Gabon

Visitor Information

Climate | Latest Travel Advice | Visas & Immigration | Money | Local Time | Getting Around | Public Holidays | Electrical Power | Travel Insurance

CLIMATE

Gabon has the moist, hot climate typical of tropical regions. From June to September, there is virtually no rain but high humidity; there is occasional rain in December and January. During the remaining months rainfall is heavy. The excessive rainfall is caused by the condensation of moist air as a result of the meeting of the cold South Polar Current and the warm Guinea Current directly off the coast. At Libreville, the capital, the average annual rainfall is more than 100 inches. Further north on the coast, it is 150 inches. The temperature varies only slightly throughout the year, maintaining a daily average of 26.6°C (80°F).

Climate Chart for Libreville

For today's weather forecast see    CNN - Africa Weather Forecasts

LATEST TRAVEL ADVICE

Foreign & Commonwealth Office (London)
US State Department - Travel Warnings

VISAS & IMMIGRATION

Visas are required by all nationals entering Gabon and if at all possible, these are best obtained in your home country . Your passport must be valid for at least six months.

MONEY

Official Currency:    1 CFA=100 centimes
Current Exchange Rate:    Today's Exchange Rate

Although nearly all banks offer a higher rate of exchange for traveller cheques than cash but with travellers cheques they charge high commissions. The use of credit cards in Gabon is relatively limited.

BANKING & BUSINESS HOURS

Banks:Monday to Friday: 0730 - 11:30 and 1430 to 1630
Shops: Monday to Saturday: 0800-1200 and 1500-1900. A few shops shut on Mondays.

LOCAL TIME

Gabon is one hour ahead of GMT.

TRANSPORT & GETTING AROUND

Air:	Domestic flights The national airline, Air Gabon has services from Libreville to Lambaréné, Port Gentil, Franceville, Oyem, Mitzic and other towns.
Sea:	Sea and river ferries connect Libreville, Port Gentil and Lambaréné
Train:	The Trans-Gabon Railway runs from Libreville to Franceville and is rated as being fairly efficient and comfortable although overcrowded.
Public Transport:	Minibuses and trucks are the main form of transport for getting around when the roads are dry but these are slow and overcrowded. During the wet season any form of road transport becomes difficult.
Self Drive / Car Hire:	Gabon Folded map, Full colour   (Maps Worldwide) Institut Geographique National (IGN) - Countries and Cities of the World Road map of Gabon with place name index and town map of Libreville. Other Maps & Atlases for Sale
	Driving is on the right hand side and an International Driving Licence and insurance is required. Road conditions are poor and access around the country is limited. Car can be hired in Libreville from main hotels or at the airport.

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS

Electrical Power

TRAVEL INSURANCE

If you need medical care whilst in Gabon, it is best to be aware that medical providers may not accept payment through your insurance company. In these circumstances you will have to pay in full after your treatment and file a claim with your insurance company for reimbursement. Therefore you should have access to cash, either from a credit card or by wire transfer. If you need assistance contact the country's local embassy or representative.

To be compensated you must be treated by licensed medical personnel and provide your insurance company with proper documentation and receipts.

It is advisable to always ensure you have a comprehensive travel insurance policy which covers you for repatriation to your home country.

You can check out the following websites which specialise in long term travellers, adventure travellers, backpackers and workers based abroad.

	Insure and Go - UK Travellers whether it's for a one off holiday or if you travel many times over the year, if you're off backpacking before university or you're retired and looking to explore the world; if you're after winter sports cover or if it's for a business trip, a wedding abroad or a golfing weekend away, we have a policy at the right price to ensure you have the peace of mind that you are covered for the unexpected while you're away.
	- UK Travellers Offering a full range of policies, single trip, young travellers, long stay, annual cover for UK residents. Get your quote and policy on-line....
	Insure My Trip - USA travellers offer 63 different travel insurance plans from 14 different companies - no other site has such product depth or comparison features. You can compare each policy giving you the information you need to make an informed decision about your travel insurance needs. .
	Downunder Insurance - UK - Australia and New Zealand Travellers offers travel insurance to travellers and residents in the UK, Australia and New Zealand. Our cover ranges from basic to highly comprehensive, with affordable policies aimed at backpackers and gap-year students, but with cover available to travellers and holiday makers up to 55 years of age.