Gabon entry requirements for Malta passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 7, 2026·View sources
Visa on arrival
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
As a Maltese passport holder, you can get a visa on arrival in Gabon, so no pre-arranged visa is needed before you fly. You'll complete the process at Libreville International Airport, but ensure your passport is valid for at least six months from your arrival date and has at least one blank page for the visa stamp.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrivalYou will get your visa stamped at the airport when you land, not before you travel. Obtain at Libreville International Airport | Malta passport holders are eligible for a visa on arrival in Gabon. Prepare to pay the visa fee in cash (CFA francs or major currencies) and provide a passport-sized photo at the immigration desk upon arrival. | Required |
| Passport validityIf your passport expires sooner than 6 months after you arrive, you may be denied entry. At least 6 months remaining | Your Malta passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of entry into Gabon. Check your passport's expiry date before booking. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesThe immigration officer needs a clean page to place your visa and entry stamp. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank visa page (not the endorsement page) for the entry stamp and visa-on-arrival sticker. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketYou must show you plan to leave Gabon, not stay indefinitely. Proof of departure | Have a printed or electronic copy of your return or onward flight ticket showing you will leave Gabon before your visa expires. Immigration may ask to see it. | Required |
| Proof of fundsImmigration may ask how you will support yourself during your visit. Sufficient for your stay | Be ready to show evidence of sufficient funds for your stay in Gabon, such as recent bank statements, credit cards, or cash. The amount is not fixed but should cover accommodation and daily expenses. | Recommended |
| Yellow fever vaccination certificateYou may be asked to show this at the border; without it you could be refused entry or vaccinated on arrival. International certificate | Gabon requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate for entry. Carry the official International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP) with you. | Required |
| Travel insuranceMedical facilities in Gabon are limited; insurance protects you from high costs. Medical coverage | Although not a formal entry requirement, travel insurance covering medical expenses and evacuation is strongly recommended for Gabon. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any arrival form in advance. Not required | Gabon does not require an arrival declaration form for Malta passport holders. No separate online or paper declaration is needed before travel. | Not required |
Cash is king
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash. ATMs at the airport may be unreliable, so bring enough CFA francs or euros to cover the fee and some extra for incidentals.
Yellow fever certificate
Gabon requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate for entry. Make sure you have it — it's often checked alongside your passport.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Libreville International Airport
After landing, follow the signs to immigration. Look for the designated visa-on-arrival counter and join the queue there.
2
Present your documents
Hand over your passport, any completed arrival forms (if provided), and supporting documents like your return ticket. The officer will process your visa on the spot.
3
Pay the visa fee
Pay the required fee in cash (CFA francs or euros). Keep the receipt — you may need it when you leave the country.
4
Get your passport stamped
The officer will stamp your passport with the visa. Check the stamp to confirm the number of days you're allowed to stay (typically up to 90 days).
5
Proceed to baggage claim and exit
Once stamped, you're officially in. Collect your bags and head through customs.
Download Gabon Entry Checklist
PDF · Malta Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 7, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Long-stay visa (e.g., work, study, residence)
Max stay1 year (renewable)
ValidityIssued for duration of contract/study; must be obtained from Gabonese embassy before travel
CostVaries by type; typically 100,000–300,000 XAF (approx. $170–$500)
Required for stays exceeding 90 days or for employment/study. Apply well in advance.
work visa
Carte de Séjour (Travailleur)
1 year, renewable
~€200 (~$216 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 (~$108 USD)
For enrolled students at a Gabonese institution. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
investor visa
Visa Investisseur
2 years, renewable
~€500 (~$540 USD)
For investors with a minimum investment of €50,000 in a Gabonese business. Includes residency rights.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa extension (per 30 days)Apply at the Direction Générale de la Documentation et de l'Immigration in Libreville before current visa expires. | Approx. 30,000 XAF (about $50) |
| Exit feeMost international flights include airport taxes; no separate cash payment required. | Included in airfare |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete 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
Maltese citizens transiting through Gabon (e.g., at Libreville International Airport) do not require a visa if staying airside and continuing to a third country within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the international transit area or staying overnight, a visa on arrival may be required.
Transit hubsLibreville International Airport (LBV)
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 AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Widespread throughout Gabon, especially in rural areas. Prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occasional outbreaks in urban areas. Use mosquito repellent.
CholeraLow risk
Rare in travellers, but risk increases with poor sanitation.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round in all regions. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil or doxycycline) is strongly recommended. Use insect repellent and sleep under mosquito nets.
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. Bring passport, visa, and proof of funds.
Port-Gentil
Service de l'Immigration de Port-Gentil
Avenue de la République, Port-Gentil
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:30
Handles extensions for oil industry workers and tourists.
Practical information for MT 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 = 574.19 XAF
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
Frequently asked questions
Typically you're granted up to 90 days, but the exact duration is at the discretion of the immigration officer. Check the stamp before you leave the counter.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave the country and re-enter, or contact Gabonese immigration authorities for other options.
The local currency is the Central African CFA franc (XAF). Euros are also widely accepted at the airport. It's best to have cash in either currency, as card payments are not accepted.
Yes, Gabon requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate for entry. Have it with your travel documents, as it may be checked at immigration.
You will be denied entry. The 6-month validity is a strict requirement. Renew your passport before travelling.
It's available at Libreville International Airport (LBV), the main international gateway. If you're arriving by land or sea, check with the nearest Gabonese embassy, as procedures may differ.
Yes, you can apply at a Gabonese embassy or consulate before you go. This might be useful if you want to avoid queues or have concerns about the visa-on-arrival process.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 7, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.