Destinations / Gabon
Driving in Gabon as a visitor
Usually yes. Gabon expects visiting drivers to carry an International Driving Permit alongside their national licence, and rental desks ask for one. It matters most when your licence is not printed in the Latin alphabet.
Standard delivery included. Need it sooner? Express lands by for $25 more.
Reviewed July 2026 · A translation of your own licence, carried with it. Not a government permit.
What Gabon expects
| Permit needed | Expected |
|---|---|
| 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 | Expected. Hand it over with the licence, never instead of it. |
| 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?
Usually yes. Gabon expects visiting drivers to carry an International Driving Permit alongside their national licence, and rental desks ask for one. It matters most when your licence is not printed in the Latin alphabet.
Which IDP format does Gabon accept?
Gabon recognises the 1949 Geneva format. Your permit is prepared in that format.
Will a rental desk in Gabon ask for one?
Libreville desks request an IDP for non-French licences.
How fast can you get one?
Express orders are emailed within 5 minutes. The exact delivery moment is quoted before you pay and the order is refundable for 30 days.