Overview
Gabon is a Middle Africa nation in Africa, with Libreville as its capital and home to around 2,119,275 people. The currency is the Central African CFA franc (XAF). The main language is French. From its landscapes and cities to its cuisine and traditions, Gabon offers travelers a distinctive slice of the world to explore.
Capital
Libreville
Population
2.1M
Currency
Central African CFA franc (XAF)
Languages
French
Timezone
GMT+1
Calling code
+241
History
Gabon has a rich history shaped by its position in Africa and the cultures of Middle Africa, leaving a legacy visible in its landmarks, cities and traditions today.
Culture
Culture in Gabon is expressed through its food, festivals, music and daily rhythms — a warm invitation to experience local life first-hand.
Plan with confidence
Know before you go
Getting in & visas
===Visa=== Citizens of Cameroon, Central African Republic, Republic of Congo, Chad, Equatorial Guinea, Mauritius, Morocco, South Africa, Tunisia, and the G20 countries can enter without a visa. Citizens of European Union, Australia, Argentina, Bahrain, Brazil, Canada, China (incl. Hong Kong and Macau), India, Indonesia, Japan, Kuwait, Mexico, Oman, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Turkey, the USA and the UAE can obtain visa on arrival for 90 days. All holders of an entry authorisation issued by Immigration prior to arrival can also obtain visa on arrival. The e-visa system is usable b…
Money & costs
The currency of the country is the Central African CFA franc, denoted FCFA (ISO currency code: XAF). It's also used by five other Central African countries. It is interchangeable at par with the West African CFA franc (XOF), which is used by six countries. Both currencies are fixed at a rate of 1 euro = 655.957 CFA francs.
Getting around
The easiest way to get around outside of cities is by bus (typically 6- or 9-seater cars, but sometimes minibuses). There are many and they are very cheap (e.g., FCFA 7000 to go from Libreville to Lamberene). Within cities, taxis are plentiful and are very cheap. No fare should be more than FCFA 5000 for one person. Fares depend on distance (and whether the driver will be able to find more fares at your destination). A 2- or 3-minute drive will cost FCFA 100, and FCFA 2000 is plenty to go from Owendo train station to the centre of Libreville. Taxi prices typically double after 21:00.
Language
French is the sole national language, with 80% of the population able to speak it. There are various native languages as well, the most significant is Fang, spoken by 32% of the population as their mother tongue.
Staying safe
Gabon is a somewhat safe country compared to its neighbors, but don't let that fool you as pickpockets and other types of crimes targeting tourists are still common and you should practice common sense. Libreville and Port-Gentil are generally safer than the other areas of Gabon.
Health
Malaria is common, so visitors should take malaria pills and a mosquito net when travelling in Gabon. HIV/AIDS is a common disease in Gabon with 8% (1 in 12) of adults infected.
Local etiquette
The people are generally very friendly, respectful and helpful to visitors.
Practical guidance for Gabon is summarised from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA). Always confirm official visa, health and safety requirements before you travel.
Plan your trip
A route through Gabon
A suggested loop connecting Gabon's major cities by proximity — a practical order for a multi-city trip.
Where to go
Top cities
In pictures
Gabon gallery
Location
Find it on the map
Plan your trip
Estimate your budget
Trip budget estimator
Estimated total (your figures)
$3,160
≈ $1,580 per person · $451 per day
This tool only multiplies the numbers you enter — no prices are assumed.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
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