Travel

Gabon Eases Entry With Free Tourist E-Visa Until September 30

If you’re planning to visit Central Africa in 2025, now is the ideal time to consider Gabon. To boost tourism, the Gabonese government has introduced a free electronic tourist visa (e-Visa), available through a streamlined online platform.

This visa offer is valid exclusively for travel between 1 July and 30 September 2025, and applications are processed entirely online—usually within two days.

The initiative coincides with Gabon’s “Caravane Touristique” (Tourist Caravan), taking place from 15 July to 15 September 2025—a nationwide campaign promoting Gabon’s cultural and natural attractions.

Why Gabon Launched the Free Tourist E-Visa

In a press briefing held in Libreville on 30 June 2025, Tourism Minister Pascal Ogowe Siffon and Interior Minister Hermann Immongault introduced the free e-Visa as part of Gabon’s broader strategy to modernize entry procedures and attract international tourists.

Officials emphasized that the new digital visa system is fast, secure, and fully online, underscoring Gabon’s commitment to enhancing travel convenience and raising its global tourism profile.

The Program Aims to:

  • Modernize the travel experience for foreign visitors
  • Boost tourist arrivals and ease visa access
  • Promote Gabon’s cultural and environmental heritage

How to Apply for Gabon’s Free Tourist E-Visa

The process is digital, fast, and requires no embassy visits. Here’s what you need to know:

Who Qualifies:

  • All foreign nationals traveling to Gabon for tourism only between 1 July and 30 September 2025
  • The e-Visa is completely free for eligible applicants during the promotion period

Where to Apply:

Required Registrants:

  • Tourists
  • Tour operators
  • Hotels and accommodation hosts in Gabon (must register on the platform for validation)

Application Steps

  1. Create an Account: Register using your passport and a digital ID photo
  2. Log In: Access your account on the DGDI portal
  3. Fill the Form: Choose your host (hotel, tour operator, or private host) — the host must be registered on the platform
  4. Verify Your Application: The host must authenticate your submission
  5. Submit and Wait: Your visa will typically be issued within 2 business days

Note: The visa is only free for applications submitted between 1 July and 30 September 2025.

Important Tips for Tourists

To avoid delays, the Ministry of the Interior urges tourists, accommodation providers, and travel agents to register on the portal in advance. Early registration will help ensure faster processing during the high season, especially when tourist arrivals peak during the Tourist Caravan campaign.

Permanent E-Visa Portal for Other Travel Needs

Beyond this temporary visa waiver, Gabon offers a permanent e-Visa platform for additional travel purposes, accessible at evisa.dgdi.ga.

The Platform Supports:

  • Business travel
  • Family visits
  • Extended tourism
  • Other visa categories

Note: The e-Visa is only valid for entry through Leon Mba International Airport in Libreville.

Conclusion

With its rich biodiversity, scenic coastline, and cultural festivals, Gabon is becoming an increasingly attractive destination in Central Africa. The free e-Visa for summer 2025 presents a unique opportunity for global travelers to explore the country with fewer barriers and no visa costs.

Apply early, ensure your host is registered, and take advantage of this limited-time initiative to discover what Gabon has to offer.