Gabon entry requirements for France passport holders

Verified May 13, 2026·View sources
eVisa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked

French passport holders need an eVisa to enter Gabon in 2026. Apply online before you travel, and show the approved visa at immigration in Libreville. Processing can take a few business days, so plan ahead.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
eVisa application
Apply before departure
Apply for your Gabon eVisa at evisa.gouv.ga at least 72 hours before travel. The eVisa is valid for single entry and allows stays up to 90 days. Print the approval letter and carry it with your passport — immigration at Libreville Airport will stamp it on arrival.Apply for eVisaRequired
Valid passport
Must be valid for the entire stay
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Gabon. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding.Required
Return or onward ticket
Proof of departure
Immigration at Libreville Airport routinely asks for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a digital version on your phone ready. If you are flying out to a Schengen country, the airline may also check this at check-in.Required
Proof of accommodation
Hotel booking or invitation letter
Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Gabon. Immigration officers sometimes ask for this, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary.Recommended
Proof of funds
Show you can support yourself
Have a bank statement or cash equivalent to at least 200,000 XAF (roughly €300) per person. Officers rarely ask, but having proof avoids delays if they do.Recommended
Yellow fever vaccine is mandatory
Gabon requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for all arrivals. You'll need the International Certificate of Vaccination (yellow booklet). Without it, you may be denied entry or forced to get vaccinated at the airport (which costs time and money).
Keep digital copies of everything
Phone screenshots of your eVisa, flight booking, and hotel confirmation are usually accepted. But having a printed backup is smart — phone batteries die, and airport WiFi can be unreliable.

What happens at the border

1
Apply for eVisa online
Go to evisa.gouv.ga, fill in your details, upload a passport photo and a scan of your passport info page. Pay the fee (around €70-100 depending on processing speed). Wait for approval — typically 2-5 business days.
2
Pack your documents
Print the eVisa approval email. Save a copy on your phone. Also print or save your flight booking, hotel confirmation, and insurance certificate.
3
Arrive at Libreville International Airport (LBV)
After landing, follow signs to immigration. Join the queue for 'Foreign Passports'. Have your passport, eVisa printout, and return ticket ready. The officer may ask your purpose of visit and where you're staying. Answer clearly.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After passport control, go to baggage claim. Then proceed through customs (usually a green channel for most tourists). You're free to enter Gabon.
Download Gabon Entry Checklist
PDF · France Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 13, 2026
Download PDF

Staying longer & fees

Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:

Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost€70 (~$77 USD)

Standard option for short visits.

Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost€120 (~$132 USD)

Ideal for frequent travellers.

Long-stay visa
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity1 year
Cost€200 (~$220 USD)

Requires proof of purpose (e.g., work, study).

work visa
Carte de Séjour Travailleur
1 year, renewable
~€150 (~$165 USD) application fee
For those with a job offer in Gabon. Requires employer sponsorship and work contract. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Visa Étudiant
1 year, renewable annually
~€100 (~$110 USD) application fee
For enrolled students at a Gabonese institution. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
investor visa
Visa Investisseur
2 years, renewable
~€500 (~$550 USD) application fee
For investors with a minimum investment of €50,000 in Gabon. Requires business plan and proof of funds.
Other fees
ServiceCost
eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for tourist eVisa, payable online.€70 (~$77 USD)
eVisa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period.€120 (~$132 USD)
Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying visa validity.€10 (~$11 USD) per day, max €300 (~$330 USD)
Stay extension (if applicable)May be possible at immigration office for up to 30 days.€50 (~$55 USD) per extension

Common reasons for entry denial

Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete eVisa application20%

Approval probability calculator

Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.

Transiting through Gabon

No transit visa needed

France passport holders transiting through Gabon do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.

Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
  • If leaving the airport or staying overnight, a visa is required.
Transit hubsLibreville International Airport (LBV) · Port-Gentil International Airport (POG)

Health & vaccines for Gabon

Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for all travellers arriving from endemic countries or if travelling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk

Widespread throughout Gabon, especially in rural areas. Prophylaxis recommended.

Dengue FeverModerate risk

Occasional outbreaks in urban areas. Mosquito avoidance advised.

CholeraLow risk

Rare but possible in areas with poor sanitation. Food and water precautions recommended.

Malaria risk: high

Malaria is present year-round in all regions. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil or doxycycline) is strongly recommended.

Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.

Immigration offices for extensions

Libreville
Direction Générale de la Documentation et de l'Immigration
Boulevard de l'Indépendance, Libreville
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00

Main office for visa extensions and permits.

Port-Gentil
Service de l'Immigration de Port-Gentil
Avenue de la Liberté, Port-Gentil
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:30

Regional office for oil industry visitors.

Practical information for FR travellers

Country basics
CapitalLibreville
LanguageFrench
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US driver's license for up to 3 months; an International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyCentral African CFA franc (XAF)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 558.8 XAF
updated May 13
Time zone
Local timeUTC+1
vs New York+6h
vs Los Angeles+9h
Electricity
Voltage220V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,EType C (two round pins) and Type E (two round pins with a hole for the male grounding pin)
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is not safe to drink; stick to bottled or boiled water.
Emergency numbers
Police1730
Medical1300
US EmbassyFind contact

Frequently asked questions

Yes. French passport holders must get an eVisa before traveling. There is no visa on arrival for tourism. Apply at evisa.gouv.ga at least a week before your trip.
Typically 2-5 business days. Some applications are approved in 24 hours, but delays happen. Apply at least 7 days before your flight to be safe.
The fee varies by processing speed. Standard processing is around €70-80. Express processing can cost up to €100. Check the official site for current prices.
No. The eVisa does not allow extensions. If you need to stay longer, you must leave and re-apply for a new visa from abroad.
You will be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at immigration. Renew your passport before applying for the eVisa.
Yes. Gabon requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for all travelers. Carry your International Certificate of Vaccination (the yellow booklet) — it may be checked at immigration.
No. There is no visa on arrival for French citizens. You must have an approved eVisa before you board your flight.

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 13, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.