Gabon customs rules & duty-free allowances

Last reviewed July 2, 2026·Official source

Gabon enforces strict biosecurity and wildlife protection rules. Do not attempt to bring any bushmeat, ivory, or protected species products — penalties are severe. All travellers must complete a customs declaration form on arrival, even if carrying nothing to declare.

Duty-free allowances

Alcohol
1.0 L
1 litre of spirits (over 22% ABV) OR 2 litres of wine or beer. Must be 18+. Duty-free value included in the 500,000 XAF (approx. 830 USD) personal goods allowance.
Tobacco
200 cigarettes
or 50 cigars / 250 g
Cash to declare
$1,660
Declare any amount over 1,000,000 XAF (approx. 1,660 USD) or equivalent in foreign currency. Use the customs declaration form (Déclaration en Douane) at the red channel.
Goods duty-free
$830
Duty-free allowance for personal goods and gifts up to 500,000 XAF (approx. 830 USD). Above this, a flat 30% duty applies on the excess value.

Prohibited — banned from import

  • Narcotics and psychotropic substances (including cannabis, cocaine, heroin)
  • Ivory, rhino horn, pangolin scales, and any products from protected species (CITES)
  • Bushmeat (wild animal meat, including monkey, antelope, crocodile, pangolin)
  • Firearms, ammunition, and explosives without a permit
  • Counterfeit currency, goods, or pirated media
  • Radioactive materials and hazardous waste

Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration

  • Medications containing narcotics or psychotropics (require prior authorization from Ministry of Health)
  • Plants, seeds, and live animals (require phytosanitary certificate and import permit)
  • Drones and satellite phones (require approval from the Ministry of Defense)
  • Cultural artifacts and antiques (require export permit from the Ministry of Culture)
  • Commercial quantities of goods (require a customs broker and import license)

Arriving: red vs green channel

After collecting luggage, proceed to customs. If you have nothing to declare, go directly to the green channel. If you have goods exceeding allowances, cash to declare, or prohibited/restricted items, use the red channel. You must complete a customs declaration form (available on the plane or at the customs area) even if using the green channel.

Bringing medication

Personal medications for up to 3 months are allowed with a prescription (in English or French). Narcotics, psychotropics, and opioids require prior authorization from the Gabonese Ministry of Health. Some common Western medications (e.g., codeine, diazepam) are controlled and may be confiscated without a permit.

Food, plants & animal products

All food, plants, seeds, and animal products must be declared. Fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, and dairy are generally prohibited without a phytosanitary certificate. Bushmeat (including monkey, antelope, pangolin) is strictly banned. Failure to declare can result in fines or prosecution.

Rules worth knowing

Customs Declaration Form Mandatory

Every arriving traveller must complete a customs declaration form (Déclaration en Douane), even if carrying nothing to declare. The form is available on the aircraft or at the customs hall. Failure to submit can result in a fine.

Strict Wildlife Protection

Gabon is a signatory to CITES and enforces a zero-tolerance policy on ivory, rhino horn, and pangolin scales. Even small souvenirs made from these materials will be confiscated and you may face imprisonment. Do not buy any wildlife products in Gabon.

Currency Declaration for XAF and Foreign Cash

Any amount exceeding 1,000,000 XAF (approx. 1,660 USD) in cash (local or foreign) must be declared. This includes travellers cheques and money orders. Undeclared cash can be seized and you may be fined up to 50% of the amount.

No Duty-Free Shops on Arrival

Gabon does not have duty-free shops in the arrivals area at Libreville International Airport. All duty-free allowances are based on goods you bring with you from abroad. You cannot purchase duty-free items after landing.

Frequently asked questions

If you remain airside and do not enter Gabon, you do not clear customs. However, if you leave the transit area (e.g., to change terminals or collect luggage), you must go through customs and complete a declaration form.
Drones require prior authorization from the Ministry of Defense. Without it, your drone will be confiscated at customs. Apply at least 30 days before travel through the Gabonese embassy or the Ministry of Defense website.
You must pay a flat 30% duty on the value exceeding 500,000 XAF. For example, if your goods are valued at 700,000 XAF, you pay 30% on 200,000 XAF = 60,000 XAF duty. Declare at the red channel.
There is no limit on importing XAF, but any amount over 1,000,000 XAF (approx. 1,660 USD) must be declared on the customs form. The same applies to foreign currency equivalent to 1,000,000 XAF or more.
Satellite phones are restricted and require a permit from the Ministry of Defense. Without a permit, they will be confiscated. Apply well in advance through the Gabonese embassy.
Codeine is a controlled substance in Gabon. You must have a prescription in French or English, and the medication must be in original packaging. For quantities over 3 months' supply, you need prior authorization from the Ministry of Health. Carry a doctor's note explaining the medical necessity.
Immediately declare the items at the red channel. Failure to declare can result in fines up to 5,000,000 XAF (approx. 8,300 USD) or imprisonment. Customs officers are trained to detect wildlife products, and sniffer dogs are used.

Official source

Direction Générale des Douanes et des Droits Indirects (Gabonese Customs)

For guidance only. Customs allowances and prohibited-item lists change without notice — always confirm with Direction Générale des Douanes et des Droits Indirects (Gabonese Customs) before travelling.