Penalties for possession and use of illegal drugs are strict and often include jail sentences.
Photography of military installations and presidential palaces is strictly prohibited. Permission from local authorities should be sought before taking any photographs.
Gabon - LIBREVILLE, Consulate of Canada Address: Quartier Batterie IV, Pont de Gué-Gué, 1st street behind the European Union Postal Address: P.O. Box 4037, Libreville, Gabon Tel.: 241-44 29 65 Fax: 241-44-29-64 E-mail:conhongab@gmail.com
Cameroon - YAOUNDÉ, High-Commission of Canada Address: Immeuble SCI-TOM, Place de l'Hôtel de Ville Postal Address: P.O. Box 572, Yaoundé, Cameroon Tel.: 237 223 2311 Fax: 237 222 1090 E-mail:yunde@international.gc.ca Internet:http://www.yaounde.gc.ca
For emergency assistance after hours, call the High Commission of Canada in Yaoundé (Cameroon) and follow the instructions. You may also make a collect call to the Department in Ottawa at 613-996-8885.
Canada Direct, offered by Canada's major telecommunications companies, provides travellers with toll-free and hassle-free access to the Canadian telephone network. The Canada Direct access number from Gabon is 00-012, where a Canadian operator is always available. For more information, call 1-800-561-8868 or visit the Canada Direct Web site.
A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit Gabon. The passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected departure from the country. Canadians must also be in possession of a visa.
Selling, altering, or allowing another person to use your passport is a criminal offence. It could lead to the laying of charges and imprisonment if convicted. It could also lead to the denial of future passport services.
Special and diplomatic passport holders should verify visa requirements for this and other countries, as they may differ from those that apply to regular passport holders.
Any adult travelling with children may be required to show evidence of parental/custodial and/or access rights. Foreign and Canadian authorities may also require evidence that the adult has the consent of the parents, legal guardian, and/or the court to travel with the children. Some countries may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order.
Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries do not recognize them. Attempting to enter as a same-sex married couple may result in refusal by local officials. For more information, contact the foreign government office accredited to Canada.
Check with your bank for information on ATM services in other countries. You can also check the VISA ATM locator page or the MasterCard ATM locator page for the addresses of ATMs around the world. Your bank can advise if you need a new personal identification number (PIN) for overseas access to your account. Credit cards and debit cards should be used with caution due to the potential for fraud and other criminal activity. ATMs should be used during business hours inside a bank, supermarket, or large commercial building. Leave copies of your card numbers with a family member in case of emergency.
The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that your travel plans include contacting a travel medicine clinic or physician six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication and advise you on precautions to avoid disease. Travellers are reminded to ensure that their routine (childhood) immunizations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and measles) are up to date.
Standards of medical care may differ from those in Canada. Treatment may be expensive, and payment in advance may be required. Travellers are advised to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure. Prescription medications should be kept in the original container and packed in carry-on luggage.
The Public Health Agency of Canada also recommends that travellers who become sick or feel unwell on their return to Canada seek a medical assessment with their personal physician. Travellers should inform their physician that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada.
Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy. Some credit cards offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides adequate coverage. Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or relative, and/or travelling companion how to contact your insurer. Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you return to Canada. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes.
Cancelling a scheduled trip abroad could cost you money. Before cancelling a scheduled trip, you should discuss the matter with your travel agent, your travel insurer, or the airline. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller.