Gabon Visa for United Kingdom Citizens

From the "surfing hippos" of Loango National Park to the vast, untouched rainforests and the unique culture of Libreville, Gabon is one of Africa's best-kept secrets. For adventurous UK travellers seeking a truly off-the-beaten-path experience with incredible wildlife, Gabon is a dream destination.

But before you can book your flights to this "Eden of Africa," there's a critical administrative step you cannot miss: the visa.

Getting a visa for Gabon has traditionally been a complex and time-consuming process. However, the introduction of the Gabonese eVisa system has streamlined the application, moving it entirely online. But this new system has one major quirk that every British traveller must know about.

This guide will walk you through every step of the Gabon eVisa application from United Kingdom, including the documents, costs, and the one critical processing time that could make or break your trip.

Do UK Citizens Need a Visa for Gabon?

Yes, absolutely. Let's be perfectly clear: UK citizens are required to obtain a visa to enter the Gabonese Republic for any purpose, including tourism, business, or family visits.

Unlike many other destinations, you cannot travel to Gabon visa-free with a British passport. You must have a pre-approved visa, and the official method for this is the online eVisa.

Is There a Visa on Arrival in Gabon?

This is a common and risky point of confusion. The Gabon eVisa is often called a "visa on arrival," but this is misleading. You cannot simply show up in Libreville and ask for a visa.

The eVisa is a two-step process:

1. Online Application: You must apply online before you travel and receive an "e-Visa" or "Autorisation d'Entrée" (Entry Authorisation) via email.
2. Visa on Arrival: You present this approval letter at the immigration counter in Libreville. They will then take your biometrics, and you will pay a final fee to have the physical visa sticker placed in your passport.

Therefore, you must have your electronic approval letter before you board your flight. Do not attempt to travel without it.

Gabon eVisa Processing Time for United Kingdom 

This is, without a doubt, the most critical piece of information for any UK applicant. As the Gabon eVisa application shows, the "Normal Processing" time is 25 - 30 Working Days.

Let's break down what this means:

• Working Days: This excludes weekends (Saturday and Sunday) and any Gabonese public holidays.
• Total Time: This means you are looking at a 5- to 7-week waiting period for your application.

This is not a last-minute trip. You must apply for your Gabon eVisa at least two months before your intended travel date to be safe. There are no "Rush" or "Super Rush" options listed on the Gabon Visa. Plan accordingly!

How to Apply for the Gabon eVisa from UK?

Despite the long wait, the application itself is surprisingly simple. Here how to do it.

1. Fill in the Application Form: You will complete the online Gabon eVisa Application form with your personal details, UK address, passport information, and travel itinerary (including your flight details and the address of your hotel in Gabon).
2. Upload Your Documents: This is the core of the application. You will need to upload digital copies of your documents.
3. Pay the Application Fee: Pay the initial processing fee online using a credit or debit card.
4. Wait (and Wait): This is the 25-30 working day processing period. Check your email (and spam folder) regularly.
5. Receive Your Approval Letter: Once approved, you will be emailed your official "Autorisation ." You must print this letter and keep it with your passport.

Should You Apply via the Official Website or Use a evisa-gabon.com?

This is a key decision for travelers. While applying directly on the government portal is an option, it presents several risks, especially with a 5-7 week waiting period.

Challenges of the Official Government Portal:

• No Second Chances: A simple mistake typo in your passport number, a photo with the wrong background, or a scan that isn't perfectly clear will lead to an automatic rejection. Your €70 fee is non-refundable, and you must start the 25-30 working day process all over again.
• Payment Issues: Government portals are notorious for declining international credit cards for fraud protection. You may struggle to get your payment to go through.
• Zero Customer Support: Once you submit your application, it goes into a "black hole." There is often no one to call or email for a status update, which can be incredibly stressful as your travel date gets closer.

Why Choose a Reputable evisa-gabon.com (Like This): When you apply through, you are not just paying for the visa; you are paying for peace of mind and a guaranteed successful submission.

• Expert Pre-Check: Our team of visa experts will personally review your application. We will check your passport scan for clarity and ensure your digital photo meets the exact 4.5cm x 3.5cm ICAO standards before it's submitted.
• Error Correction: We catch the small mistakes that lead to rejection. A typo in a date, an incorrect middle name we fix it with you to ensure your application is 100% correct.
• Simplified & Secure Process: Our application form is streamlined and user-friendly. Our secure payment system works every time with UK cards, so you avoid payment-related stress.
• 24/7 Customer Support: The 30-day wait is long. We provide you with a dedicated support team(via call, chat, email, or WhatsApp) you can contact anytime for a clear status update on your application.
• Peace of Mind: For a small service fee, you eliminate the risk of a costly rejection and a ruined trip. Given the 5-7 week wait, getting it right the first time is essential, and that's the service we guarantee.

Gabon eVisa Requirements for British Citizens

The good news is that the document requirements are minimal and straightforward. As the application shows, all you need to upload is:

1. Passport Bio Page: A clear, high-quality color scan of the main information page of your UK passport. Your passport must be valid for at least six months from your date of entry into Gabon and have at least one blank page.
2. Applicant Photo: A recent, digital passport-style photograph.

That's it for the initial online upload. You must also have:

• A valid credit or debit card (to pay the fee).
• A valid email address (to receive your approval).
• Your flight itinerary and hotel booking (as you will need to enter this information on the form).

Gabon eVisa Photo Requirements For British Traveler

To avoid rejection, your Applicant Photo must meet standard ICAO specifications:

• Format: JPEG (as specified on the Gabon).
• Size: Less than 2MB.
• Dimensions: A standard passport size, 4.5cm x 3.5cm.
• Background: Must be a plain, light-coloured or white background.
• View: Full face, neutral expression, looking directly at the camera.
• Rules: No hats, sunglasses, or shadows. Your face must be clearly visible.

Choosing Your Gabon Visa Type: How Long Can You Stay?

The Gabon eVisa offers excellent flexibility for UK travellers. You can choose from several options based on the length and nature of your trip:

• e-Visa - 30 Days, Single entry
• e-Visa - 60 Days, Single entry
• e-Visa - 90 Days, Single entry
• e-Visa - 180 Days, Multiple entry

For most tourists, the 30-day single-entry visa is sufficient. Note that the 180-day (6-month) visa is the only multiple-entry option available through the eVisa system.

What is the "Purpose of Visit" Gabon Visa?

The application form will ask you to select your reason for travel. The options are comprehensive, so be sure to pick the one that matches your trip:

• Tourism
• Business
• Fair or Event
• Family Visit
• Friendly Visit
• Medical reason
• Mission
• Professional
• Other

For a holiday, simply select "Tourism."

What to Do When You Arrive at Libreville Airport (The Entry Process)

This is the final and most important step. Your printed eVisa letter is not the visa itself.

1. Arrive at Libreville (LBV): When you get off the plane, follow the signs for immigration.
2. Find the "eVisa" Counter: Look for the dedicated "e-Visa" or "Visa Electronique" counter. Do not join the main immigration queue.
3. Present Your Documents: Give the officer your UK passport and your printed eVisa approval letter.
4. Pay the Fee: Pay the €15 cash fee for the visa sticker.
5. Biometrics & Sticker: The officer will take your fingerprints, print the physical visa sticker, and place it in your passport.
6. Proceed to Baggage Claim: You are now officially and legally in Gabon.

The Other Mandatory Requirement: Yellow Fever Vaccine

This is non-negotiable. Gabon is a Yellow Fever risk country.

You must have a valid International Certificate of Vaccination (the "Yellow Card") to show proof of your Yellow Fever vaccination. You will be asked for this by your airline at check-in (e.g., at Heathrow) and again by health officials when you land in Libreville, before you even get to immigration.

If you do not have your certificate, you will likely be denied boarding your flight or be forced to get the vaccination at the airport, which is a risk you don't want to take.

Where is the Gabon Embassy in London?

If you have a complex visa query (e.g., you need a long-term work visa) or if the eVisa system is down, you can contact the Gabonese Embassy in London.

Address: 27 Elvaston Place, London, SW7 5NL.

However, for all standard tourism and short-term business trips, the embassy will direct you to use the online eVisa.

People Also Ask (FAQ for UK Travellers)

Q: What happens if my Gabon eVisa is delayed?

A: Given the 25-30 working day processing time, there is a high risk of delays. If your travel date is approaching, you can try contacting the support email on the eVisa website, but responses can be slow. This is why you must apply at least 8 weeks in advance. There is no "rush" service.

Q: Do children from the UK need their own eVisa for Gabon?

A: Yes. Every individual, regardless of age, must have their own passport and their own eVisa application. This includes infants and children.

Q: What happens if my eVisa application is rejected?

A: The €70 application fee is non-refundable. The most common reasons for rejection are a poor-quality photo or an error in your passport details. You would need to correct the mistake and re-apply (and wait another 25-30 working days).

Q: Can I enter Gabon at a land border with an eVisa?

A: No. The Gabon eVisa is only valid for entry at Libreville (LBV) International Airport. It is not currently accepted at land borders (e.g., from Cameroon or Congo) or sea ports.

Conclusion: Plan Ahead for an Unforgettable Trip

Gabon is an incredible, raw, and beautiful destination that rewards the well-prepared traveller. For UK citizens, the eVisa has made the application simple, but the key takeaway is time.

Do not book non-refundable flights until you have your eVisa approval letter in hand. With a 25-30 working day processing time, you must be patient. Apply at least two months in advance, get your Yellow Fever vaccine, and prepare for an adventure that few others get to experience.

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