Africa • Updated August 2026

Country Risk Report

Gabon

Overall Risk Rating

Low

Capital

Libreville

Languages

French (official); Fang and other languages

Currency

Central African CFA franc (XAF)

Executive Summary

Gabon is classified as a LOW risk destination, one of the more stable countries in Central Africa, though it has undergone a significant political transition. In August 2023 the military removed long-ruling President Ali Bongo, and after a transition period General Brice Oligui Nguema was elected president in 2025, since when the country has been calm. The main risks for visitors are petty crime, road safety, health and remoteness rather than instability. Petty crime, including pickpocketing, bag-snatching and theft, is the most common issue in Libreville and Port-Gentil, with some more serious opportunistic crime after dark. Political life has settled since the transition, though occasional protests and tension can occur, and travellers should avoid demonstrations. Gabon is heavily forested, with much of the country covered by rainforest and national parks, and the practical challenges are the remoteness of the interior, poor roads, limited medical care outside the capital, endemic malaria and other tropical diseases. Oil and resource areas around Port-Gentil have their own access and security arrangements.

Risk Matrix

Category	Risk Rating	Commentary
Armed Conflict	Low	No armed conflict; a political transition since 2023, now settled.
Terrorism	Low	No significant terrorism threat.
Kidnapping	Low	Kidnapping of travellers is rare.
Crime	Moderate	Petty and opportunistic crime in the cities; some after-dark risk.
Civil Unrest	Moderate	Occasional protests and tension following the transition.
Health & Medical	Moderate	Limited care outside Libreville; malaria endemic. Evacuation may be needed.
Internal Travel	Moderate	Poor roads, remoteness and wet-season disruption.
Digital / Cyber	Low	Limited cyber risk; some scams and monitoring.

Essential Precautions

1Guard against petty crime, including pickpocketing and bag-snatching in Libreville and Port-Gentil.

2Avoid demonstrations and political gatherings, given the recent transition and occasional tension.

3Take care on the roads, as road safety is poor, particularly in the interior and in the wet season.

4Take malaria and health precautions, as malaria is endemic and care is limited outside the capital.

5Prepare for the remote interior, with poor roads, limited infrastructure and national-park logistics.

6Carry documentation, as identity and security checks occur.

7Use reputable operators for national-park and wildlife travel.

8Hold comprehensive medical and evacuation cover, given remoteness.

Security Situation

Low

Gabon is one of the more stable countries in Central Africa, calm since the 2025 election following the 2023 transition. The main risks for visitors are petty crime, road safety, health and remoteness rather than instability.

Libreville and the Coast

Low

Libreville and the coast are the main hub, functioning with petty crime and occasional political tension the main concerns.

Port-Gentil and the Oil Region

Low

Port-Gentil and the oil region have their own access and security arrangements and are generally orderly.

The Interior and the National Parks

Moderate

The interior and national parks are remote and forested, with logistics, roads and wildlife the considerations.

The Borders

Moderate

The borders are remote and lightly governed.

Detailed Risk Assessment

Armed Conflict

Low

Gabon is not in armed conflict. The 2023 military takeover and subsequent transition to an elected government under President Oligui Nguema passed without sustained violence, and the country is now calm.

Terrorism

Low

There is no significant terrorism threat in Gabon. Standard vigilance is sufficient.

Kidnapping and Crime

Moderate

Kidnapping of travellers is rare. The main issue is petty and opportunistic crime, including pickpocketing, bag-snatching and theft in Libreville and Port-Gentil, with some more serious crime after dark.

Internal Travel

Moderate

Poor roads, the remoteness of the interior and wet-season disruption are the main travel concerns. Air and rail links serve some routes, and national-park travel requires planning and reputable operators.

Health and Disease

Moderate

Reasonable private healthcare is available in Libreville, but care is limited elsewhere, and malaria and other tropical diseases are endemic. Serious cases may require evacuation, and travellers should hold comprehensive cover.

Cultural and Religious Sensitivities

Moderate

Gabon is diverse, predominantly Christian with traditional beliefs, and is generally welcoming. Respect for local customs and, following the transition, sensitivity around politics are advisable.

LGBT Travellers

Moderate

Same-sex activity was decriminalised in 2020 after a brief period of criminalisation, but social attitudes remain conservative. Discretion is advisable.

Diplomatic and Government Situation

Moderate

Gabon is a presidential republic under President Oligui Nguema, elected in 2025 following the 2023 transition, with a settling political environment. Consular support is available in Libreville but limited, often via missions in the region.

Digital and Cyber Threats

Low

Cyber risk to visitors is limited, though online scams occur and the authorities restricted the internet during the 2023 transition. Connectivity is functional in the main cities.

Vaccinations & Health Hazards

Strongly Recommended

Yellow Fever
Required for entry; carry certification.
Hepatitis A and Typhoid
Recommended due to contaminated food and water.
Hepatitis B and Tetanus
Recommended given limited safe medical care.
Rabies
Consider for rural, park or long stays.

Other Health Hazards

Malaria: High risk year round. Take prophylaxis and bite-avoidance measures.
Tropical disease: Other tropical diseases are present; take standard precautions.
Remote care: Care is minimal outside Libreville; hold evacuation cover.
Wet season: The wet season affects roads and travel.

Choosing the Right Insurance

Cover for Gabon is available on a specialist basis. Libreville and organised travel are manageable with standard precautions, and cover should include medical care and comprehensive evacuation given the remoteness of the interior.

Get a Quote Gulf Transit Cover Speak to an Advisor

Annex A - Key Risk Dynamics

Checkpoints and Detention Triggers

Checkpoints and identity checks occur; cooperate calmly. Carry ID and a clear travel purpose. Oil and some government sites are restricted. Do not photograph military, government or oil installations.

Kidnapping and Detention Dynamics

Kidnapping of travellers is rare. Pickpocketing and theft are the main issues. Some opportunistic crime occurs at night. Isolation is the main interior risk.

High-Risk Travellers

City travellers face petty and after-dark crime. Interior travellers face remoteness and limited care. Protest-period travellers face political tension. Park travellers face logistics and wildlife considerations.

Annex B - Key Preparation & Checklists

Essential Preparation and Medical

Gabon is low risk; standard precautions suffice. Prepare for remoteness and poor roads. Hold comprehensive medical and evacuation cover. Take malaria prophylaxis and bite-avoidance measures.

Digital Security and Checkpoints

Guard against online scams. Connectivity is functional in cities. Keep devices secure. Limit public location sharing.

Movement and Operational Security

Take care on poor roads, especially in the wet season. Use reputable park and wildlife operators. Comply with checkpoints and carry documents. Avoid demonstrations.

Conduct and Legal Compliance

Respect local customs. Be sensitive around the recent transition. Never photograph military or oil sites.

This report is provided for information only and does not constitute travel or security advice. Ratings are indicative and subject to change without notice. Confirm current conditions with Hotspot Cover before any deployment.