Health Alert – U.S. Embassy Libreville, Gabon

Location: Gabon

Event: The Gabonese government confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Gabon.

On March 14, the Department of State authorized the departure from any diplomatic or consular post in the world of US personnel and family members who have been medically determined to be at higher risk of a poor outcome if exposed to COVID-19.

On March 20, the Gabonese government implemented a number of new measures to limit the spread of COVID-19, including the following:

  • There is a ban on all national and international passenger flights (with exceptions for unforeseen events, medical evacuations, and transportation of freight).
  • All land, sea, and air borders are closed, except for freight shipments.
  • There is a ban on all passenger trains except for freight trains and trains carrying petroleum products may continue to operate.
  • There is a ban on all sea, river, and lagoon transport, except for freight.
  • Gatherings of a religious, political, or union-related nature are prohibited. Gatherings of more than 10 people are prohibited.
  • Preschools, schools, and universities remain closed. Students and teachers should stay in their homes.
  • Bars, nightclubs, and restaurants (with the exception of those offering home delivery) are closed.
  • Markets will be open only for the purpose of selling food. Motels, clothing stores, jewelry shops, tailors, and cafeterias are closed.  Hair salons may only receive one customer at a time.
  • The following establishments will remain open, but customers must maintain a distance of at least one meter between one another: supermarkets, bakeries, pharmacies, gas stations, garages, and tire repair shops.
  • There is a limit of three persons in private vehicles. For public transport, there is a maximum of nine passengers in 18-seat taxi buses, three passengers in taxis, and 10 passengers in buses with 30 seats.  Public transport drivers must wear gloves and masks and must be in possession of disinfectant products.  Passengers must disinfect their hands upon entering the vehicle.
  • Non-essential movements will be limited within the cities and between the cities and the interior of the country.

Visit the Gabonese government’s COVID-19 website for updated information.

Effective March 16, U.S. Embassy Libreville has suspended routine consular services.  For emergency American Citizens Services, including emergency passports, please visit our website for additional information.

Many travelers worldwide have reported unexpected flight cancellations and limited flight availability.  If your travel has been disrupted, please contact your airline.

The Department of State has issued a Global Level 4 Health Advisory for COVID-19.

The government has implemented quarantines for those with recent travel to affected countries, those who have symptoms, and those who have had contact with a confirmed case.  Visit the Gabonese government’s COVID-19 website for updated information.

Actions to Take:

Assistance: