generally require sponsorship from relatives who have already obtained a residence permit in Gabon. For those who apply to extend their residency as family members of legal residents in Canada, they must also provide dual authentication of relevant certificates (such as marriage certificates, birth certificates, etc.) that reflect their relationship with legal residents. This means that the relevant certificates must be notarized at a domestic notary office first, and then authenticated by the Consular Department of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the local foreign affairs office commissioned by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as well as authenticated by the Gabonese Embassy in China. If you encounter any problems when applying for authentication at the Gabonese Embassy in China, you can go to the Chinese Embassy in Gabon to obtain a notarized copy of the notarized certificate that has been authenticated by the Consular Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and is consistent with the original.

Special reminder: Long term residents leaving Gabon need to apply for a departure permit from the immigration office. Departure permits are divided into three categories: one-way departure permit (autoregression de sortie simple), departure and return permit (autoregression de sortie et return), and multiple departure and return permit (autoregression permanent de sortie et return). Suitable for those who will not return to Gabon after leaving, those who will return within six months of leaving, and those who have entered and exited multiple times.

Naturalization: According to the Gabonese Nationality Law, at least one parent must be Gabonese, and children have Gabonese nationality regardless of where they were born; Children born in Gabon, with at least one parent born in Gabon, also possess Gabonese nationality; Individuals who are over 21 years old, have resided continuously in Gabon for more than five years, and own a registered company or property in Canada have the right to apply for citizenship, which will be accepted by the Canadian government depending on the situation; In addition, those who have been married to locals for more than three years or have been adopted by Gabonese minors can apply for Gabonese citizenship.

Special reminder: 1. If necessary, please make sure to have your marriage certificate, birth certificate and other documents notarized and authenticated before coming to Gabon. Chinese embassies and consulates abroad do not accept such notarization and authentication; 2. Chinese law does not recognize dual nationality. If a Chinese citizen decides to acquire Gabonese nationality, please go to the Chinese Embassy in Gabon to apply for a declaration of renouncing Chinese nationality. 3. Gabonese Immigration Office website: https://www.dgdi.ga 4. Gabonese Ministry of Justice website: http://www.justice.gouv.ga .

Gabon's risk level is blue (low risk)

public security

Gabon will enter a political transition period from August 30, 2023. Currently, the society is generally stable and the security situation is generally good. In recent years, there have been frequent incidents of public security and social safety incidents. Please try to avoid traveling alone at night, drive and lock your car doors when traveling, and avoid carrying large amounts of cash with you. In case of danger, it is necessary to report to the police as soon as possible. If injured, please seek emergency treatment first and go to the hospital as soon as possible.

natural disaster

Flood disasters occur frequently during the rainy season (November to May of the following year).

food safety

Gabon's drinking water is clean and meets basic drinking standards. Large supermarkets and most Western restaurants have food hygiene standards. Meat and cooked food should be purchased as much as possible in large supermarkets. When dining out, try to choose restaurants with better conditions and avoid buying cooked food from individual vendors or dining at restaurants or vendors with poor hygiene conditions.

Urgent Help

Chinese Embassy in Gabon Consular Protection Mobile Number: 00241-66150928

Chinese Embassy in Gabon Consular ID Mobile Number: 00241-62546666

Libreville Central Police Station Phone: 00241-11720043

Phone number of Tiel Port Central Police Station: 00241-11552912

Libreville Judicial Police Phone: 00241-11720951

Phone number of the judicial police in Tiel Port: 00241-11552254

Firefighting hotline: 00241-1174095500241-11761520 (Libreville)

Medical emergency hotline: 1333/066604034/1300/011760673/1450/

011740880/011740888/011772764/011760873

HOPITAL D'ANSTRUTION DES ARMEES OMAR BONGO ONDIMBA: 00241-11790000 (Libreville)

Moroccan Hospital (POLYCLINIQUE EL RAPHA) Phone: 00241-77753665

Center HOSPITALIER UNIVERSITAIRE DE LIBREVILLE (CHUL) Phone: 00241-11723215/11763017

HOPITAL DE LA COOPERATION SINO-GABONAISE (China Canada Cooperative Hospital) Phone: 00241-66091992

air traffic

International: There is no direct flight between Gabon and China. You can take the French flight via Paris, Ethiopian Airlines, Addis Ababa, Türkiye Airlines and Istanbul. At present, Air France's direct flights from Libreville to Paris are 5 flights per week, Ethiopian Airlines' direct flights from Libreville to Addis Ababa are 7 flights per week, and Turkish Airlines' direct flights from Liberteville to Istanbul are 5 flights per week. In addition, there are also flights from Libreville to other African countries such as Senegal, Cote d'Ivoire, Morocco, Cameroon, etc.

Domestically, the road conditions in Gabon are poor, with air traffic being the main mode of transportation between major cities. There are multiple flights per week between the capital city of Libreville and the economic capital of Gentil Port, as well as other flights between Libreville and other inland cities such as Franceville and Oyem.

The scale of Libreville Airport is not large, and it is relatively close to the city center. It can be reached within half an hour by car from the city center.

land transport

Gabon's land transportation is mainly road transportation, with vehicles driving on the right. Holders of Chinese driver's licenses must obtain a driver's license notarization and authentication from the Consular Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in China, and then go to the Chinese Embassy in Gabon to obtain a notarized copy of the driver's license that matches the original. With the above information, they can apply for a Gabonese driving license from the relevant departments in Gabon. When driving, it is necessary to carry both a Chinese driver's license and a Gabonese driving permit. The road conditions between major cities in Gabon are poor, with many roads being dirt roads. Special attention should be paid to safety when driving or self driving for long distances.

There is only one northwest southeast railway in the country, passing through cities such as Enjolais, Beauvais, Rasteville, and Franceville, with four round-trip trains per week.

water communication

Libreville and Port Gentil are connected by waterway, with a one-way travel time of 4-5 hours.

Urban transportation

Transportation in Libreville city: The road conditions are generally good, with the main sections being flat asphalt roads. Public transportation is underdeveloped, buses are limited, and people generally take taxis for travel, with carpooling being the most common. The condition of the taxi is poor and the safety factor is low.

Urban transportation in other cities: Compared to the capital city of Libreville and major cities such as Port Gentil and Franceville, the road conditions in other cities are generally poor. The public transportation situation is similar.

major city

The capital city of Libreville, which means "city of freedom" in French, is located on the Atlantic coast in the northwest of Gabon and is the political and cultural center of Gabon.

Port Gentil, an economic center and important port, is located on the Atlantic coast of western Gabon. There are offshore oil fields around it.

Franceville is located in the southeastern part of Gabon, with a typical hilly terrain and abundant mineral resources.

Commodity prices

Gabon's local industry and agriculture are underdeveloped, and there are relatively few self-produced industrial and agricultural products. Daily necessities mainly rely on imports. According to data released by Mercer in 2024, the Canadian capital Libreville ranks 45th among the world's most expensive cities and 6th in Africa.

Currency and exchange rate: The common currency of Gabon is the Central African Franc. Currency values include 10000, 5000, 2000, 1000, and 500, while coin values include 500, 100, 50, 25, 10, 5, 2, and 1. The Central African Franc is pegged to the Euro, with a fixed exchange rate of 655.94 Central African Francs per Euro; The exchange rate with the US dollar is approximately 635.59 Central African Francs per US dollar (January 2025); The exchange rate with the Chinese yuan is approximately 1 yuan to 86.91 Chinese francs (January 2025).

Tax burden: The value-added tax on goods is included in the price, which is 18% of the value of the goods. An additional 1% national solidarity contribution tax is required. The company's business tax must be paid to the national treasury.

Payment methods: Pay with cash, bank card, or check.

Bank contact information: Citibank: 00241-11446669, 11733000;

French International Bank of Gabon (BGFI): 00241-11762326.

Insurance Medical

Medical conditions: Gabon has limited medical conditions, with only a few hospitals such as the Tri Service General Hospital, Libreville Central Hospital, JEANNE EBORI Central Hospital, and EL RAPHA Hospital having better medical conditions. The Chinese aid medical team to Canada works at the China Canada Cooperation Hospital in Libreville and the China Canada Friendship Hospital in Franceville. General illnesses can be treated at the two hospitals mentioned above.  

Medical insurance: Gabon has a relatively complete medical insurance and social security system. To apply for medical insurance and social security, it is necessary to prepare a notarized birth certificate and its translation that have been certified by both the Consular Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Embassy of Gabon in China in advance. If you encounter any problems during the second authentication process at the Canadian Embassy in Gabon, you can obtain notarization and authentication from the Consular Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in China, and then obtain a copy that matches the original at the Chinese Embassy in Gabon.

Common diseases and treatments: Malaria is the most common disease in Gabon. If you feel weak, joint pain, and elevated body temperature, please take antimalarial drugs in a timely manner. If the symptoms are severe, you must seek medical attention promptly. Normally, one should try to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes and insects, and maintain good physical condition and resistance.

Main hospitals in the capital: Tri Service General Hospital, Libreville Central Hospital, JEANNE EBORI Central Hospital, EL RAPHA Hospital, and Sino Canadian Cooperative Hospital. (See details) http://ga.chineseembassy.org/chn/lsfw/t1669076.htm ）

The main pharmacy in the capital: MBOLO Shopping Center Pharmacy.

Customs taboos

Holiday introduction: Gabon has many festivals, including Catholic, Islamic and other religious festivals, as well as local festivals. The newspaper will publish holiday news in advance.

Etiquette: Gabon places great emphasis on protocol and etiquette. When attending formal occasions, meeting government members, business representatives, or important guests, it is generally necessary to wear a suit or traditional clothing to show respect. The local popular "meeting ceremony" and "face to face ceremony" usually require acquaintances to meet face to face or two people to touch their foreheads to show friendliness.

Clothing: Men often wear suits for formal occasions. The local clothing has distinct characteristics and belongs to typical African clothing, mostly made of brightly colored local fabrics. Women's clothing is popular with ornate one-piece fishtail dresses, often paired with bright headscarves and headbands; Shirts, robes, etc. made of men's fashion floral fabrics. In addition, Gabon has a certain number of Muslims and Muslim clothing is also popular.

Diet: Gabon mainly focuses on Western cuisine, but also has some unique local snacks. There are several Chinese restaurants in the capital city of Libreville.

Funeral: Due to religious reasons, cremation is prohibited by Gabonese law.

Special reminder: Respect the other party's religious beliefs in speech and behavior; When inviting guests to a meal or hosting a banquet, one must consider the other party's religious beliefs and dietary taboos.

Communications Power

Internet: Network communication is popular in the capital and other major cities, including optical fiber, ADSL wired Internet access, WIFI, 4G wireless Internet access, etc.

Mobile communication: There are mainly three operators: Airtel Gabon, MoovAfricaGabon, and Azur. The mobile phone is in GSM standard. To call Chinese Mainland, just dial the country number (0086) plus the corresponding number.

Power supply: Gabon standard voltage is 220V, and the socket is European standard (French and German standard).

contact information

Gabon Presidential Palace: https://presidence.ga/

Gabon Ministry of Foreign Affairs: https://www.affaires-etrangeres.gouv.ga/ （00241-11742370）

immigration office: https://edgdi.dgdi.ga （00241-11760024，11762424）

Air France: https://wwws.airfrance.ga/ （00241-11796464 ）

Ethiopian Airlines: https://www.ethiopianairlines.com/ga/fr （00241-1741315）

Türkiye Airlines: https://www.turkishairlines.com/

Royal Moroccan Airlines: https://www.royalairmaroc.com/fr-fr

Libreville Airport: https://www.libreville-aeroport.com/ （00241-11736244）

Consular Department of the Chinese Embassy in Gabon:

Visa, passport, notarization, and authentication services consultation: 00241-62546666. Please dial 062546666 directly from within Gabon. Consultation period: Monday to Friday 8:30-12:30, 14:00-18:00, excluding holidays.

Consular protection hotline: 00241-66150928

Consular Consultation Email: libreville@csm.mfa.gov.cn

Consular Office Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Friday 9:00-12:00 (excluding holidays)

Embassy Address: Boulevard Triomphal Omar Bongo, B.P.3914, Libreville, Gabon (opposite the National Assembly)