Gabon. The name conjures images of untouched rainforests, gorillas hidden in jungle clearings, and elephants strolling on pristine beaches. It’s a destination that promises a deep, authentic connection with nature.
But before you can immerse yourself in this green paradise, there is one crucial, practical step you must take: securing your Gabon eVisa.
gabon africa explore maps with isometric style and pin location tag on top vector illustration
For many, any kind of Gabon visa application can feel intimidating. It seems like a world of confusing forms, strict rules, and anxious waiting.
This guide is here to change that.
Think of this as me sitting next to you, walking you through every single click and every single field. We’re going to break down the Gabon eVisa process into simple, manageable steps. We’ll demystify the requirements, highlight the common pitfalls, and ensure you feel confident from start to finish.
With careful preparation and attention to detail, this process is straightforward. Let’s get you ready for your incredible Gabonese adventure.
Part 1: Before You Open Your Browser – Your Digital Document Toolkit
Success with your eVisa application begins with preparation. Before you even think about filling out the form, let’s get your digital documents in perfect order. Create a folder on your computer and gather the following.
Travel concept. Closeup of woman hand holding Thai passport ready to boarding.
Your Passport: The Foundation of Your Application
Your passport is the most important Visa Requirement for Gabon. It needs to be ready for its digital close-up.
- The Six-Month Validity Rule Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date you intend to enter Gabon. If your passport expires in five months, for example, you will need to renew it before you can apply. This is a standard international travel rule.
- Creating the Perfect Digital Scan You need a high-quality colour scan of your passport’s main information page (the one with your photo and personal details).
- Make sure the scan is clear, not blurry.
- All four corners of the page must be visible.
- Nothing should be covering any information (like your fingers).
- Save it as a JPG or PDF file.
Your Digital Photo: More Than Just a Selfie
This is not the place for a holiday snap. Your digital photo must meet the same strict requirements as a physical passport photo.
- Meeting the Official Requirements
- The photo must be recent (taken within the last six months).
- The background must be plain white or off-white.
- You must have a neutral expression, with both eyes open, looking directly at the camera. No smiling.
- Your head should be centred, and nothing should cover your face (no hats, sunglasses, or hair over your eyes).
- Common Photo Rejection Reasons Applications are often delayed because of a poor photo. Avoid shadows on your face or in the background, blurry images, and cluttered backgrounds.
Proof of Your Journey: Flights and Accommodation
The Gabonese authorities need to see that you are a genuine tourist with a clear plan.
- What Counts as a Flight Itinerary? You need a copy of your round-trip flight booking. This doesn’t have to be a fully paid ticket, but it must be a confirmed itinerary that shows your name, the airline, flight numbers, and your dates of entry and exit.
- Your Hotel or Lodge Confirmation You must provide proof of where you will be staying. A booking confirmation email from your hotel or eco-lodge for at least your first few nights is perfect.
The Essential Vaccination: Your Yellow Fever Certificate
While you may not need to upload this for the online application, you will almost certainly be asked to present your physical Yellow Fever vaccination certificate upon arrival in Gabon. It’s best to have a digital scan of it ready just in case.
Part 2: The Main Event – A Live Walkthrough of the Application Form
With your digital toolkit ready, it’s time to tackle the form itself. Open the Gabon e-Visa Application Form, take a deep breath, and let’s go through it together.
Section 1: Your Personal Details
This is the most straightforward section but where precision is key.
- Your Name: Enter your first name and surname exactly as they appear in your passport. If your passport includes middle names, include them.
- Date of Birth, Gender, Country of Birth: Fill these out carefully, ensuring they match your passport.
Section 2: Your Passport Information
Pull out your physical passport and copy the details directly.
- Passport Number: This is a common place for typos. Double-check every letter and number. Be careful not to mix up the letter ‘O’ and the number ‘0’.
- Issue and Expiry Dates: Enter these in the correct format (usually DD/MM/YYYY).
Section 3: Your Travel Plans
This is where your flight and hotel documents come in handy.
- Purpose of Visit: Select “Tourism.”
- Intended Date of Entry: This should match your flight itinerary.
- Address in Gabon: Write the full name and address of your hotel or lodge.
Section 4: The Document Upload
Now you’ll upload the files you prepared earlier.
- A Quick Check on File Formats and Sizes The website will specify the allowed file types (like JPG, PNG, PDF) and the maximum file size. If your file is too large, you may need to use an online tool to reduce its size before uploading.
- Uploading Each Document with Confidence The system will have separate upload slots for your passport scan, your photo, and other supporting documents. Upload each one to the correct slot.
Part 3: The Final Click – Submitting and What Comes Next
You’ve filled everything out and uploaded your documents. Now what?
Young woman on a coffee break or enjoying the coffee-break, Using laptop computer
Review, Review, Review!
Before you submit, the system will show you a summary of your application. This is your last chance to catch any errors. Read through every single field. Check the spelling of your name. Check your passport number again. A tiny mistake here can cause major problems later.
Paying the Fee and Submitting
Once you are 100% confident, proceed to the payment step. You will pay a processing fee online. After successful payment, you will receive an email confirming that your application has been submitted for review.
The Waiting Period: Patience is Key
The official processing time is usually around 72 hours, but it’s wise to allow for at least a week. During this time, you can log in to the portal to check your application status.
Part 4: Success! Understanding Your “Autorisation d’Entrée”
Soon, you will receive an email with your “Autorisation d’entrée” (Travel Authorisation) attached, usually as a PDF. This is the moment you’ve been waiting for!
What is this Document?
It is crucial to understand that this is not your visa. It is an official document confirming that your application has been approved and that you have permission to travel to Gabon to be issued a visa on arrival.
Action Required: Print This Document!
You absolutely must print a colour copy of this Travel Authorisation. You will need to present this physical paper document to the airline at check-in and to the immigration authorities when you land in Libreville.
Check It for Errors Immediately
The moment you receive it, open the document and check that all your personal details are correct. If you spot an error, contact the eVisa authorities immediately through their official contact channels.
Part 5: The Final Step – Arrival at Libreville Airport
You’ve made it to Gabon! The final part of the visa process happens here, and it’s simple if you’re prepared.
What to Expect at Immigration
There will be a specific counter or desk for eVisa holders. Head there.
Presenting Your Documents
You will hand the immigration officer three things:
- Your passport.
- Your printed Travel Authorisation document.
- Your Yellow Fever vaccination certificate.
Paying the Visa Fee
You will now pay the actual visa fee. This is separate from the processing fee you paid online. You must pay this in cash. It’s highly recommended to have the exact amount in Euros (€70 is the current fee, but check for updates). Do not rely on credit cards or other currencies.
The Final Sticker
The officer will take your payment, process your entry, and then place the official Gabon visa sticker into a blank page in your passport. They will then stamp it.
Congratulations! You have officially and legally entered Gabon.
Your incredible rainforest adventure can now begin.
