Gabon: Authorities shorten the nationwide COVID-19-related curfew to 21:00-05:00 daily as of May 29 /update 20

Event

Authorities have shortened the ongoing nationwide curfew to 21:00-05:00 as measures to curb the spread of COVID-19 continue, as of May 29. The health state of emergency introduced in March 2020 in response to COVID-19 has been extended for another 45 days through June 28. Officials also allow restaurants and bars to remain open until 20:30; people may only enter those establishments if they present a negative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test or COVID-19 vaccination card.

As part of restrictive measures to combat the spread of COVID-19, authorities continue to restrict entry and exit to Greater Libreville; individuals undertaking such travel require special authorization as well as proof of a negative COVID-19 test.

Several restrictions, including those related to the curfew, gatherings, social distancing, and the wearing of facemasks, remain strictly enforced. Security checks continue to be established and enhanced, and officials will issue monetary fines for noncompliance.

Domestic Measures

• A nationwide 21:00-05:00 curfew remains in place.

• Social gatherings are limited to 30 people.

• A negative test taken reportedly up to seven days before travel is required for domestic movement.

• Facemasks are mandatory in public areas and on public transportation.

• There are capacity limits on public transport. Taxis may carry only two passengers.

• Bars and nightclubs may operate until 20:30, with establishments requiring a negative test or vaccination card to permit entry.

International Travel

• International flights are limited to two flights per airline a week.

• Land and sea borders are closed. Cargo transportation and essential services are permitted entry with prior authorization.

• Foreigners intending to enter the country require a letter of permission. All passengers must provide a negative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) taken no longer than five days before arrival.

• As of May 29, all passengers must take a compulsory COVID-19 test upon arrival at Libreville International Airport (LBV). Passengers must then quarantine for 48 hours while awaiting test results. From June 15, the government plans to require international arrivals to take a PCR test upon arrival and undergo quarantine for 24-hours until they receive a negative test result. Vaccinated travelers will be exempted from the quarantine.

• If COVID-19 results are positive, travelers must self-isolate until further instructions from the Gabonese health authorities are given.

• Passengers traveling from the UK must gain authorization from the Gabonese Ministry of Foreign Affairs before traveling to Gabon before entry. Travelers can do this via email. Travelers from countries with identified variants of the disease may face similar measures.

• A negative COVID-19 test is requested before departure from the country; however, the time frame of this will be decided by the destination country.

Additional restrictions are possible in the coming weeks, particularly if cases of COVID-19 rise or authorities observe non-compliance with existing regulations.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions. Reconsider and reconfirm nonemergency health appointments.

Resources

World Health Organisation (WHO)
Gabon COVID-19 Portal
Gabon COVID-19 (Twitter)