Gabon Travel Vaccines and Advice
Bordering Congo, Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea, Gabon is a prime destination for spending holidays off the beaten path. Because of its generous landscapes, this country invites you to enjoy the splendour of its wild nature. Most of its national territories are covered by forest as far as the eye can see. Lagoons, swamps and the sandy coast of Pongara complete the picture. Discover the country by water on a pirogue. Roam the mountains of Waka Park to enjoy a breathtaking view. People looking for relaxation will be spoiled for choice between beautiful beaches around Port-Gentil. You should take a little trip to Libreville for its dynamic atmosphere. To glimpse a sight of the humpback whales, the months of June and September are the best times to visit.
Recommended travel vaccinations for Gabon
Vaccine | Disease Transmission |
---|---|
Traveler’s diarrhea | Contaminated water/food |
Cholera | |
Typhoid | |
Hepatitis A | |
Hepatitis B | Contaminated body fluids (blood, sex, razors, needles, etc.) |
Rabies | Infected Animals |
Yellow Fever | Mosquito bites |
Influenza | Airborne Droplets |
Recommended Medication for Travelling to Gabon
Medication | Additional Information |
---|---|
Acetazolamide or Dexamethasone | Recommended for prevention of acute mountain sickness |
Azithromycin or Suprax | Antibiotic in case of traveler’s diarrhea |
Malarone, Doxycycline or Mefloquine | Recommended anti-malaria medication |
Current Weather in Gabon
Medical Care in Gabon
Unfortunately, problems associated with public health have yet to be resolved in Gabon. Although the country has a considerable number of doctors, pharmacies and health centres in comparison to its neighbours, the quality of care (especially in rural areas) is insufficient. Medical equipment fails to meets standards of hygiene, and doctors and hospitals are overwhelmed with patients. Consultations are not thorough and treatments are often ineffective. Although private clinics in Gabon seem to be flourishing, fees are expensive. In order to find a reliable doctor in the country, the city of Lembamba in the south offers a hospital which has a great reputation among locals.
If making a trip to Gabon, you should plan in advance and cater for possible medical problems by bringing medication with you.
Although emergency services are often unsatisfactory, they can be summoned by calling 1300, 0174 or 0880 (for SOS Médecins).
Is Gabon Safe for Travel?
Safety and Security | Descriptive |
---|---|
Crime | Risk present |
Demonstrations | Risk of violence |
Road safety | Caution required in rural areas; Hazardous driving |
Public transportation | Buses and trains are safe; Negotiate taxis prices before entering the cab |
Fraud | Risk present; Beware of ATM scams |
Health | Zika virus warning |
Risk level | High degree of caution |
Do I Need a Visa to Visit Gabon?
Prior to travel, make sure you check with your transportation company about any passport requirements. This is important as in some cases their regulations on passport validity may be more strict than those of the destination country.
Both, a visa and a passport are required to enter Gabon. Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of departure.
Please click here for more information.
Embassy of Canada to Gabon information
When travelling to another country, it is important to know where the Canadian embassy is located in the event of:
- A legal problem
- A lost passport
- The need to report a crime
It is advisable to make a copy of your original passport in case you lose it.
Canadian Consulate to Gabon (LIBREVILLE)
Street Address:
Quartier Batterie IV, Pont de Gué-Gué,
1st street behind the European Union, Libreville, Gabon
Tel.: (241) 01 44 29 65
Email: [email protected]
Canadian High Commission to Cameroon (YAOUNDÉ)
Street Address:
Les Colonnades building, Bastos,
Yaoundé, Cameroon
Tel.: (237) 222-50-39-00
Fax.: (237) 222-50-39-04
Email: [email protected]
Please note that this is the website for the Canadian High Commission in Cameroon.