Travel Vaccines and Advice for Gabon
Gabon is one of the largest countries for transporting goods in the continent and thrives off of the oil industry.
Villages in Gabon are sparse. They are often surrounded by forest on all sides, as it is one of the most forested countries in Africa. These forests provide homes to hundreds of species of animals and plants, including a large population of gorillas.
The country is filled with various landmarks and sculptures including famous research centers and buildings.
French is the official language of Gabon and is used among all ethnic groups. The majority of the population of Gabon has Bantu origins and has over 40 tribes inhabiting the country.
The capital city of Gabon is Libreville, which was founded by freed slaves. Gabon’s other major cities include Port Gentil, Franceville, and Oyern.
Do I Need Vaccines for Gabon?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Gabon. The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Gabon: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, cholera, yellow fever, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza.
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travelers - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Accelerated schedule available - Typhoid –
Food & Water –
Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. - Cholera –
Food & Water –
Recommended for travel to most regions. - Yellow Fever –
Mosquito –
Required for all travelers over 1 year of age. - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travelers and those who may come in contact with animals. - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - Chickenpox –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. - Shingles –
Direct Contact –
Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given seperately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually. - Meningitis –
Airborne & Direct Contact –
Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended.
See the tables below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Gabon |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travelers |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Accelerated schedule available |
| Typhoid | Food & Water | Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. |
| Cholera | Food & Water | Recommended for travel to most regions. |
| Yellow Fever | Mosquito | Required for all travelers over 1 year of age. |
| Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travelers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
Routine Vaccinations for Gabon |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
| TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
| Chickenpox | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. |
| Shingles | Direct Contact | Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. |
| Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given seperately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
| Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
| Meningitis | Airborne & Direct Contact | Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. |
| Polio | Food & Water | Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. |
Yellow fever is a serious risk in Gabon. Make sure you’re protected with a vaccination. Proof of yellow fever vaccination is also required for entry to Gabon.
Malaria is present in Gabon. Be sure to take antimalarials with you as part of your travel kit. A Passport Health travel specialist can help you identify your risk factors for the disease.
Dengue and chikungunya are two more mosquito-borne diseases found in Gabon. Both are preventable through proper use of repellents, netting and wearing proper clothing.
Medical facilities in urban areas may meet some needs, but they are limited. Medical facilities expect payment before services and do not accept credit cards. Medical facilities can not be found in rural areas.
Make sure to bring your own prescription and medicine as they will most likely not be available in Gabon.
If you have any questions about traveling to Gabon or are wondering what shots you may need for your trip, schedule an appointment with your local Passport Health travel medicine clinic. Call us at or book online now and protect yourself today.
Is Cholera in Gabon?
The CDC lists Gabon as a country with some risk for cholera infection. Cholera is not currently present in Gabon. Practice good hygiene while in country and receive a cholera vaccine before travel.
Passport Health’s travel clinics carry VaxChora, the only cholera vaccine approved for use in the United States. Book your cholera vaccination appointment today by calling or book online now.
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Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Gabon?
A visa is required for entry to Gabon. Proof of yellow fever vaccination is also required for entry.
Gabon Entry Requirements |
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| Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Gabon? | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport |  |
|
| Tourist Visa | |
|
| Business Visa | |
|
| Vaccinations | |
|
Sources: Embassy of Gabon and U.S. State Department
The passport must be valid for at least six months to enter Gabon. It is best to get a visa before leaving on your trip.
Gabon may deny entry to travelers coming from countries that are affected by the Ebola virus.
For more information, see our Gabon visa page. Or contact a Passport Health Passport and Visa specialist by calling 1-844-366-8472 or by filling out our online form.
What is the Climate Like in Gabon?
Gabon has a tropical climate that is hot and has a high humidity throughout the year. There are no seasons in Gabon, but there are wet and dry seasons.
Between June and September, there is little to no rainfall, but it is still humid. From February to May, rainfall is common and heavy.
Temperatures range in Gabon from 73 degrees Fahrenheit and 88 degrees Fahrenheit.
How Safe is Gabon?
While in Gabon, you should avoid large rallies, especially political ones. Police may use force and tear gas to break up crowds. Travelers should also avoid beaches after dark.
Petty theft such as pickpocketing are the most common crimes that tourists experience.
Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime.
Gorillas in Gabon
Gabon is home to the highest, concentrated number of gorillas in the world. It hold almost 80% of the world’s gorilla population.
Gorilla trekking and rainforest trails are available for tourists to see them in the wild.
If you want to see gorillas, it is best to travel in late October through February due to the larger amount of fruit available for them to eat.
Outside of the jungle, there have also been rare sightings of gorillas on beaches.
What Should I Take To Gabon?
Here are some essential items to consider for your trip to Gabon:
- Mosquito net to prevent malaria.
- Prescription and medicine should be packed for they are not available in Gabon.
- Light, cotton clothing for the humid/warm weather.
- Voltage regulators. Voltage can fluctuate, so bring a regulator to protect your electronics.
U.S. Embassy in Gabon
All Americans visiting Gabon should register online with the U.S. Department of State before departure. This will inform the office of your travel plans within the country and will allow them to reach out in the case of an emergency or evacuation.
Once in Gabon, the information for the U.S. Embassy is:
U.S. Embassy Libreville
B.P. 4000
Libreville, Gabon
Telephone: +(241) 01-45-71-00
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(241) 07-38-01-71
Fax: +(241) 01-45-71-05
Email: LibrevilleACS@state.gov
Ready to start your next journey? Call us at or book online now!
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Gabon?
Is Cholera in Gabon?
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Gabon?
What is the Climate Like in Gabon?
How Safe is Gabon?
Gorillas in Gabon
What Should I Take To Gabon?
U.S. Embassy in Gabon
