Difference between revisions of "Gabon"

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<!-- Do not alter the following line. Include it as is. -->
 
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{{metadata_country}} [[Category:Country]] {{pricecontrol_country}}
+
{{onRoute|West Africa}} {{metadata_country}} [[Category:Country]] {{pricecontrol_country}}
  
 
=Visiting {{PAGENAME}}=
 
=Visiting {{PAGENAME}}=
''Give a brief overview of what it's like to visit. How easy is the border, how safe is the country, are there great things to see and do, etc.''
+
Gabon is a spectacularly beautiful and friendly country to visit. Much of Gabon has been set aside as National Park, so there is a huge amount of wilderness to explore, and wildlife to see.
  
 
=Entering {{PAGENAME}} with a Car or Motorbike=
 
=Entering {{PAGENAME}} with a Car or Motorbike=
'''Correct as of: <span style="color:red">(date last confirmed correct)</span>'''
+
'''Correct as of: <span style="color:red">March 2017</span>'''
  
==Required Paperwork==
+
==Travel Visa for {{PAGENAME}}==
''List the paperwork required to enter with a vehicle, including number of copies''
+
The travel visa for Gabon is easy to get, with virtually everyone who travels South getting it in Lomé, [[Togo]]. A one month visa costs <price cost="50000" currency=XAF />. A two month visa is twice as much, and a three month is triple. The visa can normally be collected the day after you apply, though you can pay an extra <price cost="15000" currency="XAF" /> to pick it up the same day.
 +
 
 +
Coming from the South, you can get the visa in Kinshasa, [[Democratic Republic of Congo]] for <price cost="110" currency="USD" />
 +
 
 +
==Required Paperwork==
 +
* Passport of registered owner.
 +
* [[Drivers license]] of registered owner.
 +
* Original [[vehicle registration]].
 +
* Proof of [[vehicle insurance]] - they might not ask for it, but it’s better to have it.
 +
* (OPTIONAL) [[Carnet de Passage]]
 +
* (Only required for two borders near Bitam) Printed hotel reservation with telephone number.
 +
(no copies are required, unless crossing near Bitam where passport photocopy is needed)
  
 
==Process at border==
 
==Process at border==
<!-- Do not alter the following line. Include it as is. -->
+
* Get yourself stamped in at Immigration.
{{visa_country}}
+
* Go to Douane to get a temporary import for the vehicle. Using the [[vehicle registration]] the officer will write out a Passavant, valid for one month.
''Briefly describe the process at the border to enter with a vehicle''
+
* If you have a [[Carnet de Passage]], you don't need the Passavant.
 +
* If you arrive at borders that are North or West of Bitam then you'll need a printed hotel reservation. They phone the hotel to check the reservation. They write a fiche and instruct you to visit immigration in Bitam where a passport photo copy and fiche are handed over to get your passport stamped.
  
 
==Cost of entry==
 
==Cost of entry==
''State the cost for a vehicle to enter''
+
Entry with a [[Carnet de Passage]] is free, the passavant costs <price cost="10000" currency="XOF" />
  
 
==Permitted length of stay==
 
==Permitted length of stay==
''State the permitted length of entry for the vehicle''
+
With a passavant it's one month.
  
 
==Extension of stay==
 
==Extension of stay==
''Describe the process to extend the permitted length of entry for the vehicle, if possible.''
+
Unknown
  
 
==Storing a vehicle and temporarily leaving the country==
 
==Storing a vehicle and temporarily leaving the country==
Line 30: Line 42:
  
 
==Exiting with a vehicle==
 
==Exiting with a vehicle==
''Describe the paperwork requirements and process at the border to exit.''
+
* Get yourself stamped out at Immigration.
 +
* Get your [[Carnet de Passage]] stamped out if you have one.
  
=Driving in {{PAGENAME}}=
+
All should be free, do not pay for this.
==Insurance requirements==
+
''Yes or No if insurance is mandatory, and what kind is acceptable.''
+
  
==Cost of insurance==
+
=Driving in {{PAGENAME}}=  
''State the price of insurance and a time period.''
+
==Recommended books for Overlanding in {{PAGENAME}}==
 +
{{guide_books_country}}
 +
 
 +
==Travel insurance for {{PAGENAME}}==
 +
{{Travel insurance country}}
 +
 
 +
==Vehicle insurance requirements==
 +
Insurance does not seem to be required, Police never seem to ask for it for people just transiting through, though you might want to have something to show anyone looking for a bribe.
 +
 
 +
==Cost of vehicle insurance==
 +
Unknown.
  
==Where to purchase insurance==
+
==Where to purchase vehicle insurance==
''Describe where insurance can be purchased.''
+
Unknown within Gabon
  
 
==Driving license==
 
==Driving license==
''State the kind of driving licenses required. i.e. International Driving Permit.''
+
Anything from your home country will be accepted.
  
 
==Driving side of road==
 
==Driving side of road==
''State the side of the road to drive on. i.e. Left or Right.<br />
+
Right. <br/>
(also state if a vehicle with a steering wheel on the opposite side can be legally driven)''
+
RHD vehicles are allowed without problem.
  
 
==Mandatory items in vehicle==
 
==Mandatory items in vehicle==
''State any mandatory items that must be carried in the vehicle.
+
You probably need two safety triangles, first aid kit, and fire extinguisher.  
(i.e. safety triangle, first aid kit, fire extinguisher, etc.)''
+
 
 
==Roads==
 
==Roads==
 +
 
===General Road quality===
 
===General Road quality===
''Give a brief description of the general road quality. Mention if one way streets are common.''
+
Gabon has a mix of excellent tarmac and horribly potholed roads. The main highway from North to south is excellent, as good as anything in the world. Off that highway many roads are good dirt, though they can get very bad during heavy rain.
  
 
===Road signs===
 
===Road signs===
''Briefly describe the overall quality & existence of road signs for directions and hazards.''
+
Gabon has pretty good road signs, especially showing distances to the next town, and major towns further away.
  
 
===Toll roads===
 
===Toll roads===
''List the frequency and approximate price of toll roads.''
+
As far as I know, there are no tolls in Gabon.
  
 
==Bribery in {{PAGENAME}}==
 
==Bribery in {{PAGENAME}}==
''Briefly describe how common bribery is and whether it should be expected, and the best way to deal with it.''
+
Bribery can be common, you might encounter officers at checkpoints directly asking for money or a gift. Maybe they will invent a story about why you must pay. Be polite, and don’t pay
 +
 
 +
See the [[bribery tips]] page for general advice.
  
 
==Checkpoints==
 
==Checkpoints==
''describe the frequency of checkpoints (police or military and what to expect.''
+
There are checkpoints and random stops where Police will check all your paperwork. Don't pay. Stay friendly and polite. Never use your mobile phone or camera at check points.
  
 
==Traveling with pets==
 
==Traveling with pets==
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=Gas price in {{PAGENAME}} and Diesel price in {{PAGENAME}}=
 
=Gas price in {{PAGENAME}} and Diesel price in {{PAGENAME}}=
'''Last updated: <span style="color:red">(last updated date)</span>'''<br />
+
'''Last updated: <span style="color:red">March 2017 (only for unleaded)</span>'''
  
 
<!-- Do not alter the following line. Include it as is. -->
 
<!-- Do not alter the following line. Include it as is. -->
Line 83: Line 107:
 
|-
 
|-
 
| Unleaded
 
| Unleaded
| <price cost="0.00" currency="USD" unit="galUS" />
+
| <price cost="655" currency="XAF" unit="liter" />
 
|-
 
|-
 
| Diesel
 
| Diesel
| <price cost="0.00" currency="USD" unit="galUS" />
+
| <price cost="510" currency="XAF" unit="liter" />
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
==Gas and Diesel Availability / Frequency==
 
==Gas and Diesel Availability / Frequency==
''Briefly describe if gas shortages are known to occur.'' <br/>
+
Most towns have stations, and they usually have both gasoline and diesel. Both are also available in small containers on the side of the road. Quality is likely very bad when bought like that. Distances are further than you think, fill up when you can!
''Also state the approximate average distance between gas stations. This is a very rough estimate.''
+
  
 
==Gas and Diesel Quality==
 
==Gas and Diesel Quality==
''Discuss if gasoline / diesel considered "clean" or "dirty", and generally high or low quality.''<br />
+
Probably not bad - better than [[Cameroon]] or [[Nigeria]]. Diesel is likely high sulphur content.
''State the sulfur content of diesel, if known.''
+
  
 
=Safety and Security Considerations=
 
=Safety and Security Considerations=
 +
 
==Driving at night==
 
==Driving at night==
''Discuss driving at night and if it should it be avoided. Mention why.''
+
Driving at night is not recommended out of towns and cities due to poor lighting, poor road conditions and increased police checks after 6pm in the evening. Also watch out for cars without lights.
  
 
==Vehicle parking==
 
==Vehicle parking==
''Discuss if vehicles can be parked on the street, if they are considered "safe" at night.''
+
Cars can be parked but watch out for the tow zones in major cities and also pay and display.
''If vehicles can not be parked on the street, list the other options that exist.''
+
Vehicles can be parked on the streets and usually are safe. At night try to park in compounds or other known safe zones
  
 
==Special driving considerations==
 
==Special driving considerations==
''A List of special things to be careful of (i.e. Unsigned speed bumps, abnormal road rules, people or animals on the road, etc.).'' <br/>
+
Like all of West Africa, expect the unexpected! The paved roads are excellent, however, with almost no potholes or speed bumps.
''List any roads that are not recommended to drive for safety or other security reasons.''
+
  
 
==Security advisories and information==
 
==Security advisories and information==
Line 115: Line 137:
  
 
=Camping in {{PAGENAME}}=
 
=Camping in {{PAGENAME}}=
''Describe if organized "pay" camping is common. List the facilities commonly found at these campsites.''<br />
+
Paid Camping is not at all common in Gabon.<br />
''List the approximate average price range of camping in organized campgrounds.'' <br />
+
Wildcamping is very possible, and many people wildcamp every night they are in Gabon. Locals are very friendly, and you should ask permission if there are people around. Almost always they will just want to shake hands then will leave you alone.
''Also discuss the possibility of "wild" or "roadside" camping. How common is it? Is it considered safe, or a bad idea.''
+
  
 
==Camping guide books==
 
==Camping guide books==
Line 123: Line 144:
  
 
==Drinking water==
 
==Drinking water==
''Describe if the regular tap water is safe to drink.''
+
It's not recommended to drink tap water - filter it or buy bottles.
''If not, describe where safe water can be purchased and the approximate average price range.''
+
  
 
=Navigation=
 
=Navigation=
 
==Paper maps==
 
==Paper maps==
Reise Know-How are amoung the best paper maps. Purchase paper maps before arriving in {{PAGENAME}}
+
Reise Know-How are among the best paper maps. Purchase paper maps before arriving in {{PAGENAME}}
 
{{paper_maps_country}}
 
{{paper_maps_country}}
 +
 
==GPS Maps of {{PAGENAME}}==
 
==GPS Maps of {{PAGENAME}}==
''Review different GPS companies, quality and coverage (Tomtom, Garmin, OSM, Tracks4Africa).''
+
* [http://garmin.openstreetmap.nl/ Garmin Open Street Maps] has excellent coverage of all roads - highways and cities.
''(with links to each).''
+
* Tracks4Africa is an SD Card for Garmin GPS, and contain Routable turn-by-turn maps with 809,000 kms of roads and over 129,000 points of interest.
 +
<al imageurl=http://www.tracks4africa.ch/images/stories/virtuemart/product/resized/t4a_1405_sd_200x200.jpg nolocalize=true>0986987662</al>
  
 
==GPS co-ordinates for camping, propane, gas, repairs, etc. in {{PAGENAME}}==
 
==GPS co-ordinates for camping, propane, gas, repairs, etc. in {{PAGENAME}}==
''Link to sites that have a list of GPS co-ordinates (or directions) for camping locations (including "wild" campsites), propane filling, gas stations, repair shops, places of interest, etc.''
+
* [http://ioverlander.com/ iOverlander] is a website and iPhone application designed by Overlanders, for Overlanders. It contains GPS co-ordinates and reviews for camping, hotels, propane, water, mechanics, borders and much more.
  
 
=Special Overland Travel interests=
 
=Special Overland Travel interests=
''List any special items / places that are popular with Overlanders''
+
* Lopé National Park has the possibility to see Gorillas extremely cheaply. - see iOverlander
 
+
* Getting into Loango National Park (and Lodge) is an adventure and supremely beautiful!
==Travel Guide Books==
+
<!-- Do not alter the following line. Include it as is. -->
+
{{guide_books_country}}
+
 
+
  
 
=Vehicle Maintenance=
 
=Vehicle Maintenance=

Latest revision as of 20:11, 24 April 2019

West Africa > Gabon Currency to display:

Visiting Gabon[edit]

Gabon is a spectacularly beautiful and friendly country to visit. Much of Gabon has been set aside as National Park, so there is a huge amount of wilderness to explore, and wildlife to see.

Entering Gabon with a Car or Motorbike[edit]

Correct as of: March 2017

Travel Visa for Gabon[edit]

The travel visa for Gabon is easy to get, with virtually everyone who travels South getting it in Lomé, Togo. A one month visa costs FCFA50,000.00 XAF. A two month visa is twice as much, and a three month is triple. The visa can normally be collected the day after you apply, though you can pay an extra FCFA15,000.00 XAF to pick it up the same day.

Coming from the South, you can get the visa in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo for $110.00 USD

Required Paperwork[edit]

(no copies are required, unless crossing near Bitam where passport photocopy is needed)

Process at border[edit]

  • Get yourself stamped in at Immigration.
  • Go to Douane to get a temporary import for the vehicle. Using the vehicle registration the officer will write out a Passavant, valid for one month.
  • If you have a Carnet de Passage, you don't need the Passavant.
  • If you arrive at borders that are North or West of Bitam then you'll need a printed hotel reservation. They phone the hotel to check the reservation. They write a fiche and instruct you to visit immigration in Bitam where a passport photo copy and fiche are handed over to get your passport stamped.

Cost of entry[edit]

Entry with a Carnet de Passage is free, the passavant costs CFA10,000.00 XOF

Permitted length of stay[edit]

With a passavant it's one month.

Extension of stay[edit]

Unknown

Storing a vehicle and temporarily leaving the country[edit]

Describe if/how a vehicle can be stored, and for how long.
Also mention if the owner / temporary importer can leave the country while the vehicle is in storage.

Exiting with a vehicle[edit]

  • Get yourself stamped out at Immigration.
  • Get your Carnet de Passage stamped out if you have one.

All should be free, do not pay for this.

Driving in Gabon[edit]

Recommended books for Overlanding in Gabon[edit]

Overland Travel Essentials: West Africa: Myths, Miscon...
Overland Travel Essentials: West Africa: Myths, Miscon...
by Dan Grec
From $click on Amazon
Lonely Planet French Phrasebook & Dictionary (lonely P...
Lonely Planet French Phrasebook & Dictionary (lonely P...
by Lonely Planet
From $3.74 on Amazon
Work Less To Live Your Dreams: A Practical Guide To Sa...
Work Less To Live Your Dreams: A Practical Guide To Sa...
by Dan Grec
From $click on Amazon
Overlanders' Handbook: Worldwide Route And Planning Gu...
Overlanders' Handbook: Worldwide Route And Planning Gu...
by Chris Scott
From $22.49 on Amazon
Adventure Motorcycling Handbook: A Route & Planning Gu...
Adventure Motorcycling Handbook: A Route & Planning Gu...
by Chris Scott
From $click on Amazon

Travel insurance for Gabon[edit]

World Nomads offer the most flexible Travel Insurance at the best prices for multi-country / multi-year trips. You can buy, extend and claim online, even after you've left home.

Vehicle insurance requirements[edit]

Insurance does not seem to be required, Police never seem to ask for it for people just transiting through, though you might want to have something to show anyone looking for a bribe.

Cost of vehicle insurance[edit]

Unknown.

Where to purchase vehicle insurance[edit]

Unknown within Gabon

Driving license[edit]

Anything from your home country will be accepted.

Driving side of road[edit]

Right.
RHD vehicles are allowed without problem.

Mandatory items in vehicle[edit]

You probably need two safety triangles, first aid kit, and fire extinguisher.

Roads[edit]

General Road quality[edit]

Gabon has a mix of excellent tarmac and horribly potholed roads. The main highway from North to south is excellent, as good as anything in the world. Off that highway many roads are good dirt, though they can get very bad during heavy rain.

Road signs[edit]

Gabon has pretty good road signs, especially showing distances to the next town, and major towns further away.

Toll roads[edit]

As far as I know, there are no tolls in Gabon.

Bribery in Gabon[edit]

Bribery can be common, you might encounter officers at checkpoints directly asking for money or a gift. Maybe they will invent a story about why you must pay. Be polite, and don’t pay

See the bribery tips page for general advice.

Checkpoints[edit]

There are checkpoints and random stops where Police will check all your paperwork. Don't pay. Stay friendly and polite. Never use your mobile phone or camera at check points.

Traveling with pets[edit]

List the entry requirements and anything else required to travel with a pet.

Gas price in Gabon and Diesel price in Gabon[edit]

Last updated: March 2017 (only for unleaded)

Currency and unit to display:

Gasoline Grade Price
Unleaded FCFA655.00 XAF per Liter
Diesel FCFA510.00 XAF per Liter

Gas and Diesel Availability / Frequency[edit]

Most towns have stations, and they usually have both gasoline and diesel. Both are also available in small containers on the side of the road. Quality is likely very bad when bought like that. Distances are further than you think, fill up when you can!

Gas and Diesel Quality[edit]

Probably not bad - better than Cameroon or Nigeria. Diesel is likely high sulphur content.

Safety and Security Considerations[edit]

Driving at night[edit]

Driving at night is not recommended out of towns and cities due to poor lighting, poor road conditions and increased police checks after 6pm in the evening. Also watch out for cars without lights.

Vehicle parking[edit]

Cars can be parked but watch out for the tow zones in major cities and also pay and display. Vehicles can be parked on the streets and usually are safe. At night try to park in compounds or other known safe zones

Special driving considerations[edit]

Like all of West Africa, expect the unexpected! The paved roads are excellent, however, with almost no potholes or speed bumps.

Security advisories and information[edit]

Camping in Gabon[edit]

Paid Camping is not at all common in Gabon.
Wildcamping is very possible, and many people wildcamp every night they are in Gabon. Locals are very friendly, and you should ask permission if there are people around. Almost always they will just want to shake hands then will leave you alone.

Camping guide books[edit]

List and link to books specifically for camping.

Drinking water[edit]

It's not recommended to drink tap water - filter it or buy bottles.

Navigation[edit]

Paper maps[edit]

Reise Know-How are among the best paper maps. Purchase paper maps before arriving in Gabon

Cameroon, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea 1:1,300,000 Travel ...
Cameroon, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea 1:1,300,000 Travel ...
by Reise Knowhow
From $12.95 on Amazon
Africa Classic [laminated] (national Geographic Refere...
Africa Classic [laminated] (national Geographic Refere...
by National Geographic Maps - Reference
From $14.95 on Amazon
Cameroon 1:1,500,000 And Gabon 1:950,000 Travel Map (i...
Cameroon 1:1,500,000 And Gabon 1:950,000 Travel Map (i...
by ITM Canada
From $4.99 on Amazon
Lonely Planet French Phrasebook & Dictionary
Lonely Planet French Phrasebook & Dictionary
by Lonely Planet, Michael Janes, Jean-Bernard Carille...
From $3.96 on Amazon

GPS Maps of Gabon[edit]

  • Garmin Open Street Maps has excellent coverage of all roads - highways and cities.
  • Tracks4Africa is an SD Card for Garmin GPS, and contain Routable turn-by-turn maps with 809,000 kms of roads and over 129,000 points of interest.
Gps Map Of Africa
Gps Map Of Africa
From $click on Amazon

GPS co-ordinates for camping, propane, gas, repairs, etc. in Gabon[edit]

  • iOverlander is a website and iPhone application designed by Overlanders, for Overlanders. It contains GPS co-ordinates and reviews for camping, hotels, propane, water, mechanics, borders and much more.

Special Overland Travel interests[edit]

  • Lopé National Park has the possibility to see Gorillas extremely cheaply. - see iOverlander
  • Getting into Loango National Park (and Lodge) is an adventure and supremely beautiful!

Vehicle Maintenance[edit]

Dealers[edit]

4x4s / Trucks

Motorbikes

Local Garages[edit]

Add known good mechanics here.

Buy or sell a car or motorbike in Gabon[edit]

Buy
Describe how a foreigner can buy a vehicle. List any difficulties or limitations on where the vehicle can be driven.

Sell
Describe how a foreigner can sell a foreign-plated vehicle, or list not possible.'

References[edit]

Links to the source of any information - blogs or discussion forums, etc.


Helpful External links[edit]

Add any helpful external links here.