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03 Jan 2022 | 01:14 PM UTC

Gabon: Authorities maintain COVID-19 restrictions as of Jan. 3 /update 30

Gabon maintaining domestic COVID-19 restrictions as of Jan. 3; ban on flights from some African countries remains in place.

Critical

Event

As of Jan. 3, the High Court has confirmed the earlier suspension of the requirement that individuals show a negative COVID-19 PCR test result or vaccination certificate to access public places, administrative facilities, businesses, restaurants, and other catering establishments. Authorities have also suspended the need to pay to undertake a PCR test.

Domestic Measures
The following measures remain in effect as of Jan. 3:

  • A nationwide 21:00-05:00 curfew is in place for unvaccinated people.

  • 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. It does not apply to vaccinated travelers.

  • Social gatherings are limited to 30 people.

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

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

International Travel Restrictions
The following measures remain in effect as of Jan. 3:

  • A ban on flights from Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Lesotho, Eswatini, Mozambique, Angola, and South Africa, remains in place until further notice.

  • 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 three days before departure. Travelers must also fill in a health declaration form, and provide a hotel reservation receipt that can be downloaded from the Gabon COVID-19 platform.

  • All passengers must take a compulsory COVID-19 test upon arrival at Libreville International Airport (LBV) at their own cost. Unvaccinated passengers will have to quarantine for five days in a government-approved hotel. Vaccinated travelers must self-isolate if COVID-19 results are positive until further instructions from 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.

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)
Gabon International travelers COVID-19 platform