Gabon

Ports in Gabon are managed by the Gabonese Ports and Anchorages Authority (OPRAG). OPRAG publishes information about ports such as Libreville/Owendo and Port-Gentil and their services; this does not confirm that each can clear foreign private yachts. Before planning arrival, confirm yacht acceptance and clearance arrangements with the port authority, Customs and maritime authorities.

No official list of ports for entry/clearance by foreign private yachts was found. OPRAG lists Owendo, Port-Gentil and other ports, but general port information does not show that they all offer yacht clearance. Confirm with the intended port, Customs and border authorities before sailing.

OPRAG’s Owendo port-services information says vessels generally need an agent to submit ETA and other berthing information to the Harbour Master’s Office at least 24 hours in advance and apply for a berth as instructed. The page does not say whether this applies to private yachts. Do not automatically apply the deadline to yachts or other Gabonese ports; confirm with the intended port.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs lists short-stay visas and visa exemptions for some nationalities. Confirm that a visa is valid for entry at the intended seaport.

Vessel Customs declaration

Procedures in Articles 114–117 of Gabon’s Customs Code say that when Customs officers board for inspection, the master must present the cargo manifest. Except in duly justified force majeure, vessels may call only at ports with a Customs office; on arrival, present the logbook to Customs. The vessel must also submit the cargo manifest, lists of vessel stores and crew effects, previous-port clearance and required vessel nationality documents. A general declaration is required even when the vessel is in ballast.

The Code also says an electronic cargo manifest must be submitted no later than 48 hours before arrival. A paper version is generally due within 24 hours after arrival, with exceptions for Sundays and public holidays.

These are general vessel requirements in Customs law. Confirm with Gabon Customs before arrival which forms, agents and procedures apply to private yachts.

No official operating list for quarantine/biosecurity of food, plants, animals or pets aboard foreign private yachts was found. Gabon Customs traveller guidance is background on ordinary carried goods, not rules for yacht stores. Confirm each item with port health and quarantine authorities before arrival; do not treat traveller rules as yacht requirements without confirmation.

No official restricted-goods list for stores aboard foreign private yachts in Gabon was found. Customs traveller guidance concerns goods carried by people and does not explain personal-use items aboard or stores not landed. Before landing or importing regulated goods, confirm permits and declarations with Gabon Customs.

OPRAG’s Owendo port information directs vessels generally to follow agent/Harbour Master berthing arrangements and contact the port via the assigned VHF. This confirms only general port requirements at Owendo; it does not establish yacht clearance sequence or nationwide procedures. Contact the Harbour Master and Customs first.

No uniform nationwide departure-clearance fee or verified amount for private yachts in Gabon was found. OPRAG publishes port and service information, but commercial pilotage, agent or port-service charges should not be treated as private-yacht rates. Obtain written confirmation of Customs, port, agent and berth charges from the actual port.