Capital city in Estuaire, Gabon
Is Libreville safe?
Reasonably calm for the region but muggings and robbery occur, especially at night.
Is Libreville safe?
Reasonably calm for the region but muggings and robbery occur, especially at night. Check advisories after the 2023 coup and the 2025 election.
Key facts
- SoloSquare safety rating: 3/5, take real precautions.
- US travel advisory: Level 2: Exercise increased caution, updated 2026-03-29.
- Road deaths in Gabon: 23.9 per 100,000 people a year (2019, WHO).
Safety in Libreville at a glance
| What to expect | |
|---|---|
| Overall | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Crime | Muggings, bag snatching, car-window theft and occasional armed robbery after dark, especially near the seafront and in dark streets. |
| At night | Take taxis from door to door; avoid walking after dark. Keep phones and bags out of sight, especially on the seafront. |
| Solo women | Generally manageable with care; catcalling is common. Avoid walking alone after dark and use hotel taxis. |
| Other risks | Malaria; Strong Atlantic currents; Heavy rain flooding |
Scams, areas and local laws
Common scams
- Police or gendarmes asking for 'fees' at roadblocks
- Taxi drivers quoting inflated fares to foreigners
- Money changers short-changing or switching notes
Take care
- Walking the seafront and beaches after dark: muggings
- Mont-Bouët market: pickpockets
- Isolated streets at night
Calmer areas to stay
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
Quick answers
Is Libreville safe for solo female travelers?
Generally manageable with care; catcalling is common. Avoid walking alone after dark and use hotel taxis.
Is Libreville safe at night?
Take taxis from door to door; avoid walking after dark. Keep phones and bags out of sight, especially on the seafront.
What is the crime rate in Libreville?
Muggings, bag snatching, car-window theft and occasional armed robbery after dark, especially near the seafront and in dark streets.
More about Libreville
Going to Libreville solo?
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Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- ANPN Gabon national parks
- World Bank: intentional homicides (UNODC)
- World Bank: road traffic deaths (WHO)
Safety ratings are SoloSquare's editorial judgment from official advisories, crime data and local reporting. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.