Africa
Is Gabon safe?
L2Exercise increased caution
Is Gabon safe?
Relatively stable and low in violent crime, but Libreville and Port-Gentil have muggings and thefts. Political tension followed the 2023 coup and 2025 elections. Park trips involve wildlife and remote logistics.
Key facts
- US travel advisory: Level 2: Exercise increased caution, updated 2026-03-29.
- Road deaths: 23.9 per 100,000 people a year (2019, WHO).
- Solo women: Possible with care in Libreville; expect catcalling. Use taxis at night and avoid isolated beaches and poorly lit areas.
Risks, scams and laws
Main risks
- Muggings and theft in Libreville and Port-Gentil after dark
- Road crashes on poor, unlit highways
- Forest elephants and other wildlife in park areas
- Malaria and limited emergency care outside cities
Common scams
- Police or gendarmes asking for 'fees' at checkpoints
- Inflated taxi and tour prices quoted to foreigners
Laws visitors break by accident
- Same-sex relations are criminal since 2019
- Photographing government, military and presidential sites is prohibited
- Carry a passport copy; ID checks are frequent
Safety by place in Gabon
| Place | Safety |
|---|---|
| Libreville | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
Quick answers
Is Gabon safe for tourists?
Relatively stable and low in violent crime, but Libreville and Port-Gentil have muggings and thefts. Political tension followed the 2023 coup and 2025 elections. Park trips involve wildlife and remote logistics.
Is Gabon safe for solo female travelers?
Possible with care in Libreville; expect catcalling. Use taxis at night and avoid isolated beaches and poorly lit areas.
Safety by place
Sources
- World Bank: intentional homicides
- US State Department travel advisory
- Gabon e-visa platform
- Gabon National Parks Agency
- Speedtest Global Index: Gabon
- World Bank open data
Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.