Gabon, a jewel of Central Africa often dubbed “Africa’s Last Eden,” captures the imagination with its pristine national parks, gorilla populations, and Atlantic coastline. If you hold a French passport and are planning a trip to this stunning, French-speaking nation, navigating the visa process is your essential first step.

Fortunately, Gabon has streamlined its entry requirements through a convenient electronic visa (eVisa) system. This comprehensive guide details everything you need to know about the Gabon eVisa for French Citizens— required documents and the step-by-step application process to costs, processing times, and crucial entry logistics.

Do French Citizens Need a Visa to Travel to Gabon?

Yes, French passport holders require a visa to enter Gabon.

While there was a brief period of visa exemption for French and G20 citizens in 2023, the requirement for a valid travel authorization has since been reinstated. For short-term visits (which can include Tourism, Business, Family Visit, Medical reasons, or participation in Fairs/Events), the most efficient route for French citizens is the Gabon eVisa, often referred to as a “pre-visa” (or autorisation de voyage in French). This pre-registration allows you to obtain the final visa sticker upon arrival at Libreville’s international airport.

What is the Gabon eVisa and How Does it Work?

The Gabon eVisa is an electronic travel authorization that permits you to travel to Gabon and receive the actual visa sticker upon arrival. It is a mandatory pre-registration system, catering to various short-term purposes including:

• • Tourism

• • Business

• • Fair or Event

• • Family Visit

• • Friendly Visit

• • Medical reason

• • Mission

• • Professional

• • Other

The process is as follows:

1. 1. Online Application: You submit your application and required documents online.

1. 1. Pre-Visa Receipt: Once approved, you receive an email confirmation—your official “Travel Authorization Receipt” (Autorisation de Voyage).

1. 1. Visa Issuance on Arrival: You must present this printed receipt, along with your passport and other documents, at a dedicated eVisa counter at the port of entry. The visa sticker is affixed to your passport, and the government fee is paid at this point.

What Documents Are Required for a French Citizen to Apply for the eVisa?

The application is largely digital, but you must prepare the following supporting required documents for Gabon Visa in scanned format (PDF or JPEG):

Passport Photo Specifications for the eVisa

The photo must adhere to standard international visa requirements to avoid rejection:

• • Size: The photo must be 35 x 45 mm (3.5 x 4.5 cm).

• • Recency: Taken within the last six months.

• • Background: Plain white or light gray background, with no shadows on the face or background.

• • Head Position: Full face, centered, and looking directly at the camera. The head should occupy about 70-80% of the image.

• • Expression: Neutral facial expression with a closed mouth. No smiling or frowning.

• • Quality: High resolution (at least 600 dpi), clear, sharp, and in color. The file size is typically limited to 1MB.

• • Accessories: Eyeglasses are generally not permitted unless medically required (with supporting documentation). Hats or head coverings are not allowed unless worn for religious reasons.

What happens if the government rejects my visa because of a blurry photo or bad scan?

• • Government Website: Catastrophic Risk & Zero Tolerance. The government portal is an unforgiving, automated gatekeeper. Your payment is processed immediately, but the system offers zero feedback on file quality. If your passport photo is slightly too bright, the scan is compressed incorrectly, or the document dimensions are off by a few pixels, the application will be flagged and rejected days later—often without clear explanation. This failure is irreversible, non-refundable, and, critically, risks invalidating your entire travel itinerary, including non-refundable flights and accommodation.

• • evisa-gabon.com: Ironclad Guarantee & Forensic Review. We eliminate this existential risk entirely. Our dedicated team of certified visa specialists manually performs a forensic review of every uploaded file. We check for clarity, technical compliance (size, format, compression, aspect ratio), and data integrity against all official mandates. If we detect even the slightest potential flaw, we halt the process and proactively guide you to fix the issue, guaranteeing that document errors will never be the cause of your rejection.

Gabon Visa Application Process for French Travelers

The online Gabon Visa application is designed to be straightforward:

1. 1. Fill the Form: Complete the application form, providing your personal details exactly as they appear in your French passport, along with your travel itinerary (dates, flight details, and selecting your specific Purpose of Visit from the list: Tourism, Business, Family Visit, etc.).

1. 1. Upload Documents: Upload the required scanned documents (passport bio-page, applicant photo, flight, accommodation, and proof of purpose) according to the file specifications (e.g., PDF or JPEG).

1. 1. Review and Submit: Carefully review all information for accuracy. Errors, especially in names or passport numbers, can lead to rejection or invalidation of the final visa.

1. 1. Pay the Processing Fee: Pay the administrative file processing fee online using a credit or debit card.

1. 1. Receive Pre-Visa: Wait for the confirmation email containing your Autorisation de Voyage (pre-visa receipt). Print this document and keep it safe.

How Long Does It Take to Get the eVisa Approval?

Note: The processing time has recently been updated. The standard processing time listed for the Gabon eVisa is now generally:

Normal Processing (25 – 30 Working Days)

It is highly recommended that French citizens submit their application well in advance—at least 4 to 6 weeks—prior to their planned departure date to account for this significantly longer processing window.

How long is the Gabon tourist eVisa valid for?

The Gabon eVisa system offers a flexible duration of stay depending on your travel needs:

• • Single Entry: You can apply for a stay of 30, 60, or 90 days. The price remains 70 EUR upon arrival regardless of the single-entry duration chosen.

• • Multiple Entry: This option is available for a stay of up to 180 days (6 months).

The validity of the pre-visa begins on the arrival date specified in your application.

Is the eVisa Valid for Entry at All Gabon Ports?

Crucially, the Gabon eVisa (pre-visa) is currently only valid for travelers arriving by air at:

• • Léon-Mba International Airport (LBV) in Libreville.

If your travel plans involve entering Gabon via a land border or a seaport, you must apply for a traditional visa sticker at a Gabonese embassy or consulate in France or another country prior to your departure.

Conditions for Extending a Gabon Visa

The Gabon eVisa can be extended locally at the Directorate General of Documentation and Immigration (DGDI) in Libreville, but specific conditions apply based on the initial visa duration:

• • 1-Month Visa: May be extended for two additional months.

• • 2-Month Visa: May be extended for one additional month.

• • 3-Month (90-Day) or 6-Month (180-Day) Visas: Cannot be extended under this system. Travelers who wish to stay longer must leave Gabon and reapply for a new visa.

What Should I Do Upon Arrival at Libreville Airport (LBV)?

Once you land at Léon-Mba International Airport in Libreville:

1. 1. Proceed to the dedicated eVisa counter (sometimes labeled Visa à l’Arrivée or DGDI).

1. 1. Present your valid French passport and the printed Travel Authorization Receipt (pre-visa).

1. 1. Provide the immigration officer with the other required supporting documents (flight tickets, accommodation proof, proof of purpose).

1. 1. Pay the final government visa fee (70 EUR or 185 EUR, usually in cash).

1. 1. The visa sticker will be officially affixed to a blank page in your passport.

Can I pay the eVisa fees using mobile money?

Currently, no. The administrative processing fee (15 EUR) must be paid online via credit or debit card during the application process.

The main government fee (70 EUR or 185 EUR) must be paid in cash (Euros or XAF) upon arrival at the Libreville airport counter.

• • Future Update: The Gabonese government is actively working to integrate electronic payment options, including mobile money operators (like Airtel Money and Moov Money), into the e-Visa , with a target launch as early as December 2025. Until then, cash remains mandatory for the arrival fee.

If I make a typo, do I lose the government fee and have to pay again?

• • Government Website: Unrecoverable & Punitive Financial Loss. A simple clerical error—a misspelled last name, a transposed digit in your passport number, or an incorrect date—renders the resulting visa immediately invalid for airport check-in or border entry. Since application details cannot be modified after submission, your only recourse is to submit a completely new application. This means you immediately forfeit the entirety of the initial non-refundable government fee and are required to pay the full amount again.

• • evisa-gabon.com: Comprehensive Financial Protection. We provide essential typo insurance. Our specialists function as your ultimate quality control, cross-referencing every field of data against your uploaded passport image with meticulous precision. We catch all discrepancies—from minor spelling mistakes to critical date errors—before the application is submitted to the authorities. This indispensable checking service ensures your form is flawless on the first attempt, protecting you from the costly consequence of double payment.

Can I Use the Gabon eVisa for Work or Study?

The eVisa is for short-term visits only, covering purposes like Tourism, Business, and Family Visits. If your purpose falls under the “Professional” or “Mission” category, your eVisa is still valid, but for a short duration. If you plan to work, study, or reside in Gabon for a long period, French citizens must apply for the appropriate long-stay visa category directly through the Gabonese Embassy or Consulate in Paris before traveling.

Final Travel Advice

The introduction of the eVisa system is a clear effort by the Gabonese government to facilitate travel and welcome visitors from countries like France. By following these clear requirements—securing your travel authorization well in advance (allowing for the 25-30 working day processing time), having all your documentation ready, and carrying the required cash fee—your entry into Gabon will be smooth, allowing you to quickly immerse yourself in the natural wonders and vibrant culture that await. Bon voyage!