Destinations / Gabon
Driving in Gabon as a visitor
Often required, depending on where your licence was issued. Gabon drives on the right; an IDP is recommended with your national licence, and rainforest roads can be muddy and slow.
Reviewed July 2026 · A translation of your own licence, carried with it. Not a government permit.
What Gabon expects
| Driving document | Depends on licence issuer, script and rental policy |
|---|---|
| Convention format | 1949 Geneva |
| Valid for | 1 year |
| Drives on the | Right |
| Emergency number | 1730 (police), 1300 (ambulance) |
| Top speed limit | 100 km/h highways |
What the rental desk will ask you for
| Your own licence | The original card. A photo of it, or a photocopy, gets turned away. |
|---|---|
| Licence translation | Check the desk policy for your issuing country and licence script. A translation accompanies the licence and never replaces an official permit. |
| Booklet format they know | 1949 Geneva |
| Minimum age | 18. Under 25 usually pays a young-driver surcharge. |
| Deposit | A credit card in the driver's name. The hold is taken in XAF. |
Rules that catch visitors out
| Roads | Wet, slippery roads in the rainy season. |
|---|---|
| Alcohol | 0.08% alcohol limit. |
| Documents | Carry passport, IDP and home licence. |
On the road in Gabon
At the pump
Fuel is sold as essence (petrol) and gasoil (diesel), mostly at attended Total/Petro Gabon stations; prices are state-regulated and relatively low for the region (around 600-700 CFA francs per litre), and outside cities cash is safer than cards.
After a crash
Call the police on 1730 or the general emergency line 1300/112 (Libreville police 177); do not move vehicles after an injury accident and wait for police, as a written police report (constat) is needed for any insurance or rental claim.
Sources: travel.state.gov · en.wikipedia.org · internationaldriversassociation.com · tyremap.com
Common questions
Do you need an International Driving Permit in Gabon?
Often required, depending on where your licence was issued. Gabon drives on the right; an IDP is recommended with your national licence, and rainforest roads can be muddy and slow.
Which translation format is used for Gabon?
Gabon uses the 1949 Geneva convention format. A Vialy translation is prepared in that format but is not a government-issued permit.
Will a rental desk in Gabon ask for a translation?
Libreville desks request an IDP for non-French licences.
How fast can Vialy prepare one for Gabon?
The exact delivery moment is quoted before you pay, 30 minutes as standard and 5 with Express.
Also in Africa
Driving on to another country on the same trip? Each page states what that destination expects.