Gabon: Authorities maintain COVID-19 restrictions unchanged as of June 15; state of emergency in effect until June 28 /update 21

Authorities in Gabon maintain COVID-19 restrictions unchanged as of June 15. State of emergency in effect until June 28.

Event

As of June 15, COVID-19-related restrictions in force in Gabon remain largely unchanged. The health state of emergency remains in place through June 28.

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.
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.
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 valid for 14 days, or a 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 PCR test taken no more than five days before arrival. Travelers must also provide a hotel reservation receipt that can be downloaded from the Gabon COVID-19 platform.
As of June 15, 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, international arrivals will have 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.