Travel Report for Gabon

Country Profile for
Gabon

TRAVEL REPORTS:

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TRAVEL REPORT

Last Updated: September 29, 2006 15:34 EDT
Still Valid: December 8, 2006 22:48 EST

Gabon

1.	INTRODUCTION
2.	ATTENTION
3.	SAFETY AND SECURITY
4.	LOCAL TRAVEL
5.	NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE
6.	LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS
7.	ASSISTANCE FOR CANADIANS ABROAD
8.	ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS
9.	MONEY

10.	GENERAL INFORMATION
11.	TRAVEL MEDICINE PROGRAM
12.	ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION
13.	RETURNING TO CANADA
14.	INTERNATIONAL ADOPTIONS
15.	TRAVEL TIPS
16.	HEALTH AND TRAVEL INSURANCE
17.	FOR MORE INFORMATION
18.	ANNEX

1. INTRODUCTION

Sections 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 9 and 12 of this Travel Report have been updated.

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2. ATTENTION

Legislative elections (for the National Assembly) are scheduled for December 2006. During the period prior to and following the elections, Canadians should be cautious, monitor local news reports and avoid large crowds and public places where violent incidents could occur.

OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada offers a registration service for Canadians travelling or residing abroad. Although Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada does not warn against travel to this country or region(s) of this country, Canadians are encouraged to register with the responsible Canadian government office due to the security situation and/or the absence of Canadian representation in this country. Registration can be done on-line or by calling the responsible Canadian government office abroad to request a registration form.

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3. SAFETY AND SECURITY

Crime, including business and residential robberies and armed attacks, occurs, particularly in Libreville and Port-Gentil. Travellers should remain alert to their surroundings and avoid walking alone after dark, even in places visited by tourists. Visitors should also avoid walking alone on beaches. Ensure personal belongings, passports, and other travel documents are secure at all times.

Ecotourism, still in development, is generally safe; however, travellers should make arrangements only with reputable companies and not venture from their organized tour groups.

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4. LOCAL TRAVEL

Road conditions are poor and road signs are often insufficient. The use of a four-wheel-drive vehicle is recommended. Vehicle doors should be kept locked and windows closed. In the event of a traffic accident, proceed to the nearest police station. Towing and repair services are not widely available outside Libreville. There are frequent police roadblocks. Travellers should cooperate with local authorities. Avoid travel after dark.

Travellers can also use public transportation such as the train or the bus. The Transgabonese railroad offers a passenger train service that runs from Libreville to Franceville and makes stops in Ndjole, Booué and Lastoursville. When taking taxis in the cities, negotiate the price before getting in the cab. Most taxi drivers automatically double their fares after 9 pm.

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended.

No reliable information about Gabon Airlines' safety standards is available.

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5. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE

The rainy seasons extend from October to mid-December and mid-February to May. Some roads may be impassable during these periods. Travellers should monitor local weather reports and plan accordingly.

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6. LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS

You are subject to local laws. A serious violation may lead to a jail sentence. The sentence will be served in local prisons.

Canadians arrested or detained have the right to contact the responsible Canadian government office (embassy, high commission, etc.) listed in Section 7 below. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request.

The Department publishes A Guide for Canadians Imprisoned Abroad, specifically targeted at incarcerated Canadians. Its prime objective is to inform Canadian detainees, their families, and friends about available assistance and advice.

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.

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7. ASSISTANCE FOR CANADIANS ABROAD

You can obtain consular assistance and further consular information at the following addresses:

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.

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8. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS

The following information on entry and exit requirements has been confirmed with the Gabonese authorities and, to the best of our knowledge, was valid on September 13, 2006. However, entry and exit requirements are subject to change.

It is the sole prerogative of each country to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries have special requirements for persons intending to reside for extended periods (usually more than 90 days) or who plan to work, study, or engage in non-tourist activities. To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the country or countries to be visited. Violations of entry and exit requirements may result in serious penalties.

Foreign Affairs

Canada

’s Office of Protocol provides contact details for the Embassy of the Gabonese Republic and its consulates, where you can obtain further information on entry and exit requirements.

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.

Tourist/Family Visits Visa: Required
Business Visa: Required
Diplomatic Visa: Required
Transit Visa: Required

Travellers are required to carry evidence of yellow fever and cholera vaccination.

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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.

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9. MONEY

The currency is the African Financial Community franc (XAF/CFA fr). Exchange rates are those quoted by the BEAC (Banques des États d'Afrique Centrale). Euros and American dollars are largely accepted, but high exchange charges may apply. Credit cards are accepted only in large hotels, large supermarkets (such as Mbolo and Prix Import in Libreville) and restaurants, but traveller's cheques in Euros and U.S. dollars may be cashed at local banks. Local banks often ask for the traveller's cheques' original purchase receipt.

Several fraud cases involving the use of a credit card have been reported in

Gabon

. Credit card holders should be cautious when making a payment with their credit card and monitor their transaction statements regularly. Banking frauds have also been reported. Ensure to protect your personal identification and banking information at all times, and get informed on the security measures taken by your financial institution.

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.

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10. GENERAL INFORMATION

Gabon (capital: Libreville) is located in central Africa, bordered by Equatorial Guinea, Cameroon, the Republic of Congo, and the Atlantic Ocean. The official language is French. Tourist facilities are limited outside the capital.

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11. TRAVEL MEDICINE PROGRAM

The Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) report on disease outbreaks that occur throughout the world. For the latest travel health advisories and related information, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Travel Medicine Program Web site.

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.

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12. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION

Medical facilities are adequate in major cities but are very rudimentary elsewhere in the country. Travellers should carry sufficient medical supplies and prescription medicine for their needs.

Canadians should be cautious about water-borne and insect-borne diseases. Water used for consumption should be previously boiled, and it is recommended to use mosquito-repellent.

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13. RETURNING TO CANADA

Please consult the Current Issue on returning to Canada.

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14. INTERNATIONAL ADOPTIONS

Provincial and territorial authorities in Canada are responsible for authorizing international adoptions. If you are thinking of adopting a child from another country, you must first obtain information about the adoption regulations of the province or territory in which the child will reside. While adoption is a provincial/territorial responsibility, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is responsible for allowing an adopted child entry into Canada. Entry can be refused if the child does not hold the appropriate immigrant visa. A visa may be denied, even if the adoption has already been completed. For more information contact CIC at 1 888 242-2100 (in Canada only), check the CIC Web site or contact your provincial or territorial government.

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15. TRAVEL TIPS

Please consult our Traveller's Checklist.

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16. HEALTH AND TRAVEL INSURANCE

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.

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17. FOR MORE INFORMATION

N/A

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18. ANNEX

N/A

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