Gabon
Central Africa · Africa · Physician brief
Yellow fever vaccination certificate required for entry
Gabon requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for all arriving travelers aged 9 months and older, regardless of where they travel from. Carry your International Certificate of Vaccination (yellow card). The vaccine must be given at least 10 days before arrival to be valid, and in Switzerland is only available at approved yellow-fever vaccination centres.
CDC / WHO IHR yellow fever requirements ↗ · Updated 2026
Vaccines
Disease-specific guidance
Malaria
HighHigh risk in all areas year-round, including Libreville and forested interior regions. P. falciparum predominates and is chloroquine-resistant. Continuous antimalarial chemoprophylaxis (atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, mefloquine, or tafenoquine) is recommended for all travelers, combined with strict mosquito-bite prevention.
- Risk
- High, all areas, year-round
- Species
- Mainly P. falciparum
- Resistance
- Chloroquine-resistant
- Prevention
- Chemoprophylaxis + bite protection for all travelers
Yellow fever
HighGabon is yellow-fever endemic and the vaccine is medically recommended for all travelers ≥9 months. A vaccination certificate is also REQUIRED for entry (all arrivals ≥9 months). Vaccinate at least 10 days before arrival; see the country alert above.
- Risk
- Endemic (vaccine recommended)
- Entry rule
- Certificate required, ≥9 months
- Timing
- ≥10 days before arrival
Dengue
ModerateDengue is present and transmitted by daytime-biting Aedes mosquitoes, with periodic outbreaks. Daytime mosquito-bite prevention (repellent, covering clothing) is the main protection; this also reduces other arboviral risks including Zika and chikungunya.
- Distribution
- Present countrywide
- Mosquito
- Aedes — bites during daytime
- Prevention
- Daytime bite protection
Chikungunya
ModerateChikungunya is present with a history of outbreaks in Gabon, sharing the same daytime Aedes vector as dengue and Zika — so dengue prevention also protects against it. Vaccination may be considered in outbreak settings (see EKRM statement).
- Distribution
- Present; past outbreaks
- Mosquito
- Aedes — bites during daytime
- Prevention
- Daytime bite protection
General prevention
Food & water
Strict food and water precautions are essential. Use bottled or treated water, avoid ice and raw produce, and eat only thoroughly cooked food. These measures reduce traveler's diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid. Avoid wading or swimming in fresh water (schistosomiasis risk).
Mosquito protection
Aggressive mosquito-bite prevention is essential — chloroquine-resistant malaria risk is high year-round and country-wide, and antimalarial prophylaxis is recommended for all travelers. Dengue and Zika are also present. Use DEET or picaridin repellent, cover up, and sleep under an insecticide-treated net.
Sources
Based on CDC Travelers’ Health, CDC Yellow Book, and the Swiss Federal Vaccination Schedule (BAG). Always verify current recommendations before travel.
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This brief is for informational purposes and does not replace personalized medical advice.
Consult a travel medicine specialist 4–8 weeks before departure.